If you’re going on a road trip from Pismo Beach to the Death Valley National Park, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Cambria, and Morro Bay, as well as top places to visit like Morro Bay State Park and Avila Valley Barn, or the ever-popular Morro Bay National Estuary Program.
Top cities between Pismo Beach and the Death Valley National Park
The top cities between Pismo Beach and Death Valley National Park are Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Cambria, and Morro Bay. Paso Robles is the most popular city on the route. It's less than an hour from Pismo Beach and 7 hours from Death Valley National Park.
San Luis Obispo, located on California's Central Coast, is home to the 1700s Spanish mission Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, which houses a museum. Bubblegum Alley is a nearby attraction covered in pieces of chewed gum. Higuera Street hosts the Downtown SLO Farmers' Market where vendors sell produce and food. The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art showcases contemporary works by Californian artists.
59% as popular as Paso Robles
1 minute off the main route, 2% of way to the Death Valley National Park
Morro Bay, located in California, is a coastal city famous for its Morro Rock - an ancient volcanic mound situated at the end of Morro Rock Beach. The rock lies within the picturesque Morro Bay State Park that boasts lagoons, trails and a saltwater marsh rich in birdlife. Visitors can explore the Museum of Natural History that houses interesting exhibits on ecology and local Native American culture. For those who love hiking, Black Hill offers scenic views overlooking the city and Morro Bay.
49% as popular as Paso Robles
13 minutes off the main route, 6% of way to the Death Valley National Park
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Paso Robles, a city in California, is renowned for its wineries and olive groves. The Estrella Warbird Museum in the northeast showcases military planes and artifacts, while the Paso Robles Pioneer Museum exhibits historical relics such as farming tools and a reconstructed jail. Nestled among hills, Barney Schwartz Park offers a serene lake and picnic areas. For those seeking aquatic fun, Ravine Water Park features thrilling slides and a wave pool.
Most popular city on this route
10 minutes off the main route, 8% of way to the Death Valley National Park
Nestled along California State Route 1, Cambria is a charming seaside village located in San Luis Obispo County. Its name, derived from the Latin word for Wales, was selected in 1869. The town is surrounded by picturesque Monterey pines, one of the few places where these native forests can be found. Positioned midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Cambria offers a tranquil coastal retreat with stunning natural beauty.
51% as popular as Paso Robles
32 minutes off the main route, 10% of way to the Death Valley National Park
Best stops along Pismo Beach to the Death Valley National Park drive
The top stops along the way from Pismo Beach to the Death Valley National Park (with short detours) are Zabriskie Point, Artists Dr, and Pismo Beach Pier. Other popular stops include Dante's View, Tobin James Cellars, and Buck Owens' Crystal Palace.
Morro Bay State Park is a picturesque waterfront recreation area that offers a variety of outdoor activities such as sailing, fishing, hiking, bird-watching, and golfing. The campsite has spacious areas with paved pads for parking, fire pits, and tables. Clean restrooms and showers are available for visitors. A short walk from the bay can lead to kayaking opportunities and access to a quaint restaurant.
My husband and I car camped a night at the campground for a weekend getaway and absolutely loved it! Campsites are wide and spacious with lots of lovely views. The walking path at the park is huge! Great place to stay with families.
Kim Le-Simpson — Google review
We stayed the night at the campground and it was beautiful. The whole time we were there it was quite and we had perfect weather. It's within walking distance to the golf course, cafe, museum, and dock. Its a perfect place to stay if you want to kayak in Morro Bay. The bathroom and showers were pretty typical for a state campground. We would definitely recommend and we plan on coming back.
Rachel Senick — Google review
1st timer camping here with our R-pod. Great campsites surrounded with trees, nature, water views, golf course views, many hiking trails from the campsites - go to the top “Black Hill trail” and see all of Morro Bay from a birds view.
We stayed Easter weekend and it rained most of the time but we would come back again. So much to do in this area within a short drive, bike ride, or walk.
Book out 6 months in advance. Sites 1-30 have electric and water hookups.
$10 dumping fee - the machine takes cards.
No store but they do sell fire wood.
Across the street is the Natural History museum with a cute store if you want souvenirs.
B “Gonzo” Hong — Google review
Very pretty with good space between the camp sights. There are paved pads to park on and each site has a fire ring and table. The restrooms are clean and there are showers available too. You can walk to the bay and get kayaks and eat at a great little restaurant. there's also a public golf course right next to the park. Also within walking distance it's a wonderful little museum that will tell you about the animals and some of the history of Morro Bay.
Emil Wolfe — Google review
It was a nice camp ground with a golf course connected. The campground was big you would have plenty of room around you, not squished like other campgrounds. They also have a large group picnic area. Oh and there are wild turkeys on the golf course!
Andrea Marie — Google review
Gorgeous place, in any weather. Highly recommend a visit to this area. Peaceful and easier access than other parts of central coast.
Mari Amman — Google review
We loved our time camping in Morro Bay State Park and Kayaking all around the beautiful bay. We bicycled along the waterfront and enjoyed the otters playing in the bay. Cycling out to Morrow Rock was a fun and educational experience that we will do again. The Natural History Museum is full of great learning and a hilltop that everyone should take in the views from.
Dineen Anderson — Google review
Beautiful park to visit ! No real trails so boring for a dog, but fun to walk around.
Anna DeWitt — Google review
Such a great campground! Super clean and nice people. We live only 20 minutes from here but this is one of our favorite places to come. Walking distance (literally across the steet) to the estuary. Golf right next door if you want. Nice paved streets so the kids can ride their scooters. Black mountian hike is right behind the campground. Always full so plan ahead.
Ryan Montague — Google review
Such a unique place, in between LA and SF, you get to this location in the middle of nowhere where you can spot otters and walk around a charming fisherman village. I really enjoy this place, very peaceful.
Erwan Berjonneau — Google review
Morro Bay state park and golf course is my go to spot for an escape from life when needed. Every time I come out here I find myself happier than when I showed up. The views are insane, the crisp air is always apparent, and it seems like everyone you come across is in good spirits.
Jordan Jackson — Google review
Morro Bay State Park is on of the coolest coastal parks I have visited. We did a kayaking tour and got an up close view of the active oyster farming which was fascinating.
This is an easy place to kayak as calm waters of the bay provide the perfect setting for even beginners. There are plenty of other things to do such as hiking trails, bird watching, and fishing. The park is also home to the 500+ foot tall Morro Rock. Really cool place.
Jeff C — Google review
Beautiful area. The Rock is huge. The ocean and wildlife are amazing. The beaches area clean and the ocean smell is so relaxing. Enjoy! ☀️
Tammy Glentz — Google review
Morro Bay State Park has been a wonderful camping destination with beautiful views and nice people. The bay and rock are some of the more impressive ocean views I've had the pleasure to see. And the nearby town has lots of actives including kayaking, boating, fishing, etc.
Wplash420 — Google review
Its a beautiful place to visit.liked the view with the small harbor.when we went Morro rock was fully covered with mist it was wonderful to experience.Even the the town has that lively and relaxing atmosphere .
At Avila Valley Barn, you'll find fresh produce, ice cream, candy, and more. The farm also has a hay maze and pony rides for the kids. In addition to classic barbecue dishes and local produce, the farm sells U-pick pumpkins in the fall.
Amazing little roadside attraction right off of the 101 freeway! Only away minutes from the beach, this is definitely a stop I will make again and again! The farmers market style shop is a great addition to this lovely family farm and provides a great opportunity to try some different baked goods or pickled produce that may not be available in your town. For only $3, you can purchase a head of lettuce and fea and abundance of animals around the farm! 10/10, I would recommend this spot to locals and travelers alike.
Zach Hutchinson — Google review
I love this place.
Fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, and pastries available to purchase!
Good prices!
Kids can feed the goats.
Family Friendly.
They have many unique things to purchase.
I love and purchased fresh lavender packets for gifts and to put in my home.
Kim A — Google review
The best tri tip sandwich I've ever had, the sauces it came with paired with the sandwich perfectly I used all three. My husband got the pulled pork and it was delicious, the kids enjoyed walking around and seeing the animals they even offer pony rides. My son got a scoop of ice cream because they also have an ice cream shoppe and candy store! We bought some sweet pickles from their farmers stand which offers a variety of canned goods, fresh baked pies and fruits or vegetables. This place is incredible and I'd recommend anyone come here for a visit. We always come to Avila but had never been here, now we will have to visit every year!
Susanna — Google review
Such a great place to bring your family! A lot of veggies and fruits to choose from. My kids love getting the honey sticks and feeding the animals. This is such a neat little prize in the area.
Angel Weir — Google review
So much fun for the kids, you can buy heads of lettuce to feed the animals. It's a great place to get fresh produce and the bakery is amazing, also there is a candy store and fresh corn on the cob for snacks.
Rebecca ?Becca? Draggoo — Google review
What a great find! We happened upon Avila Valley Barn as we were headed to Avila Beach. Great place for kids and families. Lots of animals you can feed with the romaine lettuce they sell there. The variety of chickens and roosters was especially fascinating.The whole place is clean and well maintained, and all the animals look healthy and well cared for. We didn't eat there but the farm fresh produce looked amazing and we did find some fun gifts.
Diane Janovsky — Google review
My family absolutely loves this place. It’s small, and perfect for a morning or afternoon spent at the barn. You can buy heads of lettuce to feed all of the animals for $3/piece. They have cows, llamas, goats, emu, chickens, donkeys. That are all well loved and taken care of ♥️ Pony rides during December for the holidays, special visits from Santa. The market is so cute and filled with a variety of items to purchase. We’ve bought their pies in the past and they were delicious! Lunch at their sweet and savory restaurant is delicious. This place is just so well rounded and fun for the kids and parents. We will certainly be back for a third time!
Amber Johnson — Google review
Such a fun cute family friendly place to
Go to. If you like local produce, feeding barn animals, hay mazes, and such this is for you. It’s interactive and spacious. Surprisingly clean. Kids love the animals but if your little one is scared of them I suggest not allowing them to be too close to them. People here were friendly and wore masks inside as required indoor. You can feed the animals with lettuce which is 3$. We were able to find parking as they have their own lot and there are restrooms available.
Samantha Vang — Google review
Such a great place to bring your little ones. You can feed the animals lettuce. And you don't have to worry about forgetting to bring lettuce, you can buy it there at there cute market place. Produce is fresh and baked goods are delish like homemade pies. There is also a creamery with homemade ice cream.
Paty Mill?n Montesinos — Google review
Nice place to stop and stretch your legs. Petting zoo, snacks, pies, cobblers, muffins, jellies, fresh roasted corn on the cob, ice cream, fresh vegetables, fruits, and much more. Plenty of parking.
Jenna Madderra — Google review
Cutest, quaint, farm/pumpkin patch I've ever seen! We stopped here whole staying at the near by KOA for something to do to pass the time in the morning and I was SO SURPRISED by all it had to offer. There are you pick flowers, raspberries, and tomatoes (I probably missed more,) so many photo opportunities, a hay ride, hay maze, and climbing hay stacks, the cutest little fruit stand, and even a deli to order sandwiches. There's a large variety of pumpkin species to choose from and animals to feed lettuce to for only $3 a head. We were able to feed every animal a couple of leaves each and had some left to toss up to Rooftop Ralph who became our favorite animal there. We can't wait to visit again next year!
ashly Moore — Google review
Has a very cute boutique, fresh veggies, and fruits for sale in addition to the pumpkis in October. They have hay rides to the u pick area, and you can feed the animals for a reasonable price. It's fun to do with the whole family.
Venessa Pullen — Google review
Great place to take the kids. Feed the animals and get some fresh from the farm food. The food shack has an amazing chicken sandwich and we got Mac and cheese for the kids. Pony rides were $10 and girls really went out of their way to make our little one have fun and ensure we got a great photo.
Nicolas Allen — Google review
This place has fun for the whole family! Buy a huge head of lettuce for 3 bucks and let the kids feed the animals. They have tons of goats and chickens, and even cows, alpacas, donkeys, and an ostrich! Don’t skip the corn on the cob. The barn shop has a wide variety of produce, drinks, jarred goods, and household items for purchase. They have hot food you can buy too. Tons of parking available. Can’t say enough good things about the Avila Barn!
Rylan Gordon — Google review
When in SLO you must to by, they have a cute barn! You're able to feed the animals. They have a pony and kids are able to ride for $10. They have beer and ice cream! My daughter loved it!
Stephanie M — Google review
Stopped here on the drive from SF to LA. This is a great little place and makes a good rest stop to break the journey. I don't have kids, clearly, but I highly recommend this place if you do. It has a lovely farm shop selling a huge range of wholesome products, from apple pies to trail mix and toffee apples. You can also buy fresh produce such as fruit and veg.
For children, there is a petting zoo, straw maze and point rides. It is just so cute.
We ate at the Smokebouse here- the fried chicken sandwich was unbelievably good.
If you're doing a long drive, it's well worth breaking up the journey here, or if you have kids, making it a part of your trip.
Adreena Angela — Google review
Great place to spend a few hours with your kids or grandkids in our case. Pies another baked goods are delicious. Try the fresh, roasted corn or the chicken sandwich. Both were very good. The grandkids love feeding the goats.
Papa George Maxson — Google review
Nice pit stop. Lots of variety things to buy. They have fruits, vegetables, utensils, baked goods, and other edible goods. They also have animals like goats, chickens, cow, pony rides and goat feeding.
M Jeero — Google review
The sweetest place!!!! Take your kids to feed the animals and then get some of their amazing fresh fruit! They had tons of souvenirs, kitchen gadgets, wine, etc!!
Marcia McNulty — Google review
This barn is very unique. Fun experience for the family. You can feed the goats and chicken. Purchase really cool handmade soap and other souvenirs. You will enjoy the little farmer market on-site. There are home made ice cream and more treats.
Jamie Tong — Google review
4.7
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4.5
(464)
560 Avila Beach Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, USA
Large, legendary pier with steps to the beach, popular for fishing & illuminated for night surfing.
A fun strolling Beach Town. Great shopping, upgraded the pier area recently, great spot
Holly Waterman — Google review
Very nice place to enjoy with family. Beautiful sunset view. Sand is very smooth and soft. Sunset beauty and photography….amazing place
Viyu g — Google review
Clean beach. Nice sunset experience place. Lights are cool.
Nk S — Google review
Loved our lazy walk here watching surfers and taking in the air and views!
Bay Walker — Google review
It's a relaxing and beautiful beach town in Central coast. It has little quaint shops and overall awesome views of the ocean.
Chris Sa — Google review
Love this beach I visited 2/3 times because this location is great for relaxing and sitting not too much crowd and weather is awesome i love it my kids love it
VirkSaab California — Google review
In night time cool lighting is plus point.
Clean water beach.
Foods & shopping both available nearby.
Aptaputra Bharatanand — Google review
Beautiful Beach
Amazing View
Very nice people
But never attempt to take nor steal clams from the pier I literally saw a entire family get embarrassed belongings searched as well but I still enjoyed my stay on the beach
🏖️
Chadwick Booseman — Google review
Home away from home but, with better sunsets. My heart calls for me hear and my mind sinks in the swells. This magical place makes my heart stop and beat, again and again. I don’t know what it is but when I am here, I feel peace!❤️
Anthony Domingo — Google review
Beautiful, clean, and not very busy beach. I fell in love with this place.
Amber Mina — Google review
Driving to Pismo Beach from Southern California is a treasure trove of scenic views, winding roads, hills, .6% inclines+, and mountains that appear to tower over the clouds, with ocean landscapes. Driving in questionable weather or at night, requires awareness of the roads (lights and gas stations are limited). The beach itself is a medium sized beach/pier. It has mountain and water views. Paid parking is close by and on the surrounding streets. There are places to eat and shop, more so in the area, rather than on the pier itself. The pier entrance is anchored by hotels and parking. There were plenty of surfers. The waves can come in high. There is a very nice stadium seating styled wall to sit and watch the water and/or people. There is a rest room immediately in front of the pier entrance. The beach appeared to be animal friendly in that people were walking their dogs. There were no readily available stations to wash the sand off of your feet etc. There was a disability assistance ramp near the seating area going down to the beach.
Daphne — Google review
A really nice place to visit
James D Hawkins — Google review
Pismo is a quiet and beautiful beach town. Getting dinner at Wooly’s and dessert at Sheila’s and then watching the sunset from dinosaur caves park is a wonderful day. I love coming here to escape my real world and find peace. This is one of my favorite places to be.
Eric Bailey — Google review
Beautiful place to visit and a lot of things to do. We enjoy this beach because here you do not have just the beach, you have shopping, eating and other activities near by that are all walking distance.
Ern — Google review
Feel in love with Pismo Beach. Awesome weather. Great food everywhere. Just a great place to visit.
Ernesto Lujan — Google review
Nice views. Saw lots of cool birds. Saw some whales as well. Had some cool photo ops. Definitely a cool place to stop and hang out for a while.
Jeff Allen — Google review
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Pismo Beach, CA, USA
5
The Inn at Opolo
Bed & breakfast
Food & Drink
Wineries & Vineyards
The Inn at Opolo is a fantastic place for relaxing and getting out to enjoy the central coast. Their wine is superb, and with complimentary tastings as a guest of the Inn, you can't beat it. Breakfast is always hot and the staff makes you feel like part of the family.
