Located in the high desert about 90 minutes northeast of Los Angeles, Victorville is a city of nearly 120,000 residents known for its location along the famous Route 66.
Although Victorville has harsh summers in the Mojave Desert, fall and winter are surprisingly mild, making it a popular getaway for weekend travelers from Los Angeles.
Victorville is home to a variety of historic attractions, close to many of Southern California’s largest state and national parks, stunning natural beauty and a wealth of outdoor recreation options.
Here are 15 things to do in and around Victorville, California.
1. California Route 66 Museum
When it was established nearly a century ago, Route 66 stretched nonstop from Chicago to Los Angeles.
At nearly 2,500 miles long, it is the longest east-west highway in the country. Although it has been surpassed by the more efficient interstate highway system, it remains an iconic symbol of American history and culture that most visitors find appealing.
The Route 66 Museum is located on D Street in Victorville. It has an impressive collection of historical memorabilia related to the construction of the road and the states, cities and towns it passes through.
The museum was established more than two decades ago and includes permanent and temporary exhibits.
2. Mojave Regional Park
Although less than two hours from Los Angeles, Victorville is a world away from its crowded, chaotic and pretentious big-city neighbors to the south.
Mojave Narrows Regional Park is a popular attraction, attracting male and female athletes, nature lovers and sports enthusiasts from near and far.
Scattered around scenic Horseshoe Lake, the park offers year-round activities such as camping, hiking, and fishing. It keeps many game fish such as bass and trout.
Located on Yates Road in Victorville, the park includes dozens of cam and RV sites, covered seating areas and a disc golf course.
3. Green Tree Golf Club
The 18-hole par 72 golf course at Green Tree Golf Club in Victorville stretches over 6,500 yards through some of the most stunning natural desert areas.
The course has been open since the early 60’s. While many of its competitors have come and gone over the years, Green Tree remains a favorite for its reasonable green fees, well-maintained greens and fairways, and beautiful scenery.
Previous players have noticed that Green Tree is moderately challenging, there are plenty of tees available for women, seniors, and children, and the cart isn’t always mandatory, which is great for those who like to walk. Big hit.
4. High Desert Arts Center
While it’s known for its natural and historical attractions, Victorville’s High Desert Arts Center is the perfect place to spend a few hours for those interested in immersing themselves in local culture and art.
The center is located on 8th Street in Victorville, close to downtown. Since its inception ten years ago, it has been providing the community with high-quality theatrical and musical productions.
Their schedule includes performances throughout the year, from old classics like Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to contemporary favorites like Rent and Grease.
Tickets to popular shows tend to sell out quickly, so check their schedules and availability online before taking a special trip.
5. Restaurant Street
Victorville’s convenient, equidistant location on Interstate 15 between Barstow and Los Angeles makes it a popular stop for travelers who want to eat and drink before continuing their journey.
For a relatively small desert city, Victorville has an abundance of dining options, from fast food restaurants and coffee shops with drive-thru windows to everything from gourmet burgers and pasta to sushi and Hawaiian BBQ family restaurant.
Restaurant Row runs through the town center and is off the interstate. It has nearly two dozen separate venues to suit just about every taste and budget.
Perennial favorites include Panera Bread, Starbucks, Johnny Carino’s Italian Restaurant and The Habit Burger Grill.
6. High Desert Farmers Market
Despite relatively low annual rainfall and hot summer temperatures, the high desert produces an impressive variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables.
The High Desert Farmers Market has been around for nearly 30 years. It started as the brainchild of a pair of local college students who intended to bring local growers and consumers together in a way that traditional markets do not.
Open year-round, the market provides fresh, healthy, affordable and locally produced food to locals who would rather support small growers and entrepreneurs than large national grocery chains.
Vendors in the market also sell meat, dairy products and prepared foods such as salsa and honey.
7. Mojave River Walk
While river trails are generally more common in areas with a lot of actual rainfall, the Mojave River Trail is a popular option for those looking to experience the great outdoors without driving to far-flung states and national parks Victorville attractions.
The River Walk’s multi-use trail is open to walkers, runners, and cyclists. While the washes it runs on are usually dry, guests will enjoy beautiful views of Pelican Lake and its riparian habitats, which are home to many bird and animal species.
The trail is nearly four miles long and begins on the campus of Victor Valley College and connects to the aforementioned Mojave Channel Regional Park.
