California City Travel Guide
Discover the best attractions, activities, food, and more in California City. Plan your trip with our comprehensive travel guide.
- Introduction to California City
- List of Places to Visit in California City
- Hiking/Biking Routes of California City
- Hiking Trails
- Biking Trails
- Best Things to Do in California City: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for California City
- Food and Drink Scene of California City
- Where to Stay in California City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in California City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of California City
- Best Time to Visit California City
- Do’s and Don’ts of California City
- Safety and Health
- Getting to California City: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in California City
- Where to Go Next from California City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to California City
California City is a hidden gem in the Antelope Valley, located in Southern California. Founded in the 1950s as a master-planned community, California City now attracts visitors for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, California City has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore the top places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in California City.
List of Places to Visit in California City
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Maturango Museum - discover the region’s geology, indigenous people, and early pioneers at this local museum
- California City Arts Commission - view rotating exhibitions and public art installations around the city
- Red Rock Canyon State Park - marvel at the vibrant red rock formations and learn about the area’s natural and human history
Natural Attractions of California City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Central Park - enjoy the outdoors with picnic areas, sports fields, and a playground
- Tierra Del Sol Golf Club - tee off at this 18-hole, championship golf course with stunning views of the surrounding landscape
- Silver Saddle Ranch and Club - explore this 300-acre ranch with horseback riding, hiking trails, and a petting zoo
- Saddleback Butte State Park - hike to the top of this butte for panoramic views of the Mojave Desert
- Mojave National Preserve - camp, hike, and stargaze at this vast wilderness area, just a short drive from California City
Hiking/Biking Routes of California City
Hiking Trails
- Brite Lake Trail - an easy, one-mile loop around Brite Lake, with views of the surrounding mountains
- Fales Hot Springs - a unique trail that leads to a natural hot spring in the middle of the desert
- Wind Wolves Preserve Trail - a challenging, 11-mile loop through the hills and valleys of this nature preserve
Biking Trails
- California City Bike Park - a BMX track and dirt jumps for all skill levels
- Dove Springs OHV Area - a network of dirt roads and trails for off-road enthusiasts
Best Things to Do in California City: Activities and Tours
- California City Municipal Airport - take a scenic flight over the Mojave Desert or learn to fly yourself
- Best of the West Softball Complex - catch a game or join a league at this state-of-the-art softball complex
- Burroughs Audubon Nature Club - bird-watch and learn about local flora and fauna on guided tours
- California City Whiptails - catch a minor league baseball game and root for the home team
Week-Long Itinerary for California City
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explore Maturango Museum and Central Park |
| 2 | Hike to Fales Hot Springs, then relax at Tierra Del Sol Golf Club |
| 3 | Take a scenic flight over the desert, then catch a Softball game |
| 4 | Horseback ride at Silver Saddle Ranch and Club, then enjoy a picnic at Red Rock Canyon State Park |
| 5 | Spend the day at Saddleback Butte State Park and watch the sunset |
| 6 | Camp at Mojave National Preserve and stargaze |
| 7 | Visit the California City Arts Commission and see local artwork, then catch a Whiptails baseball game |
Food and Drink Scene of California City
Must-Try Dishes
- Kebab Rush - try the chicken or beef kebab, served with rice or fries and a side salad
- Adelanto Drive-In - grab burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes at this classic drive-in restaurant
- Domino’s Pizza - order pizza, wings, and more from this chain restaurant
Local Beverages
- Desert Tortoise Brewery - sample craft beers made with local ingredients, like the Mojave Red Ale or Joshua Tree Porter
Where to Stay in California City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Best Western California City Inn - a comfortable hotel with a pool and hot tub
- Motel 6 Mojave CA - a budget-friendly option with clean rooms and a pet-friendly policy
- Silver Saddle Ranch and Club - rustic cabins and RV sites on a sprawling ranch
What to Buy in California City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Desert Gems - browse a selection of gemstones and minerals mined in the Mojave Desert
- Maturango Museum Gift Shop - pick up unique souvenirs, like handmade pottery and woven baskets
Local Culture and Customs of California City
California City has a diverse population, with many people from Mexico, Asia, and other parts of the world. Visitors should be respectful of different cultures and customs, and may encounter Spanish-language signs or hear languages other than English spoken.
Best Time to Visit California City
The best time to visit California City is during the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and outdoor activities are at their best. Summer can be hot, while winter can be cold and windy.
Do’s and Don’ts of California City
Do:
- Do learn about the local fauna and flora at Burroughs Audubon Nature Club
- Do visit local art galleries and museums to learn about the region’s cultural heritage
- Do bring sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes for outdoor adventures
Don’t:
- Don’t litter or damage natural areas while hiking or camping
- Don’t underestimate the desert heat and bring proper clothing and hydration for outdoor activities
- Don’t forget to tip at restaurants and bars
Safety and Health
Safety in California City
California City is a generally safe place to visit, but visitors should be aware of desert hazards like heatstroke, rattlesnakes, and flash floods. Hikers should stick to marked trails and bring plenty of water and a map. Visitors should also keep their cars locked and valuables out of sight, as car theft can be a problem in the area.
Health in California City
Visitors to California City should take precautions against the desert sun and heat, like wearing sunscreen and drinking plenty of water. Those with respiratory problems should be aware of the poor air quality in the region, especially during wildfire season.
Getting to California City: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near California City
- Mojave Air and Space Port (MHV) - a small airport with limited commercial service and private charters
- Meadows Field Airport (BFL) - a larger airport about an hour’s drive from California City
Bus Stations Near California City
- Greyhound Bus Station - located in Lancaster, about 30 minutes’ drive from California City
Other Options
- Rental Cars - available at the airports and in Lancaster
How to Get Around in California City
Visitors to California City will need a car to explore the area’s attractions, as public transportation is limited. Biking and hiking are also popular ways to get around, especially within the city limits.
Where to Go Next from California City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Los Angeles - about 2 hours’ drive south of California City, with world-famous attractions like Hollywood and Santa Monica
- Death Valley National Park - about 2 hours’ drive east of California City, with stark desert landscapes and unique geological formations
- Mammoth Lakes - about 3 hours’ drive north of California City, with skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities
Conclusion
California City is a hidden gem in the Antelope Valley, with natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities for all ages. Plan your trip with this comprehensive guide to the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in California City.