Rich DiBenedetto — Google review
One of my most favorite places to stay. Only three rooms here, quiet and secluded. Grab the folding table & chairs from your room’s closet, the prepared charcuterie platter waiting for you in the fridge (also a sparkling water) & crackers, one of the daily bottles of wine, glasses, and drive to the top of the hill behind you to a football field sized grassy area with the best view in town! #sunset In the morning, walk across the street, to the left of the small Mennonite cemetery, follow the dirt road (Dover Canyon) for a lovely walk. Come back & enjoy the breakfast that was prepared for you!
Winnie Sloan — Google review
We enjoyed a wine tasting experience that was complete and not rushed. Extremely informative and fun. Then enjoyed a bottle of wine 🍷 with a an artisan stone oven baked pizza.
Rick Evans — Google review
Just returned from a short 2 night stay at the Inn and it is a wonderful location. It is about 20 minutes from downtown Paso Robles surrounded by wineries, grapevines, open pastures, trees, deer and beautiful landscapes. The breakfast and service are excellent and I would highly recommend to anyone who wants a quiet, relaxing little retreat.
Jeff Mariano — Google review
Beyond our expectations! The value for what you receive is exceptional. Full-sized semi-custom breakfast in the morning and generous portion appetizers and wine at night! A massive coffee maker that will make you any coffee drink you want from an espresso to a mocha with a touch of a button! We barely spent any money on meals and beverages!! All included!! The bed was super comfortable...not too soft and not too hard...just right! We slept great! The best part? The nightly Star-Gazing Show! The stars were so bright and big, you could almost touch them! We went with two other couples and had the whole place to ourselves!! The service was outstanding!! Dave, Rick, Annie, Selena, Kevin, Greg, to name a few of the wonderful people that made our weekend special and memorable! We definitely will be back!!
Carol Stewart — Google review
Our guests stayed here and we only visited in their room but I can tell you it was real nice. They had champagne, chocolates and a snack platter awaiting the. The champagne was delicious. Located in the Opolo vineyard you are surrounded with multiple picturesque locations. Their room also came with a fully functional kitchen and patio. It would be my first choice if I stayed in Paso Robles, Ca.
Gilbert Balderrama — Google review
The server for our wine tasting was very friendly and accommodating. However, the wine itself didn't stand out, and there is no view of the vineyard from the patio area. The items on their food menu were also pricey.
Shirley Wong — Google review
We stayed here 2 weeks ago, and it simply could not have been any better. Everyone (and I stress everyone) we met was welcoming, friendly, helpful, and courteous. The setting was fabulous, quiet and serene; the room was spacious and spotless; and breakfast was as good as any 5-star hotel you'd care to visit. A special call-out to Selena who really made us feel at home, and her Mimosas weren't half bad either. Thanks to everyone for making our visit special, we will definitely be back.
TJ M — Google review
This was one of the best experiences we have had with bed and breakfast. The property sits in the middle of vineyards with a beautiful garden in front of it. The inn host was super friendly and helpful. Guests have 24-hour access to the kitchen which is stocked with coffee, tea, water, and fruit. Breakfast selections were wonderful and made to order. You can also have mimosas with it! Will definitely return.
The Monarch Butterfly Grove, located in Pismo Beach, is a natural reserve filled with eucalyptus trees and thousands of butterflies. These beautiful creatures can be seen from late October through February, making it a perfect pit stop for nature lovers visiting San Luis Obispo. It's an awe-inspiring sight to witness the convergence of flocks of gorgeous butterflies during monarch butterfly season along the Central Coast.
We had an excellent time walking the path at the Monarch Butterfly Grove. Unfortunately, there were not any Monarch Butterfly 🦋 at the Grove when we went because it is not migration season. The eucalyptus trees we're looking beautiful though and getting ready for the monarchs to come in October. We took the side path to the beach, Pismo Beach to be exact. It was a nice secluded path not many people on it it had a little back access to the beach that was very secluded and nice to be able to have a little slice of the beach all by ourselves. My service dog Lucy the beautiful Johnson type American Bulldog 🐕 had a wonderful time running and playing in the sand. It was the first time she had ever been to the beach and she absolutely loved it. Temperature was excellent beautiful sunny skies mid-70's temperature 👍💕🐕🦋🐶
SoCal Television — Google review
Fun little spot to see some nature before continuing our long drive. We came in early November around lunchtime. There weren’t thousands but still lovely to see them piled up on the eucalyptus branches. Also recommend walking through the campsite down to the beach (can also use the restroom there), and then Red Bee Coffee isn’t too far away for a pickmeup.
Kailyn Nelson — Google review
There are few butterflies to be seen in March. This place is very suitable for a family walk and then walk to the beach. There are many beautiful flowers there now. Please note that the wind is still a bit strong.
Qin Guan — Google review
It was nice and clam, I've been during the actual butterfly season, but it is still a nice place to visit during the off season as well.
Zae Ras — Google review
Beautiful park! Very clean and well maintained.
The eucalyptus trees made the air smell wonderful. In one area the trees were full of butterfly clusters and butterflies in flight. There were quite a few, even though we visited late in the season.
Such a pleasant experience.. from the little gift shop to the photographers and visitors from all over.
We will definitely visit again but earlier in the Monarchs migration to see them at their peak.
Karen Denise — Google review
Nice little Monarch grove that had plenty of butterflies when we went in mid February. There are some interesting informational signs. Plenty of parking along the main road. The grove connects to a nice coastal trail as well.
William Cheng — Google review
It was great to see so many butterflies in the middle of the city over 10,000 vibrant orange and black Monarch Butterflies. It's a place for photography. Free parking is easily available on the street. Need 1 to 2 hours only as the area is too small, with very few trees having butterflies. Season to see is from November to February, and climate is pleasant around the year. Place was found non-crowded. Zoom camera or binocular is needed to see butterflies. Otherwise, it is difficult to find.
Pratik Patel — Google review
It’s one of a kind experience to see such a butterfly together on eucalyptus tree. All are Monarch butterflies you will able to see during November to February.
Eucalyptus Tree smells so good and that may be the reason it attracts thousands of Monarch on a single tree.
They have set up binoculars to see them far and all arrangements are well made without disturbing their nature habitat.
If you have zoom lenses for camera don’t forget to garb it along to take wonderful pictures.
RIMAL & SHIVANGI PATEL — Google review
It was an awesome experience to be among so many butterflies at once. It's worth going to see them in big and small clusters in every tree, on branches, some even land on you. It's great. There is free parking, a gift store dedicated to the butterflies, and benches/ picnic tables for you stay until closing. Mornings until 3:30p. December until February the butterflies will be there. It is also very kid friendly.
Pam T. — Google review
This is a beautiful little gem near Pismo Beach, CA. We went here on a Monday, there weren't too many people. We arrived around 1030 a.m, it was chilly but the sun was out. As it got warmer and the sun rays light up the Eucalyptus trees, the Monarchs started to awaken. Around noon we saw more activity, 50 or more butterflies would fly off the trees at a time. I recommend bringing binoculars, the butterflies are clustered on the trees and are hard to see. Some flew low, right above our heads. It's a small Grove with a trail that goes circular. It does get muddy if it rains, it was pretty muddy when we went. There is a camp off the trail behind the Grove and it looked like it may have lead to the beach, but not certain. The restrooms seemed to be located in the camp, a ways away. There was a small gift shop that opened around 1130 or so, it's a trailer that you walk up to and can look at their souvenirs, they also sell binoculars. The best time to see the butterflies is around noon to 1 or 2 p.m. when it is warm and the sun is high. Great for families. The hours are sunrise to sunset.
Brittanie Adaire Hikes — Google review
It wasn't the right season to see the Monarchs, but we could learn more about their migration patterns. The blue eucalyptus trees are big and beautiful. There is a small trailer with puzzles, shirts, and other things for sale. The gentleman in there was very helpful and kind.
Lisa Halverson — Google review
This is one of the best free things you can do in Pismo Beach. It's small but when all the butterflies are flying around it is awesome. You can park on the side of the road, they have porta-potties on the premises. You can get free educational talks with the friendly people that work there. They also have binoculars set up so kids and adults can look through them. Bring money and support the sanctuary, they have hats, pins, T-shirts, sweatshirts and bags and many more things for sale in their store. The premises are wide enough to accommodate people with wheelchairs.
Elitania Tapia — Google review
Nice place to see these great butterflies. Parking on the street is free but can be tricky and limited. You can also head down to the beach from the grove, so lots of good outdoor fun.
David Vogel — Google review
There are not very many butterflies at this time of year. However, per their site, which stated there are plenty as in thousands. It's still a nice place to walk around. No fee to enter. Binoculars would be helpful or a good camera to capture the butterflies, which are really high in the eucalyptus trees.
Jeanette Jeanette — Google review
This was a great stop! We arrived in late November and the count was over 15K butterflies! It was so peaceful, you could just watch them for hours. There was a very nice volunteer who had some viewing scopes set up for people to use. No entry fee and roadside parking is available.
Chris D'Agosto — Google review
Wonderful experience in December. Not overly crowded, weather was wonderful. I even found a wild honey bee hive in a tree along the road when we parked. Beach was beautiful as well. White sand beach.
Jennifer House — Google review
It was really amazing to see this butterfly event. The volunteer was being abused by a nasty mother which was really bothersome to witness. This woman was behaving so entiltled and teaching her child the same behavior. What a shame. The mother didn't approve of the volunteer redirecting the teenager to NOT touch the telescope. So rude on so many levels. The sign even said do NOT touch. Otherwise, the butterfly count was 15,000 and the park is sooo tiny, you didn't need to go far to see them. I wish they could plant more trees for the Monarch. You can also walk to the beach when you are done.
Joan MILLER — Google review
We came in November when counting was just about to start and the monarchs were all over. The docents were helpful and it was nice that they had camera lenses trained on the biggest groups in the branches to be able to see the butterflies even better. It's a small area of eucalyptus trees (which smell terrific!) Though be aware that there's hardly any parking. Cars lined up along the shoulders and just parked where they could.
Michelle Mitton — Google review
This is a free educational experience. Located at the beginning of the Pismo Beach area. It is a medium sized preserve. The Monarchs are very high up in the trees. There are a few binoculars stations for closer viewing. Parking is limited along the street.
DAOU Family Estates is a beautiful winery and vineyard that offers tastings, pairings, and picnics on their extensive grounds. The views are breathtaking and the wine is exceptional. Additionally, visitors rave about the delicious food options available at the winery's restaurant. While tastings may be slightly pricey at $45 per person, this fee is waived with the purchase of two bottles per person.
We arrived early for our tasting and were directed to park. We relaxed and enjoyed the views until it was time to begin. What an experience, so much better than other wineries I've been to, not a rushed experience and no huge crowds. Our server was knowledgeable about the grapes and other questions we had. They do separate cheese and meat boards, but you can combine them for a reasonable price. The tasting cost 45 per person, but if you buy 3 bottles the fee is waived (I ended up with 6). I liked 3 out of 5 wines, my dad liked them all. They also had a phone charging station!!! The only thing I was a little surprised by was the bathroom situation, 2 stalls for the women's room(maybe they have more, but for a place that big wasn't expecting that). Would definitely return and recommend.
Briana Gomez — Google review
What an incredible visit! We celebrated our 1-year at the winery, and with Erik & Yosh as our hosts we had a fabulous time 🍷🍇🤩
Their delicious wines were some of our favorites on this trip (which was split between Paso & Napa), and the tasty food from their kitchen to pair with everything really made it a stand out experience.
Come for the wines and stay for the experience!
Mathew Crichton — Google review
The views here were amazing. Check in was easy. We had to park in the overflow parking and someone was there to pick us up within 5 minutes. The wine selection was great! Highly recommend for the vibes and wines.
Mahak Saini — Google review
It's an absolutely stunning winery in the heart of paso robles. this was our first time visiting, and let me tell you, it's breathtaking. we went during the fall, and the colors looked stunning. this was a weekend getaway. we arrived on Saturday, but we had reservations from weeks earlier. this, the place is very popular, so I would suggest booking ahead.
we got 2 charcuterie boards n plenty of wine. this is the perfect place to come and unwin. perfect for couples, singles, or any other occasion. it's a bit on the pricey side, but it's well worth every penny.
geo79 amg — Google review
You have to experience this place! It has been over 12 years since we have been here. So much has changed! The view is still breathtaking and the wine is even better than I remember.
But I must tell you to come here and eat the food!!!!!! I am a foodie and all the food we tasted was amazing. I am not lying. The steak cooked beautifully and the mushrooms made the dishes. Mushrooms even in the salad were over the top superb!
Yes, the tastings were $45 pp, but waived with 2 bottle purchase pp. You get what you pay for. Huge open spaces, very relaxing. Plan to spend some time here, give yourself plenty of time to get to your next winery...at least 2.5 hrs later! Sooooo good.
Renee Fini — Google review
The view is spectacular. There’s a panoramic view from the hilltop, you really can’t beat it. The view is probably factored into the tasting price of $50. The do have some food options available as well. We had a nice meat and cheese charcuterie board, just beware if you do a combo it’s that you’re ordering both and not splitting half and half. Amanda doing our wine tasting was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. They have some excellent wines especially the ones not found at your normal retail store.
Elizabeth G — Google review
A So Cal DAOU rep shared the DAOU story and convinced us we must get by the estate. So here we are.
The place is beautiful. Can’t believe reservations for a tasting has to be set up months in advance. Our group had a tasting and some oysters. Oysters were good and we enjoyed the wine. None stood out as extraordinary to us and our servers was a bit slow but very nice.
They were filming a episode for Hells Kitchen so it seemed to be the priority and a little distracting. Wish the weather was better but we can’t control that. We will try again another time
David Molner — Google review
Great friends get together or family outings of wine, food, and an awesome view . A panoramic view of mountain , landscape with olive trees and grape vine yards. No walk-in, needs reservations, and call ahead. We had a great cheese board with an awesome steak. Service and food was great. Tried a flight of great wines.
YMing — Google review
This vineyard is beautiful, definitely plan at least half a day to hang out in the seating areas. They do not sell wine by the glass, you have to purchase bottles. The charcuterie is worth it!!
Melanie Villatoro — Google review
This was the main destination for our wine weekend. The good: the view and the service. Really nice place to sit OUTSIDE and take in the views and wines. The downside: not really a place you can just stop by and have a glass. Reservations a must. $50 tasting mandatory. Did not like having to park half mile away in a gravel lot and shuttle to and from location (see last photo)
Tom Shortridge — Google review
Our first stop in Paso Robles. Our hotel concierge had made us a 12 noon reservation. We had to park down at the bottom and shuttle up, but that was fine. The shuttle is quite nice. The views at the top are breathtaking. The service is top notch and we shipped three bottles home. Oh and my husband loved the oysters and we also enjoyed a mezze board. Definitely a must visit.
Niki Wilson — Google review
Let me start with the positive notes.. the views are spectacular! Upon our arrival we were greeted by a pleasant hostess.
Our server (not even sure she introduced herself- long blonde haired girl with fake lips) was not that great. We were sited next to huge 2 dogs, and I was afraid for my 1.5lbs Pomeranian and asked if we could sit outside. She said we could sit outside, but that she would NOT bring us tastings as she said she was very busy. OK!! I thought as being a CLUB MEMBER we should have been treated better. So, every time we finished a tasting I would have to go inside to the bar just to see her “busy” talking to another server! Seriously!!??
We left the winery after an unpleasant experience with an unprofessional snob. Sad, that I signed up for membership and travelled 4 hours to pick up my wines.
Given the wealth and reputation of the DAOU legacy the new management should reconsider their staff!
Olha S. — Google review
We recently did a private wine tasting and was blown away by the view. The wines are amazing as well as the charcuterie board. It’s a definite must visit for wine lovers
Jim Gleich — Google review
Daou winery is a heavenly place! Views are beautiful and the food is a five star restaurant quality! Had a very memorable time thanks to Roman for setting us up. 🤗🍷
TERRI QUIGLEY — Google review
This is how your wine arrives when you are a club member! 93 degrees and ruined. The lady who answered the phone said “their wine can sometimes take this kind of heat” They ask you to keep it and wait to see if it’s ok. At $100 plus a bottle are you kidding me? If you purchase wine from them you may get these bottles as they were sent back! Needless to say , don’t buy any wine from them as they don’t care after the sale is made and won’t ship wine properly. I can only imagine how the store wines they sell are transported.
M vA — Google review
Wonderful day at DAOU! The Charcuterie board was amazing! The lamb and sea bass were delicious. Will was our host and was so friendly and knowledgeable of the menu and wine in general. Overall, it was a beautiful day on a beautiful property. We'll be back!
casey clayton — Google review
Great wines, friendly and informative views, and amazing views.
Had a 4pm reservation that was closer to when they closed, the perfect time for pictures with the sun casting shadows on the hills and trees. Didn’t get food but heard people around us talking about how good it was. Our somm, Jolene, was very nice and informative about their wines, the history of the vineyard, and provided great recommendations of other things to do in Paso Robles. Definitely one of the best winery experiences we had in Paso and a must-do if you’re visiting!
