Guidebook for Morongo Basin
Parks & Nature
This national park is world renown for its Joshua trees, monzogranite boulder formations, and the ecological meeting point of the Mojave and Colorado deserts.
1713 locals recommend
Joshua Tree National Park
This national park is world renown for its Joshua trees, monzogranite boulder formations, and the ecological meeting point of the Mojave and Colorado deserts.
Amboy Crater National Natural Landmark is located about 1 hour north of 29 Palms on historic Route 66. This volcanic cinder cone and lava field are best visited in the cooler months and early in the morning as the black lava rock heats up like an oven and can be much hotter than the surrounding desert.
53 locals recommend
Amboy Crater
Amboy Crater National Natural Landmark is located about 1 hour north of 29 Palms on historic Route 66. This volcanic cinder cone and lava field are best visited in the cooler months and early in the morning as the black lava rock heats up like an oven and can be much hotter than the surrounding desert.
This observatory and nature center has walking trails, gardens, and of course the observatory. The grounds are currently open on a limited basis due to Covid.
78 locals recommend
Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center
9697 Utah TrailThis observatory and nature center has walking trails, gardens, and of course the observatory. The grounds are currently open on a limited basis due to Covid.
North of 29 Palms you'll find Mojave Trails National Monument. Experience the wonders of the desert and the open road at Mojave Trails National Monument. One of our newest National Monuments, Mojave Trails preserves a segment of Historic Route 66 as well as many natural wonders.
Mojave Trails National Monument
North of 29 Palms you'll find Mojave Trails National Monument. Experience the wonders of the desert and the open road at Mojave Trails National Monument. One of our newest National Monuments, Mojave Trails preserves a segment of Historic Route 66 as well as many natural wonders.
Approximately 1 hour west of 29 Palms, Sand to Snow National Monument preserves the transition from the desert foothills to the alpine zone of the San Bernardino Mountains. Hike volcanic mesas, explore mountain canyons and see where Joshua trees grow among the pines.
25 locals recommend
Sand to Snow National Monument
Millard Canyon RoadApproximately 1 hour west of 29 Palms, Sand to Snow National Monument preserves the transition from the desert foothills to the alpine zone of the San Bernardino Mountains. Hike volcanic mesas, explore mountain canyons and see where Joshua trees grow among the pines.
This beautiful preserve is owned by the Nature Conservancy and features dog-friendly hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty.
85 locals recommend
Pioneertown Mountains Preserve
51010 Pipes Canyon RdThis beautiful preserve is owned by the Nature Conservancy and features dog-friendly hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty.
Located in Morongo Valley, Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is owned by the Nature Conservancy. This gorgeous nature preserve features native fan palm and cottonwood oases and extensive boardwalks and nature trails. Note: Due to the fragile riparian ecosystem, dogs are not allowed at this preserve.
204 locals recommend
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
11055 East DriveLocated in Morongo Valley, Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is owned by the Nature Conservancy. This gorgeous nature preserve features native fan palm and cottonwood oases and extensive boardwalks and nature trails. Note: Due to the fragile riparian ecosystem, dogs are not allowed at this preserve.
Shopping
Located in Old Town Yucca Valley, this is the best art shop on Highway 62 and there are plenty of other little unique shops in the same area.
25 locals recommend
ArtFx & Furnishings
55836 Twentynine Palms HighwayLocated in Old Town Yucca Valley, this is the best art shop on Highway 62 and there are plenty of other little unique shops in the same area.
Stater Bros is your one stop shop for all your grocery needs.
130 locals recommend
Stater Brothers Plaza
71727 Twentynine Palms HighwayStater Bros is your one stop shop for all your grocery needs.
Located in the small community of Morongo Valley, Cactus Mart is not only a native and desert plant nursery, but also sells art from local artists as well as cool desert gifts.
106 locals recommend
Cactus Mart and Morongo Hardware
49889 Twentynine Palms HighwayLocated in the small community of Morongo Valley, Cactus Mart is not only a native and desert plant nursery, but also sells art from local artists as well as cool desert gifts.
Located in Joshua Tree, Coyote Corner is your one-stop-shop for any kind of JT oriented souvenir or gift you can imagine, as well as having an extensive collection of desert guide books and other interesting items.
127 locals recommend
Coyote Corner
6535 Park BlvdLocated in Joshua Tree, Coyote Corner is your one-stop-shop for any kind of JT oriented souvenir or gift you can imagine, as well as having an extensive collection of desert guide books and other interesting items.
Space Cowboy Books
61871 Twentynine Palms HighwayThis unique used bookstore specializes in hard to find books.
Grocery Outlet
A place for affordable groceries.
