Southern California Desert Day Trips: 40 Amazing Destinations

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Discover the beauty of California’s desert regions with these unique day trip ideas. When people think of Southern California, they usually envision its stunning beaches, incredible amusement parks, and vibrant cities. Often overlooked by tourists, the desert regions of Southern California are home to two national parks, Death Valley and Joshua Tree, as well as Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Visitors can explore ghost towns and historical sites and enjoy outdoor adventures. Explore Southern California’s desert destinations.

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Unusual Attractions – Off-Road Adventures – Parks and Monuments – Desert Road Trips

Day Trips in and Around Death Valley National Park

Shoshone California: Last Stop Before Death Valley

Shoshone, California, is a small desert town near the southern entrance of Death Valley National Park. It is situated along Highway 178 and was initially known as Metberry Spring. In 1909, the area was renamed Shoshone and used as a station stop on the Tonopah & Tidewater Railroad. Shoshone is a popular stop for travelers going to or returning from Death Valley National Park. Nearby Dublin Gulch Caves are worth visiting when visiting Shoshone.

Death Valley Junction Almost a California Ghost Town

Death Valley Junction is located along California State Route 127 at the junction of California State Route 190. The gas station is permanently closed. Amargosa Cafe is usually open on weekends. Tours of the Amargosa Opera House are available if you can find someone to give you the time. Most travelers drive by Death Valley Junction without knowing its history.

China Ranch Date Farm Death Valley Side Trip

An oasis is hidden in a desert valley; the China Ranch Date Farm is off the beaten path and worth a side trip on your next journey across the Mojave Desert as you wander into this little palm-lined haven between Death Valley and the Dumont Dunes. A small shop sells date treats and souvenirs. Several hiking trails let visitors explore the area.

Harmony Borax Works Death Valley

Harmony Borax Works is a well-known tourist spot in Death Valley National Park. The site comprises the remnants of the processing plant and a few buildings from Harmony’s mining camp. Harmony Borax Works was exclusively used to process borax from 1882 to 1888. Currently, the site is registered on the National Register of Historic Places.

Natural Bridge Death Valley National Park Hiking

Several arches in the Death Valley National Park vary in size. The most famous arch is the Natural Bridge, which is easily accessible. Natural Bridge is just one of the many remarkable attractions in Death Valley. It is made of sedimentary rock carved out by the wind, rain, and flash floods.

Salt Creek Boardwalk Death Valley

The Salt Creek Interpretive Trail in Death Valley National Park features a raised wooden boardwalk, a visitor must-see. The entire Salt Creek Interpretive Trail is on a raised wooden boardwalk. There is a series of signs along the route that explain the history and wildlife of the area.

Scotty’s Castle Mansion in the Middle of Death Valley

Scotty’s Castle, built in 1927 by wealthy insurance executive Albert Johnson, is in the middle of Death Valley National Park. Unfortunately, it is closed, and there is no date for reopening. The main building is a two-story Spanish Villa that covers 32,000 square feet and is situated in Grapevine Canyon.

Wildrose Charcoal Kilns Death Valley

The Wildrose Charcoal Kilns are a popular attraction in Death Valley but are located in a remote area. They were constructed in 1877 to supply charcoal to Lookout City’s mining operations in the Argus Mountain Range. Due to their location, the road leading to the kilns is usually closed during winter.

Tecopa Hot Springs Near Death Valley

Hot Springs, a tranquil desert town just outside Death Valley National Park, is located approximately 90 minutes away from Furnace Creek Visitor Center or Las Vegas. The town’s main attractions include natural hot springs, mud baths, run-down resorts, and Death Valley. For the more adventurous day-trippers, there are a couple of natural hot pools on the outskirts of town.

Unusual Southern California Desert Attraction

Borrego Springs: Galleta Meadows Sky Art Sculptures

Borrego Springs is a distinctive desert town in the heart of Anza-Borrego State Park. It is an ideal destination for a quick weekend getaway or a budget-friendly family desert day trip. This desert oasis offers diverse attractions, including the renowned metallic sculptures known worldwide. Regardless of the season, visitors can enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of this desert paradise all year round.

The Crochet Museum: An Unexpected Stop in Joshua Tree

The Crochet Museum is a well-known roadside attraction behind the Joshua Tree Saloon. It is in a small artist colony, including Soul Connection, Art Queen Gallery, Space Cowboy Books, a ceramic shop, and a glass blower. This unique little museum is in Joshua Tree, California, just outside the National Park.

Yermo’s Roadside Diners: Eddie World & Peggy Sue’s Diner

Yermo, a town in California’s desert region, was once a bustling railroad hub in the early 1900s when Union Pacific Railroad established a roundhouse and depot. However, the town’s prosperity declined after the opening of Interstate 15 in the late 1960s, which allowed most traffic to bypass Yermo. These days, Yermo has become a popular stop for those who enjoy visiting interesting roadside diners.