Stephen Lopez — Google review
Had the best tasting experience here. Katie our server and Kenny were so fun to talk to and did a great job of sharing stories about the Daou Family, and their knowledge about the wines. The views were stunning and of course the wines were delicious! I highly recommend visiting and doing a tasting.
Matthew Fuchs — Google review
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4.5
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2777 Hidden Mountain Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446, USA
WOW!!!! I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND this place for all group types from families to friends. It is so much fun!!!! My sisters and I really enjoyed our time here. All the staffs were professional; their number one priority was our safety and also to make sure we had fun. I didn't know what to expect and the staffs were spot on with their own personal experiences. This was the highlight of my trip with my sisters. Whenever I come back for another vacation I am definitely bringing my family to try this!!! Thank you for a great time and for ensure we were safe while having fun!
Jenny ?Jenny? Yang — Google review
What a great and fun ride!
We went for the 07:30 pm sunset experience, and it was just an amazing ride. We were gifted with the sunset in the West, and moonrise in the East. What a view (-;
Team was super professional, operated very safely and securely, and was extremely friendly!
Well done…and highly recommended!
Yaron Rosen — Google review
A lot of fun and everything seems very thorough as far as safety precautions. There is a little bit of hiking. Overall a good time and I'd come back again.
Alexis Juravic — Google review
My husband and I have been wanting to try this out for a few years now. We decided to take some out of town visitors. I'm so glad we finally decided to do it. It was so much fun! There is some hiking involved and I'm not a spring chicken anymore but if I can do it anyone can! They have plenty of water in places when you need it so don't worry about bringing your own. I highly recommend a fanny pack. I didn't want to risk having my phone in my pocket so I left it on the bus but it would have been nice to get some pictures and videos of others in out group. I don't recommend trying to video as you are zip-lining. They do take some pictures before the first line and post them but that's it. The staff was great. Very friendly, answered all of our questions and went through all of the safety measures on every run while talking through it as they did it. Even the bus ride from where you check in to where you get suited up had an audio history of the area that was very interesting. I highly recommend Margarita Adventures!
Tawny Sablan — Google review
This zipline course is awesome. It's beautiful, safe, clean and professional. All of the staff were super professional, informative and helpful, they totally took care of us the entire time. It's a great outdoor adventure during Covid. All the restrooms and equipment are sanitized for each tour. There are a couple short bus rides where you need to wear a mask. Also there is are 2 short hikes on this course, one of which is up a steep hill, but there are plenty of places to stop and take a break. They provide plenty of water on the course and trails in single use cups. I thought the whole trip was worth the price. Also be sure to bring cash to tip your super helpful tour guides. I'll definitely be back with a group of friends.
L Temple — Google review
Perfect family outing at the vineyards. The crew is well trained and efficient. It’s best suited for people who want some thrill nothing too scary or exhausting. Heat can be an issue during day trips. They have multiple zip lines. Night safari are good too. If you are lucky you might see some wild life including bears.
swatisikta chand — Google review
What an amazing adventure. Great staff!!. Nice gift store with great prices. A great value for how much you get. Knowledgeable staff. Water stations everywhere. Loved it!!!
Sandi Orner — Google review
Used margarita adventures for a bike tour through ancient peaks. Soo much fun on e bikes and felt like a kid again. 1000% recommend this tour!
Emily Awan — Google review
So much fun!! Staff is confident and knowledgeable. We felt safe. Cold water stations throughout entire course. Get ready to hike a little bit. Learned a lot from the bus driver on the way to-from the site. Thrilling, fun adventure. MUST DO! Good for the whole family. Beautiful vineyards and vistas. Can’t see anything like this any other way.
Jeanette Corcuera — Google review
We did the escape room yesterday. It is incredibly well designed, well laid out and challenging. I like that hints have to be requested (and not force fed to you) and our host was super friendly and welcoming. I can't wait until they've finished their expansion!
Harry Hamilton — Google review
Our family did the escape room
On my 12 year olds birthday. Neil did an awesome job guiding us through the experience. We had never done an escape room before and even though this one was difficult, he gave us all the info we needed to feel confident. He made the experience really fun and intriguing and made it feel very realistic. We were really into it and had a great time working together to solve the puzzles. Huge props to Neil for doing a really great job introducing us to the process and making it really fun for all of us.
Victoria Taylor — Google review
We had a blast and will definitely be back!! We had so much fun on the zip lines. We made memories.
Stewart's Window Cleaning — Google review
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5.0
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22719 El Camino Real, Santa Margarita, CA 93453, USA
The Tobin James Cellars Winery is a winery located in the heart of Paso Robles wine region, featuring an inviting tasting room with a grand, 150-year-old bar. The winery crafts intense fruit driven wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrahs, Zinfandel, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Dessert Zinfandel.
Tobin James is one of me favorite wineries. There Reseve Chardonnay is fantastic. Can't leave here without a case everytime. There are so many wonderful tasting wines. The staff is awesome, kind, helpful, nice and so much fun to do tastings with. Staying on the property is awesome. The room are fantastic. Very clean. Well equipped it all your needs. What a wonderful experience.
Tracey Rapp — Google review
First time at Tobin James and our first stop in Paso. We had a wonderful experience and Andrew made it even more enjoyable! The wines are great, the atmosphere is welcoming, and every staff member was awesome! They truly lived up to their great reviews. I would totally recommend going here if you want good wine and a warm and inviting experience! I was having such a great time I forgot to take any photos of the wines. Also, as a side note- the little birdie wine topper is a must! It chirps when you pour 🐦
Robin — Google review
It was a really great experience here at Tobin James! Everyone was nice and very helpful. Highly recommend coming here while in Paso Robles!
Payton Parks — Google review
We stopped by TJ today for the first time, and enjoyed a tasting with Crystal who was very friendly and informative! She was a large part in our decision to join the wine club. My wife and I sampled over a dozen wines. We had a great experience and left with a few souvenirs. We are looking forward to our first 8 bottle shipment in April, but we will probably be back before then.
Brett W — Google review
Stop by on your way to and from Palo Robles. It’s a big place with country of staff outside seating and picnic area. The manager is very attentive, and the wines are excellent. $20 tasting fee is waived if you buy a bottle.
Taufiq Habib — Google review
The party events are incredible. 4 bands playing through the night and food galore by over 25 food vendors all night long.
Carlos Leal — Google review
I really wanted to love this place, in fact at first we wanted to stay for two days. It is that beautiful. Our plan was to do a photo shoot on the second day, as there are so many unique buildings, antique fixtures, and just overall lovely scenery. The ladies who checked us in were so friendly too. As Harvest Host members it is 'requested' that we spend $20 at a property, and we always spend much more than that. This particular property, however 'required' that we spend $20 per person. The wines were mediocre, which I could have lived with. What turned us sour on our stay was the bartender. I literally felt as though I was a waste of his time. I tried to communicate with him, but all I ever got in return was, "which one do you want to try" There was no verbal communication of what the wines were like, what they paired well with, or upsell of any sort. At one point the bar tender left us to talk to a fellow employee. I witnessed him whisper to her as he pointed at me and my husband. I could go on but I think you get the picture. We wasted no time leaving.
Cherri Rodriguez — Google review
Just finished my first wine tasting experience at Tobin James… AMAZING atmosphere. I absolutely LOVED Veronica, and her recommendations were spot on. You don’t always find a place that has great wine AND great people. If you haven’t checked them out, I HIGHLY recommend making this a top place to stop if you’re coming to Paso Robles. Added bonus is they are visibly supportive of our nation’s military. Will definitely be back!
Brit Hens — Google review
I recently visited Tobin James Winery, excited to use a wine passport I earned after completing a marathon. This passport was supposed to grant me a complimentary visit, and Tobin James was explicitly listed as a participating winery. Unfortunately, they did not uphold their end of the agreement. Despite my attempts to resolve the issue, pointing out that other wineries had accepted the passport without question the same day, the staff simply dismissed its validity.
Despite this disappointment, there were some highlights to my visit. A few of the wines were delightful, and one server was particularly helpful, enriching my experience with his deep knowledge of their wines. His passion for sharing and educating was a bright spot in an otherwise frustrating experience.
However, the situation soured again when I tried to leave. I hoped for some understanding or a solution regarding the passport issue, but instead, I met with dismissiveness from the staff. This lack of support and customer service left me feeling overlooked and undervalued.
While I enjoyed the wines, my visit was overshadowed by the winery's failure to honor their commitment and their poor handling of the situation.
Cian Amor — Google review
We didn’t make an appointment and just last minute decided to stop by and buy wine.
We came at 5pmish (they closed at 6) and they graciously let us in!
We were able to sample 3 before buying their moscato! It was sooo good :0) And the lady was very friendly but I unfortunately forgot her name.
Their main room is huge and the bathroom was really clean!
I would come back here with an appointment.
Jessica You — Google review
We had a blast! Rachel, our host, was amazing. We ended up buying lots of amazing wine, and a turtle aerator! This was the last winery before heading back, and we highly recommend it!
Konstantin Goldin — Google review
A must visit on your wine tasting trip! Great atmosphere, friendly staff and amazing wines across the board. While the trend in Paso seems to be to raise tasting fees, increased bottle prices and higher bottle limits to wave tasting fees, TJ has kept their prices on the ground. If you want a really great atmosphere and wines that are very reasonable, this is the place to visit!
Tricellceo — Google review
9/18/22 We visited here when we vacationed in the central coast. It hasn't changed since our last visit in May. No masks required. They do reservation for busy weekends and holidays. Very popular winery. The receptionist up front was very nice. We didn't have a reservation but she let us in. Luckily it wasn't busy. The pourer selected samples of what I would like. He was great. The charming and wonderful ladies who rang up the sale were very helpful. Nice surprise was the discount for buying 6 bottles. This is our favorite place to visit. There is a grassy doggie area for the furry travelers.
We stopped here on the way to the coast and back. Lots of free parking with handicap access. Tall shady trees with patio seating. Very friendly and extremely helpful hostesses. They fill in the list of the wines you want to sample and or puchase at the entrance. I came here to purchase specific wines that luckily were available. You take the list to the cashier inside. They get the wines from the back and ring up the sales. They accept credit cards. My last visit here was 10 years ago. The staff are as helpful and friendly as ever. The interior is the same western decor. Their wines are world renowned. This is our favorite winery in Paso Robles. We will return.
L. Consoli — Google review
The location is convenient and good, but there is no winery vibe. I missed the attention of the staff. If you don't ask anything, you won't hear anything. It seems to me that more work needs to be done to prepare the customer for the purchase. Today there are a lot of offers, so it is important not just to give a try for money
Elenchik K — Google review
Tobin James winery is a Gem in Paso Robles. We tried varieties of Reserve and Red wines. All tasted very distinct and loved them all. A big shout out to Donna, she took great care of us. Vibe of the place makes it extraordinary. Specially loved the bar table decor. Would highly recommend this winery in central coast.
Sprawling open space centered around a salt lake, surrounded by wildflowers, grasses & mountains.
Stunningly beautiful views! Very fun hikes, suitable for all ages. The visitor's center was small, but had a lot of interesting displays and information, and the employees were very friendly. I recommend coming early & plan on exploring all day long.
Tonya Jasper — Google review
So Beautiful!!! You need a lot of time to enjoy all of the beautiful flowers and scenery there . Or you have to coming back for more like I did. Remember !!! everywhere you going try to fill up your gas Bc the gas station was far so you can enjoy your whole day of trip.
Toan Dinh — Google review
April 2022. Even without super bloom the Monument is worth visiting. There are still many things to enjoy: the spectacular landscapes, the stunning blue sky, the breathtaking views, and the heavenly silence!
Four wheel drive SUVs would be much better. Make sure the fuel tank is full. And be ready for car wash immediately after.
Gayane Alaverdyan — Google review
Carrizo Plain National Monument is an incredible experience that's well worth the trip.
The camping here is great and the Soda Lake is something special - it's always beautiful, empty with its salt deposits or full after a winter of heavy rain.
This place feels remote and truly out of this world. If you're lucky enough to visit during a springtime super bloom, you're in for a real treat.
About 1-2 hours from the central coast depending on where you're located.
There are no services once you get out there. Make sure you fill up with gas/battery, plenty of drinking water and snacks before you go.
This place is worth the trip for anyone looking to experience the beauty of nature in a unique and unforgettable way.
Highly recommended!
Chris McKiernan — Google review
Super bloom is here as of 4.7.2023 and not too crowded. On the way from entrance towards Soda lake, there is many spots where you can see mountain covered with wildflowers. There is few spots that are accessible too. There is some off-road which can take you to more secluded but majestic view points. You will have to take a high clearance car or hike to those points. Also, don’t miss the drive from soda lake to CA58 via 7mile road. Please be careful and don’t damage the flowers.
Mohammad Adom Safiullah Juneb — Google review
Absolutely beautiful! A must see. Easy day trip from Paso Robles or if you plan to camp, get there early on a Friday! Weekends fill up fast due to very few camping spots.
Brian Garneau — Google review
This is a little out of the way, but we’ll worth the drive especially in spring when flowers are blooming
STEVE YOUNG — Google review
Brought our group out here May 2022.
We couldn’t have had better weather (high of 85F and 90F during our 5-day stay). Beautiful skies. Always a good breeze, thankfully. The super blood moon eclipse also rose during our stay, which was other worldly. Coyotes howled in the distance, and we were lucky to see no rattlesnakes or scorpions. While there was not a bloom this year, there were a few vibrant flowers. The foxtails were trimmed in our immediate camp area — lucky for our dogs — though grew taller and thicker further away from the dirt road. We brought an ATV and electric motorcycle to explore the nearby mountain range. Our vehicles had no difficulty accessing the campsite, which is just off the dirt road. Wide vehicles and/or vehicles without off-road capabilities will find it impossible to explore the mountains.
Try to find yourself a campsite with a tree. Trees are in extremely short supply, so good luck. Best time of year to visit is during a cosmic events, especially during late October through early May. So look up your full moons, new moons, eclipses, meteor showers, comet passings, and so on. No matter what, it’ll be lovely.
Ardyss Hawley — Google review
On 4/11/2023 we drove through the Carrizo Plain and visited the National Monument while searching the Plains for this years super bloom. We came in off of highway 101 just North of San Luis Obispo and drove through Santa Margarita to the Monument and then to Goodwin Education Center. It was a fantastic trip and due to the record breaking rains there was a profusion of wildflowers. It was simply breathtaking and it seemed at times like we were driving through a landscape of impressionistic paintings. There were plenty of places to pull off of the road and see the wide variety of flowers. The drive takes you past Soda Lake which is now full due to the rain. The profusion of wildflowers among the foothills behind Soda Lake was breathtaking and not to be missed. We stayed on paved roads and found the road conditions to be very good. There are a number unpaved roads to explore some in decent shape and other more appropriate for 4-wheel drive vehicles. This vast plain offers magnificent views of our rugged California landscape and as an added bonus offers simply fantastic wildflower viewing, at least for now. The views will be very different with each season. There are no gas stations or restaurants or other services so come prepared. Pack your own food, water and other necessities. Cell phone service is very poor and nonexistent in many areas. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys natural landscapes, rugged countryside, and a profusion of native wildflowers. Add this to your bucket list.
Joseph Dandona Jr. — Google review
This spectacular landscape is a remnant of the grasslands of the Central Valley. I visited 20th April 2023 when the flowers were in full bloom and the normally dry Soda Lake and ponds were full of water. The sections with unpaved roads aren’t for the faint-hearted, but there was plenty to dazzle the senses entering from State Route 58 (the north entrance). Do the short hike at Wallace Creek to see the San Andreas Fault!
Christopher Smee — Google review
Visited in time for the peak of the super bloom and it was spectacular. We came in from the Santa Margarita side and stopped first at the overlook. Then we ventured to the visitor center. The best part was taking the unpaved road on the other side of soda lake. The flowers were covering the hillsides like a patchwork quilt. Bring water and snacks there are no services out here.
Bonnie D — Google review
Mid March. Camping. If it wasn’t dry washboard, it was impassible deep mud. However, it was so lush and green and no one else was there…I would do it all over again. 30’ camper with Jeep.
Lisa McInnis — Google review
Too cold, not a superbloom but it was pretty. The drive out from slo was spectacular. The docent said wait till the weather is warmer , they'll be more flowers. This was 4/6/24.
Rhonda Parashis — Google review
Bring a four wheeler if you come when it's wet. The main road is mostly dirt and sometimes mud. There is a visitor center with a provided outhouse. Don't leave trash, there's no trash pickup.
David Chung — Google review
Beautiful but missed the bloom because it's been too cold! Also zero trash cans so be prepared to pack it in, then out! The park Rangers were friendly and helpful. They had a nice museum that was informative and a gift shop. Dog friendly but leashed only!
Tammy Dailey — Google review
So beautiful! We come back every year. It is good for family trip.
