Southern California has a wonderfully weird and wacky side to it that really just adds to its charm. From bizarre museums to quirky roadside attractions, there’s a whole world of weird in SoCal just waiting to be explored! Today we’re sharing eight of the weirdest places you can go in SoCal — read on and plan a weird adventure in The Golden State!
- Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Law Chavez/Google Local Not your typical cemetery by any means, Hollywood Forever Cemetery will definitely grab your attention from the moment you wander through the grounds. This historical cemetery is the resting place for many Hollywood greats. People from all over the world come to pay their respects to the legends who have made this their final resting spot. Not only is this the final resting place for many rock legends, celebrity dogs, and the world’s most famous stars, but it’s also home to the most unique burial monuments you’ll ever see. As unique as this cemetery may be during the daytime, the real talk of the town is what goes on at this cemetery at night when it turns into an outdoor theater! It’s a truly weird and wonderful place.
- Ruddy’s General Store Museum
Quinn Carlson/Google Local If you do nothing else on this list, this one is a must. It’s a charming little museum in Palm Springs that is set up with the original products and store fixtures that were used in a typical 1930s general store. Many of the items on the shelf aren’t just empty boxes either – they actually have the original product still inside. This general store is beyond charming and does a perfect job of capturing the look and feel of a general store back in that era. And the admission price is only 95 cents per person. Now that’s adorable!
- Museum of Death in Los Angeles
Jazmin Guiterrez/Google Local There’s an unusual destination hiding in Southern California that just might make your skin crawl — it’s an entire museum dedicated to death. Whether you’re up for exploring this museum in person or you’re just curious about what lurks inside, you can take a digital tour of this creepy spot in SoCal to get a feel for the horrors captured at the Museum of Death!
Please note: The Museum of Death is currently closed; please refer to their website for more information.
- The Cabazon Dinosaurs
Wikimedia Commons Located west of Palm Springs, you will find these towering prehistoric creatures off the Cabazon exit on Hwy 10. If you’re a local, you most definitely have seen them from the road as they are pretty hard to miss. These dinosaurs have also made appearances in movies and TV shows, so if you’re from out of state they may also look familiar.
- International Banana Museum
Ash R./Google Local This place is bananas! With over 25,000 banana-related items on display, you’ll go bananas at the International Banana Museum.
Please note: The International Banana Museum is temporarily closed until further notice; be sure to check their website for more information!
- Bubble Gum Alley in San Luis Obispo
flickr/daveynin An alleyway full of chewed up bubblegum? Whaaaat? Only in SoCal. If the thought of it doesn’t turn your stomach, then it’s an interesting thing to check out just to see the artistry of the bubble gum walls. Who know chewing gum could be so entertaining!
- Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch in San Bernardino County
Anthony Quintano/Flickr Bottle Tree Ranch has only been around for a decade or so, but it feels like a classic Route 66 roadside curiosity. The attraction is the creative passion product of Elmer Long. He collects bottles and crafts sparkling, dreamlike groves of glass trees out in the desert. It’s an incredible art installation, and really quite mesmerizing.
- Harper’s Topiary Garden in San Diego
Brandon Fischer/Google Local Located in the charming neighborhood of Mission Hills in San Diego, this whimsical garden designed and maintained by the Harper family is full of shrubs that have been lovingly trimmed into elephants, bunnies, and other cute animal designs. Although it’s a private residence, the owners love people to come by and view their work of art. You are welcome to not only drive by, but you can also get out and take a look. It’s a short and quick tour, but it’s something fun and unusual to add to your day.
So… do you agree with our picks for the weirdest places you can go in SoCal? Did you have any idea these things existed in Southern California? We’re always on the lookout for other memorable outings in the area so let us know in the comments other places you would add to this list!
Law Chavez/Google Local
Not your typical cemetery by any means, Hollywood Forever Cemetery will definitely grab your attention from the moment you wander through the grounds. This historical cemetery is the resting place for many Hollywood greats. People from all over the world come to pay their respects to the legends who have made this their final resting spot. Not only is this the final resting place for many rock legends, celebrity dogs, and the world’s most famous stars, but it’s also home to the most unique burial monuments you’ll ever see. As unique as this cemetery may be during the daytime, the real talk of the town is what goes on at this cemetery at night when it turns into an outdoor theater! It’s a truly weird and wonderful place.
