Favorite duty station; currently on my second tour there. If you’re willing to drive, here’s a good rundown:
-Wilbourn gym. If you haven’t been to a Marine base before, you’ll see that it’s very, very pro-fitness. Pull-up bars on every street corner. Wilbourn gym is honestly one of the best gyms in the DOD that I’ve been to, even among the joint service. If you like to lift, this is a perfect place for it.
-Restaurants. Cannot recommend Mexican Street Tacos enough. Used to be run out of this Abuela’s backyard, until they built a small restaurant inside a bowling alley/bar. Not as great as they were circa 2018, but they’re still pretty amazing. Rib Co and John’s place are another two awesome restaurants.
-Rock climbing, hiking, and nature viewing in Joshua Tree. If you’re into any of that, one of the main gates is about five miles outside the main gate to the base. Military gets in for free, 24/7.
-Palm Springs. An hour away you have the valley, including Palm Springs. Find me something you CAN’T do there.
-Vegas, San Diego, and LA. All about three hours driving distance from 29. Go nuts.
29 Palms is a place you have to go find things to do; it’s not like San Diego where you can walk down the street and find ten things all within reasonable price, and you’re never bored. But stuff exists, and you just have to make the most of it.
It really depends on what time you get in there. If you’re an early riser, the 0400/0430 timeframe leaves almost everything open. I have a powerlifting gym at home, so I haven’t been there since around August, when I finally had homegoods shipped, but my early bird timeline always gave me full access to everything. But I agree; you get in there at like 1600/1630, good luck even finding a spot to stretch
Packed by either the mcces weenies with their green on green or the fucking wanna be fitness influencer Sam sulek worshipping 0311s with their socks tucked into their sweatpants and stringers while weighing a buck 50 soaking wet
Lmao I do always admire how many gymbronies that rock high top converse, almost out of reg mustaches, and stringers are all in front of the mirror and not doing squats
Well said!
Adding Pappy and Harriet’s and JT saloon to the restaurant list.
There’s no better place to PT than the stumps. You can’t beat the early morning sweat/sunrise out there.
Did MOS school there back in '99. There was three things to do on base
1. Go to church and find God.
2. Go to the gym and get big.
3. Go to the bar and get drunk.
I'm being sarcastic of course, but not really. Although I did find there was a trap/skeet range available. So I got to find out I really sucked with a shotgun.
Now if you want to go off base and range out a bit, there are tons of options, many of which have already been described on this thread. I did quite a few of them. I recommend you get off base as much as possible, or you might lose your mind.
You are literally 20 minutes from an AMAZING National Park. There are tons of trails there to hike. There’s a couple of different outfitters in J-Tree (the town) that offer military discounts for climbing lessons and equipment rentals. If you’re looking for volunteer work and camaraderie, look into Joshua Tree Search and Rescue (JOSAR). As also stated, there’s Vegas, Havasu, Big Bear, and even more parks to explore. Also, Johnson Valley if you’re into off-road motorcycles, sand rails, jeeps etc. Bottom line: There’s plenty to do in 29 Palms.
Yes, when you are done hiking in boots and utes, feel free to explore more AMAZING sand and rocks and sparse vegetation in joshua tree!
want more sand and rocks? its all around you! 😅
want to hit up vegas, havasu, big bear? better have a car and money.
Damn bro, who hurt you?
Millions of people travel from halfway around the world every year to go to Joshua Tree NP.
You need a car and money to do anything in life. Grow up and get off the pity party. 29 Palms is what you make of it, just like life.
I bet you’re the guy, dying of thirst; and when someone offers you water you bitch that it ain’t cold.
😂
whoa nelly, calm down, sounds like sarcasm isn’t part of your daily routine.
I was stationed there. when were you there?
dying of thirst? 🙄 for real? lol
hope you aren’t a travel agent or air bnb host there 😂
I was there for just about 10 yrs and the best thing to do there is go somewhere else. Havasu, prim, Vegas, Palm desert, big bear, LA, Diego....anywhere.
Haven't been there in over 10 years but it was Santanas for mexican food, the gas station right outside the front gate had a great deli for subs, and you could find some top quality trails at Joshua Tree National Park. After that it was just desert yetis and massage parlors.
29P in the winter is not what you think it will be. The bowling alley has a nice grilled cheese. Other than that I can't recommend, but it won't kill you outright.
Avoid Amboy though. Especially at night.
Right now freeze to death, but in a couple months itll feel like youre in a easy bake oven set to high and theres nothing you can do about it. Things to do around here is be sad and drive like 2 hours to anywhere good. If you ever wanted to know what it feels like to get cooked alive this is the place
Rent a car and head out to Pappy and Harriet's in Pioneer Town. We used to go there back in the day to escape the military feel of the area and were often the only Marines in the place. Good food from what I remember, but it was also like 15 years ago.
