With the west entrance temporarily closed this week, the north entrance in 29 Palms is your go-to gateway, and the perfect place to explore food, art, and adventure.
Planning a trip to Joshua Tree National Park between April 7–10? Heads up, the park’s west entrance in Joshua Tree will be closed for construction during that time. But don’t let that slow you down. Just 15 minutes east of the west gate, the north entrance in 29 Palms is open, and ready to welcome you! This is the original entrance to the park, offering easy access to scenic drives, popular trails, and some of the most stunning desert landscapes in the region.
Better yet, within 29 Palms you'll find everything you need to turn your park visit into a full-on desert getaway—great food, local art, unique shops, and the area’s best lodging. Come for the park, and stay to discover so much more!
Things to Do in 29 Palms During Your Visit
Just minutes from Joshua Tree National Park, 29 Palms offers a unique blend of experiences you won’t find anywhere else—making it the perfect basecamp for adventure, relaxation, and discovery.
Where to Eat in 29 Palms
From sunrise to sunset, you’ll eat well in 29 Palms. Explore our local restaurants and start your morning with breakfast at a classic diner, grab lunch at a local café or taco shop, and enjoy dinner at one of the city’s destination restaurants. With a wide variety of cuisine, including classic American comfort food, Thai, Mexican, Chinese, sushi, BBQ, and fresh farm-to-table fare, there’s something for every appetite!
Explore Arts, Culture & History
Take a walk through the city’s Oasis of Murals, a stunning series of large-scale historic murals which tell the stories of 29 Palms through color and creativity. Dive into our city's arts and culture venues and plan a visit to the 29 Palms Art Gallery, one of the oldest arts organizations in the Morongo Basin, and discover eclectic outdoor installations at the Glass Outhouse Art Gallery just outside town. For a deeper dive into local heritage, explore the Old Schoolhouse Museum, where you’ll find exhibits on early settlers, miners, and the nearby Marine Corps base.
Discover the Night Sky
With clear desert skies and low light pollution, 29 Palms is a premier destination for stargazing and astronomy enthusiasts. Head to Sky’s The Limit Observatory & Nature Center for public star parties and solar telescope viewing on select weekends. Connect with local experts through the 29 Palms Astronomy Club, or book a personalized experience with Joshua Tree Astronomy Adventures. Whether you're spotting constellations or photographing the Milky Way, the night sky here is unforgettable. Explore Stargazing & Astrononmy »
Family Fun for All Ages
For those looking for family fun, we have you covered! Catch a movie under the stars at the Smith’s Ranch Drive-In (open Thursday–Saturday), go bowling at the local lanes, or enjoy one of the city’s community parks and playgrounds. From classic fun to open space for kids to roam, 29 Palms offers a relaxing and accessible setting for families. Explore Family Fun »
Events This Weekend
Looking for something special this weekend? Explore our events calendar and join us for the Full Moon Festival at Sky’s The Limit Observatory, featuring telescope viewing, music, and hands-on astronomy fun. And don’t miss the 29 Palms Farmers Market at Freedom Plaza every Saturday morning—your chance to shop local produce, handmade goods, and meet the creative makers who call this desert home.
Top Hiking Trails & Points of Interest Near the North Entrance
Exploring the park from the north entrance for the first time? These trails and points of interest are all easily accessible from 29 Palms:
Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center: Start your adventure at the park's new visitor center location in downtown 29 Palms, located at 6533 Freedom Way. This park visitor center is open daily from 8:30am - 5:00pm and offers the opportunity to interact with park staff who can help you plan your visit. Shop the bookstore and giftshop, and be sure to make time to explore the award-winning Universal Threads exhibit which shares the stories of the park's 15 traditionally associated Tribal communities, and offers an interactive exploration of the interconnected relationships among plants, animals, earth, sky, and human life.
Oasis of Mara Nature Trail: This flat, 0.5-mile loop behind the visitor center is a quick and scenic walk through a historic desert oasis.
49 Palms Oasis Trail: A moderate 3-mile round-trip hike through rugged hills to a hidden palm oasis. Expect stunning views and 300 feet of elevation gain.
Indian Cove: A separate park entrance just west of downtown 29 Palms, known for its dramatic rock formations and popular climbing routes.
Contact Mine Trail: A quiet, 4-mile out-and-back hike with sweeping desert views and a glimpse of the park’s mining past.
Split Rock Trail: A 2.5-mile loop through massive boulders and open desert, with picnic tables at the trailhead for a scenic lunch stop.
Arch Rock Trail: This 1.4-mile loop is perfect for families and photographers, with iconic stops at Arch Rock and Heart Rock.
Where to Stay Near Joshua Tree
When it’s time to unwind, 29 Palms offers the best lodging near Joshua Tree National Park. Whether you’re looking for a cozy boutique motel, a stylish desert hideaway, a spacious vacation rental, or a full-service RV resort, you’ll find options that suit your travel style and budget. With convenient park access, friendly hospitality, and wide-open desert views, 29 Palms is the ideal basecamp for your Joshua Tree adventure, whether you’re here for the day or planning a longer stay!