International Banana Museum photo 1
© sporst · CC BY 2.0
International Banana Museum photo 2
© allisonmeier · CC BY 2.0
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International Banana Museum

📍 98775 CA-111, Mecca, CA 92254

This quirky roadside oasis holds the Guinness World Record for the largest museum devoted to a single fruit, boasting over 20,000 banana-themed items. Visitors can marvel at yellow kitsch of every description while enjoying a fresh banana milkshake. It is a delightfully weird, one-of-a-kind pit stop near the Salton Sea.

Admission
$1 (often waived with a food or drink purchase)
Hours
Friday - Monday, 1:00 PM - 5:30 PM (hours can vary seasonally)
Duration
30-45 minutes
Parking
Free gravel parking lot directly in front of the building
Access
Single-level entry and flat interior, though the space inside is quite tight and narrow
Read more

Tucked away near the shores of the Salton Sea in Mecca, California, the International Banana Museum is a quirky monument to the world's most popular yellow fruit. What began as a personal collection in 1976 has grown into a world-record-holding destination, boasting over 20,000 banana-themed items.

Visitors entering the single-room museum are greeted by a dizzying array of yellow memorabilia, ranging from banana-shaped record players and staplers to vintage signs and plush toys. To complete the sensory experience, the museum features a small bar counter where guests can indulge in banana milkshakes, ice cream, and other fruit-flavored treats.

This offbeat roadside stop captures the essence of classic American desert kitsch. It offers a delightfully surreal escape from the harsh desert heat, making it a beloved detour for road-trippers exploring Southern California's Coachella Valley.

Ratings

museum
Historical Significance
2/5
Cultural Relevance
3/5
Fun Factor
4/5
Accessibility
3/5
Photo Worthiness
5/5
Interactivity
2/5
Kid Friendliness
4/5
Popularity
3/5
Kid Friendly ✓Souvenirs Available ✓

Visitor Tips

  • ◆ Check the museum's operating hours or call ahead before visiting, as opening times can be seasonal and highly irregular.
  • ◆ Be sure to try their signature fresh banana milkshake or banana-infused ice cream during your tour.
  • ◆ Combine this stop with a larger regional road trip that includes the Salton Sea, Bombay Beach, and Salvation Mountain.

Heads Up

  • ◆ The museum is located in a remote desert area where summer temperatures routinely exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so plan accordingly.
  • ◆ The indoor display space is very small and can feel cramped if more than a few visitor groups are inside at once.

Common questions

Can you buy banana milkshakes at the International Banana Museum?

Yes, the museum features a counter serving banana milkshakes, banana sodas, and banana-flavored ice cream.

Are the museum hours reliable, or should I call ahead?

The museum's operating hours can be highly irregular, and it has experienced temporary closures. It is highly recommended to call ahead or check their active social media page before planning a visit.

Where is the museum located relative to the Salton Sea?

The museum is situated right off Highway 111 on the northeastern edge of the Salton Sea, in the North Shore area of Mecca.

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