Oddities and Curiosities for the Wanderlust
Oddities and Curiosities
Visiting the Coachella Valley and in the mood for something unique? Are you a wanderlust that enjoys the roads less traveled? Or perhaps you were a little too boogie in Palm Springs this weekend? Now with your wallet feeling a little light but you’re still craving for adventure. We got you covered. The best part is that most of this is free or extremely easy on the wallet! Beginning from La Quinta and heading down HWY 111, you will reach every single one of these spots which makes for a perfect day trip. This guidebook will fill your day and is perfect for those who loves wacky and unusual places or crave something a little different.
Are you bananas for bananas? A buck to enter and free if you purchase something. That is if you can catch them while they’re open.
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International Banana Museum
98775 CA-111Are you bananas for bananas? A buck to enter and free if you purchase something. That is if you can catch them while they’re open.
An old town ravaged by the demise of the Salton Sea. Once a marina is now a community center and gym. Free to visit! They have picnic tables, great views of the sea, a fire pit, restrooms and drinking fountains. A wonderful spot to have a picnic while taking in some beautiful sights and the occasional not so beautiful smells.
North Shore Beach and Yacht Club
99155 Sea View DrAn old town ravaged by the demise of the Salton Sea. Once a marina is now a community center and gym. Free to visit! They have picnic tables, great views of the sea, a fire pit, restrooms and drinking fountains. A wonderful spot to have a picnic while taking in some beautiful sights and the occasional not so beautiful smells.
A favorite of mine. Once a booming tourist town that flooded so bad they had to move the entire town higher. In fact it is considered the lowest community in the entire US (223 ft below sea level). As the Salton Sea evaporated so did everyone else. It’s recently become home to a niche of artists that have transformed multiple properties and run down trailers into art. Now home to the annual Bombay Beach Biennial that attracts artists from all over. The festival features temporary and many permanent art pieces that transform the community year after year. Its great to visit any time. It’s a unique and apocalyptic vibe. All free to explore 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Please respect the artwork/properties and leave everything as you found it.
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Bombay Beach
A favorite of mine. Once a booming tourist town that flooded so bad they had to move the entire town higher. In fact it is considered the lowest community in the entire US (223 ft below sea level). As the Salton Sea evaporated so did everyone else. It’s recently become home to a niche of artists that have transformed multiple properties and run down trailers into art. Now home to the annual Bombay Beach Biennial that attracts artists from all over. The festival features temporary and many permanent art pieces that transform the community year after year. Its great to visit any time. It’s a unique and apocalyptic vibe. All free to explore 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Please respect the artwork/properties and leave everything as you found it.
An old military base called Camp Dunlap that was dismantled in the 50’s. All that’s left are the slabs to the old buildings. Hence the name. Today it is considered a off-grid, free to stay anywhere and as long as you want given you follow simple rules. Total hippy vibe. Take only a spot that’s not already taken. Mark your boundaries with anything and everyone will respect that space as yours for as long as you occupy it. Some consider is lawless and I can tell you it is not. The community does a good job at vetting the bad. No one will be hurt or murdered but if you are a bad seed, you may find your camp burned down one day. They usually leave their cars unscathed so they have a way to leave. Also there’s a police station very close and the area is constantly patrolled. Just about every resident is extremely friendly and willing to chat. Feel free to drive around and check out the awesome setups some folks have. Ask many questions, it’s easy to make friends here. Also, if you decide to camp, there’s a natural hot springs open 24 hours a day and an active military base behind Slab City constantly testing various weapons which makes for some fantastic night time light shows in the sky.
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Slab City
An old military base called Camp Dunlap that was dismantled in the 50’s. All that’s left are the slabs to the old buildings. Hence the name. Today it is considered a off-grid, free to stay anywhere and as long as you want given you follow simple rules. Total hippy vibe. Take only a spot that’s not already taken. Mark your boundaries with anything and everyone will respect that space as yours for as long as you occupy it. Some consider is lawless and I can tell you it is not. The community does a good job at vetting the bad. No one will be hurt or murdered but if you are a bad seed, you may find your camp burned down one day. They usually leave their cars unscathed so they have a way to leave. Also there’s a police station very close and the area is constantly patrolled. Just about every resident is extremely friendly and willing to chat. Feel free to drive around and check out the awesome setups some folks have. Ask many questions, it’s easy to make friends here. Also, if you decide to camp, there’s a natural hot springs open 24 hours a day and an active military base behind Slab City constantly testing various weapons which makes for some fantastic night time light shows in the sky.
One of my favorite natural hot springs and is the best part about camping at Slab City. Clothing Optional. Most use the hot springs nude. Frequented by Slab City residents and locals. A total hippy vibe. I’ve met some of the most interesting people here. Search Barraza Hot Springs on Google Maps. When heading North on Beal road, look for the “Slab City Art Gift Shop” sign. Turn into there and feel free to pull right up to the hot springs. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Completely free. Please use the platform or ladder to prevent further erosion of the walls.
Slab City Hot Springs
543 Beal RdOne of my favorite natural hot springs and is the best part about camping at Slab City. Clothing Optional. Most use the hot springs nude. Frequented by Slab City residents and locals. A total hippy vibe. I’ve met some of the most interesting people here. Search Barraza Hot Springs on Google Maps. When heading North on Beal road, look for the “Slab City Art Gift Shop” sign. Turn into there and feel free to pull right up to the hot springs. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Completely free. Please use the platform or ladder to prevent further erosion of the walls.
