Explore Palmdale: A 5-Day Adventure Guide

Explore the beauty of Palmdale, a vibrant city in the heart of California.

22 April 2023

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.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Welcome to Palmdale!

  • Check-in to Embassy Suites Palmdale, a luxurious hotel in the heart of the city.
  • Grab a cup of coffee and a homemade pastry from Sagebrush Cafe, a local favorite.
  • Visit the Palmdale Amphitheater for a live music or theater performance under the stars.
  • Explore the Antelope Valley Indian Museum, showcasing Native American art and culture.
  • End the day with a delicious dinner at Yard House, known for their extensive beer selection and elevated pub fare.
Day 2

Nature and Wine

  • Start the day with a morning hike at the Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park, boasting hiking trails and scenic views.
  • Enjoy a wine tasting at Agua Dulce Winery, known for their award-winning wines and picturesque vineyards.
  • Indulge in a farm-to-table lunch at The Yarrow, featuring locally sourced ingredients.
  • Head to the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve to admire the picturesque Joshua trees and desert landscape.
  • End the day with a romantic dinner at Rattler's Bar B Que, a rustic restaurant with mouth-watering barbeque dishes.
Day 3

Art and History

  • Visit the Palmdale Playhouse, showcasing local theater productions and art exhibits.
  • Explore the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, home to the state flower of California and native wildlife.
  • Enjoy a late lunch at Graziano's Italian Restaurant, offering authentic Italian cuisine and a charming atmosphere.
  • Take a trip back in time at the Aerospace Walk of Honor, honoring legendary pilots and astronauts.
  • End the day with an evening stroll at the Palmdale Civic Center, featuring public art installations and lush greenery.
Day 4

Adventure and Food Trucks

  • Experience high-octane thrills at the Willow Springs International Raceway, featuring car and motorcycle races.
  • Enjoy lunch from a local food truck at the Palmdale Farmer's Market, offering a variety of delicious food options.
  • Visit the DryTown Water Park, featuring water rides and attractions for all ages.
  • Spend the evening at the Cinemark at Antelope Valley Mall, watching the latest blockbuster films.
  • Grab a late-night snack at The Mad Greek, a family-owned restaurant serving authentic Greek dishes.
Day 5

Farewell, Palmdale!

  • Take a hot air balloon ride over the Antelope Valley, offering breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape.
  • Enjoy breakfast at The Broken Bit Steakhouse, a western-themed restaurant with hearty breakfast options.
  • Stop by the Palmdale Desert Discovery Center, featuring interactive exhibits and educational programs.
  • Spend the afternoon shopping at the Antelope Valley Mall, featuring a variety of stores and boutiques.
  • End the trip with a farewell dinner at Souplantation, a healthy and delicious salad bar restaurant.

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

Fly High with a Long Weekend in Palmdale

Palmdale offers a range of activities for tourists, from scenic hikes in the nearby Angeles National Forest to admiring the historic aircraft at the Blackbird Airpark. Explore local cuisine at restaurants such as Rui's Shanghai Bistro or Farmer Boys before browsing the shops at the Antelope Valley Mall. Wrap up your day with a performance at the Palmdale Amphitheater or stargazing at the Palmdale observation deck.

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.

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.

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.