8. Organic Fusion Tea House
In much of the country, coffee is still king, but in recent years, health-conscious caffeine lovers have been adding tea to their diets.
Although they’ve only been around for a few years, the Organic Fusion Teahouse on Sovereign Avenue in Victorville has already attracted quite a loyal following.
Their menu is stuffed with healthy drinks made with minimally processed organic ingredients. In addition to tea, they also serve a variety of fresh juices and smoothies, which can be stifling in the desert temperatures during the dog days of summer.
For those in need of more hearty meals, they also offer entrees with international influences such as salads, seafood and curries.
9. Creative Arts Theatre
When a local husband-and-wife team with a passion for theatre created it more than a decade ago, the future of creative arts theatre was anything but certain.
Victorville already had a popular theater, but it didn’t take long for their startup to take off. It is now one of the most popular live entertainment venues in the High Desert.
With experienced mentors and many up-and-coming local talents, the theatre hosts a variety of productions throughout the year, often to critical acclaim.
In addition to posting upcoming shows on their website, they also offer audition opportunities and the opportunity to volunteer for behind-the-scenes work.
They are located on 8th Street in Victorville.
10. Kitchen Fish Tacos
Whether you’re on the beach in San Diego or staring at the cacti in Victorville, fish tacos are a delicacy.
They’re relatively healthy, have lots of vibrant flavor, and don’t weigh you down like ribs or greasy burgers.
Galley Fish Tacos is a local family business located on Amargosa Road in Victorville. They use wild cod and traditional recipes to make mouthwatering tortillas just like those found in coastal Mexico.
No matter which taco you choose, you can choose from corn or flour tortillas, and a variety of fresh salsas—red and green.
11. Victor Valley Museum
From Victorville, Apple Valley Township is about 5 kilometers west, just off the Happy Trails Highway.
Located on Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley, the Victor Valley Museum has one of the most unique collections of natural and historical memorabilia and artifacts in the area.
The museum is especially suitable for those traveling with children, as its many exhibits encourage interaction rather than passive viewing.
Items on display relate to biology, botany, Native American culture, fossils and geology. It is often one of the most attractive and entertaining spots on many tourist trips.
12. Big Bear Lake
Although it’s located about 70 kilometers southeast of Victorville, Big Bear Lake is one of the natural attractions not to be overlooked for those interested in taking a break from the desert environment.
The elevation of Big Bear Lake in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains gives it cool year-round temperatures that its lowland counterparts would die for.
Big Bear has a huge selection of outdoor activities, including fishing, swimming, hiking and mountain biking. Even in summer, it’s rarely hotter than the mid-80s.
Bring warm clothes on each visit, as nighttime temperatures often drop to the 40s.
13. Oak Hill Brewing Company
Since its founding in 2012, Oak Hills Brewing Company, with a popular bar on Poplar Street in Hesperia, 10 kilometers south of Victorville, has been one of the top destinations for world-class beer lovers in the region.
Much of what Oak Hills brews on-site can be found in their restrooms. Their products come in a wide variety of colours and flavours, from traditional IPAs and Irish reds to Hefeweizens and beers.
They also serve homemade non-alcoholic beverages like cream sodas and ginger ale, and their lots are often packed with local food trucks selling treats to hungry revelers.
14. San Bernardino County Museum
While you may never know it by visiting Victorville, San Bernardino County is one of the most populous counties in the country. With an area of more than 50,000 square kilometers, it is also the largest land area.
The county has an interesting history dating back nearly two centuries, and for those who don’t mind the scenic drive through the desert, the San Bernardino County Museum is the perfect place to learn about it.
The museum opened in nearby Bloomington in 1952, but is now located on Orange Lane in Redlands, about 45 kilometers south of Victorville, just off Interstate 10.
15. Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area is one of the largest and most popular natural attractions in the area. It is located a few kilometers southeast of Victorville, on Sawpit Canyon Road in Hesperia.
The centerpiece of the park is Silverwood Lake, primarily from spring snowmelt from the distant Oroville Dam.
Silverwood Lake often draws large crowds on summer weekends, when outdoorsy Los Angeles residents crave a break from the city lifestyle and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, fishing, and mountain biking.
Other park amenities include rough and family camping areas, boat ramps and restrooms.
Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Victorville, CA
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