It’s no surprise that Southern California’s deserts draw many travelers with their otherworldly beauty. But if you want to avoid the crowds of Joshua Tree and Palm Springs—not to mention the hundreds of thousands who flock to the nearby Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival each year—there’s another destination to consider. Meet Twentynine Palms—a small community that offers a more local and affordable high desert getaway.

Twentynine Palms in California is a perfect getaway

This desert oasis is steeped in an artistic vibe, with exhibits and dozens of large-scale hand-painted murals everywhere you look. The Twentynine Palms Art Gallery offers rotating exhibits and art classes for adults and children, should you want to try your hand at creating a masterpiece. And just five miles from downtown, the Glass Outhouse Art Gallery offers some of the most unique artwork and folk art you’ll find in the landscape. (This includes a actually (Outdoor toilet made of glass, hence the name of the gallery.)

While Joshua Tree National Park and its abundance of natural beauty await just a few miles away, Twentynine Palms offers stunning nights and some of the best stargazing opportunities in America. Thanks to its wide skies and relatively low light pollution, the sky is full of stars at night and you can actually see other planets. There are monthly events around the new moon where visitors can view stars and deep sky objects through the Sky’s the Limit observatory’s telescope.

For a more private experience, book a private cabin or house at nearby Wonder Valley Hot Springs, where you’ll feel like you’re alone in the world. Or find a song-filled retreat with fire pits and live music at Ramsey 29—a 1940s motel that was converted into boutique splendor a few years ago. Combining luxury and wanderlust, the nine rooms and recently expanded suites are perfect retreats for high desert relaxation.

When it’s time to eat, avoid the chain restaurants and head to local favorites like classic all-day eatery John’s Place. Try homemade pub bites at quirky Grnd Sqrl, where Granny Smith apples and caramelized onion jam add a twist to the grilled cheese. And Kitchen in the Desert serves up a mix of New American and Trinidadian-inspired dishes. The famous jerk chicken is best enjoyed with a mezcal paloma on the expansive outdoor patio.

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This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com

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