11 Unique Things to do in Joshua Tree

This guide to unique things to do in Joshua Tree will share the most unique things to do in Joshua Tree outside the national park.

Joshua Tree is known for many things including its abundance of Joshua Trees and rock formations. More recently, the town is known for its weird and quirky local attractions.

From hillsides dotted with statues of Jesus to art made from toilets, you’ll find all sorts of unique things to do in Joshua Tree.

As a southern California local I have visited Joshua Tree dozens of times. There’s just something about the Southern California desert that keeps calling me back.

Also, as a new digital nomad I recently had the opportunity to spend an entire month living in Joshua Tree and was able to get to know the area better than ever.

If you’re curious, I absolutely loved living in Joshua Tree for the month and I highly recommend it if you’re able to live a location independent lifestyle.

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Table of Contents

Unique Things to do in Joshua Tree

As mentioned above, for this guide I’ll be sharing all the most unique things to do outside the national park. However, I have also written a Joshua Tree Itinerary that will take you to all the best places inside Joshua Tree National Park.

A few of my favorite spots inside the park include Skull Rock, Arch Rock, Cap Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, Keys View, Hall of Horrors, Hidden Valley Nature Trail, and Ryan Mountain Trail. The Barker Dam trail is also very popular.

If you’re curious about the best time to visit Joshua Tree I recommend anytime except summer. Fall and spring will be the most popular, but I loved visiting in the winter as well. Winter has fewer crowds so it’s easier to enjoy both the park and local attractions.

If you’re feeling adventurous, a summer visit can be okay as well if you’re willing to get up at sunrise to get your exploring in. Summer temperatures in Joshua Tree will often top 100 degrees (F).

Lodging options in and around Joshua Tree come in all shapes and sizes. The most popular accommodations include campgrounds such as Jumbo Rocks Campground or Hidden Valley Campground.

Joshua Tree is also one of the most saturated AirBnB markets in the country. So if you’re looking for a unique AirBnB stay here you can surely find one. Expect to find prices ranging from somewhat affordable to absolutely ridiculous. You’ll want to book early to avoid disappointment.

Okay, let’s get to all those unique things to do in Joshua Tree.

1. Desert Christ Park

Desert Christ Park was just up the street from me while I was living in Joshua Tree and I was honestly quite fascinated by the place.

Sitting on a hillside overlooking Yucca Valley, Desert Christ Park features over 40 giant sculptures of Jesus enacting important scenes from his life and teachings.

This 5 acre park was established in 1951 and is open to the public free of charge, though donations are accepted and appreciated.

Desert Christ Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset and there is ample parking in the adjacent parking lot.

2. Crochet Museum

Located just next door to the Joshua Tree Saloon, this quirky little attractions is a must see during your visit to Joshua Tree.

This small museum is dedicated to keeping the art of crochet relevant and alive. From intricate art pieces to quirky souvenirs, there’s plenty of unique crochet pieces to see.

While the art of crochet has been around for centuries, the Crochet Museum was founded with the mission of preserving this ancient art form and making sure that it remains relevant today.

The Crochet Museum houses an impressive collection of crocheted items from all over the world. There are handmade garments from traditional African tribes, intricately crafted sculptures made from thread, and even quirky souvenirs like crocheted cacti and llamas.

The Crochet Museum is located at Art Queen a local art gallery run by local artist Shari Elf.

Admission to Art Queen and the Crochet Museum is free of charge. There is a gift shop onsite if you’d like to support the gallery.

3. The Station

The Station is a quirky souvenir shop located along the busy Twentynine Palms Highway in Joshua Tree.

The gift shop is located in a transformed 1949 Richfield service station that now sells souvenirs, t-shirts, Mexican blankets, gifts, jewelry, vintage items, and other unique trinkets.

Even if you’re not looking for a souvenir, The Station makes for an interesting stop as you explore Joshua Tree and the surrounding area.

The Station is open Thursday to Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

4. Outdoor Desert Art Museum

The Outdoor Desert Art Museum was one of my favorite stops on this list of unique things to do in Joshua Tree.

The outdoor museum features the work of artist Noah Purifoy, who died in 2004. Purifoy is perhaps best known for the sculpture he created out of charred debris from the 1965 Watts rebellion.

This sculpture was called 66 Signs of Neon, and traveled around the country as part of an exhibition following the Watts Riots.

During the last 15 years of his life, Purifoy moved out to the Mojave desert and created ten acres of large-scale sculpture on the desert floor.

The sculptures were constructed entirely from junked materials making this a truly unique art experience in the desert.

Admission to the Outdoor Museum is free but donations are appreciated.

5. Krblin Jihn Kabin

Let me be completely honest with you. Krblin Jihn Kabin is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Joshua Tree. However, I’m not entirely sure what this place is or why it’s significant.

I know, as a travel blogger you’d think I would do my research. Let me just say, I did research and read about the place, and I’m still a bit confused.

So Atlas Obscura describes Krblin Jihn Kabin as “the home of a fictional heretic from a parallel universe.” Apparently this site is part of a project by artist Eames Demetrios who is constructing a three dimensional fiction with stories told via plaques and historical sites.

