3 days of adventure in Palmdale

Experience the rugged beauty of Palmdale, where desert meets mountain.

22 April 2023

Palmdale, located in the High Desert region of southern California, offers breathtaking natural landscapes and diverse cultural experiences. Visitors can explore the beautiful Angeles National Forest, hike the stunning Devil's Punchbowl Natural Area, and discover the rich aerospace history at the Blackbird Airpark. Palmdale also offers a range of shopping and dining options, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arrival

  • Check in at the Hampton Inn & Suites Palmdale, a comfortable and stylish hotel with a pool and fitness center.
  • Satisfy your hunger with some classic American comfort food at Crazy Otto's Diner. Their portions are huge, so come hungry!
  • Explore the California Poppy Reserve, a natural wonderland of vibrant wildflowers and stunning landscapes. Take a leisurely hike, snap some photos, and enjoy the fresh air.
Day 2

Action Packed

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Jackie's Cafe, a local institution famous for their omelets and pancakes.
  • Head over to the Palmdale Amphitheater and check out their calendar of concerts, plays, and events. You're guaranteed to find something fun happening.
  • Get your adrenaline pumping at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, where you can watch live horse racing and experience thrilling rides.
  • Refuel at Mi Ranchito, a Mexican restaurant with authentic flavors and friendly service.
  • End the evening with a movie at the Cinemark Antelope Valley Mall, a cinema that offers great sound and comfortable seating.
Day 3

Relaxation

  • Savor a leisurely breakfast at Mimi's Cafe, a charming restaurant that serves delicious pastries, coffee, and brunch items.
  • Indulge in some retail therapy at the Antelope Valley Mall, a mall with plenty of stores to shop at.
  • Take a stroll around the Palmdale Civic Center, a beautiful public space that boasts lovely gardens, fountains and sculptures.
  • Enjoy a massage or skin treatment at Essence of Skin Day Spa, a luxurious oasis of relaxation.
  • End your stay with dinner at The Lemon Leaf Cafe, a cozy bistro with a varied menu of international dishes.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Palmdale by plane is to fly into Bob Hope Airport in Burbank and take the Xpress Shuttle bus service to Palmdale.

Car

One of the easiest ways to get to Palmdale is by car, taking either the Antelope Valley Freeway (State Route 14) or Sierra Highway. The drive from Los Angeles takes about an hour, depending on traffic.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no direct train service to Palmdale. The nearest Amtrak station is in Lancaster, about 13 miles away. From there, you can take a taxi or a local bus to get to Palmdale.

Boat

There are no waterways that lead to Palmdale, so taking a boat is not an option.

Bus

Taking the Greyhound bus to Palmdale is a convenient option, with buses running regularly from Los Angeles and other nearby cities. The bus station in Palmdale is located at 39000 Clock Tower Plaza Drive.

More travel plans

5 Days in Palmdale: Adventure on a Budget

Palmdale is a great option for budget travelers as it offers affordable accommodation options and plenty of free attractions to explore. Visitors can enjoy hiking in the beautiful natural landscapes of the Angeles National Forest, admiring the impressive aircraft displays at the Blackbird Airpark, or strolling through the Antelope Valley Indian Museum, which has free admission on certain days. Food and drink can also be cost-effective by taking advantage of happy hours or fast food chains.

Palmdale Perfection: 2 Days of Family Fun & Adventure!

Palmdale, located in the beautiful Antelope Valley in California, is an ideal destination for a family-friendly trip. With its numerous parks and recreational areas, families can enjoy activities like hiking, biking, and picnicking amidst the stunning natural landscapes. Additionally, Palmdale offers exciting attractions such as the Blackbird Airpark, where kids can explore aerospace artifacts and learn about aviation history, making it a perfect city for an enjoyable and educational adventure.

Palmdale Paradise: 3 Days of Family-Friendly Fun!

Palmdale, located in Southern California, offers the perfect family-friendly trip with a myriad of exciting activities for everyone to enjoy. Visit the Palmdale Amphitheater for live concerts and events, explore the scenic trails at the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve, and take the kids to the DryTown Water Park for a day of thrilling water slides and entertainment. With its beautiful landscape and diverse range of attractions, Palmdale promises a memorable family vacation filled with fun and adventure.

Discover Palmdale: A 2-Day Desert Adventure

Palmdale offers a variety of budget-friendly activities including hiking in the nearby Angeles National Forest, visiting the Palmdale Amphitheater for free summer concerts, and exploring the exhibits at the Palmdale Aerospace Academy. Budget-friendly accommodations include the Motel 6 Palmdale and the Days Inn by Wyndham Palmdale. Dining options include fast food chains like McDonald's and Taco Bell, as well as local favorites like Crazy Otto's Diner and Lee Esther's Creole and Cajun Cooking.