Palmdale CaliforniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Palmdale, California.
1. Blackbird Airpark
AVIATION HISTORY ON DISPLAY
Blackbird Airpark is a specialized museum featuring iconic aircraft from America's aviation history. Visitors can get up close to the legendary SR-71 Blackbird spy plane and other historic aircraft. The outdoor exhibition provides an educational experience about aerospace engineering and military aviation technology.
2. DryTown Water Park
DESERT OASIS OF FUN
DryTown Water Park features a 35-foot tower structure with three waterslides and a splashdown pool. The park includes a four-lane racer slide, a 6,000 square-foot children's water playground, and a 925-foot lazy river. Operating annually from Memorial Day through Labor Day, it offers a refreshing escape from the desert heat.
3. Joe Davies Heritage Airpark
AEROSPACE LEGACY PRESERVED
Joe Davies Heritage Airpark showcases an impressive collection of aircraft that highlights the area's rich aerospace heritage. Visitors can explore various military and civilian aircraft displayed outdoors in this unique aviation museum. The airpark offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of flight and Palmdale's significant role in the aerospace industry.
4. Antelope Valley Mall
SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT HUB
Antelope Valley Mall is the premier shopping destination in Palmdale featuring numerous retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. The mall houses major department stores alongside specialty boutiques, creating a comprehensive shopping experience. Visitors can enjoy dining options, catch the latest blockbuster at Cinemark theater, or participate in regular community events held at the mall.
5. Palmdale Playhouse
LIVE ARTS AND CULTURE
Palmdale Playhouse serves as the cultural heart of the city, hosting theatrical performances, concerts, and community events throughout the year. The venue showcases local talent alongside touring productions in its intimate theater setting. Visitors can enjoy everything from classic plays to the annual Nutcracker ballet in this vibrant performing arts center.
6. Antelope Valley Indian Museum
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
The Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park preserves and interprets Native American cultures from the Southwest, Great Basin, and California regions. The museum displays rare artifacts that showcase the rich indigenous heritage of the area. Housed in a unique structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum offers visitors an immersive cultural experience.
7. Route 138 - Pearblossom Highway
SCENIC DESERT DRIVE
Route 138 - Pearblossom Highway offers travelers a scenic drive through the dramatic desert landscapes surrounding Palmdale. The highway is famous for its stunning vistas of the Mojave Desert and the San Gabriel Mountains. During spring, portions of the route transform with wildflower blooms, including the California poppy fields that draw visitors from across the state.
8. Aqueduct Vista Point
ENGINEERING MARVEL VIEWPOINT
Aqueduct Vista Point provides panoramic views of the California Aqueduct system that brings water to Southern California. Visitors can observe the impressive engineering feat that traverses the desert landscape. The vista point offers interpretive displays explaining the importance of the water system to the development of the entire region.
9. Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
WILDFLOWER SPECTACULAR DISPLAY
The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve showcases breathtaking displays of orange poppies and other wildflowers during spring bloom season. Visitors can explore eight miles of trails through the rolling hills completely covered in vibrant wildflowers. The reserve offers a nature center with educational exhibits about the unique high desert ecosystem and the state flower of California.
10. Palmdale Amphitheater
OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Palmdale Amphitheater is an open-air venue hosting concerts, movie nights, and festivals throughout the year. The amphitheater's desert setting provides a unique backdrop for experiencing live entertainment under the stars. With capacity for thousands of attendees, it serves as the premier outdoor entertainment destination in the Antelope Valley.
11. Rancho Vista Golf Club
DESERT GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Rancho Vista Golf Club offers an 18-hole championship course designed by Ted Robinson Sr. with spectacular desert and mountain views. The course features challenging play with water features, bunkers, and elevation changes that appeal to golfers of all skill levels. After a round, visitors can enjoy dining at the clubhouse restaurant overlooking the beautifully maintained fairways.
12. Prime Desert Woodland Preserve
NATURAL DESERT ECOSYSTEM
Prime Desert Woodland Preserve protects 100 acres of native Joshua trees, juniper, and desert flora in their natural environment. Visitors can explore several miles of walking trails with interpretive signs explaining the unique high desert ecosystem. The preserve's nature center offers educational programs and exhibits about local wildlife, plant adaptations, and conservation efforts.
13. Mulligan Family Fun Center
ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL AGES
Mulligan Family Fun Center provides a variety of entertainment options including mini-golf, go-karts, arcade games, and batting cages. The center offers birthday party packages and group events in a family-friendly environment. Visitors can spend hours enjoying the numerous attractions and refueling at the on-site snack bar.
14. Palmdale Regional Medical Center Farmers Market
LOCAL FRESH FOOD HUB
The Palmdale Regional Medical Center Farmers Market brings together local vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted items. Held regularly, the market promotes healthy eating while supporting local farmers and small businesses. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and community engagement in a vibrant outdoor setting.
15. Barrel Springs Trail
DESERT HIKING EXPERIENCE
Barrel Springs Trail offers hikers and equestrians a scenic path through the natural desert landscape surrounding Palmdale. The trail features native plants, wildlife viewing opportunities, and panoramic vistas of the Antelope Valley. With moderate difficulty levels, it provides an accessible outdoor experience for nature lovers seeking to explore the Mojave Desert ecosystem.