3-Day Itinerary for Palmdale, California

  • Day 1: Visit the Antelope Valley California Poppy State Natural Reserve for a scenic desert hike and to see the bright and vibrant California poppies in full bloom. Next, visit the Blackbird Airpark Museum to see an extensive collection of aircraft, including the SR-71 Blackbird. Finish the day with a visit to the Angry Horse Brewing Company to relax and enjoy a cold beer.
  • Day 2: Start the day early and head to the Devil's Punchbowl Natural Area, a unique geological formation that offers hiking trails and beautiful views. Afterward, experience the famous speedway at the Willow Springs International Raceway, home to various racing events. End the day with dinner at Harold & Belle's, a Creole Cuisine restaurant with fantastic seafood and appetizers.
  • Day 3: Begin with a visit to the exotic and tropical DryTown Water Park, an oasis in the dusty desert. Next, visit the Joe Davies Heritage Airpark, a showcase of aircraft from different eras, including the aircraft flown by local hero Chuck Yeager. End the day with a shopping spree at the Antelope Valley Mall, an indoor shopping center that offers many shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Antelope Valley California Poppy State Natural Reserve (2-3 hours, free)
  • Blackbird Airpark Museum (1-2 hours, $5)
  • Angry Horse Brewing Company (1-2 hours, $15)
  • Devil's Punchbowl Natural Area (2-3 hours, free)
  • Willow Springs International Raceway (1-2 hours, $10)
  • Harold & Belle's (1-2 hours, $25)
  • DryTown Water Park (3-4 hours, $25)
  • Joe Davies Heritage Airpark (2-3 hours, free)
  • Antelope Valley Mall (2-3 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $100
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Transportation

It's recommended to rent a car for this itinerary as Palmdale is a scattered city with limited public transport options. Renting a car for three days will cost around $100-$150. Be aware of traffic during peak hours, and use online maps to navigate quickly.

Useful Tips

If you have an extra day, visit the Aerospace Walk of Honor, where you can learn about the achievements of the men and women who helped shape the supersonic and space programs. You can also visit the Palmdale Amphitheater, a great entertainment venue for concerts and shows. If you have less time, consider visiting the DryTown Water Park and the Antelope Valley Mall only, which will take around 6-7 hours cumulatively.

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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed