The Best Places to Visit When Driving from Anaheim to Palmdale

Are you planning a road trip from Anaheim to Palmdale? This stretch of California has many amazing places to explore, and it's hard to narrow down the best ones. From colorful gardens to museums and natural wonders, we've compiled a list of the top places to see.

Explore the Santa Ana Zoo

Before starting your journey, check out the Santa Ana Zoo located in Prentice Park. The zoo is home to over 80 species of animals, including the endangered Golden Lion Tamarin from Brazil. Kids will love the carousel and the zoo train that travels through the park. You can also have a picnic or grab a bite from the onsite cafe.

Visit the Fullerton Arboretum

The Fullerton Arboretum is an oasis in the middle of the city. With over 4000 plant species and 26 themed gardens, it's an ideal place for nature-lovers. You can take a leisurely stroll and learn about the plants, or you can take a guided tour. The arboretum also hosts special events, including workshops, camp-outs, and yoga classes.

Brea: A Perfect Stopover

Brea is a small town between Anaheim and Palmdale that's worth a stopover. It has many historic buildings that are perfect for a walking tour. The Brea Museum and Heritage Center offers an insight into the town's past and present. Art lovers can visit the Brea Art Gallery, which showcases contemporary works of art. After a day of exploring, you can recharge at one of the restaurants or cafes.

Explore Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park

Continuing your drive towards Palmdale, the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is a unique natural wonder worth visiting. The park has surreal rock formations that have been highly popularized through Hollywood films and television shows. The rocks formed over 25 million years ago when the area was under the sea. Hiking in the park offers stunning vistas of the impressive formations. Moreover, the park has picnic and camping spots for those who want to stay for a few days.

Adventure into the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve

The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve promises an unforgettable experience to visitors during the spring season when the meadows turn into a bright yellow-orange blanket of poppy flowers. The park is known for the state flower, the California Poppy, which blooms between mid-February to May. Besides poppies, the park boasts other varieties of wildflowers such as lupine, goldfields, and owl's clover. The park has different trails that give you the opportunity to explore the colorful meadows.

Take in the Culture at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center

Reached Palmdale? The Lancaster Performing Arts Center is the place to go if you're looking for some cultural entertainment. There are plenty of shows to choose from such as musicals, ballet, and theater. The theater is well-equipped and has excellent acoustics. It's perfect, whether you're looking for an evening with family or a date night.

Discover Art at the Museum of Art and History

Another bucket-list place in Palmdale is the Museum of Art and History (MOAH). It's a beautiful art museum that's home to a collection of contemporary art. The museum regularly hosts exhibitions, including works from local artists. It's a perfect spot if you're an art lover.

Enjoy Some Retail Therapy at The Antelope Valley Mall

Finally, after a long day of sightseeing, take a breather and enjoy some retail therapy at The Antelope Valley Mall. The mall has a variety of retail outlets for all your shopping needs, an indoor playground for kids, and many eateries. The mall is the largest in the Antelope Valley region, making it a must-visit.

In Conclusion

The drive from Anaheim to Palmdale is about 68 miles and takes about an hour and a half via car. And the journey between the two cities is filled with exciting things to do and see. Whether it's exploring natural wonders or enjoying arts and culture, you'll find something that suits your interests. We hope the list above helps you plan a road trip to remember.