Things To Do
in Twentynine Palms
Twentynine Palms is a small city located in Southern California, known for its proximity to Joshua Tree National Park. The city is surrounded by vast expanses of desert and offers a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking outdoor adventures. Twentynine Palms is home to the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, a major military installation that contributes to the local economy.
The city's desert landscape and clear skies also make it a popular destination for stargazing and astronomy enthusiasts.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $75 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $12 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day early by hiking the Hidden Valley Trail, which offers stunning rock formations and a view of the iconic Joshua Trees. Don't forget your camera to capture the diverse landscapes and wildlife.
Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch at one of the designated areas in the park. Afterward, visit the Barker Dam for a short and scenic hike to see ancient petroglyphs and a historically significant water reservoir.
As the sun sets, head to Keys View for breathtaking panoramas of the Coachella Valley. Stay until dark to experience some of the best stargazing in Southern California.
Rent a bike and explore the pathways around town at your own pace. This is a great way to check out local art installations and shop at unique local boutiques.
Cycle over to the Twentynine Palms Historical Society for a glimpse into the town’s heritage. Enjoy lunch at a nearby cafe to refuel before your next adventure.
End your day with a relaxing ride at sunset along the scenic roads. Stop by a food truck or diner for a hearty dinner while enjoying the local vibes.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unique desert landscape with stunning views.
- Proximity to Joshua Tree National Park, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Strong sense of community and small-town charm.
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger cities in California.
- Cultural events and art scene supported by local artists.
- Extreme temperatures, particularly in summer.
- Limited entertainment and dining options compared to urban areas.
- Higher crime rates in some neighborhoods.
- Reliance on cars due to limited public transportation.
- Economic dependence on military presence and tourism.
Best Activities in Twentynine Palms
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the unique landscape, hike, rock climb, and stargaze at this iconic national park.
Enjoy camping, rock climbing, and scenic hikes in this beautiful area of Joshua Tree National Park.
Drive or bike along this scenic route to see the geological wonders of the area.
Experience the wilderness by backpacking and camping in the remote areas of Joshua Tree National Park.
Take on various hiking trails that offer stunning views of the desert landscape and unique rock formations.
Tours
Uncover the best of Twentynine Palms with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Twentynine Palms
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning desert landscapes, unique rock formations, and of course, the iconic Joshua Trees, making it a prime location for photography and sightseeing.
Features a dense concentration of cholla cacti, creating a beautiful and otherworldly backdrop for photography, especially during golden hour.
Provides panoramic views of the surrounding desert and mountains, making it an ideal spot for capturing the vastness of the landscape.
Food in Twentynine Palms
Twentynine Palms Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A refreshing drink made with local dates, ice cream, and milk, offering a perfect balance of sweet and creamy flavors. Notable places to try include The Oasis of Mara and The Shake Spot.
Must-Try!
A delicious combination of seasoned grilled beef, crispy fries, melted cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. Look out for Taqueria Guadalajara for an excellent rendition of this dish.
A hearty burger featuring a juicy patty topped with avocado, bacon, and a special sauce, served at The Rib Co. and 29 Palms Inn.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Twentynine Palms better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This lively market offers a variety of fresh produce, artisanal products, and prepared food, reflecting the region's agricultural heritage. It's a great place to sample local fruits, vegetables, and homemade treats.
Along Highway 62, you'll find authentic taco stands serving up flavorful street food, including tacos, burritos, and elote (grilled Mexican street corn). Los Palmitos and Tacos La Guera are popular choices.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Twentynine Palms is home to the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, and it's important to show respect for the military presence in the area. Avoid making disrespectful remarks about the Marine Corps or the military in general.
Twentynine Palms is known for its beautiful desert landscapes and outdoor recreational activities. When visiting natural areas, it's important to practice Leave No Trace principles, respect wildlife, and follow local regulations for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
Engaging in community events and supporting local businesses can help demonstrate respect for the residents of Twentynine Palms. Getting involved in local activities and showing an interest in the community can help build a positive and respectful relationship with the locals.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Twentynine Palms with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Twentynine Palms
Ensure a smooth experience
In Twentynine Palms, tipping is a common practice in restaurants, bars, and for services such as taxi rides and hotel staff. It is customary to tip around 15-20% of the total bill in restaurants and bars, and to also tip hotel staff and taxi drivers for good service.
Payment in Twentynine Palms is primarily done using cash, credit cards, or digital payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Most businesses, including restaurants, shops, and hotels, accept major credit cards. It is also common to pay for services such as transportation and accommodation using credit cards or cash.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Twentynine Palms.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for comfortable temperatures and beautiful desert wildflowers
Another ideal time to visit with milder temperatures and clear skies
Can be chilly, but perfect for hiking and exploring without the intense heat
Hot temperatures, but ideal for stargazing and experiencing the unique desert landscape
Twentynine Palms at Night
Hiking in Twentynine Palms
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A sprawling park featuring unique desert landscapes, rock formations and numerous hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry hikes.
A short, easy hiking trail that offers stunning views of the nearby desert landscape and unique rock formations.
A 3-mile loop that guides hikers through diverse desert flora and offers panoramic views from the summit.
A scenic trail that leads hikers through a lush desert oasis with opportunities for bird watching and viewing wildlife.
A challenging hike to the summit of Ryan Mountain, providing breathtaking views of Joshua Tree National Park and beyond.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Twentynine Palms through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Twentynine Palms by plane.
Located approximately 50 miles from Twentynine Palms, this airport offers domestic flights and some international routes.
About 70 miles from Twentynine Palms, this airport serves both domestic and international flights.
Approximately 130 miles away, LAX is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving numerous international destinations.
Around 140 miles from Twentynine Palms, this airport provides a wide range of domestic and international flights.
Located about 130 miles from Twentynine Palms, this airport is in Orange County and offers various domestic and some international services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Caucasian population
Includes individuals of Hispanic or Latino descent
Refers to individuals with African ancestry
Includes indigenous peoples of the region
Comprises individuals of Asian descent
Refers to individuals identifying with more than one racial category
The Soul of Twentynine Palms
Discover the essence of Twentynine Palms through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular team sport played in schools and recreational leagues, enjoyed by youth and adults alike in Twentynine Palms.
Widely played at various levels, soccer is a favorite among children and adults in the community, with local leagues and teams.
A traditional American sport with local youth leagues and recreational play, baseball enjoys a strong following in Twentynine Palms.
Given the area's desert landscape, off-road racing and related events are popular for motorsport enthusiasts.
Played primarily among adults and youth, softball leagues are a common recreational activity in Twentynine Palms.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Twentynine Palms.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many establishments in Twentynine Palms offer vegetarian and vegan fare, with restaurants like Kitchen In The Desert and Kitchen at 29 Palms Inn providing dedicated options that celebrate plant-based ingredients.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can find accommodating menus at The Rib Co. and Kitchen at 29 Palms Inn, featuring dishes crafted with gluten-free alternatives and a focus on culinary creativity.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Twentynine Palms with these cultural adventures.
