How to Spend a Weekend in Twentynine Palms
Learn from a local what to see, do and eat, plus where to stay in my favorite hi-desert town. Click here for the map with everything listed below plus our honorable mentions!
(Originally published October 19, 2022. Last updated September 25, 2023)
The Freedom Plaza and Joshua Tree Cultural Center. Photo: Rediscover 29
With its storied history, beautiful landscapes, and walkable downtown, Twentynine Palms is your perfect home base for exploring Joshua Tree National Park. Twentynine Palms is experiencing a bit of a renaissance, with new shops, bars, and restaurants opening every day. Only 15 mins east of the town of Joshua Tree, you’ll find the park’s less congested north entrance along with the Joshua Tree Cultural Center and a main street vibe that is absent throughout the rest of our sprawling desert communities.
Where to Stay in Twentynine Palms
Suite #1 at The Ramsey. Photo: Ramsey 29 Palms
Ramsey 29
73842 Twentynine Palms Hwy
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
The Ramsey 29 is hands down the best place to stay in Twentynine, with bars, shopping, and restaurants a short walking distance away, plus entering and leaving the park is a breeze with the north entrance just a few minutes away. This reimagined 1940’s motor court has been tastefully redesigned with cozy bedding and Instagram-worthy interiors, a landscaped courtyard for star gazing, and the ever-popular Kitchen in the Desert just behind the building.
Things to do in Twentynine Palms
Downtown 29 Palms Shopping District. Photo: HiDesert Daydream
OUTDOORS & CULTURE
29 Palms Art Gallery
74055 Cottonwood Drive
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
The 29 Palms Art Gallery is a landmark in the City of Twentynine Palms providing exhibitions, art receptions, seasonal events, paint-outs, and art classes for all ages. The Gallery opened in 1963 in a historic adobe built in 1936 by the Stubbs brothers for western author Tom J. Hopkins.
Joshua Tree Cultural Center
6533 Freedom Way
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Located in downtown Twentynine Palms in the Freedom Plaza, The Joshua Tree Cultural Center is a must-see destination for park visitors. In addition to the beautiful bookstore and information center, the center features an incredible museum space that features rotating exhibits celebrating the culture, history, and stories of the Native American communities.
Joshua Tree National Park
North Entrance
74485 National Park Dr
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
We always recommend the North Entrance when visiting JTNP. You’ll find much less traffic, plus you’ll hit infamous Skull Rock first! There’s a ton of info on things to do and see within the park, so we’ll leave that for another post. Our favourite spots are definitely Barker Dam when it’s full of water and Keys View to watch the sunset!
Barker Dam is a must-see, especially after a good rain! Photo: Mojave Moon Apothecary
SHOPPING
Mojave Moon Apothecary
5688 The Plaza
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
A shop for the senses! Featuring all your Mojave Moon favorites, plus an herbal apothecary, expanded decor and crystal selection, books, pottery, antiques and more. Our flagship store is situated in an original 1920’s adobe in the 29 Palms Historic Plaza. Open Friday - Sunday 12pm-4pm.
Mojave Moon Apothecary Interior. Photo: Mojave Moon Apothecary
Hi-Desert Daydream
73515 Twentynine Palms Hwy
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Hi-Desert Daydream is a retail collective featuring boutique & vintage style clothing, designer hats, gifts, souvenirs, and accessories.
White Label Vinyl
73517 Twentynine Palms Hwy
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
White Label Vinyl specializes in both new and used records as well as vintage denim and western wear, books, art, posters and other cool stuff.
Habitat
73519 Twentynine Palms Hwy
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Habitat is a super cute home decor and gift store with very reasonable prices. Owner Blanca Bribiesca puts lots of love and careful thought into everything she does and her store definitely shows it!
Donahlue
73550 Twentynine Palms Hwy
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Donahlue Clothing Co is a locally focused women’s clothing & gift boutique located in Downtown 29 Palms. Pronounced Donna-Lou, the shop is named after and inspired by the owner’s grandparents who resided in 29 Palms for over 30 years.
Corner 62
73552 Twentynine Palms Hwy
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Inside Corner 62, you’ll find several individual retailers plus a fun back patio that hosts special events.
