Twentynine Palms, California - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

PFC Alexander Oliveira It is all in what you make of it. I spent over four years there, and I have to say after Okinawa, Japan, it was the best time I had while in the Marine Corps. Being 3 hours from LA, Las Vegas, and only an hour from Palm Springs was a godsend. Got a 96, off to Vegas. Want to go clubbing, Palm Springs was right there. I learned many of the back roads just cruising in my Mustang. If you enjoy outdoor stuff, there is also plenty to do. I would mountain bike trails and go up to Big Bear and do the wooded trails.

Just do not let the idea of living in a desert hold you back. Yes, there are precautions to take, always having water with you, a CB radio for areas with no cell coverage, and such, but you are only limited by yourself. If I had to move back to the US tomorrow, I would move to 29 Palms in a heartbeat.

This is also a great place to learn Rock Climbing in the Joshua Tree National Park area. People come there from all over the world for the unique Formations and Routes. It was harder when I was there as there were no local climbing stores. The Last I knew, one had been established in Joshua Tree, making it easier to meet other climbers and buy gear.
Doing stuff like that was one way I made any bad duty station better - find out why non-local/ non-Marines are in the area you're stationed and find out why. I also picked up many Dive certifications in Okinawa for the same reason.
SSgt Mark Lines gives some great answers also.

The endless search and rescue missions for idiots getting lost in the desert hiking, 4 wheeling or dirt bikes. Worst was the 4 guys in their wrecked jeep in an abandoned mine shaft. Guess they never saw it.