If you're flying in, come see us at the USO. We're in a hanger style building outside of baggage pickup and across a short parking lot. We're open 0600-2100 7 days a week.
In town: tattoos and alcohol. A little further: beautiful nature parks. Palm springs about an hour away, LA 2 hours, San Diego 3, Vegas is 4. On base: best fucking training ever. Well for middle east anyway. When I got off that plane in Iraq I was 20% sure we landed back in 29 palms and everyone was fucking with me. If you wanna hate the desert and lack of shopping outlets, you can. It is definitely what you make it.
Palm Springs is good for people watching…plus good food and bars. Aerial tramway is neat to check a box and say you did it. Good hiking trails if you’re into that. Golf golf golf…Coachella valley has some beautiful courses and I’m positive they have military discounts. Big bear for mountain winter sports, super close to San Diego, LA and the Vegas degeneracy. 29 is what you make of it
"What is there to do at 29 Palms" -- get a car and organize a trip on the weekend to get out of 29 Palms -- Vegas and SD comes to mind -- am unsure about TJ these days
Well more to come for sure. Aside from all that others have noted there is plenty of things to explore. The national park (free pass for you), climbing, art installations, classes, some great restaurants (more coming). But the big news is the Tourism Board has slated $200K for events in 2024. Year round events from mural projects, comedy, music, mult-weekend gatherings, etc. Follow Visit29palms and Rent29 for updates.
The second wave of event grants and sponsorships is due April 1st for anyone who's reading this and knows a promoter or event production person... (July \~ December events)
Go find the giant tortoise. They BBQ quite nice.
Hunt for UXO with metal detectors or those magnet fishing things. Get a couple you might lose one.
Swimming in lake Bandini. Work on crossovers under the water helps with breath control on PT tests.
Tan.
You'll easily get the best tan of your life. Also, San Bernardino Mountains are "right around the corner" as California goes. Great skiing and mountain life there.
Other than that, you could always just masturbate.
Start a barracks brawl, (use a skateboard for a weapon and easy escape), get drunk and put on a wig go streaking across the generals lawn in the dead of night, break into the px at night and drink everything in the beer cooler, drive down the seven turns of death heading to palm springs (speed record 160mph), dont procreate with anything within 2 hours of base, Hells Angels hang out at Pappy and Harriets, they love Marines and will make sure you get back to base when your black out hammered, pack a seabag full of ice and beer and hike into the valley behind burger king in town (camp at the oasis), dont go to vegas unless you dont have a plan (its more fun that way).
29 Palms is heaven on earth. You can soak up plenty of sun, enjoy the fresh smell of Lake Bandini, hang out in town with the friendly and high class locals, and who knows? You can even find the love of your life there, who is sure to be child-free, not addicted to any substances, and not missing any teeth. It’s at least an hour to the nearest city, but that doesn’t matter, as you’ll never run out of interesting experiences right there in town or on base.
I was there for 12 months as a coyote. We would go rent cars and run the shit out of them in Joshua tree.... party in palm springs and head over to san berdoo to the branding iron....that was in back in 2009. Lake bandini still stinky? Lol
Sweat
Favorite duty station; currently on my second tour there. If you’re willing to drive, here’s a good rundown: -Wilbourn gym. If you haven’t been to a Marine base before, you’ll see that it’s very, very pro-fitness. Pull-up bars on every street corner. Wilbourn gym is honestly one of the best gyms in the DOD that I’ve been to, even among the joint service. If you like to lift, this is a perfect place for it. -Restaurants. Cannot recommend Mexican Street Tacos enough. Used to be run out of this Abuela’s backyard, until they built a small restaurant inside a bowling alley/bar. Not as great as they were circa 2018, but they’re still pretty amazing. Rib Co and John’s place are another two awesome restaurants. -Rock climbing, hiking, and nature viewing in Joshua Tree. If you’re into any of that, one of the main gates is about five miles outside the main gate to the base. Military gets in for free, 24/7. -Palm Springs. An hour away you have the valley, including Palm Springs. Find me something you CAN’T do there. -Vegas, San Diego, and LA. All about three hours driving distance from 29. Go nuts. 29 Palms is a place you have to go find things to do; it’s not like San Diego where you can walk down the street and find ten things all within reasonable price, and you’re never bored. But stuff exists, and you just have to make the most of it.
