For travelers looking for a relaxing getaway destination with beautiful natural surroundings, Lancaster in northern Los Angeles County may be the perfect option. Just 45 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, Lancaster catches the eye with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant poppy fields, Joshua tree forests, and its historic art and culture. Visitors can enjoy year-round activities from on-foot exploration of wildflower trails to discovering local culinary pleasures at the city’s lively BLVD cultural district. With so much to see and do, make sure you don’t miss out these top 10 things to do when visiting Lancaster, California.
12 Best Things To Do In Lancaster (CA)
| Thing to Do | Location | Opening & Closing Time | Fee (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve | 15101 Lancaster Rd, Lancaster, CA 93536 | 9 AM – 5 PM | $10 per vehicle |
| The BLVD | Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534 | Varies by establishment | Free |
| Museum of Art & History | 665 W Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534 | Wed-Sun 11 AM – 4 PM | $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students, free for children under 12 |
| Prime Desert Woodland Preserve | 43201 35th St W, Lancaster, CA 93536 | Daily 6 AM – 6 PM | Free |
| Lancaster City Park | 43011 10th St W, Lancaster, CA 93534 | Daily 6 AM – 10 PM | Free |
| Lancaster Grand Prix | 205th St E, Lancaster, CA 93535 | Varies by event | Free |
| Lancaster Performing Arts Center | 750 W Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534 | Varies by event | Varies by event |
| Skydive Taft | 500 Airport Rd, Taft, CA 93268 | Varies by appointment | $179 for tandem jump |
| Lake Elizabeth | Lake Hughes Rd, Lake Hughes, CA 93532 | Daily 6 AM – 10 PM | Free |
| Desert Diamond Casino | 721 W Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534 | 24 hours | Free admission |
| Downtown Lancaster Farmers Market | Lancaster Blvd & Ehrlich Ave, Lancaster, CA 93535 | Thursdays 2 PM – 6 PM | Free |
| The Arlington Bingo and Casino | 45999 Casino Dr, Lancaster, CA 93534 | Sun-Thu 9 AM – 10 PM, Fri-Sat 9 AM – 11 PM | Free admission, but players must purchase bingo cards or tokens for slot machines to play |
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is where you can find one of the most impressive displays of nature’s beauty. During the spring months from mid March to May, visitors flock to this remote spot west of Lancaster for their chance to witness the burst of colors that poppies bring as they bloom. However, it’s not just poppies that dot the landscape as you can find other wildflowers like lupine, goldfield, and cream cups in the reserve.
You can explore the area with its 8-mile hiking trails. The best time to visit is mid-morning after the wildflowers have opened to the sun before the windy afternoons. You can also make a stop at the visitor center to get updates on which flowers are currently in full bloom.
Discover Local Cuisine at The BLVD
The BLVD cultural district is a great spot to discover local flavors of Lancaster. Spanning from 10th Street to Sierra Highway, this hip strip is home to plenty of locally owned restaurants offering international cuisine. Must-try places include Azteca Mexican Restaurant, Olive’s Mediterranean Cafe, and other late night establishments that draw crowds during the weekends.
Apart from restaurants, the BLVD also offers a wide range of retail and shopping outlets, spas, and barbershops. You can also find some of the town’s most significant cultural attractions such as the Museum of Art & History and Lancaster Performing Arts Center.
Museum of Art & History
Located at the heart of the BLVD cultural district, the Museum of Art & History is a modern facility with an impressive collection of over 10,000 artworks. The museum showcases rotating exhibits all throughout the year giving visitors a chance to catch something new each time they visit. While many of the art featured in the museum has references to the Antelope Valley and its culture, there are pieces from all over the world displayed.
Aside from the main museum downtown, there is the MOAH-CEDAR offsite museum located on the Cedar Center for the Arts campus. This branch has more gallery spaces and offers workshops for the youth. There are two other MOAH collections located at the Elyze Clifford Interpretive Center and the Western Hotel Museum.
