Southern California Desert Day Trips

Yermo, California, Eddie World, and Peggy Sue’s Diner Yermo, California, is a small desert town on Interstate 15 that many travelers pass through on the way between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The area is quiet but has some interesting roadside attractions and a bit of Old West history. In the early … [Read more...]

Escape to the Mojave Desert's Soundstage, Kelso Dunes Imagine standing atop a 650-foot sand tower in the East Mojave Desert. The vast Mojave National Preserve stretches around you. Slide down, and the dunes erupt in a deep, resonant roar—like distant thunder through your body. This isn't just any … [Read more...]

Tucked amid the sunbaked sands of the Mojave Desert, roughly 25 miles east of Lancaster, California, the Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park stands as a captivating portal to ancient Native American worlds. This quirky state historic park, encompassing 147 acres of rugged terrain, … [Read more...]

Joshua Tree National Park isn't just a destination; it's a portal to another world. Spanning nearly 800,000 acres across Riverside and San Bernardino counties, this Mojave and Colorado Desert mashup delivers twisted trees, massive boulders, and sunsets that look Photoshopped. Whether you're chasing … [Read more...]

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...]

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, 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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]