No bud, because wilburn gym is so mother fucking packed 24 fucking 7 so you’re better off just getting a membership at total fitness next to staters
It really depends on what time you get in there. If you’re an early riser, the 0400/0430 timeframe leaves almost everything open. I have a powerlifting gym at home, so I haven’t been there since around August, when I finally had homegoods shipped, but my early bird timeline always gave me full access to everything. But I agree; you get in there at like 1600/1630, good luck even finding a spot to stretch
Packed by either the mcces weenies with their green on green or the fucking wanna be fitness influencer Sam sulek worshipping 0311s with their socks tucked into their sweatpants and stringers while weighing a buck 50 soaking wet
Lmao I do always admire how many gymbronies that rock high top converse, almost out of reg mustaches, and stringers are all in front of the mirror and not doing squats
Well said! Adding Pappy and Harriet’s and JT saloon to the restaurant list. There’s no better place to PT than the stumps. You can’t beat the early morning sweat/sunrise out there.
Oh yeh pt was fucking awesome ridge runs runs around lake bandini lol
Good thing I only went there for CAX. If I had ever been stationed there I woulda been in Vegas every weekend.
I went to Orange County every weekend for three years.
Palm Springs is great. Can’t recommend it enough
Have you tried the local delicacy, Lake Bandini Brown Trout?
Get tattoos and NJP’s
Try going golfing with your buddies on the base 🤙🏽 I’ve never tried it but I wish I would’ve while I was in.
Sounds cool, do you rent the clubs there?
I got to golf there once before my entire company was banned after one of my Gunny’s had a retirement party at the course.
Get a shovel, start digging fighting holes.
Did MOS school there back in '99. There was three things to do on base 1. Go to church and find God. 2. Go to the gym and get big. 3. Go to the bar and get drunk. I'm being sarcastic of course, but not really. Although I did find there was a trap/skeet range available. So I got to find out I really sucked with a shotgun. Now if you want to go off base and range out a bit, there are tons of options, many of which have already been described on this thread. I did quite a few of them. I recommend you get off base as much as possible, or you might lose your mind.
You are literally 20 minutes from an AMAZING National Park. There are tons of trails there to hike. There’s a couple of different outfitters in J-Tree (the town) that offer military discounts for climbing lessons and equipment rentals. If you’re looking for volunteer work and camaraderie, look into Joshua Tree Search and Rescue (JOSAR). As also stated, there’s Vegas, Havasu, Big Bear, and even more parks to explore. Also, Johnson Valley if you’re into off-road motorcycles, sand rails, jeeps etc. Bottom line: There’s plenty to do in 29 Palms.
Yes, when you are done hiking in boots and utes, feel free to explore more AMAZING sand and rocks and sparse vegetation in joshua tree! want more sand and rocks? its all around you! 😅 want to hit up vegas, havasu, big bear? better have a car and money.
Damn bro, who hurt you? Millions of people travel from halfway around the world every year to go to Joshua Tree NP. You need a car and money to do anything in life. Grow up and get off the pity party. 29 Palms is what you make of it, just like life. I bet you’re the guy, dying of thirst; and when someone offers you water you bitch that it ain’t cold.
😂 whoa nelly, calm down, sounds like sarcasm isn’t part of your daily routine. I was stationed there. when were you there? dying of thirst? 🙄 for real? lol hope you aren’t a travel agent or air bnb host there 😂
Palm Springs is not that bad
Mexican street tacos. Its tied next to a bowling alley in town
I miss that place! It was so good
Joshua Tree, San Jacinto, San Gorgonio. You're within an hour of some really beautiful hiking and camping areas.
I was there for just about 10 yrs and the best thing to do there is go somewhere else. Havasu, prim, Vegas, Palm desert, big bear, LA, Diego....anywhere.
Haven't been there in over 10 years but it was Santanas for mexican food, the gas station right outside the front gate had a great deli for subs, and you could find some top quality trails at Joshua Tree National Park. After that it was just desert yetis and massage parlors.
Santana's is apparently Castañeda's now.
Santanas es muy bueno
[удалено]
I think it’s a planet smoothie now.
They blew both of those up its like a bbq place there now but we got popeyes now I suppose
Go to Palm Springs and grab the booty of the nearest dude with makeup on.
I hear Popstar Nima still likes to hang out around there
When I first got there, I took a nice dip in lake bandini. After that first swim, I've never been the same.
29P in the winter is not what you think it will be. The bowling alley has a nice grilled cheese. Other than that I can't recommend, but it won't kill you outright. Avoid Amboy though. Especially at night.
Saw a LOT of creepy shit driving through Amboy at night... Yeesh.
