30+ Things to Do Near MCGACC Twentynine Palms in Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, and Palm Springs

Stationed at Marine Corps Ground and Air Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, and looking for something to do on your next day off? Twentynine Palms is a pretty isolated desert community, so you might not think there are many off-base opportunities for fun. However, there’s more to do than you’d think! Below we’ll highlight some of our top recommendations, and we promise they’re not all “go hiking at Joshua Tree” (although we will be recommending some excursions in the National Park - it’s just too good to pass up).

Bearing in mind that Twentynine Palms is a relatively isolated community, we’ve tried to keep our recommendations to Twentynine Palms and the nearby communities of Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley, CA. However, there were a few great options in Palm Springs (about an hour away) that we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to recommend.

4 Military-Friendly Activities Near MCGACC Twentynine Palms

Kicking things off, we’ve got five great recommendations for Military-Friendly activities. These are things you can do at a discount in appreciation for your service, or businesses you can support that are Veteran-owned or operated.

Explore Joshua Tree National Park

We couldn’t ignore MCAGCC’s massive neighbor - Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree National Park offers a huge range of outdoor adventures, from hiking to rock climbing, camping, horseback riding, and more.

In the winter, you could even take an exclusive Ranger-led tour of Keys Ranch, a historic property with limited access. Active-duty service members and their families qualify for a free Military Annual Pass to all National Parks, and Gold Star Family Members and Veterans qualify for a free Military Lifetime Pass.

Get Hooked on Fish-a-Licious

You may not be on the coast, but that’s no reason not to enjoy great seafood! Veteran-owned Fish-a-licious is Twentynine Palms’ very own “Seafood Source in the Desert,” serving up all your favorites.

Visit the Palm Springs Air Museum

This one’s a bit of a drive but worth the extra effort! The Palm Springs Air Museum has one of the world’s largest collections of aircraft from World War II through the War on Terror.

Some of the planes in their collection are still flyable, and if you’re willing to splurge, you can even book a flight on one of six historic military planes. If you just want to spend an afternoon exploring the aircraft on display, you’ll be happy to know that active-duty personnel and their immediate family members get into the museum for free.

Relax with a Massage at the Fountains Day Spa

Sometimes you just need a self-care day, and what better way to spend it than getting a massage? Well, getting a massage at a discount, of course.

The Fountains Day Spa graciously offers 20% off all spa services for Active-duty military personnel. All you have to do is bring your ID!

10 Restaurants Near Twentynine Palms You Won’t Want to Miss

Twentynine Palms has some fantastic restaurants that will satisfy just about any craving you have. Check out some of our top recommendations below, and leave a comment if we missed any of your favorites!

• Cactus Trails Cafe - A great local spot for delicious breakfast and lunch options.
• Grnd Sqrl (Ground Squirrel) - Your go-to spot for fresh craft beer and delicious scratch-made eats.
• 29 Palms Inn Restaurant - This local spot is perfect for a nice date night.
• Lorena's Mexican Food - Enjoy top-rated, authentic Mexican food with great service.
• Rocky’s Pizza - This local pizzeria serves up all your Italian favorites just like Nonna used to make.

Restaurants for the Whole (Furry) Family

Dog lovers stationed at MCAGCC Twentynine Palms will also find some great restaurant options with outdoor seating where their furry family members can join them for a meal.

• 29 Palms Beer Company - Enjoy coffee and breakfast or a craft beer with your lunch or dinner with Fido by your side on their shaded patio.
• The Rib Co. - Scarf down some finger-licking BBQ on the dog-friendly patio.
• Kitchen in the Desert - Grab delicious Caribbean-influenced eats by the fire in this restaurant's spacious, dog-friendly courtyard.
• John’s Place - This casual spot, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, has plenty of covered outdoor seating where your pup can join you while you get a bite to eat.
• Boozehounds - This one’s all the way in Palm Springs, but we can’t pass up the opportunity to recommend a restaurant that even offers a special menu just for your four-legged friend.

What Are Some Pet-Friendly Places Near Twentynine Palms?

MCGACC Twentynine Palms has two dog parks on base! Find out more below, plus a few off-base options nearby.

Heritage Park

Location: Bourke Rd., Corner of 5th St. and Del Valle Dr., Twentynine Palms, CA 92278

Heritage Park is an on-base option featuring a fenced-in dog run where your pup can play off-leash.

Shadow Mountain Dog Run

Location: Saddleback Avenue and Bullion Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92278

The Shadow Mountain Dog Run is another fully fenced dog park located on base.