Salvation Mountain: A Beautiful Tribute to Folk Art

There is a distinct monument, Salvation Mountain, in the barren badlands east of San Diego. Salvation Mountain is a 30-foot high and 100-foot wide concrete and adobe structure covered in over 150,000 gallons of lavish multi-colored acrylic paint and religious slogans. It is situated close to the salty shores of the Salton Sea, a once-thriving vacation destination.

Explore Gubler Orchid Farm in the Hi-Desert

The Gubler orchid farm in California’s high desert is an incredible place to visit if you’re a flower enthusiast. It’s hard to believe that the delicate and exotic orchid plant can survive in this harsh desert environment. The farm is the place to go if you want to buy orchids. They offer various colors and species that will impress any flower lover.

Glass Outhouse Art Gallery 29 Palms California

The Glass Outhouse Art Gallery is on Thunder Road, just off Highway 62 in 29 Palms, California. Although it is located in a remote desert area, a few miles away from the nearest town of Twenty-nine Palms, the gallery attracts artists and art collectors from all over the country. This unique gallery is known for its glass outhouse and draws visitors from far and wide.

Cactus Mart Morongo Valley Dig Your Cactus

Cactus Mart in Morongo Valley is a must-visit for anyone headed to Joshua Tree National Park. With a tremendous selection of cacti and helpful staff to guide you to the right plants, it’s a great stop on your trip. Cactus Mart features succulents, cacti, grifts, garden accessories, and a vast selection of cacti. And you can dig your own cactus if you like.

Integratron: A Far Out Day Trip To Landers California

is a unique attraction located in the Yucca Valley desert of California. Despite its unremarkable exterior, it provides visitors with an otherworldly experience that leaves them feeling spaced out. The only all-wood, acoustically perfect sound chamber in the United States, Integratron was built by NASA physicist George Van Tassel. According to Van Tassel, he received instructions from aliens to construct this chamber.

Off-Road Day and Overlanding Desert Trips

Old Mojave Road 4-Wheel Drive Adventure Trip

The Old Mojave Road is a well-known route for off-road enthusiasts. It starts from the Colorado River and takes you through the Mojave National Preserve to Afton Canyon near Barstow, California. The road is steeped in history, having been used by native Indians, Spanish explorers, and settlers. The Mojave Road is a popular adventure trip for groups of overlanders who are looking for a thrilling and memorable experience.

Day Trip to Burro Schmidt Tunnel Mojave Desert

Burro Schmidt was a determined man who spent 32 years digging through the rock to create a shortcut for transporting gold ore to the smelters near Mojave. Although he never found any gold ore, he completed his tunnel. To visit the tunnel, bring a flashlight and plenty of water. The trek through the tunnel takes about 30 minutes, and the ceiling is high enough that most people do not have to duck.

Explore Trona Pinnacles: Ancient Rock Formations in Kern County

Trona Pinnacles is about 20 miles east of Ridgecrest in northeastern Kern County. The terrain in this area looks like it’s straight out of a science fiction movie. The tufa pinnacles found at Trona Pinnacles have been used as filming locations for movies such as Star Trek. Driving to the Pinnacles with a two-wheel drive is possible, but 4WD is recommended.

Titus Canyon Off-Road Trip to Death Valley

There are two ways to enter Titus Canyon in Death Valley National Park. The first option is to park at the west entrance and walk in. The second and more exciting option is to drive in from Nevada Highway 374. This 27-mile journey starts near the town of Beatty in Nevada. It ascends 5,000 feet before descending into lower Titus Canyon and eventually leading into Death Valley National Park. It is advisable to have a 4-wheel drive vehicle for this route.

Saline Valley Hot Springs

Saline Valley Hot Springs offers a rugged experience but is worth the effort for those who enjoy soaking in hot mineral water pools. The hot springs are maintained by volunteers who have built and managed them for years. There are no services, limited paved roads, and cell phone reception is scarce in the area. A 4WD or high-clearance vehicle is recommended, but some travel in 2WD vehicles.

National Parks, State Parks, Monuments

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is recognized as the hottest, driest, and lowest place in the United States. The area, located in California, was named “Death Valley” by prospectors who crossed the valley on their way to the goldfields. However, only one recorded death occurred during the Rush. Plan on spending at least two to three days exploring the park due to its vastness.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in California and the second-largest in the United States, covering an area of 600,000 acres. It accounts for one-fifth of San Diego County’s land and offers over 500 miles of roads to explore. Some routes require an off-road vehicle as they feature rocky climbs or deep sand, while others are paved.

Red Rock Canyon California State Park

Red Rock Canyon State Park is situated in the middle of the Mojave Desert, covering nine square miles of badlands and exposed mudstone strata on both sides of California Highway 14. The park’s mysterious landscape resembles a distant planet, featuring scenic desert cliffs, buttes, and multi-colored rocky outcrops.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is located in Riverside and San Bernardino counties and covers almost 800,000 acres. More than half of this land has been designated as a wilderness area. The park has two deserts, each with a unique ecosystem that varies depending on elevation. The Mojave Desert section is located at a higher elevation and is dryer and cooler than the other section.

