10 Weird Things to Do in Joshua Tree

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you). This helps support and run my blog. I only recommend products I personally use and love. Thank you for your support.

Joshua Tree National Park is a stunning desert destination located just two hours east of Los Angeles in Southern California. Named for its iconic Joshua trees, the park features a unique and rugged landscape that attracts visitors from around the world. Beyond its natural beauty, the surrounding area is full of surprises, offering a mix of quirky attractions and small-town charm.

The nearby towns are perfect for exploration, with plenty of hidden gems and offbeat experiences waiting to be discovered. From eclectic art installations to fascinating local history, there’s always something new popping up. It’s no wonder I find myself returning time and time again. Read on to discover some of the most unique and sometimes just plain weird things to do in Joshua Tree.

Weird Things to Do in Joshua Tree:

1. The Beauty Bubble Salon & Museum

The Beauty Bubble Salon and Museum is a unique combination of a working hair salon and museum, curated by stylist and self-proclaimed “hair-storian” Jeff Hafler. Over the past 25 years, Hafler has amassed an impressive collection of more than 3,000 pieces of retro beauty memorabilia, all of which are displayed throughout his workspace. Highlights of the collection include antique hood dryers, vintage perm machines, wigs, styling books, and an array of charming knick-knacks.

Hafler is personable and enthusiastic, readily sharing stories and insights about his collection with visitors. While a hair appointment isn’t required to explore the displays, appointments are recommended if you wish to book a service. Salon services are available by appointment Sunday through Thursday and the museum is open to the public on Friday and Saturday.

61855 Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, CA 92252

2. Glass Outhouse Gallery

The Glass Outhouse Gallery is a hidden gem located a few miles outside of Twentynine Palms, near the east entrance of Joshua Tree National Park. Nestled in the desert, this unexpected art gallery has become increasingly popular since its opening in 2009. Founded and operated by artist Laurel Seidl, the gallery showcases a rotating selection of artwork, featuring new artists each month. It has gained international recognition, drawing both artists and collectors from around the globe.

The property surrounding the gallery is as interesting as the exhibits inside. Trails lined with glass bottles wind through a variety of whimsical outdoor art installations, creating a unique and interactive experience. A highlight of the site is the mirrored, fully functional outhouse that inspired the gallery’s name. Be sure to bring a camera to capture the many creative and quirky photo opportunities.

Admission to the Glass Outhouse Gallery is free, and it is open daily from 1 pm to 5 pm, except on Mondays.

77575 Twentynine Palms Highway, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

3. World Famous Crochet Museum

The World Famous Crochet Museum is a delightful and quirky attraction created in 2006 by Shari Elf, a local artist and avid crochet collector. Although Elf, co-founder of the Art Queen Complex, doesn’t crochet herself, her fascination with crocheted creations began in the early 1990s. Over the years, her growing collection was stored away until inspiration struck when she stumbled upon an old one-hour photo booth for sale. Recognizing its potential, Elf transformed the booth into the museum’s home, painting its exterior a vibrant lime green and installing custom shelving inside to display her treasures.

The whimsical collection features everything from crocheted dogs, clowns, and dolls to unicorns and beyond. The museum is tucked away near the Joshua Tree Saloon and Beauty Bubble Salon and Museum. To find it, enter through the front gate and continue toward the back of the lot.

Hours are 10 am to 6 pm and the visit is free of charge. Its compact size limits visitors to two at a time so be prepared to wait a bit on the weekends. The charming, one-of-a-kind museum is a must on this list of weird things to do in Joshua Tree.

61855 Highway 62, Joshua Tree, California

4. Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum

Noah Purifoy was a visual artist and sculptor whose work bridged the urban landscapes of Los Angeles and the stark beauty of Joshua Tree. In the 1980s, he relocated to Joshua Tree and devoted the final 15 years of his life to creating the Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum. Spanning 10 acres (4 hectares) in the Mojave Desert, the open-air museum features over 100 large-scale sculptures crafted from found objects and discarded materials. With limited resources, Purifoy sourced items like old furniture, broken electronics, and even a toilet, transforming them into thought-provoking works of art.

