Sometimes, the best escapes are found in the most unexpected places—and Los Angeles has a ton of them within a four-hour drive. For me, that place is the 29 Palms Inn, tucked in the high desert near Joshua Tree, a world away from the rain-soaked Topanga.
Founded in the 1930s as a desert retreat, 29 Palms Inn carries decades of history. Guests have included artists, musicians, and writers drawn to the quiet inspiration of the high desert. Today, it’s known for being warmly LGBTQ-friendly, welcoming all travelers with openness and inclusivity. This spirit of acceptance, combined with the Inn’s unique architecture and desert landscaping, creates a rare sense of belonging in a remote place.
Step into the Apache Room, and you immediately understand the appeal. A walled gravel courtyard creates a contained space where my pup can soak in the sun without straying into the untamed desert beyond where coyotes roam. Low, sprawling California junipers and desert brush frame the view, adding texture and grounding the space. Interspersed, bushy oasis palms punctuate the sprawling compound which sits on 30 acres of natural preserve, giving just a whisper of lushness amid the arid landscape.
From the window, the brush and junipers stretch against the cobalt desert sky, perfectly framed, as if painted. The effect is immediate: a deep sense of peace and calm, where nature feels near yet not overwhelming.
The town of 29 Palms itself stands in stark contrast to the polished glamour of Palm Springs. Streets are rugged, buildings simple, locals drive trucks and small businesses hum with life. It’s raw, honest, and grounding—a desert community that feels authentic rather than staged.