Adelanto Travel Guide

Explore the best attractions, hikes, food, and culture that Adelanto has to offer. Find everything you need to know about getting there, staying, safe, and healthy.


Adelanto, located in the Mojave Desert of California’s San Bernardino County, is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and nature. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, Adelanto has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore the top attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, local culture and customs, safety and health tips, transportation options, and nearby destinations, so you can plan your trip with ease.

Introduction to Adelanto

Adelanto, founded in 1915, was once a small farming community that produced apricots, alfalfa, and other crops. Today, it’s a dynamic city that is home to over 35,000 people. Adelanto is known for its rich history, beautiful scenery, and diverse culture. It’s situated near the Mojave National Preserve, Joshua Tree National Park, and San Bernardino National Forest, making it an ideal base camp for exploring some of California’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

List of Places to Visit in Adelanto

Here are some of the top places to visit in Adelanto:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Adelanto Branch Library: This library, which was built in 1917 and is on the National Register of Historic Places, houses an extensive collection of books, newspapers, and documents related to Adelanto’s history.
  • Richardson Park: This park is home to the Adelanto Veterans Memorial, which honors the men and women who have served in the United States military.
  • Adelanto Heritage Park: This park features a vintage fire truck, a historical marker commemorating Adelanto’s pioneers, and a playground for kids.

Natural Attractions of Adelanto: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • El Mirage OHV Recreation Area: This off-highway vehicle (OHV) park is a popular destination for people who love riding ATVs, dirt bikes, and other vehicles on sand and dirt trails.
  • Adelanto Stadium: Home of the High Desert Mavericks, a minor league baseball team.
  • Shadow Mountain Park and Dog Park: This park features a playground, picnic areas, and a fenced-in area where dogs can run freely.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Adelanto

Adelanto is surrounded by stunning mountain ranges and wide-open desert landscapes, making it an ideal destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some of the best hiking and biking trails in Adelanto:

  • Mojave Riverwalk: This 3.7-mile trail follows the Mojave River and offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and desert landscape.
  • Adelanto Stadium Trail: This 3-mile trail loops around the Adelanto Stadium and is popular with walkers, joggers, and bikers.
  • Mountain View Trail: This 5.8-mile trail features stunning desert scenery and is popular with hikers and mountain bikers.

Best Things to Do in Adelanto: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the top things to do in Adelanto:

  • Take a hot air balloon ride: Adelanto’s wide-open landscape makes it an ideal destination for hot air balloon rides.
  • Go on an ATV tour: Several companies in Adelanto offer ATV tours of the surrounding desert.
  • Attend a minor league baseball game: Adelanto Stadium is home to the High Desert Mavericks, a minor league baseball team.

Week-Long Itinerary for Adelanto

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Adelanto Branch Library and Richardson Park
Day 2 Hike the Mojave Riverwalk Trail
Day 3 Take a hot air balloon ride
Day 4 Go on an ATV tour of the desert
Day 5 Attend a minor league baseball game at Adelanto Stadium
Day 6 Explore the Mountain View Trail
Day 7 Relax at Shadow Mountain Park and Dog Park

Food and Drink Scene of Adelanto

Must-Try Dishes

Adelanto is home to many delicious dishes, but some of the must-try dishes include:

  • A burger from Jack in the Box
  • A burrito from Alberto’s Mexican Food
  • A pizza from Domino’s

Local Beverages

Adelanto doesn’t have a thriving craft beer or wine scene, but you can find plenty of refreshing beverages at local fast food chains and restaurants.

Where to Stay in Adelanto: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Adelanto doesn’t have many lodging options, but you can find a few hotels, motels, and guesthouses that offer comfortable and affordable accommodations. Some of the best places to stay in Adelanto include:

  • Americas Best Value Inn Adelanto Victorville
  • Motel 6 Victorville - Adelanto

What to Buy in Adelanto: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Adelanto doesn’t have many souvenir shops, but you can find some local products and food items at supermarkets and convenience stores.

Local Culture and Customs of Adelanto

Adelanto is a diverse city that is home to people from many different cultures and backgrounds. Some of the local customs and traditions include:

  • A respect for the environment and natural resources
  • A love of baseball and other sports
  • A strong sense of community and camaraderie

Best Time to Visit Adelanto

The best time to visit Adelanto is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be very hot, with temperatures reaching above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Do’s and Don’ts of Adelanto

Do:

  • Respect the natural environment and wildlife
  • Try the local food and beverages
  • Attend a minor league baseball game

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the environment
  • Leave valuables in your car
  • Overlook Adelanto’s rich history and culture

Safety and Health

Safety in Adelanto

Adelanto is a relatively safe city, but it’s always important to take precautions when traveling. Here are some safety tips for Adelanto:

  • Keep your valuables in a secure location
  • Don’t leave bags or valuables visible in your car

Health in Adelanto

Adelanto is located in a desert region, which can cause dehydration and heatstroke. Make sure you stay hydrated and limit your time in the sun during the hottest parts of the day.

Getting to Adelanto: Transportation Options and Logistics

Adelanto is easily accessible by car and public transportation.

Airports Near Adelanto

  • Ontario International Airport (49 miles)
  • Bob Hope Airport (92 miles)
  • Los Angeles International Airport (101 miles)

Bus Stations Near Adelanto

  • Greyhound Bus Station - Victorville (7.5 miles)
  • Victor Valley Transit Center (8 miles)

Other Options

  • Amtrak Train Station - Victorville (8 miles)

How to Get Around in Adelanto

The best way to get around Adelanto is by car, but you can also use public transportation.

Where to Go Next from Adelanto: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Adelanto is surrounded by some of California’s most breathtaking natural wonders, including the Mojave National Preserve, Joshua Tree National Park, and San Bernardino National Forest. Other nearby destinations include Victorville, Barstow, and Wrightwood.

Conclusion

Adelanto may be a small city, but it’s packed with history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re looking to take in some local baseball, explore the desert, or simply relax in the park, Adelanto has something for everyone. Use this comprehensive guide to plan your trip to Adelanto and discover all the amazing things this hidden gem has to offer.