Pioneertown was first conceived as a movie set in 1940 with the special feature that all the buildings had to be functional and not just for show. That’s why the place was immediately conceived as a real living city in the middle of the desert in California. Therefore, Pioneertown could be used by the actors (even as a place to stay overnight) who had to work on film productions without wasting time traveling. In the immediate vicinity, there were few accommodations. Today there are just over 300 people living there, but during the weekends from April to October, Pioneertown’s Mane St comes alive. Tourists come to see the western-themed events that are scheduled.
Contents
Where is Pioneertown
Whether you’re coming from the east or the west, you will have to drive along Twentynine Palms Highway until you reach the small town called Yucca Valley, where you’ll take Pioneertown Rd and continue for a little over 4 miles. You’ll be driving on a California Scenic Drive, which, contrary to the name, is not among the most beautiful California scenic roads.
What to Do in Pioneertown
Don’t expect to find a multitude of attractions in Pioneertown. In fact, its strong point is its ghost town atmosphere of the Far West. Once you’ve parked your car (or rental car) in the large parking lot, definitely walk down Mane St, the unpaved main street of the town lined with historic buildings. 
When walking along this dusty street, especially when there are not many tourists around, it feels like you are back in the Wild West. Depending on which day of the week you visit Pioneertown you may be completely alone (like I was when I went) or you may be surrounded by many tourists who come to watch the historical reenactments.
On the second and fourth Saturday of each month (check the official website for any changes in the schedule), the Wild West makes a comeback again thanks to a troupe of enthusiasts and actors. Pappy and Harriet’s is a local/restaurant that has character that serves great food. There you will always find entertainment and great live music. Speaking of live music, Paul McCartney played a few small concerts here in 2016.
Do you want to know if you will have the chance to see someone famous in Pioneertown? Or do you simply want to check out the concerts to see if you find anything interesting taking place during your trip? All you have to do is click on the link below.
Concerts at Pappy and Harriet’s
Image Gallery
Things to Do Near Pioneertown
If you’re a fan of ghost towns in California, you should definitely visit Bodie and Calico, even though they’re not near Pioneertown. However, here are three attractions that are relatively close to Pioneertown:
- Joshua Tree National Park: This park, which is one of the most famous national parks in the United States, is just a short drive from Pioneertown, so it can definitely be a perfect opportunity to include these two stops on your California itinerary.
- Palm Springs: An oasis in the middle of the desert in California that with its peculiar adobe architecture attracts tourists and curious passersby with unique adobe architecture. There is no shortage of villas that belong to famous people, such as Frank Sinatra, who over the years have decided to make Palm Springs their residence or one of their vacation spots. Also, you absolutely must visit Indian Canyons. Given the wide range of hotels in Palm Springs, it can also be a convenient strategic point.
- Desert Christ Park: This is a very unusual attraction that attracts lovers of kitsch things as well as Christians. If you think that these two categories of people can’t coexist go directly to see for yourself. The Desert Christ Park can be defined as a true Christian theme park founded by the Reverend Eddie Garver in the ’50s. More than fifty Christological and religious statues made entirely by hand are scattered throughout 5 acres of land. Admission is free.
Where to Stay in Pioneertown
If you want to spend the night in Pioneertown, the only choice you’ll have is the quaint Pioneertown Motel. Built specifically to house movie stars in the Hollywood films being made in this location, today its convenient location is available to all tourists who want to breathe as much as possible the western atmosphere of Pioneertown.
I personally had the opportunity to stay overnight in a nearby town called Twentynine Palms and at the Sunnyvale Garden Suites Hotel which offers real apartments equipped with a kitchen in a characteristic western-themed environment with a well-kept garden. In case these two solutions are not right for you, click on the link below you can find all the hotels near Pioneertown and Joshua Tree National Park.
