Sometimes the best escapes are in the most unexpected places—and within a four-hour drive of Los Angeles, there are plenty. For me, that place is the 29 Palms Inn, tucked into the high desert, a world apart from the city. Joshua Tree is practically on your doorstep here, with its iconic Yuccas and ancient boulders that hark back to a prehistoric era.
Founded in the 1930s as a desert retreat, the Inn has long attracted artists, musicians, and writers seeking the quiet inspiration of the high desert. Today, it’s celebrated for its warm LGBTQ-friendly welcome, embracing all travelers with openness and inclusivity. This spirit of acceptance, paired with the Inn’s distinctive architecture and desert landscaping, creates a rare sense of belonging in such a remote setting.
Step into the Apache Plume room, and the appeal is immediate. A walled gravel courtyard offers a contained space where my pup can bask in the sun without wandering into the untamed desert beyond, where coyotes roam. Low, sprawling California junipers and desert brush frame the view, adding texture and grounding the space, while bushy oasis palms punctuate the compound’s 30-acre preserve, lending 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 instantaneous: a deep sense of peace and calm, where nature feels close yet never 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.