Here is a quote from Eames Demetrios’ website which describes this project:

His current large-scale project is his parallel universe, Kcymaerxthaere, a global artwork of multi-dimensional storytelling. For this he’s so far installed 142 markers and historic sites involving 26 linear languages, in 30 countries on 6 continents. The project can be found in stories set in bronze markers and historic sites, vignettes from a foot across to 150 yards in circumference, stone carvings and even buildings–like a novel where every page is in a different place.”
– Eames Demetrios website

Whether you wish to partake in this parallel universe or not, the Krblin Jihn Kabin remains a very unique place to see in Joshua Tree.

The cabin sits on a dirt road adjacent to a residential neighborhood with impressive desert views in most directions. Admission is free.

6. Glass Outhouse

The Glass Outhouse Art Gallery was another of my favorite unique things to do in Joshua Tree. The property is run by a very friendly lady who will greet you when you arrive and answer any questions you might have.

The obvious most popular attraction is the glass outhouse pictured above. There are two of them and you are welcome to use them if you wish. I opted out, but did step inside to for the experience.

The outhouse is covered by one way mirrors so from the inside you can see out, but passers by cannot see in. Also, the toilets do flush, so this is not a true “outhouse” experience. It’s much nicer than you might expect, if I do say so myself.

Besides the two glass outhouses, the property features multiple acres of various sculptures and art pieces. There is even a small chapel that you can go inside of, which I was told was the host to several impromptu weddings.

7. Integratron

The Integratron is a famous dome structure located in Landers, California, just a short drive from Joshua Tree. The Integratron dome was constructed around 1954 and is believed to built on the intersection of powerful geomagnetic forces.

Today the dome is home to a popular sound bath experience that books out months in advance. While I tried to get tickets during my visit, I was out of luck this time around.

However, if you are planning a visit to Joshua Tree, I highly recommend getting tickets to the sound bath if you can. This experience gets excellent reviews and if you’re looking for unique experiences in Joshua Tree, this is definitely for you.

8. Roy’s Cafe – Route 66

One of the top things to see along Route 66 in the Mojave Desert is Roy’s Cafe. This is essentially just a convenience store to pick up snacks, but the history of the location makes it worth a stop.

Roy’s Motel and Cafe is located in the town of Amboy and was originally opened in 1938 as a gas and service station.

Years later the hotel and cafe were added for travelers to dine or stay overnight while driving Route 66. Unfortunately, Interstate 40 was constructed and opened up in 1972 and pretty much took down the entire business.

Interstate 40 was a much faster way to travel between destinations. This lead the majority of traffic to be diverted there, leaving few if any travelers along Route 66 in Amboy.

Today, the place remains open as a tourist attraction and makes a great place for pictures.

9. Wonder Valley Hot Springs

Wonder Valley Hot Springs was an unexpected experience, but one that I truly enjoyed during my time in Joshua Tree.

They offer overnight accommodations with a private stone outdoor soaking tub, or you can book a stone soaking tub for just an hour or two. I chose the two hour option which I found to be just perfect.

I opted for a time at sunset so I could watch the sun go down while enjoying those desert views. It was magical, though a bit cold and windy on the day I went.

You’ll pretty much be out along in the desert with your own private soaking tub. It’s quiet, peaceful, and pretty darn relaxing.

You’ll need to book in advance for this experience, I included the link just above.

10. La Copine

La Copine is my most delicious recommendation for unique things to do in Joshua Tree.

If you’re wondering why I think a restaurant is “unique” then you haven’t tried the other restaurants in Joshua Tree. Now, I don’t mean to be unkind, but the food scene in Joshua Tree is truly lacking.

La Copine is unique because it’s truly a one of a kind dining experience in the desert. Both the food and service are fantastic, and I challenge you to find a better meal in the area.

When looking for an elevated breakfast, brunch or lunch experience in Joshua Tree, this is the place. You’ll need reservations to visit and directions on how to obtain them appear on the La Copine website.

The one other exception to the lackluster desert dining scene is Pappy and Harriets, which is discussed below.

11. Pioneertown

Pioneertown is located about 20 minutes outside of Joshua Tree and makes for a fun and unique day trip.

The town was built as an Old West movie set complete with a saloon, stables, and general store. The location is still used as the occasional film set, but is mostly just a fun tourist attraction.

There isn’t a whole lot to do here besides walk around the town, but it’s fun to see and take pictures here.

I love stopping by when I have tickets to a concert next door at Pappy and Harriets. If you come up to visit Pioneertown, you don’t want to skip Pappy and Harriets.

While they are known mostly as a live music venue, they also serve excellent barbecue, burgers, and more. The also have a full bar.

Pappy and Harriet’s is a great option for dinner and drinks in the evening. It’s especially fun if they have a good show scheduled. Check their website for the current schedule and to purchase tickets.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the most unique things to do in Joshua Tree. I also hope I’ve inspired you to plan a visit of your own. As always, thanks for reading.