Unforgettable Things to Do in Palmdale for an Epic Day Out

This is the story of Palmdale, a little-known gem in the middle of California’s Antelope Valley with lots of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, history lovers, and families with kids. Whether one is an adventurer who loves nature or just in search of a good station where he can spend his weekend, he will not lack an option in Palmdale.

Below is a comprehensive list of things to do in Palmdale. Parks, restaurants, entertainment, and more.

 Discover Palmdale Tourist Attractions

Palmdale has many interesting sites that tourists could visit and explore about its geographical features and historical background. With the fields of oases, desert expanse, and different forms of museums, Palmdale offers a great variety of things to do.

The two attractions that I found to be interesting are the Antelope Valley Indian Museum which features information and artifacts about Native Americans and the Joe Davies Heritage Airpark, which will interest visitors who love airplanes because it has old models of airplanes.

Joe Davies Heritage Airpark

Another attraction of interest to visitors to Jackson Hole is Joe Davies Heritage Airpark covering some jets, bombers, and other models of aircraft in retirement. More specifically, it is available for visit and exploration on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

Desert Sands Park

Desert Sands Park facilities and amenities include a swimming pool and a skate park a playground, baseball and soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts, a concert stage, and barbecue grates. They are open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day of the week whereby.

Marie Kerr Park

Marie Kerr Park is a public facility that contains a swimming pool, skateboard park, children’s play area baseball and soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts, an outdoor theatre, and stage & barbecues. Above mentioned museum is available for visitors from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM 7 days a week.

Prime Desert Woodland Preserve

There are many types of wildlife and many different types of plants and trees, a large area with many miles of trails in the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve which also has a visitor center. The center is open from 6 in the morning up to 10 in the evening every day.

Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park

Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park is a park with a museum that hosts many Native American stuff & activities. It is open only on Saturday and Sunday between the hours of 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Palmdale Scenic Views and Nature Spots

Even though Palmdale has a very attractive and colorful landscape, it is still better to see most of it from various lookouts and natural viewpoints. Another feature that is a must-visit is the sun, especially at Lake Palmdale where the magnificent San Gabriel Mountains also offer nature lovers a point of focus. And if you love cars taking photos or simply driving and admiring the beautiful view – you will be impressed with Palmdale.

This is a list of Scenic Views and Nature Spots to visit in Palmdale.

Lake Palmdale

• Description: Sunset displays that light up the sky through the lake beside the captivating mountain ranges of San Gabriel.
• Activities: They include boat riding, fishing activities, hiking, and having a picnic.

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve

• Description: Observe the colors of the fields in California when they are filled with California poppies which makes the points a spectacular site.
• Activities: Hiking, photography, picnicking.

Other Scenic Spots

• Pelona Vista Park: Stands to provide people with magnificent views including the surrounding mountains.
• Domenic Massari Park: Includes a large open space area that consists of large soccer grounds and a skate park.
• Arnie Quinones Park: Offers a serene atmosphere that consists of equipment for use by children such as swings and other amenities such as picnic tables.

Tips for Enjoying Palmdale’s Scenic Views

• Check weather conditions: The climate can also be hot and arid especially in the summer months worst still it has many desert features.
• Bring a camera: Learn how to photographically preserve the/Area’s striking geographical and topographical features.
• Pack a picnic: Take a bite of the imaginatively located food place in one of the scenic areas.
• Research local events: It was established that they occur in many different areas and at beautiful areas like concerts, festivals, and other events.

Outdoor Activities in Palmdale

There are various Things to do in Palmdale for outdoor lovers to explore the natural beauty of Palmdale. No matter if it is horse riding in the glorious foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains or cycling through fantastic paths, the city has many things to offer to the enthusiasts of outdoor activities. It is ideal for bird watching and photograph enthusiasts and covers a desert woodland environment, and the trails leading to the area and around allow one to tour the desert in search of wildlife and plants.

• Hiking: Hike in the rugged terrains of Prime Desert Woodland Preserve which is a huge, picturesque expanse of land with widely distributed plants and animals.
• Cycling: Explore the city bike trails or get off the road and onto the rural areas for more difficult cycling tours.
• Camping: Stay at one of the local camps; there are many camps and campgrounds around including the Antelope Valley Campground and Mojave Narrows Regional Park among others.
• Fishing: Try your hand at fishing in the Mojave River or any of the other lakes in the region and there the various categories of fish to be hooked.
• Boating: Take a boat out, go for a swim, fishing, and boating at Lake Palmdale which is known to be one of the most-visited destinations.
• Rock Climbing: Try out the climbing routes that are available at the local rock climbing sites.
  Golfing: Spend the afternoon on a golf course one out of the many in the region.
• Picnicking: Spend your lunch time enjoying a packed lunch at any of the available parks and open spaces in Palmdale.
• Horseback Riding: Gallop through the trails of the park in a horseback manner.
  Birdwatching: Sighting of several bird species can be observed in Prime Desert Woodland Preserve or other similar parks in the region.