Entertainment & Activities
Smiths Ranch Drive-In Theater
4584 Adobe RdEnjoy a vintage drive-in movie theater experience.
Enjoy table games, slots, dining, live music, and events at the Tortoise Rock Casino.
88 locals recommend
Tortoise Rock Casino
Enjoy table games, slots, dining, live music, and events at the Tortoise Rock Casino.
This fascinating museum is housed in the oldest public building in 29 Palms and covers the history of the area. Experience a 1920's era classroom, view artifacts of hi-desert history, and browse and purchase local gifts and books.
29 locals recommend
Old Schoolhouse Museum
6760 National Park DrThis fascinating museum is housed in the oldest public building in 29 Palms and covers the history of the area. Experience a 1920's era classroom, view artifacts of hi-desert history, and browse and purchase local gifts and books.
For over 50 years, the 29 Palms Art Gallery has showcased high quality art from local artists.
41 locals recommend
29 Palms Art Gallery
74055 Cottonwood DrFor over 50 years, the 29 Palms Art Gallery has showcased high quality art from local artists.
This unusual structure was built by UFO enthusiast George Van Tassel, allegedly from plans received from telepathic communication with aliens. Containing no metal, the building is acoustically perfect and the current owners offer both private and public sound baths.
737 locals recommend
Integratron
2477 Belfield BlvdThis unusual structure was built by UFO enthusiast George Van Tassel, allegedly from plans received from telepathic communication with aliens. Containing no metal, the building is acoustically perfect and the current owners offer both private and public sound baths.
Drinks & Nightlife
Joshua Tree Saloon
61835 Twentynine Palms HighwayA well known place for food and drinks in Joshua Tree, CA.
Pappy and Harriet's is world renown as a place for drinks, classic American fare, and live music.
1340 locals recommend
Pappy & Harriet's
53688 Pioneertown RdPappy and Harriet's is world renown as a place for drinks, classic American fare, and live music.
City/town information
29 Palms enjoys the east entrance to Joshua Tree National Park, natural palm tree oases, hip restaurants and art galleries.
44 locals recommend
Twentynine Palms
29 Palms enjoys the east entrance to Joshua Tree National Park, natural palm tree oases, hip restaurants and art galleries.
15 minutes west of 29 Palms, Joshua Tree is home to the most popular entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. This small but hip village has many interesting shops and restaurants.
334 locals recommend
Joshua Tree
15 minutes west of 29 Palms, Joshua Tree is home to the most popular entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. This small but hip village has many interesting shops and restaurants.
30 minutes west of 29 Palms, Yucca Valley is the largest town in Morongo Basin and has the most services if you're looking for something you can't find in 29. In addition, Yucca Valley is also known for the artistic Old Town district, where you will find several unique shops and galleries worth visiting.
70 locals recommend
Yucca Valley
30 minutes west of 29 Palms, Yucca Valley is the largest town in Morongo Basin and has the most services if you're looking for something you can't find in 29. In addition, Yucca Valley is also known for the artistic Old Town district, where you will find several unique shops and galleries worth visiting.
Tucked away down Pipes Canyon, Pioneertown was created by Hollywood investors including Roy Rogers and Gene Autry, who envisioned creating a set for Westerns which could also be a real town worth visiting. Today, Pioneertown is worth visiting for its Old West style "Mane Street" with its local art shops and mock gunfights that take place on weekends, as well as the world famous Pappy & Harriets and access to Pioneertown Mountains Preserve.
558 locals recommend
Pioneertown
53688 Pioneertown RdTucked away down Pipes Canyon, Pioneertown was created by Hollywood investors including Roy Rogers and Gene Autry, who envisioned creating a set for Westerns which could also be a real town worth visiting. Today, Pioneertown is worth visiting for its Old West style "Mane Street" with its local art shops and mock gunfights that take place on weekends, as well as the world famous Pappy & Harriets and access to Pioneertown Mountains Preserve.
This small and scenic community is the gateway to Sand to Snow National Monument and has a relaxed desert vibe.
6 locals recommend
Morongo Valley
This small and scenic community is the gateway to Sand to Snow National Monument and has a relaxed desert vibe.
Landers, CA is a community of international AND interstellar renown, if you believe the tales. Home of the Integratron, the Giant Rock, Gubler's Orchids, Landers Brew Co. and La Copine restaurant.
21 locals recommend
Landers
Landers, CA is a community of international AND interstellar renown, if you believe the tales. Home of the Integratron, the Giant Rock, Gubler's Orchids, Landers Brew Co. and La Copine restaurant.
Food scene
The 29 Palms Inn is a historic location with beautiful grounds, and enjoys a lush section of the Oasis of Mara not included in the National Park. The Inn's restaurant is the best in 29 Palms, and includes vegetables grown in their own organic garden. Non-guests are welcome to visit the grounds and restaurant normally - unfortunately the restaurant is currently closed to non-guests due to Covid-19.
251 locals recommend
29 Palms Inn
73950 Inn AveThe 29 Palms Inn is a historic location with beautiful grounds, and enjoys a lush section of the Oasis of Mara not included in the National Park. The Inn's restaurant is the best in 29 Palms, and includes vegetables grown in their own organic garden. Non-guests are welcome to visit the grounds and restaurant normally - unfortunately the restaurant is currently closed to non-guests due to Covid-19.
A casual family-owned eatery that specializes in barbecue and dry rub ribs, steaks and burgers.
107 locals recommend
The Rib Co
72183 Twentynine Palms HighwayA casual family-owned eatery that specializes in barbecue and dry rub ribs, steaks and burgers.
This cafe serves New American fare with a Caribbean influence, juices and smoothies.
319 locals recommend
Kitchen in the Desert
6427 Mesquite AveThis cafe serves New American fare with a Caribbean influence, juices and smoothies.
Edchada's has the best Mexican food in 29 palms, and is also known for their great margaritas.
44 locals recommend
Edchada's
73502 Twentynine Palms HighwayEdchada's has the best Mexican food in 29 palms, and is also known for their great margaritas.
Cactus Trails Cafe
6341 Adobe RoadThis yummy little cafe is open for breakfast and lunch only.
A relaxed setting specializing in traditional Thai food and veggie dishes.
30 locals recommend
Thai Cafe
73501 Twentynine Palms HighwayA relaxed setting specializing in traditional Thai food and veggie dishes.
Campbell Hill Bakery
73491 Twentynine Palms HighwayOffering delicious baked goods.
La Copine is a world famous gourmet restaurant located off Highway 247 and considered one of the hippest places to eat in the hi-desert.
725 locals recommend
La Copine
848 Old Woman Springs RdLa Copine is a world famous gourmet restaurant located off Highway 247 and considered one of the hippest places to eat in the hi-desert.
The Palms is the only restaurant in Wonder Valley and is a favorite of the locals.
101 locals recommend
Palms Restaurant
83131 Amboy RdThe Palms is the only restaurant in Wonder Valley and is a favorite of the locals.
Located in Joshua Tree, the Crossroads Cafe features creative spins on diner classics, as well as vegan fare.
688 locals recommend
Crossroads Cafe
61715 Twentynine Palms HighwayLocated in Joshua Tree, the Crossroads Cafe features creative spins on diner classics, as well as vegan fare.
grnd sqrl
Scratch-made eats and craft beers make grnd sqrl a hip place for desert eats.
Mara
Fine food and dining in downtown 29 Palms.
Sightseeing
If you have a suitable high clearance 4x4 vehicle, you may wish to hit the well known trails of Johnson Valley OHV area, home to the famous King of the Hammers off road competition.
16 locals recommend
Johnson valley OHV
If you have a suitable high clearance 4x4 vehicle, you may wish to hit the well known trails of Johnson Valley OHV area, home to the famous King of the Hammers off road competition.
This quirky open air art gallery is famous for its one-way glass outhouse, among other fun and funky things.
58 locals recommend
Glass Outhouse Art Gallery
77575 Twentynine Palms HighwayThis quirky open air art gallery is famous for its one-way glass outhouse, among other fun and funky things.
This well known outdoor art museum in Joshua Tree, CA features folk art made out of found and discarded objects.
549 locals recommend
Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum
62975 Blair LnThis well known outdoor art museum in Joshua Tree, CA features folk art made out of found and discarded objects.
IF you have a high clearance vehicle, you may wish to visit the mysterious Giant Rock in Landers, CA. This rock was once the largest free standing boulder in the world, but when a slice cracked off in 2012, it was reduced to "only" the second largest boulder. At 8 stories high and with lots of local mystique surrounding it, the Giant Rock is something unique worth seeing.
291 locals recommend
Giant Rock CA
IF you have a high clearance vehicle, you may wish to visit the mysterious Giant Rock in Landers, CA. This rock was once the largest free standing boulder in the world, but when a slice cracked off in 2012, it was reduced to "only" the second largest boulder. At 8 stories high and with lots of local mystique surrounding it, the Giant Rock is something unique worth seeing.