Quinn Carlson/Google Local
If you do nothing else on this list, this one is a must. It’s a charming little museum in Palm Springs that is set up with the original products and store fixtures that were used in a typical 1930s general store. Many of the items on the shelf aren’t just empty boxes either – they actually have the original product still inside. This general store is beyond charming and does a perfect job of capturing the look and feel of a general store back in that era. And the admission price is only 95 cents per person. Now that’s adorable!
Jazmin Guiterrez/Google Local
There’s an unusual destination hiding in Southern California that just might make your skin crawl — it’s an entire museum dedicated to death. Whether you’re up for exploring this museum in person or you’re just curious about what lurks inside, you can take a digital tour of this creepy spot in SoCal to get a feel for the horrors captured at the Museum of Death!
Please note: The Museum of Death is currently closed; please refer to their website for more information.
Wikimedia Commons
Located west of Palm Springs, you will find these towering prehistoric creatures off the Cabazon exit on Hwy 10. If you’re a local, you most definitely have seen them from the road as they are pretty hard to miss. These dinosaurs have also made appearances in movies and TV shows, so if you’re from out of state they may also look familiar.
Ash R./Google Local
This place is bananas! With over 25,000 banana-related items on display, you’ll go bananas at the International Banana Museum.
Please note: The International Banana Museum is temporarily closed until further notice; be sure to check their website for more information!
flickr/daveynin
An alleyway full of chewed up bubblegum? Whaaaat? Only in SoCal. If the thought of it doesn’t turn your stomach, then it’s an interesting thing to check out just to see the artistry of the bubble gum walls. Who know chewing gum could be so entertaining!
Anthony Quintano/Flickr
Bottle Tree Ranch has only been around for a decade or so, but it feels like a classic Route 66 roadside curiosity. The attraction is the creative passion product of Elmer Long. He collects bottles and crafts sparkling, dreamlike groves of glass trees out in the desert. It’s an incredible art installation, and really quite mesmerizing.
Brandon Fischer/Google Local
Located in the charming neighborhood of Mission Hills in San Diego, this whimsical garden designed and maintained by the Harper family is full of shrubs that have been lovingly trimmed into elephants, bunnies, and other cute animal designs. Although it’s a private residence, the owners love people to come by and view their work of art. You are welcome to not only drive by, but you can also get out and take a look. It’s a short and quick tour, but it’s something fun and unusual to add to your day.
And for more bizarre gems in SoCal, be sure to check out these unique roadside attractions!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038, USAAddress: 221 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USAAddress: 6031 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028, USAAddress: 50770 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230, USAAddress: 98775 CA-111, Mecca, CA 92254, USAAddress: Bubblegum Alley, 733 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USAAddress: 24266 National Trails Hwy, Oro Grande, CA 92368, USAAddress: 3549 Union St, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
weirdest places you can go in SoCal April 16, 2021 Sarah What are some of the most unique attractions in SoCal? Whether you were born and raised in Southern California or you’ve recently moved here from another part of the U.S., you most likely already know SoCal is packed with tons of unique attractions and treasures. Some of these destinations are well known, but a few remain some of SoCal’s best-kept secrets. Nature lovers will swoon over Redwood Grove in Carbon Canyon Regional Park, which features some of the state’s most magnificent Redwood trees. Another hidden gem mainly locals know about, Shipley Nature Center is a charming outdoor adventure is worth taking a day trip to Huntington Beach to explore. You’ll find nature trails, and interpretive center, and plenty of wildlife to keep you entertained during your visit. You can read about more unique hidden gems in SoCal in this article. Are there any must-visit roadside attractions in SoCal? In a word: yes! In addition to the giantHollywood sign (easily The Golden State’s most famous icon), you’ll find many must-visit roadside attractions in SoCal. Located in San Diego, you’ll find the famous Unconditional Surrender statue of a sailor kissing a nurse. It’s literally larger than life and towers above the harbor. Make sure to take a moment to snap a picture of this iconic statue in SoCal. Another fun one is Lemon Grove, a larger-than-life lemon statue located in San Diego County. It’s the world’s largest lemon, in fact. And did you know the center of the world is right here in Southern California? Just drive down I-8 and head to Felicity and you will find yourself standing at the center of the world. While you’re here, take some time to tour the museums and soak up all sorts of history. What are some of the best road trips to take in SoCal? With its sweeping panoramas and rolling, coastal highways, you’re hard-pressed to finds a road trip in Southern California that isn’t amazing. So in keeping with the theme of “weirdest places you can go in SoCal,” we’re going to share a few of the area’s most unique road trips. One of the most interesting Southern California road trip destinations is the “Center of the World” in Felicity. Did you know SoCal is home to the world’s tallest thermometer? Located in the town of Baker, you’ll find a towering thermometer that is 134 feet tall which was purposely built that high to reference the record-breaking temperature of 134 degrees on July 10, 1913 in nearby Death Valley.