Buck Owens' Crystal Palace is a lively country music venue that also serves food and drinks. It boasts Buck's own music memorabilia on display, making it a must-see for fans of the genre as it doubles as a museum. The food is reportedly always good, with great service to match. Those who attend concerts there can expect excellent sound quality and an awesome vibe to go along with the music.
Great food, awesome music and bitchin vibe. Staff was super sweet n accommodating, too.
J T — Google review
Buck Owens Crystal Palace. I'm so glad they reopened. I absolutely LOVE this place . The food was GREAT . I can't remember the name of my waitress she was great. They also had great music the Stampede was GREAT. Can't wait to return.
Saramay Benavides — Google review
My husband and I came from Texas to visit family and came here for dinner. I had the chicken fried steak and it was outstandingly delicious 😋 the green beans were to die for...I know, green beans! But the biscuits and honey butter were melt in your mouth good. Our server was so nice and did a great job.
The place was so nice with lots of country music memorabilia, pics, and a live country band with dancing. A good family place to bring kids to dance.
We had a great time. I definitely enjoyed this night out.
Debra Greeson — Google review
Attended a concert with my wife. Had a delicious dinner, food was great and service excellent! Disappointed in our seating location, could not clearly enjoy watching the show. Sound was good. I have enjoyed the Crystal Palace many times since it opened. Food is always good and entertainment is usually good.
Tim Ross — Google review
An evening with friends with great country music and food. Special mention to Maddy our server. Very cheerful and smiling every time she came to the table.
Can't wait to go back again.
Andy Dix — Google review
If you like country music then this place is a must see. it's a museum and a restaurant. It has excellent food great service..They also have concerts there. .Even if your driving thru to another place it's a must see.
Sherrie Woolsey — Google review
We Went There To Celebrate Our 30th Anniversary. Our Anniversary Is Back In March, But They Were Closed Then, We Also Got To See Suzy Bogguss. She Put On One Hell Of A Show, If She Ever Comes Back To Bakersfield, We Will Definitely See Her Again.
Tina, Linn Biggs — Google review
Surprised to find this venue here. Love entertainment and good food and drinks. Loved the history and the displays of Buck's life along with local celebrities and more current country singers.
Good size dance floor and live band playing older and some newer country music. Definitely worth a visit.
Bob Naugle — Google review
Enjoyed this venue very much. If you're a country music fan this place is for you! So much memorabilia all over the place. Great picture opportunities. There is not a bad seat in the house. The environment and crowd was great. Brought my teenagers to see Charlie Crockett and we all had a great time. Tickets are affordable. We did not eat as kitchen closed at 10. I would see a show here again!!
Tiffany Madrid — Google review
Buck Owens' Crystal Palace is amazing! Reflections just had our 3rd annual fundraiser there and the staff took care of everything! The food was fantastic!
Donna Hylton — Google review
Excellent venue. Wasn't too crowded like some concert venues. Security and staff were on very friendly, informative, and on top of everything.
Megan D — Google review
Great atmosphere! Bartenders were awesome! Food and entertainment was great! Loved seeing all the memorabilia and meeting Erik Estrada!
Beverly Smith — Google review
Amazing place to dine at. First time me and my wife came here and it was definitely worth it. We got to see the famous Bakersfield sign, and also loved the museum part of the restaurant. The food was heavenly, i had a chicken fried steak sandwich, which was huge, and fries. Wife got a chicken fried steak meal, with baked potato, and loved it. Started off with some onion rings, which were divine. Ended the meal with chocolate cake, and oh boy, im glad i saved room for it. This place was really amazing, live music, cool bar has a Cadillac behind it, museum to wonder around and check out, made for a fun night. Definitely will be back here again soon.
Jeff Allen — Google review
Food was delicious and everyone is so friendly. Great museum too
The Kern County Museum boasts an array of exhibits and artifacts showcasing the region's rich history, including its indigenous peoples, pioneer era, and significant role in the oil industry. The majority of the museum is situated outdoors, with various buildings available for visitors to explore. In addition to educational signage tailored for adults, there are also many kid-friendly displays. Visitors can expect a unique and enjoyable experience at this expansive museum, which may require multiple visits to fully appreciate everything it has to offer.
My dad and I just visited and we were both very impressed. We could have easily spent many hours here, but felt that two was about right given our timing constraints. Most of the museum is outdoors, with buildings that you can peek into. They have many kid-oriented signs along with the standard adult-oriented signs.
Kate Harrison — Google review
It is more like a historical park with lots of historical buildings with old furniture moved/rebuilt there. There is also a small museum with interactive exhibits about petroleum exploration and a small kids museum. We spent around 3 hours going through everything. Kids had a great time peaking into each house to see what it looked like in the old times. We were there on a Saturday but no one was at the ticket window so we got in for free.
Betty Huang — Google review
Went primarily to check out Merle Haggard's old house but the whole place was delightful. Rich in history and wonderfully presentation.
J T — Google review
I was surprised and impressed by the depth and breadth of this collection. I moved to Kern County in 1996 but didn’t visit until 2022. Don’t wait! It’s great for all ages, something for everyone.
There are several great exhibits covering the history of Kern County, it’s pioneers, influencers (think Bakersfield Sound and Cesaer Chavez), lifestyle and industry.
Sally Lawrence — Google review
I love this place!! Best place to visit - you could spend hours and hours here!! The coolest collection of local history- both indoor and outdoor exhibits of great interest to All ages! Get here early so you can spend the whole day here! The country music building was especially cool 😎 they had historic outfits and instruments on display! Great way to get some exercise and learn about the history of the area- they even have fossils of sabertooth tigers found at the nearby tar pits! Go here! You won't regret it.
Zee — Google review
Their event for Halloween 🎃 this year was great! Not too long of lines to get candy, not too scary for the younger kids, tickets were five dollars each and five dollars more to get a bag for candy. No buckets allowed since they give you the bags and you have to pay per person to get candy. Most of the museums attractions were open to view and walk through. There were some vendors there for food, coffee, popcorn and tacos. They had a projector playing a Halloween 👻 movie and they had some bounce houses for the kids. Parking was a little intense but we ended up getting super lucky with a good spot. Highly recommend for next year if you want to do something other than stay in or go house to house.
Ashley McAllister — Google review
This place is awesome! I absolutely recommend it. It's totally worth the money. Each exhibit is unique and lots of fun. Definitely stop by the church if you're feeling hot. You'll thank me later. This place is so huge that we ran out of time. We'll definitely return to see the rest!
Jenny Lowry — Google review
While visiting Bakersfield for just 3 days, we took in the history at The Kern County Museum twice! Fascinating for kids and parents alike, we appreciated being in a safe place our kids could roam and explore. Thank you for having us!
Kellan MacKay — Google review
I hadn't been to Pioneer Village in about 3 decades. I had a friend visiting from out of town and decided to take him there. I was delightfully surprised to see how much it has changed and grown. At least from my faint memory from elementary school! Even though he's not from Bakersfield, he also quite enjoyed the experience.
I loved the interactive displays to show how the equipment works. The transportation exhibit is really cool. I loved being able to see such a wide range of vehicles from different eras.
It was very peaceful to meander through and enjoy the park-like environment on top of seeing all of the houses and buildings.
The only "complaint" I have is that I didn't have access to quite a few of the different buildings since I was in a wheelchair. I understand limitations due to the nature of the historic nature of the buildings, but I was just a little bummed out.
Otherwise I hope to introduce more people to this lovely little haven. 😁
Callie Fikter — Google review
Safe Halloween had always been a family tradition for my kids now I just took my grandsons for the first time and I thank all of you who are still keeping this event afloat. But I also seen that the community needs to help more for the kids!!!
Rebecca Gonzales-Tancak — Google review
We went for Ronald Mcdonald's house walk for kids with Texas Roadhouse. There were Starwars costume actors that put in lots of effort as well as other this to do. It was so well done and a lot of fun. Very well maintained and clean. I hadn't been in 20 years since my last visit. Great way to spend a morning or evening and see or community's history
Kim Ewing — Google review
I enjoyed seeing the various time period house's and businesses that were moved here. Really enjoyed the country music building with the show biz clothing, boots, and Billings. Have a tribute to Merle Haggard and Buck Owens, native Bakersfielders.
Hugh Smith — Google review
It has been almost 20 years since I visited last, and this museum is the most memorable history museum I all my years. It made such an impact on me as a kid, that I actually got into history in school. It was like taking a step beck into time. Everything interested me deeply, and i suggest taking your kids. Especially on Halloween. Their Halloween events are so memorable and fun to attend.
You NEED to visit this place!
10/10
Auburn — Google review
4.6
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4.5
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Kern County Chamber of Commerce Building, 3801 Chester Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301, USA
What a lovely place! An oasis of colour and comfort. This family farm shop and pick your own is a joy to visit. The planting is a great mix of English garden l/Park and tropical. We couldn't believe our eyes as we were looking for a stop on a long journey and this place was beautiful and refreshing. The outdoor seating was shady and it was fun watching the birds. 10/10 to the owners. Happy place with happy staff
Paul F — Google review
Was hungry & saw this place just before we passed the exit. The other farm type place we had stopped at they wanted $13 for the yogurt parfait. $4 here! Fresh empanadas, the peach was the tastiest I’ve ever had. Got some honey with comb, even the fudge was a great price. & you can dine in the pretty courtyard. Loaded up for our trip, legendary frog balls 😂, cucumber chips. Great staff, thank you!
Dan Griffin — Google review
It's a really great place to stop and get food. Fresh fruit and some damn good meat pies!! They're delicious!! Loved it. The only thing is that the restrooms are filthy and smell awful. I've stopped here several times, and they're gross. But, other than that, it's a nice place!
Leonor R. — Google review
Great place to stop outside of Bakersfield. They have a cute indoor produce stand with a large variety of fruits and some veggies. The cherries were some of the best I’ve ever had. Homemade pies in variety of flavors and sizes, fresh popcorn and a large area of pickled items, jams, sauces and honey (the cactus honey is amazing)! There is also a small deli area where you can get some hot sides or a sandwich. Seating outside on the patio or garden area to eat. They offer a u-pick, but I did not check that out. They also offer fuel pumps with both gas and diesel. If you need to fuel up, stretch your legs, grab some fresh produce or a bite to eat, this is your stop! The customer service is friendly and everything was clean!
Kathy M. — Google review
Great spot to stop by. Food was a bit overpriced but definitely worth it for the experience if you're driving by. They have a very interesting blueberry pulled pork that everyone should try.
Andi Lim — Google review
This was our first time here and we loved it! I took so many pictures in front of beautiful flowers. For Mother’s Day I got in for free. While being there they had a cherry pie eating contest and the pie was amazing! I also had a BBQ blueberry brisket pie and wow, it was soooo good. There were kid activities like slides a big air filled bouncer, animals and more. My kids had a blast. My favorite part was picking the fruits, the fresh picked berries are to die for. Unfortunately we were pretty occupied so I didn’t get pictures of the strawberries. If you’re considering going, just do it, you won’t regret it!
Shalini Loughran — Google review
Such a fun spot for spooky season! We went a couple of hours before close on a Friday and the crowd levels were almost nonexistent. The price of admission comes with 1 pumpkin each, which I loved. We could’ve spent so much more time exploring, but we were running out of time before they closed. We’ll definitely be back before the season is over!
Red M — Google review
Stopped in for a bit of shopping and a wonderful lunch. Don't pass this place by in your adventures! In my opinion better than Disneyland! A million stars
C Key — Google review
Nice place to stop when on the road — one can get fresh fruits, nuts, and pie!
The prices may sting some but hey it’s a family farm business that uses some of the freshest ingredients one can source. So it makes sense. Quality isn’t cheap!!
I’ve stopped here numerous times and haven’t been disappointed! It’s fun for the little ones and good for tourist to visit.
mansa shaka — Google review
Nice little road stop & gas station with craft food, drinks, and fresh fruit!
Very nice place to stretch, with ample bathroom options available for the weary traveler!
Joshua Cantrell — Google review
The blueberry BBQ pork pie was great and my kid (picky-eater) loved it too. We had a blast doing pick-your-own citrus and it was a great experience for the kids to participate in agriculture first hand. I highly recommend this stop for families.
Steven Wolf — Google review
I was so excited when I saw a big red barn with my hometown name on it. I am from Murray Kentucky so I had to stop when I saw this place in Bakersfield California. It took me back home walking in, I bought 3 okie pies that were absolutely delicious!!! I could have ate all three if I hadn't bought one for my mama and Gigi. The orange honey is the bees knees...his hands and his elbows and the blackberry butter is gonna be spread on every piece of bread in the house. Y'all gotta stop in and support the local shop.
Jzena Kingins — Google review
Cute little spot for fall activities, even as an adult without kids. However, unfortunately, some of the activities weren't open. Maybe because we went on a weekday? We would have really enjoyed the apple cannons and paintball range if they were open. Otherwise, you really can't beat the price since admission even includes a pumpkin.. and good ones too! Also, bonus, SUPER PRETTY SUNSETS.
Cabrina Holt — Google review
Super cute place. Great for pitstop to get out and stretch. Lots to see from the Popcorn house, the fruit and veggies fields to the attractions all over the place. Not to mention the friendly orange tabby cat.
Lucia Oliverio — Google review
So much fun to stop on our way out of town! Love the good food (especially the Oakie Pies) and the festive atmosphere!
Rebecca — Google review
They have fresh fruit all the time. (Absolutely delicious) not to expensive compared to other vendors around.
I really love the blueberry pulled pork I completely recommend it!!
We always try to stop here on all our trips by here but traffic sucks getting in and out of here.
just one employee was a bit rude thinking she was funny just sending you on a scavenger hunt for things they didn’t have.
State nature reserve within the Mojave Desert has 8-mile hikes & a wildflower season March to May.
The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is a wonderful destination this time of year. The flowers, chiefly among them the California Poppy, are in bloom. The California Poppy is the state flower. Though not as plentiful as other years during a super bloom, there were still large patches of the wild growing flower, which made for a sight to behold, and lots of great pictures. Many people parked along Lancaster Road for free, we decided to wait in line to park in the lot, and paid the $10. It is important to note that while in the park you need to stay on the trails, so by parking on the street people ventured off to stand among the flowers. I think it is important to be careful of the land, but it is really neat to be surrounded by the golden flowers. The trails in the park are fairly easy to travel, though some sections were a little steep. The use of a stroller may be possible especially on some of the paved paths. There a lot of restrictions including: No dogs (unless a service animal), do not pick the flowers, no drones, eat only at the picnic area, no bikes. For more information check the parks website. The advice I would share is to be prepared for the wind, drink plenty of water, and lookout for rattlesnakes, as we did see one.
John Hatch — Google review
It wasn't "super bloomed" on this Easter Sunday but it was picturesque and there are lots of paths to walk through. Some areas had better pockets of poppies that made for better photos when close up.
Saw a bunch of little lizards, no snakes. And bugs, so bring bug spray along with sunscreen and water of course.
If you want to save the $10 entrance fee, there are really great viewing areas along the street before the preserve that had bright patches of poppies. Many people were doing that.
Amy Zanlungo — Google review
I went here for the first time and we liked it. We loved that the trails lead you back and no chance to get lost. Though cold, there are flowers especially on the side that does not have much wind. It’s beautiful. Fresh air. Greatfull to experience nature.
Chris Mbugua — Google review
I have wanted to visit the reserve for many years now, and it didn't disappoint. The poppies were in bloom, carpets of flowers everywhere. Truly beautiful. I hiked all of the trails, north and south. There's paid parking, restrooms and a visitor center. It can be very, very busy on weekends during the blooming season, but well worth the visit.
Mick Calarco — Google review
Incredible hiking trails full of all of the wild flowers you could imagine this year! We got there at 730am and the park was already busy. $10 to get in and worth it in every way. Definitely stay on the trails as to not damage the flowers or disturb any wildlife.
Emisis — Google review
There's no puppies this year but if you love nature you still enjoy visiting this park. You will be amazed by the variety of other flowers you will see. The tiny tiny chamomile gives the hills that vibrant yellow color that you will love.
Estela Hernandez — Google review
Beautiful park. We went in February end and there were no poppies and the visitor center was closed too. I heard it opens in March and the flowers start blooming in late March. So, don’t visit before that for watching poppies. But now is a great time to do hikes and watch all the scenic hill tops
$10 to park
Chandra Mohan — Google review
An amazing place for a date. Nice scenic drive, beautiful rolling hills and gorgeous flowers! 10/10 fully recommend.
There are a LOT of bugs so I would bring bug spray. Also plenty of hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult, so if you are into hiking definitely bring hiking gear.
Travin Hardy — Google review
We flew in all the way from Washington to see the poppy fields. When we got to the reserve, we didn’t see any poppies, but there were poppies blooming out side the reserve. If you go east on Lancaster road, about a mile away from the reserve, you will see an unmarked open parking on the right. You won’t see any poppies from the parking area, but if you follow the trail after you park and keep walking south toward the valley you will see a huge field of poppies and some pink flowers blooming all over the valley. It was an unforgettable sight! There are also other poppy fields that you will see along Lancaster road if you keep driving east, but the poppy fields that hidden in valley is the best and the most picturesque!! P.S poppy fields and valley has no shade, so make sure to wear a hat or put on a lot of sun screen and bring enough water.
