attractions
Activities near Joshua Tree National Park
Attractions & Activities near Joshua Tree National Park
Harmony Motel in Twentynine Palms is only minutes away Joshua Tree National Park’s Headquarters and Oasis Visitors’ Center. Whether you are a tourist coming to visit the park, or a military family visiting, and even those here for an extended say…there are a wide array of activities near Joshua Tree. For instance, art patrons can visit the art galleries and explore the 29 Palms Oasis of Murals. Yet, those liking outdoor activities love the area because of the numerous hiking opportunities. For example, the very nearby 49 Palms Oasis trail, Boy Scout trail and Indian Cove. Undoubtedly, whether you are fascinated by the geology or enjoy bird watching and stargazing, there is something here for everyone.
Signature Attractions
Joshua Tree Cultural Center
The new Joshua Tree Visitors’ Center is now The Joshua Tree Cultural Center at Freedom Plaza in downtown Twentynine Palms. This is nearby the north entrance and headquarters of Joshua Tree National Park.
6533 Freedom Way
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
760-367-5535
www.nps.gov/jotr
Joshua Tree National Park is located in southeastern California and covers a land area of 790,636 acres, and declared a U.S. National Park in 1994. Take time to visit the center which has educational displays and information about native critters and vegetation.
49 Palms Oasis Trail
49 Palms Canyon Rd. (less than a mile away)
Twentynine Palms, Twentynine Palms, California, 92277
This 2.8-mile trail takes hikers on a beautiful trail to the oasis. There are a lot of ups and downs on this trail. However, the lush palms greeting you when you arrive at the oasis make the trip very worth the hike. For example, it’s an estimated two hours at a moderate pace.
Boy Scout Trail
74485 Palm Vista Drive (near Indian Cove Campgrounds)
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Joshua Tree Boy Scout trail is a 7.8 mile that is moderately easy. The foot trail is surrounded by cacti and desert vegetation. Finally, it wanders by the Wonderland of Rocks and ends at the Boy Scout parking area inside the park on. Bring plenty of water.
Indian Cove
7299 Indian Cove Rd. (less than a mile away)
Twentynine Palms, California, 92277
A sprawling campground surrounded by towering rocks, this popular Park destination has 300 miles of hiking trails to explore. Furthermore, it is striking during spring when scrubs and cacti bloom. It is not uncommon to spot desert tortoise in spring and fall.
Keys Desert Queen Ranch
The Keys Desert Queen Ranch in Joshua Tree National Park is listed as a National Historic Register site. The site established by Bill and Francis Keys is a wonderful representation of cattle ranching, mining and homesteading in the Mojave Desert. Consequently, to preserve this historic site, admission is restricted to guided walking tours. To schedule your tour, contact Joshua Tree National Park.
Twentynine Palms Visitors’ Center
73484 Twentynine Palms Hwy.
Twentynine Palms, California, 92277
Be sure to make a stop at the 29 Palms Visitors’ Center for a variety of activities near Joshua Tree. For example, maps of hiking trails, brochures and literature for attractions and more!
The Climbing Life: Professional Rock Climbing Guides & School
www.joshuatreeclimbinglifeguides.com
A rock climbing guide and climbing instruction company, The Climbing Life Guides offers top-notch guide services to clients and groups looking for rock climbing adventures in Joshua Tree National Park!
Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park
The Desert Institute is the shining star of the Joshua Tree National Park Association. Consequently, for locals and visitors alike, you can learn something about the area whether it’s the geology of the landscape, map, and compass skills, unique desert plants and wildlife, the cultural history, or hiking with a knowledgeable naturalist.
Tortoise Rock Casino
73829 Baseline Road
Twentynine Palms, California, 92277
www.tortoiserockcasino.com
Tortoise Rock Casino is owned and operated by the Twentynine Palms Band of Mission Indians. This entertainment destination is situated between the majestic Joshua Tree National Park and the U.S. Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center. The casino offers 30,000 square feet of gaming space, with 490 Slot Machines, 7 Table Games, live poker, plus live entertainment, Oasis Grille, and Shelly’s Lounge. Open daily.
Annual Events near Joshua Tree
JTNP Night Sky Festival
This one-day event draws crowds from afar to celebrate the dark night skies around Joshua Tree. Festivities begin in the morning with activities on the Sky’s The Limit campus, highly popular astronomy lectures in the afternoon, and of course the big Night Star Party with 20 telescopes and astronomers. This annual event is held in September.
HWY 62 Art Tours
The annual art tour originated with a small group of local artists in 2001 as a Festival for the Arts with 24 artists participating. As a result of those efforts, the Hwy 62 Open Studio Art Tours is now considered the area’s biggest art event of the year.
