Palmdale on a Budget: 3 Days of Adventure!

Exploring Palmdale on a dime – breathtaking experiences without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Palmdale is a city located in the Antelope Valley region of California, known for its dry desert climate and scenic views of the San Gabriel Mountains. While on a limited budget, visitors can explore local landmarks such as the Palmdale Amphitheater and the Palmdale Playhouse, or enjoy outdoor activities like hiking in the nearby Angeles National Forest. Accommodations can be found at affordable motels and vacation rentals, and dining options include local favorites like In-N-Out Burger and La Cocina Bar & Grill.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Get Ready to Explore Palmdale!

  • Check into the Best Western Plus John Jay Inn & Suites, an affordable and comfortable accommodation option in Palmdale.
  • Drive to the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, which is only 25 minutes away from the hotel and experience the stunning beauty of the wildflowers.
  • Head to the Blackbird Airpark to check out the impressive collection of retired aircraft and aviation artifacts.
  • Grab a delicious burger at Jilberto's Taco Shop.
  • Catch a movie at Cinemark at Antelope Valley Mall before calling it a night.
Day 2

Discovering Natural Beauty in Palmdale

  • Start the day with breakfast at Crazy Otto's Diner, a local favorite.
  • Take a scenic drive to Devil's Punchbowl Natural Area, approximately 40 minutes away from Palmdale, to hike and explore nature.
  • Visit the Joe Davies Heritage Airpark to learn about aviation history and admire unique aircraft.
  • Grab dinner at Lemon Leaf Thai Restaurant for some authentic Thai flavors.
  • End the night at Pour d'Vino Wine Bar & Bistro with a glass of wine in a cozy atmosphere.
Day 3

Fun and Games in Palmdale

  • Enjoy breakfast at The Broken Bit Steakhouse, a staple in Palmdale for over 50 years.
  • Spend the morning at Mulligan Family Fun Center with mini-golf, go-karts, arcade games, and more.
  • Drive to the nearby Lake Palmdale for fishing and water activities.
  • Have lunch at Urth Caffé for some healthy and delicious options.
  • Explore the Palmdale Amphitheater, which hosts concerts and events throughout the year.
  • End the trip with dinner at Pad Thai Restaurant, serving up tasty Thai food at affordable prices.
  • Palmdale offers a range of experiences whether you want to be outdoors, learn about aviation history or have some fun and games. With affordable accommodation options, a diverse food scene, and easy access to natural beauty, Palmdale is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

Palmdale

Palmdale, where the palm trees are taller than most buildings and the only thing hotter than the weather is the salsa at the local Mexican restaurant.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Discover Palmdale: A Budget-Friendly Day Trip

Palmdale is a great destination for those on a limited budget. The city is home to many affordable hotels and hostels, making it easy to find a place to stay. Visitors can enjoy hiking, exploring local parks, and taking advantage of the many free attractions the city has to offer.

Explore Palmdale: A 5-Day Adventure Guide

A trip to Palmdale promises a refreshing experience to tourists. Its picturesque landscapes, diverse flora and exciting wildlife are sure to leave you in awe. Do not miss visiting its popular attractions, such as the Palmdale Amphitheater, Air Force Flight Test Museum, and Pelona Vista Park.

3 days of adventure in Palmdale

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.

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.