J C — Google review
Poppy's were not in complete bloom but absolutely beautiful to see the hills colored in yellow and orange. Highly recommend stopping by and doing the walk around the reserve. The staff is incredibly friendly and plus we even caught some of the eclipse there
Josh Zep — Google review
I overall enjoyed this place. The hikes were not very long. The incline was about 2% grade. Now to see the poppies in Bloom, it would depend on the weather. The poppies are sensitive. When I went, just before Spring, in late March, It had rained a lot causing the poppies too Suffer, due to lack of oxygen. So, as a warning look on their live webcam first or ask the ranger station if you can get a live person and ask them the conditions. The staff mini ATV vehicles riding around, but they seem to have missed many holes on the pathway that need filling in regularly. Good luck. 🙌🏼😅👍🏼🌅
Edward Roy — Google review
No poppies and not the friendliest bunch. We did have our dog with us and were told she couldn't leave the parking area, so we weren't able to even use the picnic area because it was up a trail away from parking. So we tailgated in the parking lot and a delightful volunteer told us just be sure you don't leave a mess. So trip was more a super-bust than a superbloom.
Bob Nelson — Google review
April 2024 is supposed to be fully bloomed season for poppy but they didn’t get this year. Please check before visiting this place.
Jatin Patel — Google review
First went here to watch the superbloom in 2023, and I was MIND BLOWN. Not just because of the flowers but because of the miles and miles of undulating hills, clean air and tranquility. You HAVE to visit, be it during spring when the flowers are in bloom or any other time of year!
Aadya Chidanand — Google review
I think last time we were there was more poppies but this time because of the rain or cold weather was not that much poppies that we expected, but other than that was a nice experience! Try to go afternoon around sunset to see the sunset and skip the traffic! The bathrooms were so dirty, try not to go. The parking is $10, which you can park of the road and walk up there if you can, in overall was nice!
Came here in 2017 with our kids, and returned without them today. Google it to be amazed before actually seeing it. We were fortunate to arrive on a clear day, and right as a train was approaching. It's cool to see the engine windings the train around the mountain so many times, and see the caboose spiraling along! It's a short stop off the highway.
Patricia Vasko — Google review
This is an engineering marval and train enthusiasts would enjoy. I have NOT been to the Loop, however, I did watch several videos that is available and it would be added to my bucket list!!
B B — Google review
Excellent view of the train. Would recommend visiting it if you are in the area
Leroy Gehman — Google review
Used to come here as a kid . Now I take my kids here . Great spot to train watch
Stephen Stender — Google review
4.9
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4.5
(243)
6F26+3H8, Keene, CA 93561, USA
I'll never travel to the Death Valley National Park without this trip planner again
Old-school depot offering exhibits on trains, a working signal garden, play area, gift shop & tours.
Nice, donation based, Museum. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Our docent showed us around, answered questions, and then left us to explore on our own. There is a nice area outside where you can sit and watch the trains go by. Make sure you hear the story about how the depot burned down. The story really shows how committed the Tehachapi community is to saving their history.
Without Vision — Google review
We just happened to stop by this darling train depot not knowing it was actually a museum. We were thrilled!! The docent gave a fabulous tour and had everyone enthralled. It has a great history and Tehachapi is very blessed to have had this restored for this purpose. I highly encourage everyone to stop by for a visit it’s even more thrilling when the trains ride by…
Arlene Aninion — Google review
Railroad memorabilia some of the best I've seen. It was absolutely awesome touring this Railroad Museum. I can't wait to go back I was so entertained I forgot to take pictures. the volunteers who do such an awesome job are so friendly and so very interested in showing you their displays. I had so much fun thank you to all the people involved to keep such wonderful history to admire and learn from.
Mike Secor — Google review
Great place to visit! Our docent who we met was super kind and thorough. We left being more knowledgeable.
John W — Google review
Fantastic museum. Docent was super knowledgeable about the history of Tehachapi and the items in the train depot. I loved the guided tour. The museum is a treasure trove of early California history and train history.
Kay Jay — Google review
If you’re going to check this place out and you just plan on walking in and walking around by yourself, I would highly recommend getting the guided tour it is no cost they are donation-based only. The tour was amazing. The volunteers are very nice and knowledgeable.
LaVonne Johnson — Google review
My family and I stopped here on our way through town. We just wanted a quick look but ended up getting a full tour. I don't remember our tour guides name but he was very informative and made our visit super special. He made the stop well worth it. If he is reading this, we were the family that told you the story of the 800mb hard drive advert. I highly recommend anyone with the slightest interest in trains to stop by this historic train depot.
Robert Stoddard — Google review
A fantastic visit. This is quite a small museum, but it packs a number of interesting artifacts and is completely free. But the stars are the volunteers. I spent the best part of an hour there just chatting to them, sharing and contrasting the US and UK rail systems.
If you've an hour free, it's not too far from the LA to San Francisco freeway. Divert, have a look around and a chat, leave a donation if you can and then visit the Tehachapi loop viewpoint.
Nick Brown — Google review
Very fun place to see! Guids were very nice and informative. If you're a Railroad enthusiast, this the place to check out. There is no admissions fee. Plz leave donation to help with the preservation of this historical treasure.
Then drive 10 mi down the road to check out the Tehachapi loop. If the train comes by the station and your fast you can get on the 58 west bound and make it to the observation point and watch the train come thru the loop!
Thomas Banks — Google review
Very cute. All of the staff are enthusiastic. They might all be volunteers. They also encouraged us to visit the Tehachapi Loop overlook and gave directions. The Loop is definitely worth the little drive. Take chairs and hang out a while. There is usually a local out at the loop more than willing to tell you all about it.
Terran Nyberg — Google review
Really nice museum. Super clean and well done exhibits. Highly recommended. Tehachapi is proud of their heritage, as they should be, and it shows from places like this as well as the nearby antique stores and museums right up the street. This was a wonderful visit and we hope to be back soon.
Michael Moffatt — Google review
This is a great place to take the family of all ages. This museum operates on donations, so their is no actual fee to enter. The volunteer who gives the tour is very knowledgeable. The gift is tiny and cute. If you love trains this is the place for you.
Gwen Wines — Google review
The Tehachapi Depot Museum is a really neat exhibit full of historical curiosities. They have some nice antique pieces of railway equipment and adjacent items like old luggage, etc. I liked that they display a piece of train track that had melted under extreme duress. They also have preserved news clippings and other literature for your viewing.
The staff is very pleasant here, and the atmosphere is welcoming. I like that the museum is situated directly next to the actual operational railway, that there is a railroad-themed playground next door, and that a great sandwich deli and bakery, Kohnen’s, is only a hundred feet away.
Christopher Gorrie — Google review
The Tehachapi Depot Museum is an excellent place to visit and watch trains. You have both Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe passing right next to this depot. The information in and around the Tehachapi Depot Museum is very educational. I fully recommend and support this Museum.
"The Musical Road of Lancaster, California is an absolute delight for both locals and visitors alike! As a unique and innovative attraction, it provides a one-of-a-kind experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression. The concept of a musical road is both fascinating and entertaining, and the execution in Lancaster is truly exceptional.
Driving along this stretch of road is an immersive and interactive experience that seamlessly combines music and technology. The harmonious melody created by the road's rumble strips is sure to bring a smile to your face and get your toes tapping. It's an ingenious fusion of engineering and art that showcases the creativity and ingenuity of the human spirit.
Whether you're a music enthusiast, a road trip aficionado, or simply someone looking for a fun and out-of-the-ordinary experience, the Musical Road of Lancaster is a must-visit destination. The joy of cruising along this musical highway is unparalleled, and it's an attraction that appeals to people of all ages.
In addition to the sheer enjoyment of the musical road itself, the surrounding area of Lancaster offers a variety of other attractions and amenities that make for a well-rounded visit. From beautiful natural landscapes to charming local eateries, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Overall, the Musical Road of Lancaster, California is a shining example of innovation and entertainment that deserves all the praise it receives. It's an outstanding testament to human creativity and a must-see destination for anyone seeking a truly unique and memorable experience."
Sanjeewa Komangodage — Google review
one of funny and unique experience, especially you don't tell anyone inside your car ahead of time. Watch their reaction!!!
the grooves are in the left lane. So stay on the left lane.
s.y Ta — Google review
It's neat, but not "go 2 hours out of your way to see it" neat. Tom Scott did a segment on this stretch of road on YouTube explaining how they messed up the measurements of the ridges, which is why the song isn't in the correct pitch.
Jan Johnson — Google review
Very cute idea I wish it was a bit longer cause we go back around every time cause the kids want more.
Sel M — Google review
Whether it's out of tune or such its still a great experience! You can clearly hear what song it is supposed to be - only a 20 sec drive but still so much fun!!
monique mcchristian — Google review
Musical road was easy to find and only took a minute to drive. It was a fun and unique experience.
Jenny Voigt — Google review
It only works on one direction and it's way too short, 15 - 20 seconds tops, it should state the optimal speed one should drive at.
Pablo Moysam — Google review
We were in the area to see the California poppies and we stumbled in this road. The road is not that long but the kids enjoyed it. We went around 3 times. It was a good experience. We were all smiling when we passed thru the road. I recommend visiting this when you're at the area.
J G — Google review
If I was an engineer and worked for the city I would add these throughout all the roads in our cities. Something as simple and silly as this put a huge smile on my face. I can only imagine how cheerful this would be if more drivers could experience this in the city. Maybe road rage would lessen and people would be excited to drive. Originally this was carved into the road for a car commercial. Glad it stayed.
T H — Google review
An instant hit for a car full of kids who all looked up from their devices and then wanted to do it again. I guess it is out of tune, but you can easily tell what the song is. Probably not going very far out of our way to get here, but fun when we are driving through.
Dallin Kimble — Google review
Out in the middle of no where! But fun to hear a tune coming from the grooves in the road. It was worth driving out of our way.
Matthew S — Google review
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3197-3297 W Ave G, Lancaster, CA 93536, USA
18
Kern River Rafting - Momentum River Expeditions
Raft trip outfitter
Tours
River Rafting & Tubing
My son (13) and I had an amazing time with Kern River Outfitters. It was his first time whitewater rafting and he can't stop talking about how great it was. Our guide, Julia (along with the rest of the guides), was the best. She is super friendly and very knowledgeable about rafting. I would definitely recommend Kern River Outfitters to anyone who wants to try out rafting.
Brian K — Google review
Such a great experience! Took 6 of my guys up for a bachelor party. They were very accommodating with all of the planning and a few last minute changes. Our tour guides Augie and Mary were absolutely the BEST! Made our trip fun and exciting. I’m so happy I chose Kern River Outfitters. We will definitely be going back and using them again.
Joseph Razo — Google review
Our guide was fabulous! Everyone at Kern River Outfitters were great, very personable always answering questions and making sure we all had a great time and making safety a priority! We will be doing this again next summer. I recommend this Rafting Co. to everyone! You won’t be disappointed!
T Armijo62 — Google review
We had a wonderful day with Kern River Outfitters. All of the guides were helpful, friendly, and clearly so happy about being outside and on the river. Their gear for the chilly weather was awesome (the booties and jackets were really nice). Out guide Skip was awesome with my 10-year-old kids, and we all had a great time! Highly recommend.
Laine Carlsness — Google review
Great trip for first timers! Guides were knowledgeable and fun. They took the time to educate us first before our trip. Isaac was an awesome leader. My 11-year-old daughter and I did the ‘mild tour’ with some class 3’s. Felt safe, nothing too crazy. Would highly recommend and definitely do it again!
Erin Smith — Google review
Man! It was a true privilege to run Forks of the Kern. Stunningly beautiful canyon with raucous rapids that’ll keep you on your toes. At camp and on the water the guides were a *solid* and well-oiled machine. They were super thorough talking us through what to expect from the upcoming segments and adapted lightning fast to sticky situations. On land, they outdid themselves with the meals and fun campfire. My family had an incredible time. Much appreciation to Jackson, Miles, old Pat, Sven and Jamie for making the trip so special. Mega thanks to the drivers, mule packers, guides, and organizers who made it all happen! And thanks to the tropical storm for bringing the extra injection of water at the end of August
Kelly McCormick — Google review
My 2 sons and I went on the 130pm rafting trip. Byron was our Guide, it was just my boys and myself on the raft. He did a great job. the ride was awesome and he let my boys take turns steering the raft. We asked for him to put us on the hardest parts and he did. it was everything we hoped for. The whole crew was great. You could tell they loved what they do and enjoyed working together. Even the bus ride was fun... Thank you for giving myself and my boys a memory we will never forget.
Beardedtravelguyreviews — Google review
Adam was a stellar boat captain. The whole team was to notch. Personalities and guest service beyond expectations. From the instructions given by Bailey to the cool bus ride up and down.... the perfect weather and great company... it was an amazing experience. So glad I picked this company. It was a last minute decision about 3 hours before the trip and they accommodated us so quickly. Never have gone before and now I'm ready to go again and again. Thank you to a great team! Adam, I didn't have cash and I wish I could have left you a huge tip! I'm so sorry! You deserve so much!
H& J — Google review
Had a great rafting experience. Guide was fun and friendly, very smiley dude. I was hoping for a bit more action but it was my first time in a river so it was a nice start. There were two kids in my raft of 6 plus guide. It didn’t present any issue that one did not row. None of us were especially strong accept our guide and I never felt as if any of the 6 boats on our group were ever in any danger at all.
Love Feels Best — Google review
my brother and I took my dad white water rafting for his 60th birthday and we all had the best time!! The guides were very professional and made us feel comfortable and confident that they really knew what they were doing. Plus they were so much fun, personable, and gave us some awesome recommendations for hikes. Our guide was Miles and he was the best! He really read our skill level and stoke level and made sure we had a great time. We will definitely be rafting with this company again in the future.
Nicole Jacoby — Google review
What an amazing day! We did the one day trip and it was so much fun. The rapids were great and the guides were awesome! Sven rocked it. He took cautious first time rafters and made rafting enthusiast. They were "riding the bull" and all in by the end of the first run. We all felt safe with Sven in charge even taking on the big ones. Overall I think the entire crew emphasize safety without scaring rafters and that made this mom very happy. This was a great adventure for my family and friends. I highly recommend Kern River Outfitters
lbsatts — Google review
We had a great time. Our guide was Mary from Montana. All the guides were nice and very knowledgeable. I had been rafting before but 2 others on my raft were first timers. The guide leader was cool even when she got water splashed back on her on the bus (first time for her). I remember Brian and Cameron and sorry I forgot the other guides names.
J R — Google review
We had the most amazing time! Our guilds Adam, Miles and Bailey were absolutely awesome! They were knowledgeable and so fun! We went with our teenagers and even they thought it was “SO much fun!” Double compliment from a teenager! This company made everything so easy and had the best customer service! I can’t recommend enough! We are working on planning another trip!
Jessica Burchett — Google review
Indeed, it was a fantastic rafting trip. We chose the half-day Upper Kern Class IV trip. This was the first time they could run the Upper Kern in over a month, and the current was perfect. It was extra splashy and a total blast! Sven was our guide; he was highly experienced, knowledgeable about the river, and so much fun. We can't wait to go back.
Tanya B. — Google review
The trip was awesome - we got a little bit of everything on the Class IV Premium Half Day! Our Guide, “Big Water” Blair, really built up the confidence of our raft of 6 inexperienced paddlers and we made it through all 5 big rapids successfully. We got to take a dip in the river in one of the calmer sections. Even for a short trip, we got some really exciting rapids and would highly recommend this trip and KRO to anyone. On top of the fun trip, the Kern was beautiful with the trees along the river and the mountains in the background
Elaine Eaton — Google review
This is what I also shared to Yelp.
We went out here for a bachelor party trip and we’re lucky enough to get Gabe aka Nick Cage aka Ashton Butcher as our River guide. If you’re somewhat of a rowdy bunch and want to get into the thick of the rapids, don’t mind getting wet and are looking for more excitement than the normal trek, Gabe (Nick Cage) is your dude. We were all really pumped on the trip. The company was very professional even before we booked our trip, upon arrival, and even with us wanting to go the extra and get kinda gnarly on the river, Gabe (Nick Cage) made sure that we all knew exactly what to expect and what to do depending on what could potentially happen next so we were all in good hands (Nick Cage) and safety was still priority #1.
I recommend doing the full day (8 hour) trip. We booked the upper Kern but due to weather got switched to the lower kern which I heard was better. The first trip through is almost like a taste test to get your bearings. We stopped for a rock jump/cliff jump which was chill and then later stopped again for a mid day break. I honestly felt kind of tired and already a little sore at that point but the deli sandwiches were solid and once we went for round two you’re already prepared for what’s to come but with slightly different conditions so our group was all about going harder the second time which really made the whole trip a blast.
(Side note) I haven’t done river rafting since high school and I’m 37 now so I’m not seasoned in doing this by any means.
Anyways the conversations during the mellow parts of the river were good, we got soaked going for it, floated down the river when it was chill and paddled hard when we were in the thick of it all thoroughly enjoying ourselves. Overall it was an absolute blast and I plan to definitely come back at least once a year to do this same trip.