Mojave National Preserve

Mojave National Preserve is located in the heart of the Mojave Desert and was established in 1994 through the California Desert Protection Act. It is a must for any outdoor enthusiast and an excellent way for the entire family to spend some time outdoors.

Old Plank Road Imperial Sand Dunes Monument

Before constructing the Phoenix to San Diego highway, a seven-mile stretch of roadway called the Old Plank Road was built over the Algodones Dunes in Yuma, Arizona, in 1914. The monument features a reconstructed segment of the original plank road that used to cross the desert. This section is made from planks from the actual road.

Museums, Historic Sites, Artworks

Twentynine Palms: A Thriving Artist Colony in the Mojave Desert

Twentynine Palms is situated at the northern entrance of Joshua National Park. Many travelers pass through the town without realizing its potential despite its peaceful desert oasis. Most of the town’s revenue comes from the nearby 29 Palms Marine Base and tourists visiting Joshua Park for a day.

Goffs Schoolhouse Museum Historic Route 66

The Mojave Desert Heritage Association is an intriguing museum that displays the fascinating history of the Mojave Desert. It boasts an extensive collection of mining and railroad artifacts, antique automobiles, Route 66 memorabilia, and military exhibits. The museum comprises two main buildings: Goffs Schoolhouse and a replica of the historic Goffs Santa Fe Railway Depot. If you are traveling across the Mojave Desert, do not miss the chance to visit this exceptional museum.

Antelope Valley Indian Museum

The Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park boasts a fantastic collection of Native American artifacts. Located about 25 miles from Lancaster in the Mojave Desert, the museum is housed in a one-of-a-kind 1920s Swiss-style chalet built into a rock formation. Visitors must climb up the rock formation to access the upstairs California Hall. There is a small admission fee charged to enter the museum.

Harvey House Railroad Depot Casa Del Desert

The Harvey House Railroad Depot, also known as the Casa Del Desierto, is located alongside the railroad tracks in Barstow, California. It was opened in 1911 as a Santa Fe train station and Harvey House. During your visit to the Harvey House Railroad Depot, you can witness the impressive sight of several colossal freight trains passing by, heading towards the Mojave Desert. Some of these trains are over a mile long, so it’s worth seeing!

Kelso Dunes & Depot Mojave Desert Trip

Kelso Dunes rises almost 700 feet from Southern California’s East Mojave desert. These spectacular dunes are the remains of mountains long worn away. Winds created the dunes, blowing sand particles across the Mojave River sink. When climbing down the dunes, your shoes make a booming sound to the delight of children of all ages. Kelso Depot is only a few miles from the dunes and well worth a stop while in the area. Dunes website.

Borax Visitor Center Boron, California

The Borax Visitor Center is in the Mojave Desert in Boron, California. It is built on massive material extracted from the Borax mine pit. The displays in the center showcase the various uses of Borax. Visitors can also watch an exciting movie about the history of the Borax industry from the past to the present. Furthermore, visitors can enjoy a view of the massive open pit mine where Borax is extracted. Visitor Center website.

Noah Purifoy Joshua Tree Outdoor Museum

The Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum is a remarkable collection of artwork situated in the middle of nowhere along a dusty desert road. The artist Noah Purifoy (1917-2004) moved to the desert to escape the high cost of living in Los Angeles. Over the course of 15 years, he created distinctive sculptures, buildings, and artwork using recycled materials. Museum website.

Southern California Desert Road Trips

Amboy Loop of Route 66 California

Consider taking a road trip along Route 66 and the Amboy Loop. This route features several points of interest worth checking out, including Ludlow, California; Amboy Crater National Natural Landmark; Roy’s Motel and Cafe Amboy; the Guardian Lions of Amboy; and Essex, California. Amboy Crater National Landmark website.

National Old Trails Highway Road Trip

The National Trails Highway, situated west of Needles, California, was the primary route for travelers journeying from New Mexico to California. During our road trip, we will be traveling along this iconic highway named after the coast-to-coast highway that existed before Route 66, but today, only a few remnants remain.

Desert Hot Springs, California: Spa City

Located in the foothills above the Coachella Valley, Desert Hot Springs offers a scenic view of the vibrant lifestyle of the wealthy and famous in nearby Palm Springs. The area boasts plenty of sunshine and average temperatures from the mid-upper 80s, making it a perfect destination for visitors to relax in the local hot mineral water spas. Desert Hot Springs website.

Big Morongo Canyon Preserve

More space can be beneficial, particularly for the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve. This preserve covers over 31,000 acres of the Little San Bernardino Mountain Range, and due to the varying elevations, it has an incredibly diverse range of evolved plant and animal species. The Morongo Canyon Preserve is a short road trip from Palm Springs.

Antelope Valley California

Antelope Valley takes its name from the Pronghorn antelopes that used to roam the desert floor until people hunted them down in the 1880s. It is a unique combination of remote desert landscapes and cutting-edge technology. This place is also known as the “aerospace capital of the world” and is about two hours away from Los Angeles by car. Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve.

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The Big List of Ghost Towns in California, Nevada, and Arizona

Palm Springs, California Attractions Nearby Points of Interest

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