Best Parks in Palmdale: Relax and Unwind

Here is a good place to catch your breath or sit back & take a deep breath. This part of California has many parks and, among them, several of them are situated in Palmdale where one can enjoy a picnic or have a quiet walk and many other Things to do in Palmdale. Marie Kerr Park is among the great Parks in the city with adequate acreage, a playground, and other sporting amenities. At the same time, there is Pelona Vista Park which represents a more calm type of park, perfect for strolls and meditations in nature.

• Arnie Quinones Park: This park has a playing area and a baseball field and there are also picnic tables available. This stunning restaurant is open twenty-four hours a day from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Anaverde Park: Its facility includes a playground, ballfields, and picnic tables. Most of the time it is open to the public daily, from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Pelona Vista Park: This park has a big recreational park that has a soccer ground with artificial lighting for use at night and also has a trail for running and a view of mountains. It operates on a 24-hour basis from as early as 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day of the week.
• Domenic Massari Park: This park has a grassy recreational area with soccer fields and a baseball diamond & a skate park; there are also playgrounds. It is open from morning till night because it is operational from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.

 Palmdale Museums and Galleries

The cultural life of Palmdale is rich, especially with different museums and galleries that can give the guests an idea of art life in the city and Things to do in Palmdale. The Antelope Valley Indian Museum has some of the most unique features that include artifacts from the Native American culture in the same region. On the other hand, the Palmdale Playhouse has programmed an excellent combination of live performances dance, concerts, art shows, and other cultural programs.

Air Museums

• Blackbird Airpark: This is an aircraft park where old military and civil aircraft are displayed, among them being the SR71 Blackbird.
• Joe Davies Heritage Airpark: This museum exhibits aircraft such as; Jet, Bomber, Fighter, Propeller Helicopters, etc, that have been retired from service.

Art Galleries

• Palmdale Fine Art Studio: The studio provides this community and the general public with art classes and workshops, and artwork by local artists.
• Antelope Valley Museum of Art & History (MOAH): This museum is situated in Lancaster, and it exhibits a broad range of artwork in the form of paintings, sculptures, and even photography.

Other Museums

• Antelope Valley Rural Museum: This area offers a view into the rural and agricultural aspects of the place commonly known as the Antelope Valley.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Palmdale

There will be no shortage of Things to do in Palmdale for families all across Palmdale that will cater to all visitors. Another notable park within the village is DryTown Water Park which has become a popular destination for families with kids because of the several water slides, water spray parks, and the like.

Another place that would be interesting for families is the Joe Davies Heritage Airpark where kids can see military planes at close range. If you want to have more educational experience then it will be rather interesting to go to Blackbird Airpark Museum where you could find out more about the history of aerospace.

Explore Scenic Palmdale Hiking Trails

The outdoors lover especially those who like hiking will find it easy to explore different trails in Palmdale. Many trails exist in the park and the most famous one is known as the Barrel Springs Trail which offers a wonderful view of the mountains and the desert. Another is the Devil’s Punchbowl which is a steep-sided circular depression that causes stiff climbs for walkers and photographers due to superb formations of gigantic rocks.

Barrel Springs Trail

• Description: Hiking and sightseeing are best done on this trail as it boasts of the mountains and the desert view. It is a relatively easy trail that ends in a natural spring.
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length: It transforms depending on the route chosen

Devil’s Punchbowl

• Description: A large circular basin that is steep-sided with some amazing rock formations. This is a rather difficult trail but the view that one gets to glimpse is spectacular.
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Length: It depends on the direction to be taken.

Other Notable Trails

• Prime Desert Woodland Preserve: It contains several trails with distinct difficulty levels ranging from easy, and intermediate to the most difficult.
• Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve: This reserve is specifically noteworthy for its fields of wildflowers in the springtime. The track provides several hiking trails for those who love to trek the mountains and hills.
• Mojave Narrows Regional Park: There are several trails in this park, some of which go to the Mojave River with several other attractions.

Tips for Hiking in Palmdale

• Check weather conditions: The climate is normally desert whereby summer becomes very hot and there is a severe shortage of rainfall in almost all the seasons.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks: Make sure you take water and food with you on the trail.
• Wear appropriate footwear: There are special requirements for footwear; a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or boots is compulsory.
• Be aware of wildlife: Stay away from animals and never offer to feed them.

Entertainment in Palmdale: Fun for Everyone

At one time as the mood strikes you, you may feel like catching a live band, attending a play, or watching a movie are favorite Things to do in Palmdale. The recreational facility of the Palmdale Amphitheater is another preferred venue for holding outdoor concerts and dramatic performances in particular during the summer season. For a more relaxed night out, there is the Cinemark Palmdale theater to watch the current Hollywood movie or the Palmdale Playhouse for a theater play.