While his sculptures may initially seem random, each piece carries a deliberate meaning, often addressing social and political themes. Purifoy chose the desert as his canvas with intention, believing that the natural decay caused by the elements would add depth and evolution to his work over time.

Today, the Noah Purifoy Foundation oversees the museum, which remains a testament to his creativity and vision. Visitors are welcome to explore the site independently or join a guided tour for deeper insights. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, the museum is free to visit, offering an inspiring and immersive experience in the heart of the desert.

63030 Blair Lane, Joshua Tree, California 9225

5. Giant Saguaro Cacti

A towering Saguaro cactus stands in front of a barbershop on Twentynine Palms Highway in Yucca Valley, an interesting and unexpected sight for visitors. While there were once two cacti, only one remains standing today, a giant that reaches about 15 feet (4.5 meters) tall.

This cactus, clearly quite old, has become a local landmark over the years. Its roadside presence adds a fun touch to the area, making it a popular stop for those traveling between Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree.

56158 29 Palms Hwy, Yucca Valley, CA 92284

6. Desert Christ Park

Desert Christ Park is a serene sculpture garden spanning 3.5 acres (1.4 hectares) on a hillside overlooking Yucca Valley. The park’s origins date back to the late 1940s when Reverend Eddie Garver, founder of the Yucca Valley Community Church, envisioned creating a Christian-themed space as a symbol of peace following the end of WWII. His vision aligned with that of Frank Antone Martin, a Los Angeles sculptor who had long dreamed of building a monumental Christ statue on the rim of the Grand Canyon. When state restrictions prevented Martin’s original plan, Garver offered him land in Yucca Valley to bring his vision to life.

The first sculpture, a 10-foot-tall “Resurrected Christ” made from three tons of steel-reinforced concrete, was transported from Los Angeles and installed in 1951. Over the following decade, Martin added more than 35 biblical figures across the hillside, including the Twelve Apostles, Mary, and a striking 125-ton façade of “The Last Supper.”

In 1992, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake caused significant damage to the park, leaving many sculptures missing limbs or heads. Despite this, the Desert Christ Park Foundation, a non-profit organization, has worked to preserve and restore the site. Open daily until dusk and operating solely on donations, Desert Christ Park remains a peaceful and reflective destination, blending artistry, history, and a message of enduring hope.

56200 Sunnyslope Dr, Yucca Valley, CA 92284

7. Pioneertown

Pioneertown is a charming, unincorporated town located just outside of Joshua Tree. It has a fascinating history rooted in Hollywood’s golden age and is one of my personal favorites on this list of weird things to do in Joshua Tree. Established in 1946 as an old Western movie set, it was the brainchild of a group of Hollywood actors, including Roy Rogers and Gene Autry.

Unlike traditional sets, Pioneertown was designed to be both functional and interactive, featuring a street of 1880s-style facades called Mane Street (intentionally spelled with an “e”). This unique concept allowed visitors to immerse themselves in a Wild West experience. During the 1940s and 1950s, the town was a filming location for more than 50 movies and TV shows, including Annie Oakley and The Cisco Kid.

Today, Mane Street remains the heart of Pioneertown, featuring iconic Western-style facades of stables, jails, and saloons, alongside a functioning motel. It’s an excellent spot for photography and a brief escape into Western nostalgia. Pioneer Bowl, the town’s historic bowling alley was recently restored and is now open Thursday through Saturday evenings.

The town is accessible 365 days/ year but is most lively on weekends when it’s shops and attractions are open to visitors.

5040 Curtis Road, Pioneertown, CA, 92268

8. Pappy & Harriet’s

Pappy & Harriet’s is a surprising gem tucked away in the desert, blending history, music, and a unique Western charm. Originally built as a facade in 1946 as part of Pioneertown’s movie set, the location served as a “cantina” backdrop for numerous Western films. In 1972, it was transformed into a functioning biker-friendly cantina, but it didn’t become popular until it reopened as Pappy & Harriet’s in 1982.

Named after its then-owners, Pappy & Harriet’s quickly became a family-friendly spot, celebrated for its hearty food and live music. In 2003, the venue entered a new era when it was purchased by two New Yorkers who elevated its reputation as an incredible music venue. They preserved the rustic Western atmosphere, introduced a menu filled with delicious BBQ, and began booking high-profile musical acts.

