When making your wish list of potential duty stations, Twentynine Palms might not be your top pick. For many Marines and their families, Twentynine Palms is their last choice for duty stations. But, there is a lot more to Twentynine Palms than most think. So before you dread your PCS, here are some things to look forward to about your new home at Twentynine Palms Marine Base.
After you’ve moved into your housing in the barracks, on base, or even off base you’ll begin to adapt to your new surroundings. Before you know it you’ll be talking like the “locals”.
5 things you’ll say while living in Twentynine Palms
You brought me here, purposefully?
Twentynine Palms is one of those duty stations that you will either love or hate, maybe even hate to love. There’s a joke that many Marines will drive their spouses in at night so that they don’t see the area at first. At first glance, Twentynine Palms might not be the most ideal home, but give it a chance and you’re sure to realize that Twentynine Palms is a place you’re proud to call home.
It’s a dry heat.
If you didn’t know Twentynine Palms is in the heart of the Mojave Desert, where extreme variations in temperature are frequent. If you were previously stationed on the east coast you may find the heat in Twentynine Palms is far different, there is no humidity. Summers are hot and you’ll have the AC cranked all day long.
When you talk to family on the phone they’ll ask you what the weather is like, and you’ll find yourself saying “It’s a dry heat,” all too often.
Gotta go down the hill to the mall.
You do have Amazon Prime, right?
Shopping is limited in Twentynine Palms, so Amazon Prime will be your go-to when you’re in the need for, well anything.
You cry when you arrive, and you cry when you leave.
Once your move-in has been squared away and you have some free time on the weekends, make sure to take advantage of all the amenities within your surroundings. There is plenty to do in and around Twentynine Palms Marine Base.
10 Places to Visit while at Twentynine Palms Marine Base
1. Grab a bite to eat at 29 Palms Inn
A 70-acre resort right next to the Joshua Traa National Park, 29 Palms Inn is a great place to escape the desert and enjoy some good eats.
You’ll sit poolside at the 29 Palms Inn Restaurant and have the opportunity to listen to live entertainment. The menu contains entrees from fresh seafood, steaks, and vegetarian options.
If you’re headed to Joshua Tree Park for a day trip, you can call the 29 Palms Inn and request a picnic lunch for you and your family. Call the day before your trip, and pick it up the following morning on your way to the Park.
2. Go Fishing at Joshua Tree Lake
3. Visit Sky’s The Limit Observatory
4. Take a drive to Pioneer Town
5. See the Amboy Crater
6. Go hiking through Joshua Tree National Park
7. Eat at Crossroad’s Cafe
8. Hike 49 Palms
Twentynine Palms is the duty station that will be what you make of it. Experience as much as you can. In the blink of an eye, you’ll be pulling out of Twentynine Palms and on to your next adventure.
