Did you know that you can drive about 2 hours from SouthOC and be walking down the Main Street of an old Western movie set? Pioneertown was built in 1946 in the middle of the desert, with the intent to film old western movies. The town is absolutely adorable and a must see. You could make it a side trip when visiting Palm Springs, or just come out to Pioneertown as a day trip from Orange County, We stop here every time we come out to Joshua Tree and find something new each visit. It is also Pioneertown’s 75th Anniversary this year. They had fun things planned during the weekends of 2021, but that is all pending how COVID plays out in California. Just make sure you have your mask on when entering Pioneertown.
One of my favorite things about Pioneertown, is that animals are welcome everywhere. As long as they are on a leash. So bring your pup and your mask and enjoy everything Pioneertown has to offer.
THINGS TO DO
Here is my suggestion…..start by ordering take out from Pappy & Harriet’s. Then take the kids and walk down Main Street. It’s only about 150 yards away. Check out the General Mercantile Store. Your kids will love this place, all sorts of fun things to look at and touch. Then move on down to Pioneertown Pottery and The Soap Goats Shop. If you are lucky the goats will be out for you to pet and feed. The little goats are only a year old and so fun to feed. At this point send the husband back to pick up your food, while you and the kids find a bench to enjoy your picnic lunch. After lunch, continue on down the main street and check out the Pioneertown General Store and the rest of the historical artifacts. Here is an interactive map to give you a lay of the land prior to your arrival. If you happen to be there on the weekends you might get to see some folks dressed up in old western attire hanging out on Main Street. Prior to COVID they used to put on Western shows, but those are currently on hold due the pandemic.
PLACES TO STAY
You can actually camp under the stars in Pioneertown. Camp sites are first come first serve. You can also check out the Pioneer Motel if sleeping under the stars isn’t you thing. Although the Motel was built back in the 1940’s so think small and charming rooms. Nothing big enough for a family of 5, but you could always get two rooms if your kids are old enough to stay in the room next door.
PLACES TO EAT
Pappy & Harriet’s is my favorite restaurant in Pioneertown. There food is absolutely delicious and I always order their TexMex bowl. I understand their BBQ is also out of this world. Currently they are only offering take out and it is also the only place to use the bathroom in Pioneertown.
The Red Dog is also open for take out and is located at the end of Main Street. We haven’t eaten here yet, but it too also seems to have a line every time we are passing through town.
DIRECTIONS & PARKING:
From Palm Springs, take the I-1o Freeway West for about 6 Miles. Head North onto California
Highway 62 Towards Twentynine Palms for about 2o Miles. Turn Left onto Pioneertown Road and continue for 5 miles. Downtown Pioneertown will be on your right hand side.
From Los Angeles, take the I-1o Freeway East for about 1oo Miles. Head North onto California
Highway 62 Towards Twentynine Palms for about 2o Miles. Turn Left onto Pioneertown Road and continue for 5 miles. Downtown Pioneertown will be on your right-hand side.
HOURS
Mane Street in Downtown Pioneertown is open and free to the public 365 days a year. You’ll find that the majority of the action in town happens during the weekends.
