Pioneertown

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  • TCO
    Riverside, California186 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Quick Drive
    The town has shops and a motel. It is very small. There is also a saloon. Businesses weren’t open yet, maybe we went too early. We wanted to get there while the temperature was still cool which was about 9am when we got there. We walked around and took some pictures. No public restroom building except for a portable. So be aware of this. If there was one, we didn’t see it. There is also a campsite within the town. Overall, it was a short drive for us. Don’t expect too much when you come here but it’s a good detour.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 17, 2023
  • DemiHale1
    2,164 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Disappointing Pioneertown
    Had high hopes for a fun interesting day after reading about this place near Palm Springs-plenty of free parking but only a few shops were open, and the wild west show was cute but not great. No public bathrooms but there is a bar we went to The Red Dog Saloon-service and food and drinks were just okay nothing special and pricey for what it was- Some animals for petting/feeding looked like they had seen better days sadly. This place was used for many movies apparently, but it needs some better management and tlc. Stop if you are nearby but I don't recommend going out of your way to visit.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written November 12, 2023
  • familymanBoston_MASS
    Boston, Massachusetts112 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Movie History - great visit!
    We visited on Christmas Day and it was fantastic. Only a few shops open - but the history here is compelling. We really enjoyed seeing the old Western buildings, photo opportunities, and just walking around the town. People were exceptionally friendly - and we'd love to go back when everything is open. Very glad we visited!!
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 26, 2023
  • Dragon789wv
    Thousand Oaks, California2,267 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Glimpse of the past
    We were attending an exhibition in Yucca Valley, and decided to venture around the area, and Pioneertown was one of two major attractions that appealed to us. After we arrived there after a 3+ hr drive, we had lunch at Pappy & Harriet's restaurant. It is a working town, with many businesses opened for visitors to browse around. We wandered around the town for about 2 hours - it's about 2 block total, but very interesting in the different sites, stores and businesses. It's worth going there at least once to see what a movie 'town' has become.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written January 23, 2024
  • dena f
    California299 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    The "Jusk OK" Corral
    Cute little iconic old west town like in the movies but really only good for a couple of pictures. The "old shops" are sublet to local merchants that had expensive vintage clothes and local artists' works when we visited. Going with little kids we were hoping more for a general store like feel so it was a little disappointing. We enjoyed a short time here but wouldn't really recommend anyone go out of their way to visit. We read that sometimes on the weekends there are events that make the scenery come to life but when we visited there wasn't much going on.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written March 13, 2024
  • Kelly D
    8 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Pioneer Town and Red Dog
    Cute, I’d only visit is you combine the trip with other visits to Joshua tree etc… only takes an half hour or so to walk through all the little stores. Red dog had a nice selection of cocktails and a very good DJ and music when we visited. They’re so friendly and laid back! Cool Cali vibes!
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 13, 2024
  • Mark M
    Newcastle-under-Lyme, United Kingdom367 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Yeehaw
    Really enjoyed our visit here, it was a fair drive out to get there so I would combine this with other things if you can. It's just a wonderful place to look around, it takes you back in time, great picture opportunities and some wonderful little shops to look around. It's in the Californian desert so when we went (and probably most of the time) it was boiling hot! Loads of parking for all and we stopped in the saloon which had air conditioning for a nice little break. I just think the photos speak for themselves
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written June 29, 2024
  • Sightseer820899
    Fort Myers, Florida8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An afternoon in the Old West
    This was a day trip for us from Palm Desert. The authentic artifacts were worth the trip. Anyone who enjoys old westerns would appreciate the memorabilia. The shops were original and unique. Lunch at Pappy and Harriets was delish, as well as a stroll into the old west. I wouldn’t miss it!
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written July 4, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles295 reviews
Excellent
93
Very good
93
Average
72
Poor
26
Terrible
11

Connie M
Fort Wayne, IN103 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
We stopped at Pioneertown on a cold day in February. Just one shop was open. I can see how it would be fun when the place is full of people and the businesses are open, but we made a special drive to see this place and it was a dud.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Robby G C
Toronto, Canada81,657 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
We didn't knew when they would use pistols to attract people.

We arrived too late.

However, all the buildings were intact. We could imagine how the gunners fell and how they used with pistols.

I liked coming at 6 P.M. We were not the only ones.

Everybody enjoyed looking at the wooden buildings. We took our time and imagined that we were in the past. However, if we were in the past, we probably would run away.

They put together several buildings: Film museum,Trading Post, Newspapers, Saloon, Pottery, a hotel. All was made in wood.