The venue’s reputation soared as it gained national attention, being named a “Top Ten Hidden Gem of the Country” by Billboard Magazine and featured on Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations. While it hosts open-mic nights and a weekly house band, its allure lies in the big names that have graced its stage, including Paul McCartney, Robert Plant, Sean Lennon, and Eagles of Death Metal.

Today, Pappy & Harriet’s is a must-visit for music lovers. If you’re planning a trip to Joshua Tree, I highly recommend checking the calendar and purchasing show tickets well in advance. They tend to sell out quickly. And, if there isn’t anything on the calendar that interests you, visit anyway. The food and atmosphere alone are worth it. A reservation for dinner is recommended, although not required.

53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown, CA 92268

9. Skull Rock

Skull Rock is one of the most popular attractions within Joshua Tree National Park, captivating visitors with its distinctive shape. Over time, rainwater has collected and eroded the granite, creating depressions that resemble hollowed-out eye sockets, giving the massive rock its skull-like appearance. Conveniently located alongside the park’s road, Skull Rock is easily accessible, with ample roadside parking available.

While it’s often treated as a quick photo stop, it’s worth taking the time to explore the surrounding area. Nearby, you’ll find the Skull Rock Nature Loop, a scenic 1.7-m (2.7 km) trail that winds through an impressive landscape of massive rock formations. This easy trail begins across from the entrance to Jumbo Rocks Campground and offers a closer look at the unique geology and desert scenery that make Joshua Tree National Park so special.

10. Integratron

The Integratron is located in Landers, about 30 minutes outside of Joshua Tree. The fascinating architectural and acoustic wonder has a unique history rooted in science, spirituality, and the desert landscape. Constructed in the 1950s by George Van Tassel, an aviation engineer and ufologist, the structure was designed as a time machine and rejuvenation device, inspired by a blend of Nikola Tesla’s theories and extraterrestrial guidance.

Today, the Integratron is renowned for its unparalleled acoustics, hosting “Sound Baths” that combine meditative sessions with the soothing vibrations of quartz crystal singing bowls. The dome’s location in the desert adds to its mystique, drawing visitors seeking relaxation, healing, or simply a unique experience. Open Monday through Wednesday every week. Check the Intergratan site for events.

2477 Belfield Blvd., Landers, CA 92285

Where to Stay in Joshua Tree

Pioneertown Motel
The Pioneertown Motel is a charming, Instagram-worthy place to stay near Joshua Tree. Constructed 1946 as part of Pioneertown, it once hosted Western movie stars. It has since been renovated with updated amenities. Each room features unique touches like books, card games, and desert-inspired decor. Just 20 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park and steps from Mane Street, it’s a convenient and stylish base for exploring the area.

Sacred Sands
Sacred Sands is one of Joshua Tree’s more upscale properties and is located just one mile from Joshua Tree’s West Entrance. The boho-chic guesthouse is made up of just two rooms. Each has a large indoor shower, outdoor shower, and outdoor soaking tubs. The rooms have other nice touches, such as a record player and patios with mountain views.

AutoCamp Joshua Tree
AutoCamp Joshua Tree offers a unique and stylish glamping experience just minutes from Joshua Tree National Park. Featuring sleek Airstream suites and modern cabins, the property combines comfort with desert charm. Guests can enjoy amenities like a pool, clubhouse, fire pits, and stargazing under the clear desert sky. It’s the perfect retreat for those seeking some relaxation in a beautiful natural setting.

These are just a few of the unique and weird things to do in Joshua Tree has to offer. The area is full of hidden gems, making it easy to fill an entire day with exploration. However, it’s essential to plan your route in advance, as cell service is unreliable in the desert. Proper preparation ensures you can fully enjoy your adventure while staying safe.

Have you been to Joshua Tree? I would love to hear about your favorite weird things to do in Joshua Tree. If you’ve enjoyed this post, please leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Planning a trip to Joshua Tree National Park? Continue to my post, “The Perfect Weekend Guide to Joshua Tree National Park“.