I highly recommend this company. You won’t be disappointed.
HUGE THANKS Gabe (Nick Cage/Ashton Butcher) and Kern River Outfitters. If I could give more than 5 stars I would.
27,000-acre park with cliffs, buttes & canyons popular for hiking, camping & horseback riding.
A definite must see if you enjoy desert scenery, national parks, hiking or just want to go somewhere new. They have a visitor center with a gift shop, day use and even camping. There are trails you can hike as well near by which take you back into some beautiful rocks formations. It reminds me of a miniature grand canyon. Plus there are plenty of crevices in the rock formations you can go in and explore.
Jessica Rebhahn — Google review
Rocks were definitely red! In all seriousness though, this place was quiet, and definitely worth the drive. It was pretty hot so we didn't hike far, but the landscape and rocks are totally awesome to see as someone who's never been to any kind of desert before! I will note, the visitors centre was closed even though the hours on the door were listed as it being open, but they had maps you could take for free so we were able to find our way around fine. Also, they had nice off-roading trails as well. Nice place!
olivia brennan — Google review
Very nice experience for the kids. Very well taken care of and clean. Didn’t get to do some of the hikes because it was a bit hot but plan on going when the weather is cooler to enjoy the trails. high recommend and plan on going back soon .
Vera Catalan — Google review
It was more than a 2hrs drive for me to get to but I went on Christmas day and there were very little traffic. I went hiking with my dog and it was a pleasant day to do so. I was only hiking at the entrance area because dogs are not allowed on trails. Didn't drive further into where the camp ground was. I got there late in the afternoon so the sun was about to set. It's worth stopping by.
MC — Google review
Can you believe it? All of what we see now used to be under water, the entire area was at the bottom of a massive lake millions of years ago! We passed through Red Rock Canyon on our way to Mammoth lake. Not gonna lie, I wanted to come when we were on our way back from Death Valley a couple of months ago, but we didn't have enough time to stop by. So, I feel like I had to plan for a visit this time, and luckily, it turned out amazing. The camel rock reminds me of Cappadocia in Turkey, and the Turk's turban rock looks even more beautiful in person. We didn't have time to check out window rock this time, but I feel like Red Rock Canyon would be a great destination for RV camping and stargazing. How lucky we have such an amazing place in Cali, and it's only less than 3 hours away from LA!
Clanda Sh — Google review
Amazing geology, beautiful painted desert! You can drive and park right next to the rock formations, so family members who can't really hike will enjoy this spot. It's part of my favorite day-trip loop with family and friends. I take some folks in my Jeep, driving from Tehachapi - Bakersfield - Kern River Canyon - Lake Isabella - Red Rock Park - and end at the Windmills by California City. If you time it right, you can get the color of Red Rock just as the sun sets, then the windmills just after sunset. These photos of Red Rock are just before sunset, and a wildfire haze made a surreal pinkish hue in the sky.
Blackbeard The Biker — Google review
Awestruck - I’ll certainly be back again. Some of the most beautiful geological features I’ve seen this part of the country. It looks like a living organism that’s shifting between phases; you can see the layers eroding. Pretty cool
Hesam — Google review
Nightmare Gulch Loop Trail - it’s 9 miles hiking course. There is no restroom. You may have to find out how you can void. You will see two directions at the beginning of trail. If you choose right side, you will face to long slope after walking 4 miles. It’s not that hard but hard. If you don’t like it, turn left. It’s great trail. You may feel walking on the other planet. Little scare cuz you may not meet people while hiking.
GH C — Google review
If you come on a trip and pass through this canyon you must stop and visit it, beautiful creation of God, incredible colors!
NATYP — Google review
Amazing red rock formation. If you drive through I-14, stop for a moment for this park, you will not be regret. There is no park entry to collect fee, you pay for your stay at visitor center. Red Cliffs Natural Area is on the other side of the I-14. Avoid afternoon as those amazing rocks will be in shadow, not good for pictures
Zhong Shang — Google review
Did a short but nice 1 mile trail. So pretty, there's so many wild flowers blooming right now.
Lisa Villalpondo — Google review
I recently visited Red Rock Canyon State Park in California and was blown away by the stunning red hills that dominate the landscape. The colors are so rich and vibrant, it's truly a unique sight to see. The best part is that the parking lot is conveniently located close to the actual trail, making it easy to enjoy a day trip from Los Angeles. If you're looking for a beautiful outdoor adventure, I highly recommend checking out Red Rock Canyon State Park.
SIRLUNA (David) — Google review
Absolutely gorgeous views, I was in love with this place! A very nice drive, with numerous areas to stop. It can get a little "touristy" in certain areas, but we were able to walk further in and find private areas to relax. Fair warning though - I can't tell you how many people (including ourselves) were under dressed and freezing. 🤣 I think we all assumed being so close to Vegas/the dessert that it would be hot. It can get very hot, but definitely check the weather before you go!
Mandy Kaylynn — Google review
Beautiful place with trails and sights you, probably, haven’t seen elsewhere.
The visiting center has a lot of info about the wildlife and the park itself. Take a map there and choose which sites to see and what trails to go on.
Mārtiņš Zariņš — Google review
Ample parking. Nice short trails. Cell reception is pretty much non existent around here.
KS Nair — Google review
Super simple place. It's great to explore with kids
January 2024
Parking $6
Camping $25
Educational museum providing history exhibits on the Mojave Desert, petroglyph tours & a gift shop.
Lovely little museum with lots to discover. Was incredibly intrigued at the small door in the corner next to the taxidermy puma. Perfect fit, if not in need of a spot of WD-40. Greatly enjoyed the contents within.
Jonah was very helpful and informative, even providing several entertaining stories of his great-aunt's exploits during the Cod Wars. I had no idea the intense role taxidermy played in winning.
Five out of five tiny, rent-free, oh-so-easy to slip into the warm walls from, doors.
彼Iblis — Google review
We came here to escape the heat and was pleasantly surprised. Great artifacts and information. The woman working is named Nora and she was so friendly and gave us great places to explore around the area. There were great brochures and information you can take with info on hiking, camping, bird watching, etc. Their gift shop was also very cute
Marisa M — Google review
Amazing stop after the petroglyph festival. Have tried to come before but was closed. Am happy to see it open. Staff was helpful and answered questions. Can’t wait for the tours to resume again.
joshua ward — Google review
One of the best regional Museums I have ever seen. And those who follow me know I have been to hundreds if not thousands over the years. Superb staff. Professional and friendly. Very knowledgeable of the local area.
THIS IS A MUST STOP!
János Szablya — Google review
We love our local museum. It is small, but it has a lot to offer the community. We appreciate the children's activities that they hold monthly, and the other evening events (including star gazing events). We are lucky to have such a great place in our small town!♥️
Christina MacGregor — Google review
Worth the $5 fee to tour around the exhibits that range from local animals and geology to mining history and a small exhibit on the sidewinder. Also an art gallery and gift shop, but that wasn’t my favorite part. Really liked learning about earthquakes and other types of salt mining.
Tony Flo — Google review
Nice place. Very interesting facts about town and mining. Met a very lovely lady who works there Nora. She was very informative and so sweet. My sister and I talked to her for like 20 min or so. Sometimes they have crafts for the kids as well.
Kitty Davis — Google review
Small/Mid Size museum with a lot of information on local history, wildlife and art. A lot of fun with friends or family or just alone. Resources available in the gift shop for places to travel and visit. I was especially happy to see old photos of Ridgecrest and very nice ceramic art for sale (priced very reasonably) The gift shop is also full of goodies. FREE ADMISSION - second SATURDAY of every month!
Brian Wangenheim — Google review
Very small place but had some nice artifacts of the town and its history.
Photography room was played out a bit oddly alongside the small corridor with more information.
The animals and display of minerals was nice with an area for kids to interact and play.
The gallery room was full of art that was interesting.
I wish the gift shop sold key rings of the metal men outside.
Trona Pinnacles is a remarkable site located in the California Desert National Conservation Area, featuring over 500 towering tufa spires. The otherworldly landscape consists of odd pinnacles of calcium carbonate rising from an alkaline lake, creating a haunting and unique setting. While there are no facilities at the site, it offers a cool spot for desert camping and exploration.
Awesome weekend getaway. Who would know this place existed. Great place to explore and camp. Perfect spot to stargazing. Another spot adds to our Fav 😍 place to camp. Just make sure [leave it better than when you found it]. LEAVE NOT TRACE BEHIND. So the next generation will still enjoy this natures wonder.
bBtoaster DailyDriven — Google review
Very cool spot off the highway. Worth a drive to check it out - it’s 5miles from the highway on a dirt road. 2 wheel drive vehicles are fine to get you there, however the path around the pinnacles gets confusing and you could easily end up on some more difficult roads. I recommend parking and taking the walking trail if you’re in a 2 wheel drive vehicle. Impressively, the pinnacles are leftover from a time this area was underwater. We saw people camping off in the distance, and lots of 4x4 and dirt bikes.
Marian Co — Google review
The Trona Pinnacles are a very unique site to see if you're into desert camping. I visited in April 2021 and loved camping alone and exploring the Mars landscape. There is only one pit toilet and it's not very clean. Bring your own toilet paper. There is also no water anywhere, so bring that too. It can get cold at night and is windy pretty much every time I've gone out there, but it's nice to get away from everything. Camp anywhere, just not on the road (yes, I've seen people do this).
Dale McDonald — Google review
This place is highly memorable. Strange creations of rock. I wish it was at least a little more "touristy" i.e. there is nothing here. Just the attraction, i think there is 1 bathroom as well.
Melvin Thomas — Google review
Simply amazing, other than the meat heads acting like chimpanzees. Stars and landscape are awesome. Sulfur smell is present and coyotes like to visit camp at night, so take care to clean up and LNT. Great launch point to DV and the rest of the Mojave
Will Macia — Google review
Trona is in an other dimension and in another planet. Enjoy getting lost until you find yourself in Trona!
Ian N. — Google review
Beautiful and otherworldly. At night it got really windy and we unfortunately couldn’t stay as the winds were too strong. We plan to return 🙂
Carlos Mendez — Google review
Awesome desert area with tall spires, very scenic, dirt road and getting there can be confusing, don’t rely on Google maps - make sure you know where you’re going, good thing is there is still cell reception there. Have thick tires.
Brian Wangenheim — Google review
Visiting Trona Pinnacles offers a unique and mesmerizing experience, transporting you to an otherworldly landscape that seems straight out of a science fiction movie.
Begin your exploration of Trona Pinnacles by embarking on one of the designated hiking trails or driving routes. These routes will take you through the labyrinth of towering spires and ancient rock formations that characterize the landscape. Take your time to absorb the surreal beauty and snap some breathtaking photos.
Take advantage of the interpretive signage scattered throughout the area to learn about the geological processes that formed the pinnacles over thousands of years. Gain insight into the unique combination of tufa, or calcium carbonate, formations that make Trona Pinnacles so remarkable.
Finally, explore the area, focusing on capturing the ethereal beauty of the pinnacles through your lens. Experiment with different angles, perspectives, and lighting conditions to truly capture the essence of this otherworldly landscape.
Bon Voyage my friends.
Ivan
Ivan Briceno — Google review
This is a cool spot to check on your way to dead valley. This is how I planned my trip. Traveled here one day camped and headed over to the national park the day after. There are no facilities here and it can get windy at night. The bad part about this is the people not really the place. People playing music until late at night I am talking 1 am and others with super bright lights that covered the entire area. How do you enjoy nature like that? On the positive it is a cool place to explore and camp. There are wild donkeys in the area. The stars look amazing at night and the place is big enough that you can find a quiet spot away from the rude campers. The place is also patrolled by the rangers so it gives you a sense of security as well. As far as what car can make it here. Any car can make it to the entrance depending on the weather of course. But the back roads should not be taken unless you have a 4x4 or high clearance. If you have a camper can stay to the entrance area.
Jorge Lopez — Google review
A bit of a rough road for an old truck and camper but worth the drive. Camped there a good few days. Spots were spaced well. Fun area to explore.
Amy Hope — Google review
Rough road to get all the way back there but worth the effort. Large campsites. Truck and trailer fit no problem.
Kelly Wisdom — Google review
I have been here many times. Although there is some light pollution at night, it is very suitable for shooting stars.
Matt G — Google review
Another bucket list dispersed camping spot. It feels desolate and very remote, and awe inspiring. It has tons of camping spots all around the pinnacles and tends to get pretty busy. It may be hard to find a well sheltered, private and level spot. It also tends to get very windy. Blow your tent away windy. Fires are allowed.
During the Pleistocene, massive runoff spilled from the Sierra Nevada into a chain of inland seas. The system of interconnected lakes stretched from Mono Lake to Death Valley and included Searles Lake.
Deep beneath Searles Lake, calcium-rich groundwater and alkaline lake water combined to grow tufa formations. Similar (modern) formations can be found today at Mono Lake to the north.
Known as tufa pinnacles, these strange shapes formed underwater 10,000 to 100,000 years ago. The pinnacles did not all form at the same time. They are divided by age and elevation into three groups. The groups are dubbed the northern, middle, and southern groups because they formed during the three ice ages.
With a height of 80 feet, Darwin Falls is the highest waterfall in Death Valley National Park. It is accessible via a hike and its lush canyon vegetation is said to add to the adventurous feel of the hike.
Darwin Falls in Death Valley National Park is an incredible place to visit. I went in November of 2022 after the heavy rain storms and it was fantastic. Seeing an oasis with a rushing waterfall and creek in a dry desert was amazing. The hike was maybe a mile or so long from the parking area and was a little wet and muddy due to the recent heavy rains but well worth it. Highly recommend if visiting Death Valley.
Brendan Kiely — Google review
Nice short hike. The main problem is the ~2 miles of terrible road to the trailhead. The trail itself is easy but muddy and requires jumping over shallow streams, hence it might be infeasible for people with disabilities. The falls are not as beautiful as death valley's main attractions, so you should stop here only if you are staying in the area for multiple days.
Leno — Google review
Fantastic trail, wonderful scenery at the end. We had it all to ourselves, too!
Qadgop the Mercotan — Google review
Must drive through gravel and bumpy road. Any car is fine for the road but must drive slowly to get to the trailhead. On the trail, have to cross over small streams. The trail becomes muddy in the winter and some rocks can be slick and slippery. My left foot has slipped and landed in the stream.
Then have to climb over some rocks to see the waterfall. Don’t expect to see some grand waterfall like Nevada/vernal falls. This is not a big waterfall and I would not have expected it in a place like Death Valley so it is impressive in a way.
Glow — Google review
Darwin Falls is a 18-foot spring-fed waterfall in the western part of Death Valley National Park near Panamint Springs. The access road from CA-190 is a rough gravel road and best with high clearance. From the small trailhead, the trail leads up Darwin Wash. Initially, the hike is through desert and doesn't seem like there should be a waterfall. About a half-mile into the hike, there will be a little bit of water and start to see more vegetation. Soon, there are willow trees and a flowing stream. The trail ends at the scenic little waterfall that flows year round. The spray from the falls allows ferns and other greenery to grow all around the falls and makes a beautiful oasis. We really enjoyed this hike and it was very unique to hike to a lush oasis in Death Valley.
Justin P — Google review
I drove 3.5 hours to check out Darwin Falls. When I got to the turn off the road was completely gone. I assume from the rains earlier in the year. It would have been nice if there were some signs along thus highway saying thus area is closed. Don't go there! You will not be able to access the road.
Chris Helvie — Google review
Unexpected, year round waterfall in Death Valley. Easy, level hike, about 1.5 miles with quite a lot of shade. However, there has been a rockfall close to the waterfall blocking the path. The waterfall is only accessible via a serious scramble over the rocks and is not possible for folks with limited mobility.
David Hoare — Google review
Hidden gem in the middle of the desert. Such a surreal and stunning place! Takes quite a while to get there (the 2mi road took us >30 min due to its condition) but it's so much worth it! Since this is an important ecosystem for the animals around, please treat it with respect and care!
Sarah — Google review
The falls at the end of the trail are awesome. However, for the adventurous a bit of rock climbing will take you to the upper falls which are spectacular.
George — Google review
The fall isn't too big but still worth the hike there. It's a mile hike, can be tricky depending on the route you take
Ballarat, located in Inyo County, CA, has a rich history as a mining town dating back to 1896. However, the town saw a decline in residents by 1905 due to the depletion of precious metals. Despite its remote and somewhat desolate appearance, visitors are drawn to its intriguing charm. The general store holds an array of memorabilia and photos that offer a glimpse into the town's past.
Excellent place to grab a drink from the cooler and rest for a bit after crossing Death Valley via Butte Valley, Mengel Pass, and Goler Wash.
Scott Weavil — Google review
Right off the road 3 miles in on ballarat road is the ghost town of ballarat. They have a campground there for 5 bucks a nite suggested price. The first 1.5 miles is rough but the last 1.5 miles is smoother. Down the road is surprise canyon which is very rough.
