Whether or not you're headed to the music festival or simply looking to get away for a long weekend trip, there are several must-photograph locations nearby that will stock your Instagram feed with wanderlust-worthy images.
Palm Springs Windmills
These windmills are probably the most iconic photo to take when hitting the road to Coachella Valley — and this past weekend, when I headed out for a whirlwind tour of some hidden gems in the supersexy 2017 Audi A4 Quattro [1], I had to make sure to stop for a snap. Given that these futuristic monoliths are situated on the side of the highway, here's a little hint. Pull off the 10 freeway at the 62 and you'll find quieter parts of the road to turn off on and take in the scenery.
Palm Tree Grove
The desert is flush with luscious palm trees — but did you know that just a short drive away in Thermal, there are fields and fields of groves where they actually grow palm trees, just like they would any other agricultural crop? Before you go trampling through a field, however, be sure to kindly ask farmers for permission.
International Banana Museum
Just past the palm tree groves, on your way towards the Salton Sea, you'll stumble upon one of the more unique museums you've ever visited — one that would make both the Minions [2] and the Bluths [3] proud: a banana museum [4] chock-full of every yellow toy, plush, costume, and gizmo ever made. And not only do they let you dress up and act like a monkey, but they also sell frozen chocolate-covered bananas and homemade sundaes and shakes inside.
The Mecca Muffler Man
Do you know the lore of the Mecca Muffler Man? Apparently these giant statues were made starting in 1962 with a giant Paul Bunyan [5] and afterwards were built and shipped all over the country. This fella here was actually decapitated in 2001 and then vanished in 2007! Where did he go? No one knows . . . but in 2014, he magically reappeared [6], head intact. Hope a little of that magic rubs off on you when you track him down just off of Highway 111 in Mecca, CA!
Pioneertown
Just off of Route 62 in Yucca Valley, there exists a small Western town [7] that was built in the '40s as a set for all those classic Spaghetti Westerns, but still functions as a time-travel destination complete with a rocking bar, Pappy & Harriets [8], as well as old-timers who love to sling stories. These made-for-movie set fronts make a great backdrop for a ton of fun photos.
Joshua Tree Metal Dinosaurs
Sure, you may have heard about the Cabazon dinosaurs [9], but if you're looking for a prehistoric fight with a large metal sculpture, then look no further. Right outside the entrance to Joshua Tree Park, you'll find a few larger than life sculptures that are perfect for snapping a fun photo.
Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch
And finally, for anyone coming from a little further north — Las Vegas, San Francisco, Arizona — you must stop at this little gem of a find right off of Route 66, just outside of Victorville. Literally a forest made entirely of large metal pipes and old glass bottles, Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch [10] is a place not to be missed.