Telegraph, bank, saddlery,restroom, hay and feed and wagons.

We walked enjoying the view and the other tourists enjoyed that too.

What a nice walk amidst an old town.

A must see!
Written April 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

HAV847
USA360 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2022
Not worth your time. While the vistas surrounding the drive up to Pioneertown were terrific, once there is a disappointment. The sole restaurant/BBQ joint is packed beyond belief and will not accept reservations. Consequently, you've got a ton of people milling around the parking lot, waiting 2+ hours for a table. Not cool!! We opted to leave and got great sandwiches at the local grocery store, and then drove to Joshua Tree National Park instead.
Written March 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

djphaneuf
San Diego, CA273 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2022 • Couples
I can see how this might have been and could be a fun place to visit but it was pretty boring and not well kept. First thing is that after a long drive you might think there would be a restroom but the few porta potties were associated with businesses that were not open and had been locked to prohibit use. One that I did eventually find was as disgusting as any I have seen and had no paper. Red Dog Saloon was the only place to go. Pappy and Harriet’s was not open until 5 and the workers we talked to were pretty rude and offered no advice. We went back there for dinner at 5:45 and the wait was one hour and 45 min. There were really no dining choices here except it looked like some take out at the Red Dog. Seems I have spent a lot of time writing about porta potties but that might be the most interesting thing to review. Ok place to stretch your legs and walk around. Maybe they do more on weekends.
Written February 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

845beatriz
Arcadia, CA129 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2021
This is a fun place to visit if you want to get a taste of living in the old West. It's an old movie set that has remained somewhat authentic. The buildings have been converted into shops that showcase Southwest type products. There is a Museum and shops with plenty to see and scheduled Western show in the center of town.
Written August 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DemiHale1
United States2,164 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Family
Had high hopes for a fun interesting day after reading about this place near Palm Springs-plenty of free parking but only a few shops were open, and the wild west show was cute but not great. No public bathrooms but there is a bar we went to The Red Dog Saloon-service and food and drinks were just okay nothing special and pricey for what it was- Some animals for petting/feeding looked like they had seen better days sadly. This place was used for many movies apparently, but it needs some better management and tlc. Stop if you are nearby but I don't recommend going out of your way to visit.
Written November 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mark Attisha
Vancouver, Canada90 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023 • Family
Pioneertown is a short drive from Palm Springs and worth a visit.

Nestled in the high desert amongst Joshua trees, it is a small little street filled with mock houses apparently used as backgrounds for the old timey TV and movie westerns back in the day.

It’s a short three block strip that is fun, especially if you have younger kids. There are goats available to gawk at, along with turkeys and other livestock.

It can sometimes be cold up there so consider bringing a jacket or fleece, just in case.

Lots of review sites talk about stopping off at Pappy and Harriet’s for a burger and beer when you visit. If you want to do that, too, put your name down upon arrival and before you look at the town. The wait for a table in the roadhouse can be quite long.
Written March 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

waynefromcali
Yucaipa, CA4,508 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2021 • Friends
Pioneertown in scenic Yucca California is a great time and definitely worth a visit!
They have an entire,historical old west mining town with historical buildings galore!They also have some shops,a Pioneertown Bowl,a saloon or two and plenty of free parking! Great for photos and 'IG's! The town of Yucca Valley nearby has tons of food,drink,shopping,dervices and things to see and do so it makes for a grest day for families,couples,teens and seniors!
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Written January 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mudtrek
Springfield, IL27 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2021 • Family
If you’re in the area, this is a fun little stop. The history of this town is interesting and gives visitors a fun glimpse at what a Wild West town may have looked like. If you’re interested in the history of the place, read online beforehand. There is a little museum when you enter but it was basic. There were a few shops open when we visited but most buildings were closed. We enjoyed the picnic lunch we brought, stretched our legs with a stroll down the street, and our kids bought a few trinkets. Cute stop as an add-on to other local destinations.
Written September 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dragon789wv
Thousand Oaks, CA2,267 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Family
We were attending an exhibition in Yucca Valley, and decided to venture around the area, and Pioneertown was one of two major attractions that appealed to us.
After we arrived there after a 3+ hr drive, we had lunch at Pappy & Harriet's restaurant.
It is a working town, with many businesses opened for visitors to browse around.
We wandered around the town for about 2 hours - it's about 2 block total, but very interesting in the different sites, stores and businesses.
It's worth going there at least once to see what a movie 'town' has become.
Written January 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Pioneertown - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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