Oasis of Mara Nature Trail

Location: 74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA, US, 92277

The Oasis of Mara Nature Trail is a short loop trail about half a mile long within Joshua Tree National Park. It’s paved and would be perfect for a nice on-leash walk; just keep the weather in mind since there’s very little shade on this desert trail.

Twentynine Palms Dog Park

Location: 6901 El Sol Ave, Twentynine Palms, CA, US, 92277

The Twentynine Palms Dog Park is a municipal dog park featuring separate areas for large and small dogs. Please note that all dogs must be fixed, licensed, and over 16 weeks old.

Essig Park

Location: 8490 Warren Vista Ave, Yucca Valley, CA, US, 92284

Yucca Valley’s Essig Park features a fenced dog park that also has separate areas for large and small dogs, plus doggie drinking fountains and places to sit while your pup plays.

5 Great Date Ideas Near Twentynine Palms (For Couples or BFFs)

Whether you’re looking for a fun way to spend the afternoon with your girls, going for a guys' night out, or planning a romantic date with your special someone, you’ve got some great options in Twentynine Palms. Plus, for this category, we didn’t even tap into the many great options an hour away in Palm Springs.

Shop Local at the 29 Palms Farmers Market

The local 29 Palms Farmers Market is held every Saturday in downtown Twentynine Palms, featuring local farmers, food vendors, artisans, and small businesses. This is the best place to go for farm-fresh produce and unique artisan goods you won’t find anywhere else.

Go Dancing at the Rock

Every weekend, the Tortoise Rock Casino hosts their free concert series, Live at the Rock. Featuring everything from rock, to country, to pop, there’s bound to be something for everyone. No ticket necessary!

Spend a Day Exploring the Local Arts Scene

The arts scene in Twentynine Palms and surrounding communities is absolutely thriving. Explore the work of local artists at the 29 Palms Art Gallery and Yucca Valley’s Hi-Desert Artists Art Center.

Monthly exhibitions at the Glass Outhouse Art Gallery are an unusual treat (in all the best ways). Twentynine Palms also has quite a bit of public art you could explore, including the “Oasis of Murals,” a series of murals that depict aspects of the city’s history and culture.

Experience an Adventure Like No Other at Hi-Orbit

If you like escape rooms, you’ve got to visit Twentynine Palms’ Hi-Orbit. As they describe it on their website, it’s more than an escape room: “It’s a cinematic Joshua Tree-themed adventure.”

Explore and solve puzzles throughout an escape room so large and immersive it’s more like a movie set. Hi-Orbit also has a great retro video arcade where you can play some of the best old-school games after you finish saving Dad from aliens (because it’s Joshua Tree, of course it’s aliens).

Go for a Hike at Joshua Tree National Park

We’ve mentioned Joshua Tree before, and we’ll probably (definitely) mention it again. This time, we want to make some specific trail recommendations for you and that special someone!

First, check out Arch Trail, a relatively short loop trail that will take you past stunning geological formations perfect for pictures. And don’t miss the spur trail to Heart Rock, a naturally formed granite boulder shaped like, you guessed it, a massive heart.

The Cholla Cactus Garden is also a short walk with a high reward, taking you to a dense patch of cacti that is particularly beautiful during sunrise or golden hour when the light bounces off the spines.

5 Places Kids Will Love Near MCAGCC Twentynine Palms

Between Twentynine Palms and Palm Springs, there’s plenty of fun for kids and families. Experience life in the Old West, learn about desert wildlife, and more at one of these recommendations.

Pioneertown

Dreamed up by the prolific Western TV and movie actor Dick Curtis in the 1940s, Pioneertown was intended to be a “Living Breathing Movie Set” - a functioning 1880s-themed town that could serve as a filming location, vacation destination, and permanent residence.

The town has seen ups and downs over the decades, never quite reaching the expansive vision Curtis once had for it, but it has remained a thriving production location and a fun place to visit with Western-themed businesses and activities galore that your family will have fun exploring!

Ages: All ages

Military Discount? N/a

Hours: Varies by business; recommended to visit on weekends.

Smith’s Ranch Drive-In Movie Theater

Some would argue that a nostalgic drive-in theater is the best way to experience a movie. It’s certainly a unique experience that fewer and fewer families are getting to experience with so few drive-ins left across the country.

However, at Twentynine Palms, you’re in luck. The Smith's Ranch Drive-In Movie Theater has been a central part of the community for more than 50 years and is still going strong.

Ages: All ages (but kids under 4 get in free!)

Military Discount? None advertised

Hours: See website for showtimes.

