The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Apple Valley, CA and Westminster, CA

Have you been dreaming of a road trip adventure with your family or friends? Look no further than the route between Apple Valley and Westminster in Southern California. This drive spans approximately 100 miles and takes about an hour and a half. Along the way, you’ll experience a mix of urban and natural settings and come across several incredible destinations that are not to be missed. The midway point of the journey is Ontario, CA, where you'll pass the Ontario Mills Mall, the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in California.

Top Five Things to Do:

Explore the Mojave Narrows Regional Park

Located in the High Desert of Southern California, the Mojave Narrows Regional Park is a must-visit for nature-lovers. It boasts over 3,000 acres of breathtaking beauty with meadows, lakes, and lush vegetation. Visitors can take a hike through the trails or rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the lake. The park has something for everyone, including peaceful picnicking spots, playgrounds for kids, and a dog park. An interesting fact about the park is that it was created in the 1970s to protect a critical aquifer recharge area.

Visit the San Bernardino County Museum

The San Bernardino County Museum is an excellent destination for history buffs. This museum showcases the unique cultural and natural history of the region. It features exhibits related to geology, anthropology, paleontology, and biology. Visitors can explore the museum's extensive collection of artifacts, including prehistoric fossils, antique firearms, and musical instruments. The museum is family-friendly and hosts several educational programs and events throughout the year. Did you know that the museum also has a live animal display that features native and rare animals of the region?

Take a Trip to the Glen Helen Raceway

If you're a fan of high-octane motorsports, the Glen Helen Raceway should be your next stop. Known for hosting world-class events such as the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, the raceway features tracks for motocross, off-road racing, BMX races, and even an RC track. Visitors can either participate in the regular race events or attend a live race as a spectator. An interesting fact about the raceway is that it is known as the largest outdoor music festival venue in San Bernardino County, with a capacity of up to 85,000 people.

Explore the Orange Empire Railway Museum

The Orange Empire Railway Museum is a paradise for train enthusiasts. With over 200 historic railway cars and locomotives spread over 100 acres, the museum showcases the fascinating history of railroading in Southern California and beyond. Visitors can go for a ride on a vintage train, wander through rail yards filled with models, and learn about the technology and culture of railroading. The museum also offers interactive events such as train robberies, night photo shoots, and Christmas train rides for visitors to enjoy. You'll be fascinated to know that the museum's steam locomotives have appeared in several movies and TV shows, including "Water for Elephants" and "Boardwalk Empire."

Stop by the Old World Village

Finally, to complete the road trip, the Old World Village in Westminster is an ideal destination. This charming Rustic German-themed village is an excellent place to walk around, shop, and dine in. It features quaint shops selling German imports, a beer hall, and bakeries that serve delicious cakes and pastries. Visitors can also enjoy live events and music on weekends, including traditional German dances and bands. The village is the perfect spot to relax and unwind after a long road trip. One interesting fact about the village is that it is home to the world's largest cuckoo clock, which stands 24 feet tall.

Conclusion

Overall, the road trip from Apple Valley to Westminster is an exciting adventure filled with a mix of urban and natural settings, the best way to explore Southern California. Take time to explore and enjoy the Mojave Narrows Regional Park, San Bernardino County Museum, Glen Helen Raceway, Orange Empire Railway Museum, and the Old Town Village. This drive should take you around an hour and a half but leaving some extra time to explore and enjoy your experience is also highly recommended. Your road trip will undoubtedly be a memorable one, and you'll want to return to these destinations again and again.