The OIYS Visitor Center
weirdest places you can go in SoCal
April 16, 2021
Sarah
What are some of the most unique attractions in SoCal? Whether you were born and raised in Southern California or you’ve recently moved here from another part of the U.S., you most likely already know SoCal is packed with tons of unique attractions and treasures. Some of these destinations are well known, but a few remain some of SoCal’s best-kept secrets. Nature lovers will swoon over Redwood Grove in Carbon Canyon Regional Park, which features some of the state’s most magnificent Redwood trees. Another hidden gem mainly locals know about, Shipley Nature Center is a charming outdoor adventure is worth taking a day trip to Huntington Beach to explore. You’ll find nature trails, and interpretive center, and plenty of wildlife to keep you entertained during your visit. You can read about more unique hidden gems in SoCal in this article. Are there any must-visit roadside attractions in SoCal? In a word: yes! In addition to the giantHollywood sign (easily The Golden State’s most famous icon), you’ll find many must-visit roadside attractions in SoCal. Located in San Diego, you’ll find the famous Unconditional Surrender statue of a sailor kissing a nurse. It’s literally larger than life and towers above the harbor. Make sure to take a moment to snap a picture of this iconic statue in SoCal. Another fun one is Lemon Grove, a larger-than-life lemon statue located in San Diego County. It’s the world’s largest lemon, in fact. And did you know the center of the world is right here in Southern California? Just drive down I-8 and head to Felicity and you will find yourself standing at the center of the world. While you’re here, take some time to tour the museums and soak up all sorts of history. What are some of the best road trips to take in SoCal? With its sweeping panoramas and rolling, coastal highways, you’re hard-pressed to finds a road trip in Southern California that isn’t amazing. So in keeping with the theme of “weirdest places you can go in SoCal,” we’re going to share a few of the area’s most unique road trips. One of the most interesting Southern California road trip destinations is the “Center of the World” in Felicity. Did you know SoCal is home to the world’s tallest thermometer? Located in the town of Baker, you’ll find a towering thermometer that is 134 feet tall which was purposely built that high to reference the record-breaking temperature of 134 degrees on July 10, 1913 in nearby Death Valley.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Whether you were born and raised in Southern California or you’ve recently moved here from another part of the U.S., you most likely already know SoCal is packed with tons of unique attractions and treasures. Some of these destinations are well known, but a few remain some of SoCal’s best-kept secrets. Nature lovers will swoon over Redwood Grove in Carbon Canyon Regional Park, which features some of the state’s most magnificent Redwood trees. Another hidden gem mainly locals know about, Shipley Nature Center is a charming outdoor adventure is worth taking a day trip to Huntington Beach to explore. You’ll find nature trails, and interpretive center, and plenty of wildlife to keep you entertained during your visit. You can read about more unique hidden gems in SoCal in this article.
Are there any must-visit roadside attractions in SoCal?
In a word: yes! In addition to the giantHollywood sign (easily The Golden State’s most famous icon), you’ll find many must-visit roadside attractions in SoCal. Located in San Diego, you’ll find the famous Unconditional Surrender statue of a sailor kissing a nurse. It’s literally larger than life and towers above the harbor. Make sure to take a moment to snap a picture of this iconic statue in SoCal. Another fun one is Lemon Grove, a larger-than-life lemon statue located in San Diego County. It’s the world’s largest lemon, in fact. And did you know the center of the world is right here in Southern California? Just drive down I-8 and head to Felicity and you will find yourself standing at the center of the world. While you’re here, take some time to tour the museums and soak up all sorts of history.
What are some of the best road trips to take in SoCal?
With its sweeping panoramas and rolling, coastal highways, you’re hard-pressed to finds a road trip in Southern California that isn’t amazing. So in keeping with the theme of “weirdest places you can go in SoCal,” we’re going to share a few of the area’s most unique road trips. One of the most interesting Southern California road trip destinations is the “Center of the World” in Felicity. Did you know SoCal is home to the world’s tallest thermometer? Located in the town of Baker, you’ll find a towering thermometer that is 134 feet tall which was purposely built that high to reference the record-breaking temperature of 134 degrees on July 10, 1913 in nearby Death Valley.