Palmdale offers a variety of entertainment options, including:

• Movie Theaters: Watch modern movies in cinema halls in local areas.
• Live Music and Concerts: Watch live music performances from bands and artists on stage at any of the music halls like the Palmdale amphitheater, bars, and restaurants.
• Bowling: Spent some time with friends and/or loved ones and try going to a nearby bowling center or alley.
• Gaming Centers: Play games in computer games centers that offer such attractions as arcade games, laser tag, or virtual reality rooms.
• Shopping: Some of the renowned shopping malls and retail stores include; Shopping centers to visit in Palmdale for branded and diverse outlets.
• Museums and Galleries: Visit such places as museums or galleries where information about local history and culture can be found.
• Parks and Recreation: Take a walk at the nearby parks or engage in another exercise such as cycling, fishing, or even camping.

Palmdale Amphitheater

Description: Such an outdoor facility is used for concerts and other events held during various seasons of the year.
Location: 38000 Sierra Highway, City: Palmdale, State: CA zip code: 93550

Palmdale Regional Library

• Description: It has a program that includes book clubs, author talks, and classes on how to operate computers among others.
• Location: 3850 East Avenue Q Palmdale CA 93550

Palmdale Aquatics Center

Description: This aquatic center provides swimming lessons and a swimming pool that is meant for laps, and that is used for leisure purposes.
Location: Address: 38700 39th Street East, Palmdale, CA-93550.

Weekend Getaways in Palmdale: The Perfect Escape

When it comes to planning a short two-, three or four-day trip? Palmdale is well situated and that makes it an ideal place from where to sample other regions around it. If you want to go camping in the Los Angeles forest this is a good starting ground, not to mention that in nearby towns such as Lancaster, there is much to see and beautiful views up to 30 minutes drive away.

Angeles National Forest

• Description: About 30 minutes of car ride from Palmdale, one can find the Angeles National Forest which has thousands of miles of trails for hikers of different experience and skill levels as well as breathtaking views.
• Difficulty: Varies widely.
• Length: There are many number of miles of the trail available in this area.

Historical Landmarks in Palmdale: Step Back in Time

A good way to explore the history of this city is to look at the landmarks located in Palmdale. The Old Palmdale Schoolhouse gives the guests of the city a glimpse into the early days of Palmdale and the Acton Historical Marker tells the story of the gold rush. Touring through these sites gives a virtual tour of the history that was written in Palmdale.

Old Palmdale Schoolhouse

• Description: This building shows a scenic view of the early foundation of the educational system in Palmdale. Tourists are free to walk through the preserved classrooms and be educated on what the town used to look like.
• Location: Address – 38300 39th Street East, Palmdale, CA 93550.

Acton Historical Marker

• Description: In this spot, a historical marker has been erected to remind people of the gold rush in the Antelope Valley area. The groups can also get a general history of gold mining and the incidences that the region went through due to mining.
• Location: 10125 East 14th Street, Palmdale, CA 93550

Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park

• Description: The museum displays and explains to the visitor Native American materials and activities, history, and culture of these peoples.
• Location: 7001 Pearblossom Highway Lancaster CA 93536

Antelope Valley Rural Museum

• Description: This museum is a repository of the agricultural and rural development in the Antelope Valley; this includes farming, animal ranching, and transportation.
• Location: Actual Business: 7001 Pearblossom Highway Lancaster California 93536

Local Events in Palmdale: What’s Happening Now

Get the latest news of Things to do in Palmdale with events happening in Palmdale or anywhere near it. These range from the yearly celebrating festivals such as the Antelope Valley Poppy Festival to ordinary farmers’ markets selling produce during specific seasons. Don’t forget to look into Daily News and Visitor’s bulletin monthly for great shows by Palmdale Amphitheater summer concerts.

Antelope Valley Poppy Festival

• Description: This annual event presents a wonderful landscape of California poppies that blossoms in the Antelope Valley every spring.
• When: Normally, such conventions occur at the end of March or in the first week of April.
• Where: In many places across the region known as the Antelope Valley..

Palmdale Amphitheater Summer Concerts

• Description: Experience the various performances of some of the most famous musicians in this open-air venue.
• When: Summer months (June-August).
• Where: Palmdale Amphitheater, 38000 Sierra Highway; Palmdale, CA 93550

Farmers Markets

• Description: Local farmers markets can be availed every Wednesday where one can buy fresh vegetables and fruits, locally made jewelry, clothing, damaged merchandise, and many more.
• When: Usually performed during the weekend he even has that he disregards.
• Where: Different places in Palmdale and some of its neighboring communities.