Prime Desert Woodland Preserve
Prime Desert Woodland Preserve is an ideal spot for hikers who want to experience the Antelope Valley on foot. A total of 120 acres are preserved from development to keep the untouched high desert terrain intact. The three miles of available trails pass through picturesque lush greenery, providing visitors the opportunity to observe the local flora and fauna up close.
Those who wish to gain more knowledge about the area can make a stop at the interpretive panels along the way. Audio programs are also available to listen to along the trails. Additionally, the park provides a picnic area and guided hikes during special events.
Lancaster City Park
Nestled alongside Lancaster Boulevard, the Lancaster City Park is a great spot for those interested in local history. There are plenty of monuments and plaques onsite that depict various events and figures that shaped the city of Lancaster and the Antelope Valley as a whole.
Beside the history, you can also find several recreational areas in the park. It provides athletic facilities such as basketball and tennis courts, and several fields for sports such as softball and volleyball. There are also playgrounds, skate parks, and shaded picnic tables.
Lancaster Grand Prix
Take the whole family to the Lancaster Grand Prix for some fun, fast-paced excitement. They offer a variety of activities including go-kart race tracks, laser tag arena, bumper boats, batting cages, and many more. Adult visitors can also have a few drinks as the premises serve food and beverages.
Lancaster Performing Arts Center
At the Lancaster Performing Arts Center, you can enjoy a variety of performances from live music to theater and dance shows. This venue hosts many renowned entertainers throughout the year, so be sure to check out their online listings for upcoming dates and performances.
Skydive Taft
Skydive Taft is the perfect place for thrill seekers looking for an adrenaline rush. This bungee jumping facility offers visitors the opportunity to feel the rush of being airborne with a controlled environment. Visitors can choose from a variety of jump styles and enjoy the scenic view of nearby mountains while taking the plunge.
Lake Elizabeth
If you’re looking for a spot to spend some quality time with nature, head over to Lake Elizabeth. This peaceful reserve sits atop rolling hills of greenery and provides a serene atmosphere. Visitors can take a leisurely walk around the lake and have a picnic at one of the numerous spots around the shore.
Desert Diamond Casino
Spend a few hours at the Desert Diamond Casino in Lancaster and challenge your gambling skills. This casino has plenty of slots and table gaming machines to choose from along with live entertainment that adds to the lively atmosphere. And if you’re feeling hungry, there are several eateries onsite to satisfy your cravings.
There you have it–10 great things to do when visiting Lancaster California. Whether you’re looking for thrilling activities or natural beauty, the city offers plenty of attractions for visitors of all ages. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring Lancaster today!
Downtown Lancaster Farmers Market
Stay healthy and support local businesses by visiting the Downtown Lancaster Farmers Market. This market is open every Thursday from 3:00pm to 6:00pm and can be found in the corner of 10th Street West and Lancaster Boulevard. Shop around for the freshest vegetables and fruits, cheese and butter, eggs, and other locally sourced ingredients.
The Arlington Bingo and Casino
The Arlington Bingo and Casino is the only casino in the region and features a gaming room with over 100 bingo games, over 150 slot machines, and a cafe. The casino also plays host to various events throughout the year, so make sure to check out their online listings for their upcoming schedule.
Conclusion
With so many things to do, tourists will never be bored in Lancaster. Whether you’re drawn in by the beautiful scenery or the bustling culture of the city, Lancaster has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Lancaster, California for an unforgettable experience!
Skyrocket is a fun spot for those who want to experience some extreme sports action. Aside from the regular trampoline courts, the facility also offers a 1,200 square foot air bag for an exciting jump and flip experience. The venue also hosts a variety of competitions throughout the year, so if you’re in the area during those dates, be sure to check it out for some adrenaline-pumping fun. Share your experience with TouristDestiny, we will be happy to listen and if have visited some interesting place than these then we will include in the list with your name who recommended.