Gastropub
GRND SQRL
Veteran-owned gastropub with Swedish-born chef, creative burgers, grilled cheese, and serious craft beer. Murals everywhere.
Twentynine Palms
The official north entrance to Joshua Tree National Park — a thriving arts community with world-class murals, dark sky stargazing, and an eclectic desert food scene.
Quick Answer
<strong>Twentynine Palms at a Glance:</strong> The largest gateway community on the north side of Joshua Tree National Park. It's home to the park's north entrance, 26 outdoor murals, a growing culinary scene, one of America's last drive-in movie theaters, and the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center. The town sits on Highway 62 about 20 minutes east of the town of Joshua Tree.
Why Visit Twentynine Palms
Twentynine Palms is an authentic desert community that's becoming a destination in its own right. It's less touristy than Joshua Tree town, more spread out, with a genuine local feel. Recent years have brought new restaurants, shops, and art galleries that are making it a hot spot for travelers looking for the "real" desert experience.
As the official north entrance gateway to Joshua Tree National Park, 29 Palms offers convenient access to some of the park's best trails and attractions — including Arch Rock, Indian Cove, and the Fortynine Palms Oasis. The town's dark skies make it a premier stargazing destination, and its Oasis of Murals project has transformed downtown into an open-air gallery.
Top Things to Do
Oasis of Murals
Self-guided tour of 26 large-scale outdoor murals depicting Mojave Desert history, culture, and wildlife. Pick up a map at the Visitor Center.
Sky's the Limit Observatory
Nonprofit observatory with public stargazing programs and telescope viewing. Some of the darkest skies in Southern California — perfect for the Milky Way.
Smith's Ranch Drive-In
One of America's last remaining drive-in theaters, operating since 1956. Double features on weekends under brilliant desert stars.
29 Palms Art Gallery
Housed in a historic 1936 adobe at the Oasis of Mara. Monthly exhibitions by desert artists, active since the 1960s.
Joshua Tree North Entrance
Access Arch Rock Trail, Oasis of Mara, Indian Cove, and Fortynine Palms Oasis. Less crowded than the west entrance, especially on weekends.
Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail
3-mile out-and-back hike to a hidden palm oasis in a rocky canyon. One of the park's most rewarding short hikes, trailhead just south of Hwy 62.
Tortoise Rock Casino
Compact casino operated by the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians with slots, table games, and dining.
Old Schoolhouse Museum
The area's oldest public building, managed by the 29 Palms Historical Society. Explore a 1920s-era schoolroom and homesteading artifacts.
Theatre 29
Award-winning nonprofit community theater producing plays, musicals, and comedy shows since 1999.
Saturday Farmers Market
Weekly outdoor market at Freedom Plaza with local produce, food vendors, handmade crafts, and live music. The town's most vibrant community gathering.
Where to Eat
The dining scene in Twentynine Palms has exploded in recent years. What was once a food desert is now home to craft gastropubs, Caribbean kitchens, and creative bakeries that rival anything in Joshua Tree town.
Gastropub
Caribbean
Kitchen in the Desert
Chef Everton Gordon serves jerk chicken, spicy Caribbean dishes, and mezcal cocktails. Live music on the patio weekends.
Brewery
29 Palms Beer Co.
Craft beer oasis with rotating IPAs, red ales, and lagers. Coffee and breakfast burritos in the morning. Great patio.
Bakery
Campbell Hill Bakery
Fresh pastries and bread in the morning; creative pizzas with toppings like buffalo cauliflower at lunch.
Where to Shop
- Delilah's Vintage — Secondhand cowboy hats, festival wear, and 1970s lamps and furniture
- Very Very — Desert-themed t-shirts, pins, jewelry, and lifestyle goods
- Habitat — Curated home goods with a modern desert aesthetic
- Mojave Moon Apothecary — Handmade perfume oils, herbs, teas, and crystals at Historic Plaza
- 29 Palms Creative Center — Paint pottery, canvas classes, and working artist studios
Where to Stay
Twentynine Palms offers a range of accommodations from chain hotels to historic inns:
- Hotels: Holiday Inn Express, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Best Western Gardens Hotel
- Historic Inns: 29 Palms Inn (by the Oasis of Mara), Roughley Manor
- Modern: Reset Hotel (minimalist, 180-acre property)
- Vacation rentals and Airbnbs widely available
Getting to Twentynine Palms
- From Joshua Tree town: 20 min east on Hwy 62
- From Yucca Valley: 30 min east on Hwy 62
- From Palm Springs: ~55 min via Hwy 62
- From Los Angeles: ~2.5 hours via I-10 → Hwy 62
- Nearest airport: Palm Springs International (PSP), ~50 miles
Quick Facts
Population
~28,000
Elevation
1,988 ft
ZIP Code
92277
To Park Entrance
10 min
Frequently Asked Questions
Twentynine Palms is the official north entrance gateway to Joshua Tree National Park. It's known for its 26 outdoor murals (the Oasis of Murals project), thriving arts community, dark sky stargazing, the Marine Corps base, and one of America's last drive-in movie theaters.
Yes. Twentynine Palms is a friendly, family-oriented community. Like any desert town, be prepared for extreme heat in summer, limited cell service in some areas, and wildlife (watch for snakes on trails).
The north entrance to the park is about 5 miles south of downtown Twentynine Palms — roughly a 10-minute drive. This entrance provides access to the Oasis Visitor Center, Indian Cove, and the park's northern trails.
Yes. There's a Stater Bros, Walmart, and several convenience stores. Stock up on water and snacks here before entering the park.
Hot summers (100°F+ in July/August), mild winters (40s–60s), and very little rain. Spring (March–May) and fall (October–November) offer the most comfortable temperatures for exploring.
No. They're separate communities on Highway 62 about 20 minutes apart. Joshua Tree (the town) is near the west entrance to the park; Twentynine Palms is at the north entrance. Both are popular bases for park visits.
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