The story of Twentynine Palms begins at a bountiful oasis in the heart of the Mojave. First settled by the Serrano, the spring became known as Mara, meaning “the place of little springs and much grass.” According to legend, the birth of each boy was honored by planting a palm tree; in that first year, 29 were placed in the ground. The Chemehuevi later joined them, and the tribes lived together in peace.
Granite formations and spindly Joshua trees in Joshua Tree National Park.
By the 1870s, gold seekers fanned out across the surrounding hills, and cattlemen grazed their herds in the shrubland. Their prospecting camps and homesteads seeded a town that grew with each wave of new arrivals. That spirit of reinvention continues today, as the city welcomes a surge of new businesses, restaurants, and creative ventures that have positioned it as a new High Desert hot spot and cultural hub.
The city is the original gateway to Joshua Tree National Park. Here you’ll find the park’s north entrance and headquarters, the historic Oasis of Mara, and the trail to 49 Palms Oasis — each a living connection to the region’s past and present. Home to the largest U.S. Marine Corps base, established in 1952, Twentynine Palms is a resurgent community shaped by history, new ideas, and creative spirit.
Where to Stay in 29 Palms
For a full guide to lodging options, head to visit29.org.
Hotels
In 29 Palms, hotels with modern makeovers have been drawing major media buzz. Highlights include the new Hotel Wren, a 1940s boutique revival, and Reset Hotel, a 180-acre retreat with spa-style amenities and wide-open surroundings.
Vacation Rentals
Vacation rentals in 29 Palms range from midcentury-inspired retreats to beautiful homestead cabins and artist getaways. Many come with private patios, rugged vistas, and a sense of solitude that settles you into the Mojave rhythm.
RV Spaces
RV travelers find convenience and modern amenities in 29 Palms, home to the area’s largest RV resort, offering easy access to Joshua Tree National Park’s north entrance, and a range of paved, pull-through, and back-in sites with full hookups.
The pool at Hotel Wren, a tranquil hideaway lined with swaying palms.
Photo courtesy hotel wren
Poolside lounging at Reset Hotel, where minimalist design meets sweeping mountain views.
Photo by brandon harman
Corner 62.
pHOTO courtesy visit 29 palms
SHOP
Corner 62
Corner 62 breathes new life into a historic corner in Twentynine Palms. The updated 1945 building now serves as a retail collective with boutiques specializing in books, vinyl, home goods, skateboards, and other funky finds. Skate shop Escapade 29 is the newest addition, joining Hi Desert Times Magazines, White Label Vinyl, Very Very, and Scorpion Lollipop. Check the calendar for events.
73552 Twentynine Palms Highway, Twentynine Palms
Tin Town.
pHOTO courtesy visit 29 palms
29 Palms Art Gallery.
Photo courtesy visit 29 palms
Tin Town
Tin Town is a cluster of rustic storefronts and dining that feels equal parts shopping village and art experiment. The mix of boutiques, studios, and gathering spaces includes Desert General, a gift shop and organizer of the Twentynine Palms Book Festival; Nxwhere California, a social club that reflects the city’s collaborative spirit; and the Caribbean-inspired restaurant Kitchen in the Desert.
6427 Mesquite Ave., Twentynine Palms
things to do
Find Your Wonder in 29 Palms
29 Palms Art Gallery
This historic adobe structure houses the oldest arts organization in the region, founded in 1951 by the Twentynine Palms Artists’ Guild. Visit for exhibitions.
Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center
Courtesy visit 29 palms
Sky’s the Limit Observatory & Nature Center
Near the north entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, the observatory offers stargazing experiences that captivate.
Oasis of Mara
Once the lifeblood of Native tribes and early settlers, this lush spring beside Joshua Tree National Park HQ offers shaded trails, interpretive signs, and a living link to 29 Palms’ origins.
Theatre 29
The lively community treasure stages dynamic performances and offers a summer theater program for kids. The volunteer-driven venue fosters a lasting love of the arts.
Old Schoolhouse Museum
History springs to life in a charming 1927 schoolhouse. Established as a museum in 1982, the space hosts events and educational activities.
Oasis of Mara.
Photo courtesy visit 29 palms
Theatre 29.
Photo courtesy visit 29 palms
Old Schoolhouse Museum.
Photo courtesy old schoolhouse museum
Good Eats, Great Peeps
The rocky outcrops and endless skies have long lured visitors, but Twentynine Palms now tempts with flavors as vivid as its sunsets.
At Kitchen in the Desert, chef Everton Gordon turned a humble pop-up into one of the High Desert’s most magnetic dining rooms, known for its seasonal plates and jerk chicken layered with Caribbean spice. Nearby, the 29 Palms Inn Restaurant keeps tradition alive at the Oasis of Mara, serving fresh harvests from its on-site garden.
SBR 29.
Photo courtesy visit 29 palms
29 Palms Beer Co.
Photo courtesy 29 palms beer co.
29 Palms Inn Restaurant.
Photo courtesy visit 29 palms
A wave of recent openings underscores the city’s momentum. SBR 29, a new second location for Snake Bite Roadhouse, leans into roadhouse classics with a modern sensibility. Try the smashburger made with bone-marrow-butter patties. Grnd Sqrl remains a local favorite for inventive comfort food, and 29 Palms Beer Co. pairs artisanal brewing with carefully crafted bites.
Family-owned Rib Co. has served classic barbecue since 1997. 29 Loaves offers New York-style boiled and baked bagels, available to order online, at the 29 Palms Farmers Market, and more. The Jelly Donut serves pho and other Vietnamese fare.
Together, these kitchens and bars position Twentynine Palms as both a gateway to Joshua Tree and an emerging culinary destination that’s well-worth the drive.