A once small structure has become an art installation the literal size of a mountain. 28+ years in the making and ever transforming, it is a must see! Please be careful climbing the structure and follow all signs! Free to visit. Donations accepted.
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救世山
603 Beal RdA once small structure has become an art installation the literal size of a mountain. 28+ years in the making and ever transforming, it is a must see! Please be careful climbing the structure and follow all signs! Free to visit. Donations accepted.
Ones trash is another’s treasure. You will find many treasures here created from unique mediums that one may have once considered trash but now has new intrinsic value as artwork sculptures. Free to visit. Donations accepted in the form of money or ice cold beer.
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東耶穌
E Jesus RdOnes trash is another’s treasure. You will find many treasures here created from unique mediums that one may have once considered trash but now has new intrinsic value as artwork sculptures. Free to visit. Donations accepted in the form of money or ice cold beer.
Such a cool spot to remind us of the natural geothermal and seismic power hidden beneath the surface. That’s why there’s so many hot springs in the area. Sure there are signs not to enter. I’ve never seen anyone follow that. However, be careful where you step, you can be badly burned if you fall into a vent, although it’s quite obvious where they are as they will be bubbling and steaming.
Davis Road and Schrimpf Road in Calipatria. Search on Google Maps “Old Mud Pots”
Old Mud Pots
Such a cool spot to remind us of the natural geothermal and seismic power hidden beneath the surface. That’s why there’s so many hot springs in the area. Sure there are signs not to enter. I’ve never seen anyone follow that. However, be careful where you step, you can be badly burned if you fall into a vent, although it’s quite obvious where they are as they will be bubbling and steaming.
Davis Road and Schrimpf Road in Calipatria. Search on Google Maps “Old Mud Pots”
Holtville Hot Springs
3700 Evan Hewes HwyNatural hot springs maintained and used by local residents
If grandma needs a little convincing to to join the family on the Joshua Tree trip, be sure to include this on your itinerary!
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World Famous Crochet Museum
61855 CA-62If grandma needs a little convincing to to join the family on the Joshua Tree trip, be sure to include this on your itinerary!
TOTALLY BLOWN
61855 Twentynine Palms HighwayForgetting a piece for that all important photo shoot in Joshua Tree? Look no further!
Coyote Corner
6535 Park BlvdFun gift shop in the heart of Joshua Tree
The Salton Sea is dying a slow death. Go learn about the history and watch their video about how the sea was accidentally created! It’s also located -228 ft below sea level which is one of the lowest points on land in the US.
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Salton Sea Visitor Center
100-255 State Park RdThe Salton Sea is dying a slow death. Go learn about the history and watch their video about how the sea was accidentally created! It’s also located -228 ft below sea level which is one of the lowest points on land in the US.
Food scene
Many locals regard this as the best date shakes in the area. Date Shakes is a must try when in the Coachella Valley, it is a local favorite! Located in Thermal right off HWY 111.
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Oasis Date Gardens
59-111 Grapefruit BlvdMany locals regard this as the best date shakes in the area. Date Shakes is a must try when in the Coachella Valley, it is a local favorite! Located in Thermal right off HWY 111.
This is the spot to be for locals of Bombay Beach. Maybe it’s because it’s the only bar/restaurant in town. I’ve even see the local sheriffs and border patrol agents frequent there. A divey scene. Good ol’ comfort food and interesting people.
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Ski Inn
9596 Avenue AThis is the spot to be for locals of Bombay Beach. Maybe it’s because it’s the only bar/restaurant in town. I’ve even see the local sheriffs and border patrol agents frequent there. A divey scene. Good ol’ comfort food and interesting people.
Is this a fluke? Who in their right mind would recommend gas station fried chicken? Honestly I’ve only every seen Krispy Krunch Chicken in gas stations and always thought it was sketchy. Then I had it one day and never looked back. It’s consistently fantastic fried chicken and biscuits. Like way better than KFC and Popeyes. Don’t knock it till you try it.
Krispy Krunchy Chicken
43411 Monroe StreetIs this a fluke? Who in their right mind would recommend gas station fried chicken? Honestly I’ve only every seen Krispy Krunch Chicken in gas stations and always thought it was sketchy. Then I had it one day and never looked back. It’s consistently fantastic fried chicken and biscuits. Like way better than KFC and Popeyes. Don’t knock it till you try it.
Be sure to dine at this historic old Wild West themed restaurant on your trip to Pioneertown!
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Pappy & Harriet's
53688 Pioneertown RdBe sure to dine at this historic old Wild West themed restaurant on your trip to Pioneertown!
Old desert vibes in this awesome bar & grill. Popular with locals and tourists alike!
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Joshua Tree Saloon
61835 Twentynine Palms HighwayOld desert vibes in this awesome bar & grill. Popular with locals and tourists alike!
Sightseeing
Big rocks, majestic Joshua trees, dangerous cacti and one of the most Instagrammable places for wandering millennials
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喬舒亞樹國家公園
Big rocks, majestic Joshua trees, dangerous cacti and one of the most Instagrammable places for wandering millennials