Twentynine Palms, California, Travel Guide

Until relatively recently, a mention of Twentynine Palms, California, only brought to mind the country’s largest Marine Corps base, a sprawling 1,100-square-mile city in itself. But today, the surrounding area has become “a hip spot at the end of the road,” in the words of resident Ashton Ramsey. Artists, musicians, book lovers, and a thriving community of independent businesses call Twentynine Palms home.

“The town has been blossoming with more small businesses coming along in recent years, and the community is welcoming the changes,” according to Ramsey, owner of Ramsey 29, a restored boutique property that began as a motel in the 1940s. “The renaissance has been happening since I’ve been here, and we’ve maintained the artsy vibe and the casual desert atmosphere.”

Minutes from the north entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, Twentynine Palms is the perfect home base for exploring the park’s stunning rock formations, flora, and fauna. After a day of hiking or rock climbing, visitors can relax with locals and tourists at laid-back gathering spots or enjoy the clear skies for stargazing.

“Twentynine Palms is the beach without the ocean,” says Patrick Zuchowicki, co-owner of Desert General Store. He and his wife have lived in Twentynine Palms for several years, after making weekend escapes from Los Angeles for more than two decades. “Every morning when I wake up, I feel as if I’m in a movie.”

Here’s everything you need to know about planning a trip to the high desert city of Twentynine Palms so you can see it all yourself.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Hotel Wren

Elevated adults-only Hotel Wren, located just 10 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park’s north entrance, offers kitchen facilities, complimentary breakfast, and mountain views. Its spacious rooms are designed in relaxing natural hues to complement the serene environment outside. There’s a saltwater pool, hot tub, and Windsong, an on-site retail shop.

Ramsey 29

Located roughly half a mile from the national park’s entrance, this renovated 1940s motor court motel features chic decor, artwork, and a landscaped courtyard. Vintage accents, cozy bedding, and desert-style interiors add authenticity to Ramsey 29’s nine guest rooms. On-site restaurant Kitchen in the Desert serves food and cocktails with Caribbean flair.

29 Palms Inn

Historic 29 Palms Inn, family-owned since 1929, offers a variety of bungalows, cabins, and adobe houses spread over 70 acres on the Oasis of Mara. The pet-friendly inn features a year-round heated pool, continental breakfast, and The Restaurant at 29 Palms Inn.

Reset Hotel

The stylish Reset Hotel sits on 180 acres with 65 minimalist guest rooms designed to resemble shipping containers. All accommodations come with private patios, fire pits, and stylish interiors. There’s a pool with cabanas, co-working and event spaces, and an on-site restaurant, Split Rock Café & Bar.

Campbell House Inn

Tucked away on 25 secluded acres, this historic homestead dates back to 1925. Campbell House Inn is a true desert escape, with 12 cottages and suites, a pool, a hot tub, and lush gardens.

Best Things to Do

Hang out in Tin Town.

Tin Town is a small retail district where you’ll find independent shops, restaurants, historic buildings, and art galleries. Drop by to hang out with locals who gather there, especially during summer evenings. “It’s like Europe. Everyone is out at night. It’s a hub where people can eat, read, rest, and talk. A community place,” says Zuchowicki.

See a show at Theatre 29.

This all-volunteer theatrical venue, a Twentynine Palms institution since 1999, presents family-friendly community productions year-round, from “The Nutcracker” to “Cinderella.” The nonprofit offers a summer youth program for area children, including many from the Marine base. It also sponsors workshops and acting classes for all ages, as well as the annual 29 Queer Film Festival.

Enjoy public art.

Browse public art at the Oasis of Murals. The grand art pieces depict the history of Twentynine Palms with scenes of local wildlife, the Mojave Desert, and Joshua Tree National Park. Additional public art installations include steel structures, sculptures of bighorn sheep, and an iconic “29” made by local artist Chuck Caplinger. A map is offered for self-guided exploration.

Get starstruck.

Stargazing in the dark desert skies is a thrill, and with designated International Dark Sky Park Joshua Tree right next door, Twentynine Palms is the perfect place to turn your gaze skyward. The 29 Palms Astronomy Club offers private nighttime presentations with expert astronomers and high-powered telescopes. Monthly programs are available at the Sky’s the Limit Observatory.

Watch a movie the old-fashioned way.

Relive the past at Smith’s Ranch Drive-In Theater, where movies are shown year-round on Fridays and Saturdays. Just like in the old days, there’s popcorn, candy, soda, and hot dogs. Film fans can also watch family-friendly movies during the summer in Luckie Park, a public recreation area.

Best Shopping

Desert General Store

Zuchowicki and his wife Françoise Lazard curate a selection of clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, novelties, and books at Desert General Store, importing items from around the world. They also highlight the work of local artists and artisans and promote book signings and events, including the annual Twentynine Palms Book Festival.

Mojave Moon Apothecary

This unique shop features incense, candles, crystals, essential oils, artisanal teas, and an eclectic selection of home decor and pottery. Founder Heather B. says she was inspired by New Age shops and strives to “honor the historical and cultural significance” of her materials and products.

Habitat

Home decor, locally made artisan items, one-of-a-kind gifts, ceramics, art, textiles, and more are stylishly displayed at this shop founded by a retired Marine. The store’s products are curated to complement the surrounding desert’s beauty.

Nxwhere Artist Collective

This eclectic community of artists comprises a variety of venues, including a retail shop, event space, social club, and creative haven. Shop men’s and women’s casual clothing, sunglasses, hats, and leather goods, as well as freshly roasted coffee beans.

White Label Vinyl

Open daily, this record store specializes in new and used finds as well as vintage denim, Western wear, books, posters, and art. It also deals in rare vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and other media listed on its Discogs site.

Nightlife

Out There Bar

Hailed as a “psychedelic desert monument,” Out There Bar is housed in a former 1960s A&W Root Beer stand. The popular hangout is known for its friendly service, quirky decor, artsy Western style, and outdoor patio. Live music, local entertainers, and cover bands keep spirits revelrous.

Tortoise Rock Casino

Try your luck at the tables and then enjoy free performances, including rock, country, pop, and cover bands, at Tortoise Rock Casino‘s Live at the Rock concert series. The casino also has a full restaurant and bar with daily happy hour specials.

Back Alley Cocktail Lounge at Bowladium

Hometown bowling alley Bowladium comes complete with a fully stocked watering hole. While adults enjoy their cocktails, visitors of all ages can make use of pool tables, big-screen TVs, karaoke nights, and arcade games.

Best Restaurants

Kitchen in the Desert

At rustic-chic Kitchen in the Desert, chef Everton Gordon brings exceptional cuisine to an arid setting. Inspired by his native Trinidad and time living in Brooklyn, he mixes Caribbean flavors and American fare on the menu, with jerk chicken, smash burgers, cocktails, and creative vegetable dishes. There’s indoor and outdoor seating, live music, and a cozy-yet-hip ambience.

Grnd Sqrl

Grnd Sqrl is a casual spot serving craft beers, made-from-scratch savory dishes, snacks, and desserts. The atmosphere is lively, and the menu includes comfort food favorites like burgers, wings, grilled cheese sandwiches, and house-made pickles. Open mics, live music on weekends, and other events are fun for locals and visitors.

The Restaurant at 29 Palms Inn

Located at the historic inn, this steak and seafood joint serves seasonal dishes along with daily pizza and pasta specials. Fresh produce is grown year-round on its Faultline Farm. The Restaurant offers craft beer, wine, cocktails, and live music.

Cactus Trails Café

Serving breakfast and lunch, Cactus Trails Café offers an extensive menu ranging from chicken-fried steak with biscuits and gravy to corned beef hash, huevos rancheros, pancakes, omelettes, and breakfast burritos. For lunch, there are burgers, salads, and sandwiches.

29 Palms Beer Company

Stop into 29 Palms Beer Company for a rotating selection of made-on-site lagers and ales. The brewpub also offers artisan coffee drinks with breakfast, and the “not breakfast” menu includes a variety of hot dogs and burgers. Karaoke and trivia nights add to the fun.

Best Time to Visit

The most pleasant temperatures are in October and November, when daily highs are typically in the low 70s and 80s. Summers in Twentynine Palms are hot, with temperatures averaging about 100 degrees from June to September, but highs can occasionally reach 115 degrees or so. Desert evenings are cooler, and it’s not unusual to have a difference of 20–25 degrees from day to night.

Winter rain brings wildflowers, and many visitors travel to high desert towns like Twentynine Palms to see colorful blooms in the spring.

Some travelers may want to schedule their trips around the community’s array of programming throughout the year. The Night Sky Festival in Joshua Tree takes place in September or October, and the Joshua Tree Music Festival, held in May and October, features multiple stages and diverse genres. Bibliophiles should also plan their visit around the Twentynine Palms Book Festival held in the fall. “It’s growing every year with local authors and some from Los Angeles, New York, and around the country,” says Zuchowicki. “Twentynine Palms is a book lover’s destination.”

How to Get There

The closest major airport is Palm Springs International (PSP), about an hour away. From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), it’s about a two- to three-hour drive; from Ontario International Airport (ONT), about two hours; and from San Diego International Airport (SAN), about three hours. Traffic fluctuates, so it’s advisable to check conditions ahead of time.

Zuchowicki adds that many Twentynine Palms visitors now fly into Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and drive south along the backroads, which have little traffic, historic towns, and beautiful Mojave Desert scenery. The drive is about 212 miles and takes approximately 3.5 hours.

Neighborhoods to Visit

Twentynine Palms encompasses about 59 square miles divided into residential neighborhoods and a revitalized downtown area known as Freedom Plaza. The 10-acre downtown includes the Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center, a community center, an outdoor stage, an event space, and a culinary arts center.

The Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), which is referred to as 29 Palms, is a roughly 10-minute drive north of town. While tours of certain parts of the center are available on a limited basis, there are restrictions, security requirements, and advance reservations needed.

How to Get Around

Bus service in Twentynine Palms and the surrounding communities is provided by Basin Transit, which runs local neighborhood loops within the town and intercity connections.

Rideshares are available through Uber and Lyft.

The most convenient way to get around is by personal vehicle, and parking is available throughout Twentynine Palms, nearby cities, and the national park.