Hi-Desert Nature Museum

Learn about the incredible natural landscape and wildlife of the desert at Hi-Desert Nature Museum in Yucca Valley. This small museum features a variety of natural and cultural history exhibits, as well as a mini zoo where you can see local wildlife up close. The museum also hosts family-friendly programs and events throughout the year.

Ages: All ages

Military Discount? N/a (Admission is free)

Hours: Wednesday - Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Covered Wagon Tours

With Covered Wagon Tours in Palm Springs, you get the unforgettable experience of learning about the Old West like you’re part of the story yourself - from the back of a covered wagon. With your tour, you’ll even get to enjoy a hearty chuckwagon-style dinner, live music, stories, western entertainment, and beautiful sweeping views of the desert sunset.

Ages: All ages

Military Discount? None advertised.

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Boomers Palm Springs

Boomers Palm Springs is a massive fun center with a variety of attractions, including go karts, bumper boats, mini golf, rock climbing, and more. It’s worth the drive to Palm Springs for a whole day of fun!

Ages: All ages.

Military Discount? Yes

Hours:

• Monday - Thursday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Friday, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Saturday, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Sunday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Don’t Miss These Seasonal Activities Near MCAGCC Twentynine Palms!

In addition to the fun activities you can do all year long, there are some great opportunities for seasonal fun around Twentynine Palms!

Annual Carnivals in Twentynine Palms and Yucca Valley

There are two great annual carnivals that happen in the area every year. First is the Twentynine Palms Rotary Carnival held in Luckie Park every spring. Second is Grubstake Days, an annual Yucca Valley tradition over 70 years in the making. Enjoy a variety of Western-themed activities in addition to a carnival, live music, and much more.

Joshua Tree Music Festival

Coachella isn’t the only desert music festival in California. Each fall, the Joshua Tree Music Festival returns to the National Park for a celebration of music and the outdoors. JTMF showcases the up-and-comers who will be headlining major festivals in years to come.

Some artists who performed at JTMF before going on to be well-known and well-loved music artists include Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, Elle King, and the Avett Brothers.

Night Sky Festival (and Stargazing in General)

Each fall, Joshua Tree National Park also welcomes stargazers to experience and celebrate the beauty of the stars at the Night Sky Festival. Technically, you could go stargazing all year round at Joshua Tree, which has been designated as an International Dark Sky Park, making it a fantastic place to see the cosmos like you never have before.

We’d still count it as seasonal, though, because what you can see changes depending on what time of year you go!

Yucca Valley Film Festival

The Yucca Valley Film Festival is a special experience you’ll want to make sure you get to at least once while you’re stationed at MCAGCC Twentynine Palms. The festival features the longest red carpet in the Hi-Desert and has hosted multiple international filmmakers and A-list Hollywood stars since it began in 2018.

Check Out These Nearby Day Trips and Weekend Getaways

On your next long weekend or day off, you might want to plan a quick getaway. Hit the road to one of these nearby cities and explore all that the desert has to offer!

San Bernardino, CA

Drive time: 1.5 hours

• Visit Fiesta Village Family Fun Park, an amusement center featuring go-karts, laser tag, carnival rides, and arcade games.
• See a performance at the historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts.
• Learn about the origins of the Happy Meal at the Historic Original McDonald’s Museum.

Los Angeles, CA

Drive time: 2.5 to 3 hours

• Visit the Santa Monica Pier for shopping, carnival rides and games, and ocean views.
• Explore the California Science Center, with incredible interactive exhibits on nature, space, and so much more. They even have special discovery rooms for little learners.
• Step back in time all the way to the prehistoric era and see fossils get discovered in real time at the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

Las Vegas, NV

Drive time: 3 hours

• See the iconic Bellagio Fountains water and light show, then check out the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden.
• Visit the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement (the Mob Museum for exciting and immersive exhibits exploring the ever-intriguing history of the mob and organized crime in America.
• See a Cirque du Soleil performance - you may be able to get a military discount if you call or purchase your tickets in person at the box office before the show. Select shows also have discounted tickets through GOVX.

Don’t Miss Out On These Fun Things to Do Near Twentynine Palms

MCGACC Twentynine Palms is a large, isolated military installation in California’s Mojave Desert. Twentynine Palms and its neighbors in the Hi-Desert form a tight-knit community with many well-loved establishments, fun things to do, and a massive National Park to explore just outside your doorstep.

If you’re willing to drive a bit further, Palm Springs is just an hour away and offers even more fun, considering it’s a popular tourist destination. When you need a break from the desert expanse, head east to San Bernardino or Los Angeles, or north to Las Vegas for a weekend of fun. No matter where you end up, you’re bound to have some fun.