Tim Mccarthy — Google review
Cool place to stop by on a trip up to death valley. There are only a few buildings but there's a nice gift shop and an old jail building
Nate Wooding — Google review
We stopped here after seeing this ghost town on Google Maps, the road is a little shaky but any car can make it, just take it slow, the guy at the visitor center has a lot of information about the town and is very friendly. Don't forget to grab a t-shirt from their store and leave your dues per car. On the way back to the main road we got to see some jets flying over very cool.
Roberto Silva — Google review
Visited in April 2015. Ballarat was founded in 1897 and served as a vital supply point for nearby mines. During its peak from 1897 to 1905, it had 400 to 500 residents, saloons, hotels, and more. However, the town declined after mines closed. Ballarat was home to Seldom Seen Slim (Charles Ferge), who lived there from approximately 1918 until his death in 1968. Slim was known for his eccentric lifestyle, claiming not to have bathed in twenty years except for sloshing water on his naked body while standing outdoors. He resided in a Volkswagen and a house trailer after the town’s last adobe building became uninhabitable. Slim’s final resting place was Ballarat’s boot hill, where he famously said, “Just bury me where the digging’s easy.”
Jan Rosenberg — Google review
Ballarat is a cool.older ghost town located on the Western South side of Death Valley National Park. It is located about 2-3 miles down a dirt road off of the main road in a vast valley. There are great views of the surrounding mountain ranges, a few historic structures which are slowly eroding, and some old machinery and vehicles. Cool place if you like ghost towns and there is one resident that lives here as well.
Brendan Kiely — Google review
I stopped in there about seven years ago. No one around except the gentleman in the store. They said they had the coldest beer in town, so I bought one. It wasn't cold, but they didn't lie, it was the coldest beer in town. I love unspoiled ghost towns, and this one fits the bill. I used to go with my dad in the 1950s to his mines south of Death Valley. I always loved going through these old areas. This place brought back some great memories.
Walt Setzer — Google review
This is a private destination so leaving a donation to support the location is very polite. The ghost town has a camping area and a basic outhouse (much improved from some years ago). There is limited reason to visit here unless you are launching into the Panamint Mountains to the East for hiking and 4 wheeling.
Craig Philpott — Google review
This place is a real trip. We drove in and nary a person in sight. The wife wanted a bathroom, and there was a sign directing her there. Given the location and the general decrepitude of the place, it was with some trepidation that she headed to the back of the general store. In the meantime I went up to the door of the store which was unlit and empty of people, and was shocked to find that it was unlocked. So I went in, and found a most interesting place. Lots of junk, memorabilia, and photos. On the store sat a jar with some money in it and a sign that requested donations. Suggested $2.00 per car. On a counter top was another jar to put money in for cold drinks. I opened the cooler and took not of the fact that it had sodas and beer in it. They were all sitting in warm water. I think there was a sign with prices for the drinks. Still no human presence. Moving into a little alcove off of the main room, there was a rack with tee shirts and sweat shirts with the Ballarat name on them. Also with a jar for payment. And, then there was a little cabinet with all manner of nostrums that a traveler might need. Aspirin, sun block, etc.
The wife returned with a bathroom report and said it was pretty clean. And, like everywhere else, they requested a donation for its use, which seemed quite reasonable given the location----miles from anything.
Eventually a fellow did appear who was quite friendly and claimed to be a part owner of the town. He answered our questions and told us some history. An interesting experience to say the least.
David Meyer — Google review
A must-stop location if you're passing through Panamint Valley. Very friendly Liz is there to answer questions. The store is stocked with simple snacks and cold drinks, along with t-shirts, maps decals, and other souvenirs from your visit. A clean restroom is available 24/7.
Stacey Harrold — Google review
This place is neat. Needs some restoration yet, however, more visitors would help that. They have camping, showers, and restrooms. They request a tip to use facilities which is completely reasonable. The Mason truck is cool. Cool history. Check it out.
Mosaic Canyon Trail is a 4-mile in-and-out hike located west of Stovepipe Wells Village. The trail begins with a 0.25-mile stretch leading to dramatically narrow canyon slots, showcasing polished marble walls carved from 750 million-year-old rocks. While the first half of the hike is family-friendly and features beautifully smooth canyons, it becomes more challenging as it progresses uphill and opens up to wide sandy-walled canyons.
A great hike. 4 miles round trip.
Brian Holle — Google review
A pretty neat hike. About halfway through, you'll need to do some minor bouldering. If it appears like the path is blocked, just follow the arrows made of rocks. They'll point you in the direction of a detour
Jeffrey V — Google review
Easy trail to see the narrow part of the canyon. Don't have to do the full 2.5 mile
Charles Shah — Google review
Easy, family friendly, but high trafficed hike up beautifully smooth canyon for first section then opens up to wide sandy walled canyon. Would recommend to start early as the canyon gets direct sun after 10am or would actually be cool spot to watch sunset as well. While hike is 1.7 miles one way until the canyon dead ends, only interesting part is within the first 1/2 mile as this is where the marble like rock is narrowest. We finished hike at 9am and parking lot was already getting full.
Claire Audette-Bauman — Google review
Nice little hike. A few sunny (hot) sections even in the morning hours.
Daniel Brasuell — Google review
Visited during December 2021, a great season to visit Death Valley. The Mosaic Canyon trail was our pick for a couple hours' hike in the area before we moved on towards the scenic viewpoints of Zabiskie Point and Dante's View.
Thanks to AllTrails.com, I knew this trail had some rock scrambling somewhere in the 1.7 miles out and back. There was a canyon that opened up to some beautiful rock canyons, some looking smooth as marble, some looking like compacted soil on its way to being sedimentary rock, and flint rocks and thin, layered rock too. So colorful and when we did get to the rock scrambling areas, which were quite fun! We had to find small footholds or other ways around the areas, and saw few people there once we got past that area. I would say be prepared for some flexibility, we saw some hikers of all ages that turned back once you had to shimmy over the narrow areas, so be aware they are coming up.
Once through the scrambling areas in the narrow slot canyon, we hiked a bit more and missed a giant “-->” made of rocks on the ground in between two canyons to see where the next area was. Once you follow the arrow up, it leads around to a descent into a smaller canyon (with darker and darker rock/soil below our feet) until we saw an impassable 25 feet dryfall, with “ENDE” and “终点” spelled out there.
SUMMARY:
A cool hike, can't imagine doing it in other seasons as there are not many areas for cover or shade. Bring water and sunscreen and hats, and be prepared for rock scrambling and awesome geological formations!
Angela Chiang — Google review
Easy and beautiful trail inside the canyon. It combines sunny and shady parts.
Evgeny Semionov — Google review
The first half of this hike is five stars, the second is forgettable. It's a one-way hike so most people turn around after the canyon opens up and the marble ends. Bring a lot of water. The hike into the canyon is slowly going uphill. It's so slight that on other hikes you might not even notice it. However, in heat of over 90 degrees it seems exhausting!
Jennifer Cleary — Google review
Pretty awesome place. Not sure why anyone would give this less than 5 stars lol. Dirt road to get there. Not too rough and only about 2 miles to get to. Beautiful canyon and lots of colors and views.
John Nelson — Google review
A fine trail. We found the first narrows to be the most dramatic. You could stop there and do this “hike” in about 30 minutes.
Nicholas Jenson — Google review
Hands down the best place to visit and hike at Death Valley National Park. Loved it. Visit during March.
Juan Luis Gutierrez — Google review
Great little hike. Easy gravel trail with gentle incline. The first half mile is the best.
Capt. Norm — Google review
I enjoyed the Mosaic Canyon trail. It is easy to find near Stovepipe Wells off 190. Mosaic Canyon Rd is a relatively narrow gravel/rocky road. It is passable with a low clearance vehicle at reasonable speed. The parking lot is large but it fills up quickly. Like with most trails, if you want to avoid the crowds go early morning or late afternoon. The trail is a mixture of tight and wide canyon and requires some rock scrambling if you want to make it to the terminus. The geology along the trail is well worth the hike.
A salt formation in the form of golf holes can be found south of Furnace Creek in Death Valley. The salt pan is quite an eerie sight and can be easily missed if youre not looking for it. With a few precautions, visitors can experience this amazing place.
You gotta stop here! It’s so cool to see this natural formation. The dirt road is well maintained and easy to get to.
We found the parking lot to have ole Thank you of parking.
There are no restrooms here.
Make sure to look closely
Neal Benson — Google review
Devils Golf Course is a short drive from the Furnace Creek Area down Badwater Road and onto a rocky access road that leads to the middle of the salt flat. You can access Devils Golf Course in a car, but an SUV or off-road vehicle is preferable. The road stops at a small parking lot with enough room for about a dozen vehicles. There are no trails that take you further into the Golf Course, though none are needed. The views from this point are amazing. The Panamint Mountains tower over you and provide a fantastic backdrop to the eerie "golf course." There are no restrooms or water at this location. Dogs are allowed on leash, but not they are not recommended.
Ashwini Suryavanshi — Google review
We went in late March 2024 to visit the lake which had been created by all of the rains. The lake extended for 5+ miles from north of this area to south of Badwater Basin. It was eerie to view the salt formations and the water rippling in the light wind in this normally arid area.
Jimbo G — Google review
The road to get to this place can get bumpy. This is an unusual place not seen anywhere accessible in Death Valley. Salt crusted over the rock formations can be seen for miles.
Glow — Google review
Although the park does not list this place as one of the must sees, in my opinion this is definitely a must see. You are driving on a large salt flats with very interesting rock and salt formations.
yung-chin Chen — Google review
A great spot to stop and check out briefly, with (like everywhere else in Death Valley) a unique terrain to explore. There are lots of great spots near hear as well, so worth checking out as passing through.
Nicholas Klein — Google review
1.5mi of off-road drive to reach Devils Gold Course.
Grishma Ajmera — Google review
I was going to miss this out but really glad I didn’t. Looking in one direction the salt looked like a bed of snow. In the other there were rocks covered in salt that looked like loads of small stalagmites. An amazing sight.
Andrew Howells — Google review
Interesting place. If you were to play golf here you would surely lose your ball. Don't try it. It's not a golf course. It's really neat to see natural wonders in this world. Yes there's an explanation why the interesting features of this place occur. But to see it, and feel it with your hands is something unique. This is really neat. It's so flat, but so jagged, and it's rock hard! It appears that it would be like salt pillars, but they are rock hard! Careful if you walk around them, they are really sharp.
Rob De Smith — Google review
Such a great place to experience the salt flat and see the unique landscape of Death Valley
Cloudy Cowboy — Google review
Very unique place, once you walk a quarter of a mile from Badwater Road. You can see Telescope Peak and it's only approximately a 10 mile valley to cross to get to the mountain. It's salt for sure, not Borax like in the rest of Death Valley
Rolf Shmidt — Google review
Not as pretty as Badwater Basin, but still really enjoyed it. The soil is hard (with lots of crystals) and very uneven. Be careful when walking in the area as a slight fall could lead to injury. But definitely worth visiting!
Christopher Chamberland — Google review
Definitely worth a stop. The Devils Golf Course is easy to drive to and even though it is a bit of a bumpy ride, the road is well maintained. The formation is crazy and the history behind this place is great to read. It is the lowest place in the US. It was pretty warm in the beginning of May, so make sure to bring enough water, wear good shoes and maybe wear a hat.
Cheyenne Blatter — Google review
Very unique place, love the silence. It’s nice to spent some time away from the busy life. We were here in December. Best time to see the Death Valley. Temperature is around 70 Fahrenheit. Dried salt flats gives this place a unique appearance.
SUO Family — Google review
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I'll never travel to the Death Valley National Park without this trip planner again
The Furnace Creek Visitors Center at Death Valley National Park is a great place to learn about the park's fascinating history, landscape, people and animals. There are exhibits here for children to explore and they can also earn their Junior Ranger badge. There is no food available but there are souvenirs on sale.
I think it’s place #1 you should go! So much good information. There is movie about Death Valley history every 30 minutes. There is screen with all trails and you can see on video what to expect))) there is museum inside too. Just go inside get your verification of annual pass, get some free information, MAP 🗺 and enjoy)))
Art — Google review
Great informative visitor center! They also have an auditorium where they show a movie on Death Valley formations every half an hour or so. Google shows that the center is temporarily closed but it’s open. You can get maps from here as well as purchase any souvenirs from the gift shop area. There is absolutely no network availability in the park, so make sure you download the maps offline or get the NPS app that works in offline mode as well. Restrooms are available and there is plenty of parking on premises.
Devang Mistry — Google review
Good clean Visitor Center. Restrooms were clean and well-stocked. Film (in a beautiful air-conditioned theatre!) does a great job exploring the history, native people, and conservation efforts of the park. Small snacks and water available for purchase.
Don't forget to ask the ranger for your Junior Ranger Book!
Don't buy gas here unless it's an EMERGENCY. Go to Stovepipe Wells instead for $1 less per gallon!!
Katie Browne — Google review
Easy to locate visitor center with a spread-out gift shop, questions counter, 3D interactive map, and educational area. National park stamp is in the exhibit area.
Outdoor parking has covered carports (great for sunny or wet times) and uncovered spots.
Restrooms are in a separate building with water fountains outside. The cooled water bottle fountain is down, unfortunately.
Note, if the outdoor fountains have barely any water pressure, head inside the Visitor Center. There are some water fountains indoors.
If you're heading inside, bring your park pass or America the Beautiful pass with you. You'll be able to get a park map, current seasonal guide (also available on website), and an orange paper parking pass.
On Saturday morning, the center is quite crowded with lots of visitors. The park pass purchasing machine outside is down.
We bought a postcard from the gift shop.
March 2024
Alice C — Google review
Plenty of parking. Good restrooms. Nice grounds. Friendly rangers. Great little museum exhibits on the region and wildlife! Also, the place to get your visit registered if you are an annual pass holder.. they'll give you a datestamped paper for your car dash.
Brian Baker — Google review
Looks super new and sophisticated. The staff were friendly. They have multiple counters with Rangers answering questions and swearing in Jr Rangers. There is a death valley passport stamp available at the counter. There are concrete benches in the parking lot for eating or relaxing. Bathrooms were clean.
Rahul Nadendla — Google review
An absolute must visit at least once in a lifetime. The drive across death valley was spectacular with colors.
Frank Genao — Google review
It was $30 to enter death Valley national park the scenery is spectacular but prepare for insane temperatures 🌡 it was 125°F in July
Jordan Churchill — Google review
A little oasis of life in the otherwise aptly named Furnace Creek, this shop has everything you need for surviving your trip through Death Valley.
You can fill up on water here, grab souvenirs, cool off for a second, or get a picture with the giant thermometer.
Some of the parking spots are shaded as well, which is nice.
They have a cool topographic map in the middle of the place for orienting yourself and planning your next journey. It really gives you a feel for the massiveness of this area.
Greg Eakins — Google review
Excellent places to stop in when in the area. You can also buy your park pass in here too.
The information center gives lots of good advice during the hot summer, follow their warnings. The maps and places to visit are great suggestions.
They also offer stargazing lectures during some of the new moon phases in the area, ask them where.
Jesse Lee — Google review
This place is the best place in Death Valley for taking a break. Water, restrooms and plenty of parking. From here you have to choose which direction you have to go.
Two best hotel place to stay (expensive) are next to this location. Lots of RV station and camping ground are located here. Most crowded place in Death Valley.
Take the Bad Water way and stay in artistic way for a while in the night. Turn off the light and enjoy the night sky with stars. You can see the milky way from there. Simply wow. You will remember the moment in your whole life.
MD Mahabubul Masud — Google review
Shade parking! Oh how grateful we were to have that for our old truck. Staff was great, knowledgeable and super willing to share. If nothing else, get you a Gatorade and get your picture with the temperature.
Chase Parker — Google review
This visitor center is conveniently located in the center of Death Valley. It definitely gets a lot of traffic here. There are plenty of parking spaces, restrooms, and even some shaded parking spots. There is plenty of info here, and the rangers were very helpful and knowledgeable. There is a small gift shop here also. There is a small selection of drinks and snacks here. We also paid our $30 entrance fee for Death Valley here.
John Hannan — Google review
Amazing day trip adventure! Gift shop and interactive exhibit is great too! They have some cool souvenirs. It wasn’t as hot as it does get sometimes but still felt like a furnace. Limited parking but visitors have a quick turnaround.
Alex Davis — Google review
Pretty standard national park visitor center. Gift shop had an assortments of t-shirts and knick knacks. They have a 15-20 minute long video in the auditorium that you can watch. They also have a fairly good size child friendly museum teaching area to walk through and it talks about settlers and native Americans and the environment in the area. The staff were very helpful
Z Harris — Google review
Excellent visitor's center with museum quality displays and information on wildlife, Native Americans, and geology. There is a small gift shop. Bathrooms clean with plenty of stalls. Lots of parking. Take your photo with the world famous thermometer.
Pam B — Google review
Visitor Center where is possible to buy food and water and also the Entrance Pass (no need for that if you have America the Beautiful Annual Pass). There is also a small section with videos and educational panels about the Death Valley.
Francesco Xodo — Google review
Very helpful people at visitors center!!! Download the NATIONAL PARK SERVICE APP Before arriving. Any cell service in the park is non existent. STAR LINK works great as always
john abt — Google review
They show movie of Death Valley formation for 15 min in auditorium. There is small museum, gift shop where you can get passport stamps also. Guest WiFi, clean bathrooms etc are available.
