At first glance, 29 Palms feels like a remote military town in the middle of the desert. At a closer glance, it’s well, exactly that. But tucked between the Marine Corps base is also the North entrance to Joshua Tree National Park and a handful of surprising hidden gems. There’s a mix of unique restaurants, local art, and desert history that make this small town worth a stop.
Eat & Drink
- 29 Palms Brewery & Co. โ Start your morning with artisanal coffee and breakfast, or swing back in the afternoon for craft beer. They have a wide selection of rotating lagers and ales made on-site, as well as a lunch and dinner menu.
- Grnd Sqrl โ A quirky cafรฉ serving creative sandwiches, burgers, and comfort food, perfect for lunch after a morning of hiking. They also have an impressive beer list, featuring rotating draft and canned options. And, they have live music every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, and an open mic night on Mondays.
- 29 Palms Inn โ A local landmark with fresh, seasonal dishes (many from their onsite garden) and a charming historic atmosphere beside the Oasis of Mara.
- The Rib Co. โ This little hole-in-the-wall stop is a must for barbecue lovers. They serve up slow-cooked ribs that fall right off the bone (my mouth is watering thinking about it) as well as other barbecue staples and hearty sides.
Stay
- 29 Palms Inn โ The 29 Palms Inn has been welcoming guests to the desert since 1928, tucked away at the historic Oasis of Mara in Twentynine Palms. Spread across 70 acres with views of the Joshua Tree National Park mountains, this family-run spot (now five generations strong!) has a laid-back, eclectic vibe that makes it feel like no other place in the desert. Itโs part history, part hideaway, and all-around the kind of retreat youโll want to come back to.
- Vacation Rentals & Airbnbs โ From boho desert hideaways to family-friendly homes, there are a ton of options to choose from that are also in close proximity to the national park.
- Camping โ If you prefer to sleep under the stars, Joshua Tree National Parkโs nearby campgrounds (like Indian Cove) are some of the most scenic in the desert. Also, there is the TwentyNine Palms RV Resort, only two miles from Joshua Tree National Park and the 29 Palms Marine Base, making it a perfect home base for RVers and travelers exploring the California desert.
Explore
- Joshua Tree National Park โ Enter through the 29 Palms (North) entrance for easier access and fewer crowds. Must-sees include Skull Rock, Arch Rock Trail, Cholla Cactus Garden, and Keys View.
- Oasis of Mara โ The historic Oasis of Mara has sustained life for more than 9,000 years, serving as a vital water source for Native Americans, settlers, and travelers, and inspiring the cityโs name from the 29 palm trees once counted there. Today, its remaining springs and palms stretch from Joshua Tree National Parkโs Headquarters to the 29 Palms Inn, where visitors can still experience this living piece of desert history.
- Murals of 29 Palms โ Take a stroll through downtown to see large-scale murals that celebrate the desertโs past and present.
- 29 Palms Art Gallery โ Featuring work by local and regional artists, this gallery highlights the creative spirit of the hi-desert.
After Dark
- Known for some of the darkest skies in Southern California, Skyโs The Limit Observatory & Nature Center hosts public star parties and astronomy programs.
- Catch a movie under the stars at Smithโs Ranch Drive-In Movie Theater (shows ThursdaysโSaturdays, right after sunset).
- Stargazing in Joshua Tree National Park โ Pack a blanket and find a quiet pull-off for a magical evening beneath the Milky Way.
Whether youโre here for the hikes, the history, or the quiet desert nights, this little town pairs well with the whole Joshua Tree experience.