If you are a film and television buff, Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is the perfect day trip. When driving along the 14 freeway, most travelers pass by without knowing the history and beauty, just a quick exit away. The Vasquez Rocks area has always been a popular backdrop for Hollywood studios, … [Read more...]
Southern California Desert Day Trips
Explore California's Desert Regions
From Joshua Trees to Booming Dunes: Mojave’s Best Day Trip
Mojave National Preserve is located in the heart of the Mojave Desert and was established in 1994 through the California Desert Protection Act. It is a must for any outdoor enthusiast and an excellent way for the entire family to spend some time outdoors. Visitors can explore nearly 1.5 million … [Read more...]
Harvey House Railroad Depot “Casa Del Desierto” Barstow, CA
Harvey House Railroad Depot, also known as the Casa Del Desierto, sits by the railroad tracks in Barstow, California. The Barstow Railroad Depot opened in 1911 as a Santa Fe train station and Harvey House. The historic building is a must-visit for history buffs, railroad enthusiasts, and Route 66 … [Read more...]
Exploring Desert Hot Springs, CA: Historic Spas & Healing Waters
Desert Hot Springs is located in the foothills above the Coachella Valley, providing its residents with a stunning view of the vibrant lifestyle enjoyed by the rich and famous in nearby Palm Springs. With plenty of sunshine and average temperatures ranging from the mid to upper 80s, visitors can … [Read more...]
White Gold: The Story of Harmony Borax Works in Death Valley
Harmony Borax Works is a popular attraction in Death Valley National Park. The site contains the remains of the processing plant and a few buildings that made up the mining camp of Harmony. Harmony Borax Works was only used to process Borax between 1882 and 1888. The site was added to the National … [Read more...]
Visiting the Remarkable Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum
The Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum is a remarkable collection of artwork located in the middle of the desert along a dusty road. Artist Noah Purifoy (1917-2004) moved to the desert to escape the high cost of living in Los Angeles. During the last 15 years of his life, he created unique sculptures, … [Read more...]
Soaring Through History: Day Trip To Palm Springs Air Museum
The Palm Springs Air Museum allows visitors to experience firsthand the sacrifice our flyers made in preserving the freedom we take for granted. It’s a worthwhile stop on your next getaway and the perfect opportunity to pay homage to those heroes. The museum is home to one of the nation's largest … [Read more...]
Coachella Valley Preserve Day Trip Hidden Palms Palm Oasis
The Coachella Valley Preserve is situated 10 miles east of Palm Springs, near 1,000 Palms, and is supplied with water that seeps out of the San Andreas Fault. This 17,000-acre Preserve is a natural refuge where visitors can discover rare and incredible wildlife. Golden foothills and mesas, white … [Read more...]
Wasteland Weekend: World’s Largest Post-Apocalyptic Festival
Wasteland Weekend is the world's largest post-apocalyptic festival, held annually in the Mojave Desert near Edwards, California, approximately two hours from Los Angeles. This adults-only (18+) event lasts for five days, typically during the last week of September. Inspired by series like Mad Max … [Read more...]
Scotty’s Castle Mansion in the Middle of Death Valley
Scotty's Castle is still closed. No opening date has been set. Limited Castle Ground tours may be available.Built in 1927 by wealthy insurance executive Albert Johnson, smack dab in the middle of Death Valley National Park is Scotty's Castle. A 32,000-square-foot two-story Spanish Villa in … [Read more...]
Sunnylands Rancho Mirage Day Trip: Free and Guided Tours
What do Ronald Reagan, Queen Elizabeth II, Frank Sinatra, Clark Gable, and Richard Nixon all have in common? They have all stayed behind the pink security walls of Sunnylands, the former winter residence of billionaires Walter and Leonore Annenberg in Rancho Mirage, California. Once only accessible … [Read more...]
Saline Valley Hot Springs, Death Valley: How To Get There
Saline Valley Hot Springs may be off the beaten path, but it is well worth the effort for those who love to dip in hot mineral water pools. Saline Valley Hot Springs is “managed” by volunteers who have constructed and maintained the hot springs for many years.In 1994, Saline Valley and the hot … [Read more...]
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Day Trip Guide, Tickets, Tips & Trails
Plan a Day Trip at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Experience the Palm Springs Tramway and take in the breathtaking views of the San Jacinto Mountains and the stunning Coachella Valley. This thrilling journey transports you from the hot desert floor to a spectacular mountain peak in one of the … [Read more...]
Experience Downtown Palm Springs Along Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Canyon Drive is the heart of downtown Palm Springs, celebrated for its vibrant blend of shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. This pedestrian-friendly area encourages visitors to park their cars and explore. The Drive is beautifully lined with palm trees and often showcases colorful … [Read more...]
Oasis Date Gardens Thermal, California: Certified Medjool Dates
Oasis Date Gardens in Thermal is closed to the public. We suggest you visit Shields Date Garden. Address 59-111 Grapefruit Blvd. Thermal, California.Oasis Date Gardens is a 175-acre date ranch dedicated to growing Organically Certified Medjool Dates. Located along the old road to the Imperial … [Read more...]