Other Local Events

• Palmdale Air Show: An aviation-oriented airborne spectacular that is held every two years and encompasses stunting, display, sales novelty, and food fete.
• Palmdale Christmas Parade: A fun liking float, marching bands, and Santa Claus, this is what is referred to as a festive parade.
• Palmdale Summer Nights: An event such as movies by the reservoir or functions by the lake in the local parks.

Shopping in Palmdale: Best Spots for Retail Therapy

Shopping is one of the most exciting Things to do in Palmdale. The people who love shopping will be in a position to access many shopping centers in Palmdale. Fashion-conscious shoppers will find themselves spoilt for choices with the Antelope Valley Mall which hosts everything starting from leading retail chains to specialty shops. For people who are looking for other local or homemade products, then it is advised to visit the Palmdale Farmers Market where they can buy fresh crops plus handcrafted products from various merchants.

Antelope Valley Mall

• Description: This is a mammoth shopping complex with numerous outlets and shops such as national chain stores, specialty shops, and some leading eating joints.
• Location: 1255 West Avenue S, Palmdale, CA – 93550

Palmdale Plaza

• Description: This is an open-air mall with shopping and retail facilities, other than food and restaurants, and services.
• Location: 37000 Sierra Highway, Palmdale in the state of California, US.

The Centre at Sierra Vista

• Description: This shopping mall is in Lancaster, close to us, and offers multiple sections of stores and eating, places.
• Location: Address: Building P 43500 Sierra Highway Lancaster California 93536

Palmdale Farmers Market

• Description: This market consists of the sales of fruits and vegetables, and other related products, handmade pizzas, cakes bakery products, and other special marketable products.
• Location: Address: 38300, 39th Street East, Palmdale, CA, 93550

Additional Shopping Tips

• Check store hours: It should be noted that specific operating hours by stores may not be a uniform regime, especially on weekends and during the holidays.
• Consider parking: It is advisable to take a car along, especially during the main shopping hours of the day since there may be tight parking space.
• Check for sales and promotions: The fact is that many stores initiate sales and promotions campaigns for their products several times a year.

Top Restaurants in Palmdale: Where to Eat

Like the other aspects of traveling, Things to do in Palmdale offers a variety of foods to cater to everyone’s taste buds. Irrespective of the type of foods you desire; ethnic foods or American foods, there are plenty of restaurants that could meet your desire. El Toreo West is renowned for its Mexican cuisine and Baracoa Cuban Restaurant offers Cuban food to the people of California. For the lovers of quality meals, Lee Esther’s Creole and Cajun Cooking offers the best of black southern cuisine.

El Toreo West

• Cuisine: Mexican
• Description: Taco Bell is a well-known fast-food restaurant that serves Mexican food products such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas.

Baracoa Cuban Restaurant

• Cuisine: Cuban
• Description: Partake a taste of Cuban classics such as ropa vieja, lechon asado, or Cuban sandwich at this nice restaurant.

Lee Esther’s Creole and Cajun Cooking

• Cuisine: Creole and Cajun
• Description: Experience the full taste of Louisiana dishes including but not limited to gumbo, jambalaya, and étouffée.

Other Notable Restaurants

• The Great American Steakhouse: Savor traditional American dishes like steaks, fish, shellfish, and pasta meals at this restaurant.
• In-N-Out Burger: A famous burger restaurant serving fries, and milkshakes, among other products.
• Pho 87: At this Vietnamese restaurant one can enjoy an excellent traditional Vietnamese dish – noodle soup and other Vietnamese dishes.
• The Corner Bakery Cafe: A fast food restaurant and take-out joint that specializes in sandwiches, salads, and pastries.

Day Trips from Palmdale: Explore Beyond the City

It is even possible to organize a one-day tour to some of the most popular and famous tourist destinations in Southern California that are situated near Palmdale. You can go hiking in the Angeles National Forests which is just a short drive from here with forests, attractive trails, and other attractions. For wine aficionados, the Agua Dulce Vineyards which are nearby provide a way to sample local wines and learn more about the vineyards.

Palmdale Arts and Culture: A Vibrant Creative Scene

Some of the art in Palmdale includes galleries, theaters, and artwork that can be viewed in some parts of the city. There are organized events that take place at the Palmdale Playhouse, music, drama, and dance productions, and art events featuring Palmdale artists; throughout the city itself, there are sculptures and murals that add an artistic appeal.

Final Thoughts

From locating a romantic hideaway that requires little travel, or searching for a vacation spot, Things to do in Palmdale has something for anyone. This city gives travelers and tourists opportunities to tour through beautiful hiking trails, and beautifully designed parks to visit museums, and restaurants as well as entertaining places. Indeed, there are lots of things to do in Palmdale and you will be getting back time and again to discover more things about this city.

Frequently Asked Questions