The Desert General Store has a little bit of everything from gift items, books, and gourmet foods to basic supplies and novelties. They also have an awesome art galley in the back with new work shown regularly.
The Moon and the Mat is a wellness and yoga studio which hosts a number of different classes and services. Owner Kathleen Pizzello is a devoted yogini who has been teaching for over 15 years. She offers private yoga, sound healing, astrology and more.
Scorpion Lollipop is owned by artists Sara M. Lyons and Josh Grelock. They bring their own unique vibe with gifts, accessories, stationery, greeting cards, and stickers. They also have a great selection of canned coffees, kombuchas, and non-alcoholic euphorics.
Hi-Desert Times is a a newly opened magazine shop featuring glossies, indies and zines with a focus on literary, fashion, lifestyle, travel, and more.
Habitat, White Label Vinyl, and Hi-Desert Daydream. Photo: White Label Vinyl
Where to Eat and Drink in Twentynine Palms
BARS
Out There Bar
73839 Twentynine Palms Hwy
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Stumbling distance from The Ramsey and situated right at the entrance to the park, Out There Bar is a psychedelic desert monument featuring stiff drinks, reasonable prices, and a friendly staff. Check their event schedule for live music, drag queen bingo, movie nights, and more.
The last cold beer on Hwy 62. Photo: Out There Bar
The Virginian
73643 Twentynine Palms Hwy
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Need a drink at 11am? It’s your vacation and you’ve earned it! Established in 1938, The Virginian is a longtime, locally owned bar in the heart of downtown 29 Palms. Famous for their signature Bloody Mary’s with all the trimmings, friendly atmosphere and service, with a full bar, pool tables, and jukebox. This is one of those places that never change, and we’re so happy it doesn’t. Cash only.
Local favorite, The Virginian. Photo: Mojave Moon Apothecary
RESTAURANTS
Kitchen in the Desert
6427 Mesquite Ave
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Featuring Caribbean and New American cuisine plus craft cocktails, beer, and wine, Kitchen in the Desert is the premier spot for elevated dining in 29 Palms. With a gorgeous outdoor patio in the middle of the historic Tin Town property, this place just oozes desert chic. KITD is extremely popular with both tourists and locals alike, so come early and/or make a reservation.
The beautiful patio seating at Kitchen in the Desert. Photo: Kitchen in the Desert
Taqueria 29
5692 The Plaza
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Being a vegetarian for 25+ years, I have suffered my way through some horrible veggie burritos. Taqueria 29 has one of the best veggie burritos I have ever tasted. Just order the wet burrito, no meat, and add avocado and cheese (if you’re into that.) Spicy and delicious. We order takeout from here at least once a week!
Grnd Sqrl
73471 Twentynine Palms Highway
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Good eats and rad beer combine at local favourite Grnd Sqrl. They specialize in made from scratch, elevated and delicious takes on traditional pub food. Plus, they have soft pretzels! Come for the food, stay for the live music, open mics, and trivia nights.
Piled high Chicken Sando. Photo: Grnd Sqrl
Campbell Hill Bakery
73491 Twentynine Palms Hwy
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
If you’re lucky enough to get there before they sell out, Campbell Hill Bakery is a great spot for hearty soups, breads, sandwiches and delectable pastries. The strawberry cream cheese brioche is my favourite!
I Fall to Pizzas
Nomadic Pizza Purveyors
Who would have thought the best pizza in Southern California would be in the desert?? I Fall to Pizzas is owned by the nicest couple and the pizza is AMAZING. They don’t have a brick and mortar, but are often at Out There Bar or other local events on the weekends. Follow them on Instagram to see where they’ll be popping up next!
The best pizza in Southern California! Photo: I Fall to Pizzas
Maybe You’ll Need More Than Just a Weekend…
With so many things to see and do in Twentynine Palms, maybe a weekend isn’t enough! We recently had some friends visit us here 29 and they were super impressed with the local color and flavor. They certainly wished they had more time to spend here in the desert. I hope you find this post helpful in planning your trip to Twentynine Palms. Let me know in the comments if we missed your favorite spot!