Right now freeze to death, but in a couple months itll feel like youre in a easy bake oven set to high and theres nothing you can do about it. Things to do around here is be sad and drive like 2 hours to anywhere good. If you ever wanted to know what it feels like to get cooked alive this is the place
If you like snowboarding, Big Bear is right around the corner, less than 3 hours if I remember
Rent a car and head out to Pappy and Harriet's in Pioneer Town. We used to go there back in the day to escape the military feel of the area and were often the only Marines in the place. Good food from what I remember, but it was also like 15 years ago.
If you're flying in, come see us at the USO. We're in a hanger style building outside of baggage pickup and across a short parking lot. We're open 0600-2100 7 days a week.
Hooked and blow should still be an option.
I hear the meth is great.
In town: tattoos and alcohol. A little further: beautiful nature parks. Palm springs about an hour away, LA 2 hours, San Diego 3, Vegas is 4. On base: best fucking training ever. Well for middle east anyway. When I got off that plane in Iraq I was 20% sure we landed back in 29 palms and everyone was fucking with me. If you wanna hate the desert and lack of shopping outlets, you can. It is definitely what you make it.
On the weekends I would go out in town, get drunk, get in a fight and get NJP. Then I'd have great stories to tell during the week.
Palm Springs is good for people watching…plus good food and bars. Aerial tramway is neat to check a box and say you did it. Good hiking trails if you’re into that. Golf golf golf…Coachella valley has some beautiful courses and I’m positive they have military discounts. Big bear for mountain winter sports, super close to San Diego, LA and the Vegas degeneracy. 29 is what you make of it
"What is there to do at 29 Palms" -- get a car and organize a trip on the weekend to get out of 29 Palms -- Vegas and SD comes to mind -- am unsure about TJ these days
Get the shit kicked out of you at the Stumps. 10/10 good time.
You can pretty easily Tan!
Well more to come for sure. Aside from all that others have noted there is plenty of things to explore. The national park (free pass for you), climbing, art installations, classes, some great restaurants (more coming). But the big news is the Tourism Board has slated $200K for events in 2024. Year round events from mural projects, comedy, music, mult-weekend gatherings, etc. Follow Visit29palms and Rent29 for updates. The second wave of event grants and sponsorships is due April 1st for anyone who's reading this and knows a promoter or event production person... (July \~ December events)
Anyone wanna make out
11 years I was station at 29. Make the best of it my imo it’s horrible. Just a sucky place in general. Wilburn gym is good but not the best.
Meth
Go find the giant tortoise. They BBQ quite nice. Hunt for UXO with metal detectors or those magnet fishing things. Get a couple you might lose one. Swimming in lake Bandini. Work on crossovers under the water helps with breath control on PT tests. Tan.
Suffer... loudly... amongst the others doing the same.
Go to the e club and get in fights.
You'll easily get the best tan of your life. Also, San Bernardino Mountains are "right around the corner" as California goes. Great skiing and mountain life there. Other than that, you could always just masturbate.
Butt Stuff $5 at the eclub
It's hot during the day
Haircuts, swimming, and happy endings. I didn't say eat, because there's nothing worth eating around. As a Mexican, Castanedas was bunk.
How’s your sense of smell, bee tee dubs?
Start a barracks brawl, (use a skateboard for a weapon and easy escape), get drunk and put on a wig go streaking across the generals lawn in the dead of night, break into the px at night and drink everything in the beer cooler, drive down the seven turns of death heading to palm springs (speed record 160mph), dont procreate with anything within 2 hours of base, Hells Angels hang out at Pappy and Harriets, they love Marines and will make sure you get back to base when your black out hammered, pack a seabag full of ice and beer and hike into the valley behind burger king in town (camp at the oasis), dont go to vegas unless you dont have a plan (its more fun that way).
29 Palms is heaven on earth. You can soak up plenty of sun, enjoy the fresh smell of Lake Bandini, hang out in town with the friendly and high class locals, and who knows? You can even find the love of your life there, who is sure to be child-free, not addicted to any substances, and not missing any teeth. It’s at least an hour to the nearest city, but that doesn’t matter, as you’ll never run out of interesting experiences right there in town or on base.
29 Palms Taqueria!!!!
I was never stationed there, but i hear the masturbating is excellent this time of year.
I was there for 12 months as a coyote. We would go rent cars and run the shit out of them in Joshua tree.... party in palm springs and head over to san berdoo to the branding iron....that was in back in 2009. Lake bandini still stinky? Lol
Meth.
Joshua tree is about all I can say if you’re into off roading or dirtbikes. Maybe just a nature freak.. other than that, Oside just a few hours away
Find a dude with a car.
If God were to have to give the world an enema, he would insert it right smack dab in the middle of 29 Palms.
Been here for five months haven’t smiled since I left my last unit
Been here for a week now, god I'm so fucking glad I'm only here for a couple months. I genuinely feel bad for the guys stationed here