Siddharth Khandelwal — Google review
Lots of great information. Rangers there are really helpful. Surprised at the price of fuel, but not really. Lots to see nearby in Death Valley National Park. Badwater, lowest point in the northern hemisphere, actually has a rare lake there from hurricane Hilary. The natural bridge was beautiful and afforded great views of the rare lake in the Badwater Basin. A wonderful drive from Las Vegas.
martey miller — Google review
Always stop here when going to Death Valley. Be sure to check the schedule of events, talk with the rangers and volunteers, read the exhibits and learn about the park, pose with the large temperature display, make plans for your visit, and earn your Junior Ranger badge!
Artists Drive is a scenic route spanning 9 miles within the Death Valley National Park, featuring picturesque canyons and majestic mountains boasting a diverse range of hues. The drive offers visitors an opportunity to witness an array of colors in the landscape, from vibrant reds to soothing blues and everything in between. This winding road is perfect for nature lovers seeking visual delights with breathtaking views at every turn.
Artists Palette is a dazzling rock formation in Death Valley National Park that is famous for its many colors. The best time to see it is in the evening when the sun hits the rocks just right to bring out their vibrant hues.
Artists Palette in Death Valley National Park has cool natural scenery. You drive this one-way stretch to the Palette. It’s an easy trip, gotta hit it up.
Jake Hewitt — Google review
My visit to Artist's Palette in Death Valley left me in absolute awe. This place is a geological masterpiece, and here's my take on it:
Vibrant Colors: The mineral deposits in the hills create a surreal, almost surreal landscape of colors. It's like nature got creative with a paintbrush.
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon offers the best lighting to capture those mesmerizing hues with your camera. I would recommend visit immediate after it rains. Rain enhances the color of minerals drastically.
Pro Tips: Drive the one-way Artist's Drive for the best views. Parking can be tight, so plan to visit during quieter hours if possible.
Short Hike: There's a short, easy trail from the parking area that takes you right into the heart of the colorful hills. It's suitable for all skill levels.
Other Nearby Sights: While you're in the area, don't miss the nearby Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Golden Canyon for more fantastic hikes and photo ops.
Those vibrant colors tell an ancient story. Artist's Palette is a unique and enchanting stop in Death Valley National Park. 🎨📸🏜️
Sahaj Parekh — Google review
Stunning views. Changes colors based on time of day and weather. There are also many great trails here.
Gitty Rosenberg — Google review
This is a great stop in Death Valley. Artists Palette definitely deserves its namesake. The oxidation of the minerals causes vibrant colors to form in the rocks. The scenery is beautiful, and there is a lot of fun exploring. Some of the formations are fragile and can slide, so try to stay on established paths. There is a one-way road to get here, but it is worth the extra time and winding road.
Zachary Van Stanley — Google review
Colorful rocks looks good at sunset. Not that colorful as we see in insta posts though. Good to visit during sunset.
Chetan Pangam — Google review
You would not believe the difference colours and patterns you can see in the rocks. There is a one way route through The Artist’s Palette for cars to drive round. You can stop in a couple of places to have a good look.
Andrew Howells — Google review
It’s a must stop if you’re heading to bad water, it’s right on the way. It’s approximately a 5 mile drive around the loop but it’s worth the effort to stop and gaze and all the rock formations in the colors.
Stephen Butler — Google review
This is a fun stop because there is so much freedom to hike around wherever you want. There are little footpaths everywhere. Most people think you can only take in the view and leave, but you can actually spend a lot of time climbing and hiking.
Vivian — Google review
Artist’s Pallet is one of the most unique features about Death Valley. By this point in your trip through the park, you will have seen colors you did not know could exist in a desert, and Artist’s Pallet is perhaps the pinnacle of that experience. Shades of green, purple, pink splattered throughout white and brown formations are truly magical.
To get there, you go through a one-way road that leads you to the Pallet. You will turn off and follow the signage. When you arrive, there is ample parking (limited-ish spots, but people park where they reasonably can), and there is a viewing platform right at the parking lot. For those more adventurous, you can journey down into the Pallet and walk around. Once you descend, there are flat grounds and hills you can explore. When you are ready to leave, you exit following the signage through the same one-way road. Drive slow as the road is narrow, and there is also a lot to see along the way.
Pro Tip: If you come when the sun is shining too strongly (i.e. late morning through early afternoon), the sun can mute out the colors, so the Pallet may not look as vibrant or colorful as you would expect. Coming during dawn or dusk if possible really allows these colors to stand out.
Pro Tip on the Pro Tip: The funny thing about Death Valley is that most of the main attractions are best viewed during dawn and sunrise or dusk and sunset. And with the sheer distance between them all, you really need to prioritize where you are going to spend that time. I only got to spend one day in Death Valley, and Artist’s Pallet’s relatively central location meant that it was more of an early afternoon stop (on the way to Mesquite Sand Dunes for the sunset). One thing I noticed is that wearing polarized sunglasses corrected the muting effect on the sun, so I was able to see the different colors more vividly than when I took my sunglasses off.
Enjoy!
AJ Ham — Google review
A ride there is a must! The colors of the rocks, the landscape is awesome! Very uniqe and dofferent than others part of
Death valley. The point is very nice, but the road that leads you further is definatelly worth to see, especially that you dont even need to leave the car to enjoy the view!
Anna Cieślińska — Google review
We were here a few years back.
August 2019. I'll never forget this place. Amazing colours. It's so beautiful to drive around
Giulia — Google review
Definitely worth the hike!! It's a super short hike to the palette view like 20mins up and down 🎨 you could spend longer/go further, but in general it's a friendly hike spot that works well for visitors who have little time:)
Wenrong H. — Google review
Drive through the artists palette was absolutely majestic. We along with our 9 and 2 year old did a quick hike to the overlook point. It was a visual treat for everyone.
Madhur Agarwal — Google review
My husband brought me to this route because I’m an artist and I should went to see it. And it is a beautiful road to drive on. You can stop by several nice spots to take a closer look. The colors of the rocks are not that vibrant but it still looks very pretty.
LULU LIVE Art — Google review
There are not many parking spaces available. To see the real colors, it requires bit hiking. Driving involves many dips.
Zemin Hu (old skool boy) — Google review
All the beautiful colors together to walk on.
A hint: try to go early in the morning to enjoy the view in peace
Megha Raizada — Google review
Amazing! I enjoyed sunset here. I underestimated how much is here too see. You could probably spend an entire sunset or sunrise hiking around this area. Numerous trails through the colorful badlands and you will want to pull over constantly as you make your way. I'd suggest a minimum of an hour to at least hike some of the main attraction area and enjoy the road but you will probably take a lot longer if you choose to explore every bit of every hike and every stop. It's an enjoyable wandering social trail layout in the colorful rocks area.
If you're visiting Death Valley National Park, be sure to check out Zabriskie Point. The views from this famous spot are nothing short of stunning, and the colourful rocks are a sight to behold. This viewpoint is easy to find, and there's no need to plan in advance - just take a short walk and you'll be able to enjoy the amazing view.
Zabriskie Point in Death Valley National Park is one of the most popular spots in the park because it’s an easy hike and right off the main road. If I had more time, I’d want to hike through the canyons. Really pretty here.
Jake Hewitt — Google review
The ranger recommended this place for either sunrise or sunset. We went here at sunset after exploring the park. It was windy and cold so were glad to have our ski gears to use. The landscape was spectacular. It was amazing to see the colors of the badlands change.
Catherine Hunt — Google review
One of the best place in Death Valley to admire the sunshine!
If you come soon enough in the morning, before the sun rise, you will discover a calm and quiet place where other people silently wait for the sun starting the day.
Gregoire Lambin — Google review
Zabriskie Point offers a stunning panoramic view of Death Valley's unique landscape, with its vibrant colors and surreal formations. The sunrise and sunset views are especially breathtaking, making it a must-visit for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. However, keep in mind that the area can get extremely hot during the day, so be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen if you plan to explore. Overall, it's a mesmerizing destination that showcases the beauty and diversity of Death Valley National Park.
Shailesh Mahadkar — Google review
The most beautiful point in the Death With many geologically diverse landscape. You can also hike down to the valley below this view point. Reportedly it is beautiful at sunruse but I did not go there during sunrise. It is also the dark sky point to observe the stars in the sky but I also did to see it myself.
somkietr rojanasathit — Google review
Beautiful view point in the Death Valley National Park. You can see the Marble Cake mountain which looks like, well a marble cake 🙂 It's best to visit around an hour before sunset so you can hike around the area before soaking in stunning views of the mountain. Make sure to wear proper hiking boots (not just sneakers) since the terrain can be grainy and slippy.
B Dalela — Google review
It was our last stop before leaving the Death Valley. The vista point requires a short walk, it's a little bit steep but the view from the top is beautiful. It can be very windy, take care of your hat (if you wear one).
Francesco Orfei (IZ0ABD) — Google review
This is a beautiful place to watch the sunset’ the amazing colors combined with the sunset make for a stunning view.
Michele Stroud — Google review
Went there during sunrise time to look at stunning view of zebriskie point. Would recommend to go early in the morning for trekking as weather gets hot in afternoon.
Rushabh Patel — Google review
Here’s also one of the must seen spots in Death Valley. The rocks here are so unique, you wouldn’t really see similar things in other places. I also see people are hiking around this area. So be prepared to have nice walking shoes.
LULU LIVE Art — Google review
The viewing platform is easily reached by a wide, paved path and enclosed by a rock ledge that is at a great height for sitting down to enjoy all the views.
This location is on the east side of Artist Drive and the other end of the Golden Canyon hiking trails.
The gorgeous rock formations and coloring were my favorite views after our full day of hiking and driving all over the park.
Alice C — Google review
This is one of the best spots on death valley national park. Great views of colorful mountains and hills. Very short and easy hike to the view point. 360 degrees views with a different view in each direction. All views are breathtaking, very picturesque and colorful. Loved being there, took many pictures.
Tauseef Kazi — Google review
One of the more beautiful places to be at during sunset in Death Valley. The colors of the landscape during that time is spectacular and you’ll get some really good photos. There’s a large viewing area and you can walk off to the side and go sit on the rocks and even hike down to the valley below.
Teck Boon — Google review
A great place to visit for sunset and sunrise in the Death Valley. If you want to come and catch sunrise, I would recommend arriving at least 30-40 minutes before sunrise as the parking lot is not large and fills up quickly. A good place to soak in the valley and the national park itself.
Greg Hao — Google review
Super interesting and unique landscape. Definitely worth a stop and a couple of pictures. But come prepared with a cap and sun cream! The sun is very strong and it can get very very warm!
Carlos Marti — Google review
Perfect place for a sunset in Death Valley.The landscape is really good if you wanna get good photos.The surroundings are beautiful too but the real beauty is when you hike the trails.The landscapes are unique and interesting.Parking is super easy and free of cost.
Ruthvik Gurudev — Google review
We woke early and took the short drive from The Ranch at Death Valley to Zabriskie Point. There’s a small car park, probs enough for 40 - 50 cars or so, we were there at 06:30 and people already parked up. A short climb to the view point and watch the magical sunrise. I could feel my life force meter recharging as the sun climbed into view. It’s a lovely a sunrise as you can expect to see anywhere on this planet.
StevieJ D — Google review
I loved the view. It was so beautiful. Death Valley National park is one of the best place to visit.
Watan Singh — Google review
We came on a weekend and it was crowded, not much parking space. But once you get here there are lots of photo opportunities. But you have to be mobile enough to get down to few of the better places that’s less crowded and prettier.
Jesse Lee — Google review
In my opinion the best point in the Death Valley together with Badwater Basin. There's a panoramic platform with a wonderful view on the valley and the best moments are of course sunrise and sunset, but it gets extremely crowded so make sure to get there well in advance.
Francesco Xodo — Google review
I didn't do my homework before getting to the Zabriskie Point.So it actually surprised me quite bit with amazing views and geographical formations. I did have time to hike the full badlands loop, it should take about an hour to complete.
Zemin Hu (old skool boy) — Google review
Beautiful in every angle. Also a good place to watch sunset I suppose. There’re people actually walk down there to take photos.
A mountain peak in Death Valley National Park with a breathtaking view of Badwater Basin and the Panamint Mountains. The hike up there is difficult, but potentially rewarding for those who are interested in getting a good panoramic shot of the area.
Best place to lay eyes on the valley. Soupy browns and tans and beige swirling below. I was here for sunset and it was windy, chilly.
Zakkry Endicott — Google review
Go there to view sunset. It’s a nice experience. If you walk half a mile , there is nice view point. Even otherwise viewing from the parking lot itself amazing
Nk S — Google review
Incredible views. There's some nice small hikes you can do to get different angles of the view. Use caution in the last section up, many drivers tend to cut corners and will drift into your lane on blind corners.
Thomas Meola — Google review
Awe inspiring views from Dante's point. There's a reason it has its strange name, that too in the Death Valley! It's sandy, barren in most places and can be tricky to hike around (so best get your good boots on!) but so worth it! You can only admire it's magnificence and feel humbled by it so do try to soak it in both with and without a camera. Very few places in the world will make you feel like this so make the most of it.
B Dalela — Google review
If you're visiting Death Valley, Dante's View is an absolute must-see attraction. The panoramic views of the valley are breathtaking and worth every bit of the winding road to reach the summit.
At over 5,000 feet above sea level, Dante's View offers a stunning vista of the Badwater Basin, the salt flats, and the surrounding mountains. The colors and contrasts are amazing, with the morning and evening sun casting long shadows across the valley.
The view from Dante's View is even more spectacular during sunset when the colors of the sky are transformed into a vibrant palette of red, pink, and orange. If you're lucky enough to visit on a clear day, you can even see Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States.
There are also picnic tables at Dante's View where you can enjoy a snack or lunch while taking in the view. However, keep in mind that there are no facilities at this location, so make sure to bring enough food, water, and sun protection.
Overall, Dante's View is a breathtaking destination that should not be missed when visiting Death Valley. Whether you're a photographer, nature enthusiast, or just looking for a stunning view, Dante's View will not disappoint. Highly recommended!
Innachka D — Google review
spectacular view of bad water basin, one of the best sunset views in Death Valley. the road leading to the view point is full of all kinds of flowers in spring. a must see place in Death Vally.
Ken Xu — Google review
The drive up is definitely worth the curves and the grade. You have to experience a sunset on top of the mountain. As the sun disappears the stars begin to come out and what a place to start gaze. Weather was breezy and cool while we were there but that doesn’t detract from the views. Has to be on anybody’s must visit lists while in Death Valley National Park.
Calvin Waters — Google review
What an incredible view! There are a few short hiking trails that are worth the walk if you want an even better view than what you get from the parking lot. On a clear day, if you squint and look off into the distance you can just make out Mos Eisley spaceport. 😉
Charles Walker — Google review
What a view from the top. Really liked it. You can drive there with the car and take a photo.
Tom Lugo — Google review
Amazing View. Make sure you plan ahead to have the time to visit the peak. Takes minimum of additional 1 hour to visit (Drive up, taking some photos at the top, and down back to main road). Definitely a must visit in Death Valley
David K — Google review
Beautiful view. Recommend to visit during Death valley trip.
Chetan Pangam — Google review
This is sooooooo beautiful! The photos couldn’t show even a quarter of the beauty of this spot. I definitely a hundred percent recommend you come to check this spot out. It’s one of the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen.
LULU LIVE Art — Google review
#1 spot to see Death Valley NP especially during the sunset. A couple things to note to enjoy Dante's View safely:
- be careful with the final stretch of the drive which is narrow with 2-way traffic and some twists and turns.
- bring long sleeves, pants and layers as the elevation means drastically cooler temp than the rest of the park.
- bring a flashlight for returning to the car after dark.
Grace Fan — Google review
The best spot in death valley! As soon as you ascend the road, the temperature drops twenty degrees and a sense of astonishment overcomes you!
Kasch M — Google review
I left Las Vegas at 6am, got to this viewpoint at about 9:00am. Parking is plenty, and view is amazing. I took one hikers advice, hiked extra half mile to have better views. It was worth it.
Zemin Hu (old skool boy) — Google review
Love this place of an ancient apocalypse. There’s no view like this anywhere I’ve been.
David Lory — Google review
Beautiful place. Make sure you will get on sunset. You won’t regret it. Coming from Vegas last 50 miles or so there is no any gas station or store, so make sure you have everything enough with you. Plus mostly you will not have cell phone connection.
Bakar Kechkhuashvili — Google review
What.
Amazing.
Views!!!!
Wow!! Seeing Lake Manly below with that green hued tinge was a rare treat!
The.path is doable but very windy so be prepared.
Love seeing bad water basin far far far below!
Dar Finn Wright — Google review
One of the most beautiful spot to watch sunset! I’d recommend doing the short hike upwards, need to be careful! The view is mesmerizing!
Karan Hingmire — Google review
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Best-of categories in the Death Valley National Park
Looking for day-by-day itineraries in the Death Valley National Park?
Get inspired for your trip to the Death Valley National Park with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here: