Joshua Tree · Nightlife

53688 Pioneertown Road, open 11am–11pm seven days with last dinner seating at 9:30pm. A barbecue joint on an old Western film set that books far bigger touring acts than the room suggests; ticketed shows sell out weeks ahead, so check the calendar before you drive the 30 minutes up from Joshua Tree.

61835 Twentynine Palms Highway, open 365 days a year, 11am to 11pm Sunday–Thursday and to midnight Friday–Saturday, kitchen closing at 10pm. Live music on the outside patio Friday to Sunday, open mic Sunday from 5pm, happy hour 3–6pm weekdays, and all ages until late.

Joshua Tree is a certified International Dark Sky Park and never closes, so you can drive in at midnight. Park in one of the four designated night areas — Quail Springs, Hidden Valley, Cap Rock or Ryan Mountain — and stay within 20 feet of your vehicle. Pinto Basin Road has the least traffic and darkest sky. Red lights only.

Volunteer-run non-profit at 9697 Utah Trail in Twentynine Palms, just outside the park's north entrance, with an observatory dome and a large telescope. Open days and most nights, with monthly programmes and stargazing sessions — check the upcoming-programs page or phone ahead, as it is staffed by volunteers.

Wood-fired pizza (roughly $12–27), beer and wine at 1141 Old Woman Springs Rd, Unit A, currently running 5–10pm by reservation — call ahead. The back room books punk, soul and rock bands, which is more than the strip-mall frontage lets on.