Top Reasons to Go

Top Reasons to Go

Death Valley Wonders. Visit this strange landscape to tour some of the most breathtaking desert terrain in the world.

Nostalgia. Old neon signs, historic motels, and restored Harvey House rail stations abound across this desert landscape. Don't miss some of the classic eateries along the way, including Bagdad Café in Newberry Springs, Emma Jean's Hollandburger Cafe in Victorville, and Summit Inn on the Cajon Pass.

Great Ghost Towns. California's gold rush brought miners to the Mojave, and each of the towns they left behind has its own unique charms, whether it's tourist-friendly Calico, or Cerro Gordo, the only "bed and cook your own breakfast" ghost town in the world.

Cool Down in Sierra Country. Head up Highway 395 toward Bishop to visit the High Sierras, home to majestic Mt. Whitney, to wander through the wondrous Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest and fish in some of the best trout lakes and streams in the state.

Explore Ancient History. The Mojave Desert is home to rare petroglyphs, some dating back almost 16,000 years. Take a tour of the Petroglyph Canyon in Ridgecrest, visit Inscription Canyon near Barstow, or explore the wonders of Mystic Maze in Needles.