The one place I never want to be at. I see it as hell on earth, however, there are much worse places to be stationed at. I do not mind visiting Twenty-nine Palms, but I definitely would not want to live there. If anything I would go to live at my house in San Diego, or buy a house closer to LA area for me to live at instead and just deal with the drive. I honestly have not had any traffic issues in California for the most part unless there was construction.
But with all that being said there definitely is a lot to do there. I even spent time on the opposite side of Twenty-nine Palms, a few towns over from Palm Springs (on the other side of Joshua Tree) in the middle of no where for a while, while the filming for Tenet was going on. It is definitely hot af out there so keep that in mind.
Joshua Tree National Park
I already mentioned this, but if you like hiking and are an outdoorsy person then you will like this National Park. Entrance is FREE for all military. No dogs are allowed on the trails due to the wildlife, but they can be at the camp sites. Which by the way you can camp in the Park. I suggest getting an Air BnB though, there are some awesome ones over there to stay in!
Joshua Tree Gateway
Not too exciting but if you are looking for a place to stroll through or new scenery you can take a walk through this park. Dogs are allowed to be taken here too.
The Observatory + Nature Center – Sky’s the Limit
There is a telescope that is FREE for the public to use during their schedule viewing events on the weekends. It is best to go when there is little to no moon coverage, meaning New Moon Cycle, as this is when the sky is the darkest so you will see a lot more. Plan ahead, look at the calendar and find out when the New Moon is.
Farmers Markets Saturday’s
Like Oceanside, Twentynine Palms has weekly Farmers Markets. It is located south of 62. They too have multiple different vendors, and organic food.
Pioneer Town
This is a legit area, not in Twentynine Palms, but right next to it. It is a little to bland for my liking but others love the area. There are saloons there.. it basically is a cowboy town. For anyone from Delaware think of Frontier Town placed in a desert. Pappy & Harriets is located here which have very known artists that play shows there every so often.
Twentynine Palms Creative Center & Gallery
If you are crafty, this is the only place you will ever need to go. They have everything you need there.
Sand to Snow National Monument – Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
This is another walking place you can stroll through. Head to the center of the preserve to check out the garden they are growing there. The booth at the front has maps that you can take to find your way around. Again you are in the desert so bring water because it can and probably will get super hot.
Grab a Bite to Eat
- 29 Palms Inn
- Kitchen in the Desert
- Natural Sisters Café
- Campbell Hill Bakery
- Cactus Trail Café
- The Rib Co
