Although I’m willing to bet you’ve never heard of Lancaster, California this city is a great vacation destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Lancaster, CA is a gateway to some of the most interesting parts of the California landscape and are a great way to showcase just how diverse the state really is. So, if you want to find out more about this hidden gem of California, keep reading! Here’s a list of eight best things to do in Lancaster, California:
1. Lancaster Museum of Art and History
Who doesn’t love a good museum? It’s not likely to rain while you’re vacationing in Lancaster, but sometimes you don’t need an excuse to venture into a gorgeous and modern museum. Get out of the heat for a little while and marvel at the incredible colors and variety of statutes and paintings hidden away in the Lancaster Museum of Art and History, and who knows, maybe you’ll come away with some inspiration of your own.
Lancaster Museum of Art and History
Address: 665 W Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534
Website: Lancaster Museum of Art and History
2. Check out the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
Ok, I know what you’re thinking. But this site is worth it for so much more than just the incredible Instagram picture you’re going to get. Wander through the eight miles of trails and let yourself bask in the calm of the countryside. There’s also plenty of wildlife nearby, including hawks, birds, lizards, and gopher snakes! Sometimes you’ll even see the occasional bobcat!
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
Address: 15101 Lancaster Rd, Lancaster, CA 93536, USA
3. Prime Desert Woodland Preserve
This incredible and interactive nature preserve is nestled in a scenic and convenient location and is perfectly equipped to teach guests all about the region and the wildlife that inhabits it, while still giving visitors a chance to explore it for themselves. Be sure to visit the Lancaster Museum of Art and History’s (MOAH) contribution to the park, the interpretive center project, the first stage of an improvement project which soon to add twenty more acres of walking trails to the preserve. The interpretive center allows guests to truly experience nature, and even be a part of it by adding to their petroglyph and pictograph wall!
Prime Desert Woodland Preserve
Address: 43201 35th St W, Lancaster, CA 93536
Hours: 6AM–10PM
Phone: (661) 723-5928
Website: Prime Desert Woodland Preserve
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4. Swim in the beautiful Lake Palmdale
Can you imagine anything more peaceful than sitting in a boat surrounded by Mount Tenhi and the hills of the San Andreas Fault? Whether you decide to read or fish with friends, Lake Palmdale is a gorgeous way to spend one’s afternoon. Plus, the fun doesn’t have to end there! The Littlerock Reservoir is located nearby and is perfect for fishing with your kids, boating with family, water skiing (if you’re really adventurous), and the nearby park even lets you camp!
Lake Palmdale
Address: Antelope Valley; Los Angeles County, California
5. Antelope Valley Winery
Whether you’re wanting to relax with a good book or just a couple of good friends, Antelope Valley Winery is the perfect place for the adults to get have some of their own fun. Sample wines from all over the Valley and be sure to check out the Farmer’s Market the winery holds from August through the end of November!
Antelope Valley Winery
Address: 42041 20th St W, Lancaster, CA 93534
Website: Antelope Valley Winery
6. Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park
For a really cool look at California and the wonders that make up its landscape, head on over to Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park! This museum is home to over 3,000 objects from Antelope Valley and its surrounding areas, some of the materials on display are even rare one-of-a-kind artifacts! Plus, when the museum you’re visiting has been not only a museum, but a dude ranch, a theater, a homestead, AND a Hollywood set you to know you’re visiting a pretty cool place.
Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park
Address: 15701 E Ave M, Lancaster, CA 93535
Hours: Saturday and Sunday: 11AM–4PM
Phone: (661) 946-3055
7. Lancaster National Soccer Center
If you’re a sports fan, or just have the pleasure of knowing a few munchkins in your life who adore soccer then you’re definitely going to want to check out the Lancaster National Soccer Center! This place will allow you to catch more of the local flavor of Lancaster, while still letting you explore and experience the excitement of being in this incredible place. Sign up to play in teams or individually, or just check out the schedule and catch a game! Either way, it’s sure to be a great time.
Lancaster National Soccer Center
Address: 43000 30th St E, Lancaster, CA 93535
Hours: 6AM to 6PM
Phone: (661) 723-5826
8. Wander around the Antelope Valley Mall
Soccer games and beautiful historic parks are great, but sometimes you need to relax a bit and have a wander around the city you’re visiting. The Antelope Valley Mall is the perfect place to do that. Enjoy tons of stores, food, and play structures for the kids, while having a laid-back afternoon. And maybe pick up some souvenirs or gifts while you’re at it. Two birds, one stone!
Antelope Valley Mall
Address: 1233 Rancho Vista Blvd, Palmdale, CA 93551
Phone: (661) 266-9150
Website: Antelope Valley Mall
Let's go visit Lancaster
So now that you’ve gotten just a glimpse at some of the incredible things there are to do in Lancaster, CA it’s time to start planning your trip! This hidden gem of California is a perfect, inexpensive opportunity to get to know the California landscape and culture, without the crowds or breaking the bank. Plus, if there’s anything that makes traveling worthwhile, it’s the new and exciting things you encounter while spending time with your friends and family. And this sort of laid-back, interesting vacation is the perfect setting for that. So what are you waiting for? Get going!