JTNP Art Exposition
The Joshua Tree National Park Art Exposition is an international juried art exhibition of art inspired by or of our National Park. This weekend-long event held in the autumn includes an art market on the lawn and art workshops in addition to the big awards reception held on Saturday evening.
Desert Wildflower Season
Nothing more spectacular than wildflower season in the Mojave Desert. As a matter of fact, people flock to the desert just for this occasion. Wondering when and where to get the best sightings? Follow the website link to Joshua Tree National Park above for the latest information.
Sky’s The Limit Observatory & Nature Center
9697 Utah Trail
Twentynine Palms, California, 92277
www.skysthelimit29.org
Sky’s the Limit Observatory & Nature Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hands-on learning opportunities for visitors to the Joshua Tree area. Here you’ll experience truly amazing night skies. It’s conveniently located right near the Twentynine Palms entrance to the National Park. Great way to spend some time on your vacation.
Theatre 29
73637 Sullivan Road
Twentynine Palms, California, 92277
www.theatre29.org
Theatre 29 was formed in January of 2000 to bring quality family theater to the City of Twentynine Palms its visitors. Theatre 29 is also dedicated to promoting the participation of young people and people of all ages in the theater experience. Check out their website to see what’s playing. Surely, it will be a special evening!
Twentynine Palms Art Gallery
74055 Cottonwood Drive
Twentynine Palms, California, 92277
www.29palmsartgallery.com
Artists have been inspired by Joshua Tree National Park and the surrounding communities. As a result, there are endless opportunities to find artworks of the many local artists. 29 Palms Art Gallery has monthly curated exhibitions. Additionally, there is a gift shop where you might find that extra something to take home.
Old Schoolhouse Museum
6760 National Park Drive
Twentynine Palms, California, 92277
www.29palmshistorical.com
This beautifully preserved historic schoolhouse which has been repurposed into a museum. Hence, you will see the incredible story of the inhabitants, their arts and culture on display. Stop by and let the docent show you around.
Smith’s Ranch Drive-In Movie Theatre
4584 Adobe Road
Twentynine Palms, California, 92277
www.29drive-in.com
One of the last American drive-in movie theaters, Smith’s Ranch Drive-In opened in 1954. It has a capacity for 330 cars and shows first-run movies Thursday through Sunday nights. History: Bill Smith arrived in 1923 in his Model-T Ford and developed the haven known as Smith’s Ranch. Bill and his brother, Harry, drilled a well and provided water to homesteaders, and Bill’s shower, swimming pool, and shade trees were a welcome place to cool off on hot summer days. Meanwhile, Bill married Thelma Mead, and the ambitious pioneer couple built an ice house, dairy, ice cream parlor, outdoor theater, and trailer park on their property, and a large recreation hall with partners Bill & Prudie Underhill.
Mojave National Preserve
90942 Kelso Cima Road
San Bernardino, California, 92309
www.nps.gov/moja
The Preserve located in the Mojave Desert of San Bernardino County, California, USA, between Interstate 15 and Interstate 40. It’s known for sand dunes, cinder cone volcanoes, the Joshua tree forest, and carpets of spring wildflowers. Hence, it a top location for stunning photography.
Integratron
2477 Belfield Blvd.
Landers, California, 92285
www.integratron.com
Located deep within the sun-strafed landscape of Joshua trees. It’s a cool place from a purely architectural standpoint. You can lay in a hammock and enjoy the sun. Meditate under the shade of a tree. But, you have to do your leg work to get the fulfillment of what the sound bath offers.
Joshua Tree Retreat Center
59700 Twentynine Palms Highway
Joshua Tree, California, 92252
This beautiful retreat center is located on about 400 acres. Consequently, there is Lot of wildlife on the property, including Roadrunners.
Pappy & Harriet’s
53688 Pioneertown Road
Pioneertown, California, 92268
www.pappyandharriets.com
Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace is a honky-tonk, barbecue restaurant and music venue in Pioneertown, California.
US Marine Corps: Marines Air Ground Combat Center
Since the 1950s, the Marine base has grown from a few buildings, a glider runway, and about 120 Marines to the 932-square-mile military training complex you see today, with more than 19,000 Marines, sailors, family members, and civilian workers. It is currently the largest and fastest-growing Marine Corps training base in the world, now officially designated as the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms.
California Welcome Center Yucca Valley
56711 Twentynine Palms Highway
Yucca Valley, California, 92284
The California Welcome Center (CWC) in Yucca Valley is one of only 20 locations in California. Thus, you will find information on activities near Joshua Tree. Additionally, request information from the volunteers on nearby Palm Springs and Big Bear.
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
47900 Portola Ave.
Palm Desert, California, 92260
www.livingdesert.org
The Living Desert is a remarkable zoo and botanical garden representing the desert environments of North America and Africa.
