Are you in need of the perfect location to escape busy city life and hang out with friends and family?
Why not check out this little town of Lancaster, CA?
Situated in the Valley of the Mojave Desert in Southern California lies the city of Lancaster, with a population of 165,000. Lancaster is an underrated city with many tourist attractions and destinations.
Immigrants over the years visit the city and often fail to return, making the city their new dwelling.
Lancaster is famous for its art displays and cultural events, including the California Poppy Festival, which attracts over 60,000 visitors to the region.
Lots of impressive things await you in this lovely city of Lancaster. From beautiful landscapes to wildlife, aerospace museums, state-of-the-art racetracks, and many more exciting activities.
There are also many picnic areas, ball fields, and parklands available in the city. Lancaster is also home to the Mojave Desert, where visitors can spend quality time hiking, rock climbing, and camping.
Interested in all Lancaster has to offer? Here’s a list of the best and most fun things to do in Lancaster, CA.
Things to Do in Lancaster, CA
1. Shop Fresh Produce at BLVD Farmers’ Market
What better way to meet the locals in a region than to visit their local market and shop for fresh farm produce?
BLVD Farmers’ Market allows visitors to see, taste, and purchase fresh farm produce. The market takes place every Thursday with lots of items available for sale.
BLVD Farmers’ Market Merchants offer organic produce, ready-made food, baked treats, salsa, and other exciting options.
The Farmers’ market is also the perfect place to meet local farmers and be abreast of farming methods.
Many people of various professions and age classes converge on the market; hence you’ll have the opportunity to meet new people and shop for gifts for your friends.
Location: 733-739 W Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534, United States
2. Breakfast at Crazy Otto’s Diner
If you’re looking for a place to eat quality meals in Lancaster, visiting Crazy Otto’s Diner will suffice.
Founded in 1970 by a former lumberjack, Otto Lindsel, Crazy Otto’s Diner is one of the best eateries in Lancaster.
The restaurant gained global recognition for its world record-breaking 1,850-square-foot omelet. Crazy Otto’s Diner currently holds Guinness World Records for the giant omelet.
Fantastic, right?
Crazy Otto’s Diner presently has four restaurants in the Antelope Valley region, two of which are in Lancaster. With so much recognition all through the years.
Their menu contains breakfast and lunch meals with specialty American diner classics.
Location: 1228 W Avenue I, Lancaster, CA 93534, United States
3. Time Out in Saddleback Butte State Park
Spending time in Saddleback Butte State Park is one of the best and most fun in Lancaster, CA.
Saddleback Butte State Park is a state park in Antelope Valley and revolves around Saddleback mountain- a 3,651 solitary mountain.
The park spans 2,955 acres of land mass with the intent to act as a refuge for Joshua trees.
Saddleback Butte State Park is home to numerous native animals, such as jackrabbits, desert tortoises, kit foxes, and coyotes.
There are two stand-out trails for visitors to either hike, engage in a bike ride, or take a walk. First is the 2.5-mile Little Butte Trail, while the other is the two,-miles Saddleback Butte Peak Trail.
The vast area is suitable for camping in large or small groups. Other features include 37 campsites, a 4.5-mile equestrian trail, and a staging area.
Location: Lancaster, CA 93535, United States
4. Visit Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park
Antelope Valley used to be home to native Joshua trees and junipers, but over the years, most of these mighty trees fell, leaving the area with only a few.
Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park is one of the few regions in the city where you can spot these rare trees.
Aside from the beautiful display of natural attractions, you can hike along the park’s trail on foot. Two courses are available at the park- Ripley Nature Trail and Red Juniper.
While the Ripley Nature Trail is just ¼ mile long and suitable for newbies, Red Juniper, on the other hand, is a mile long.
If you’re lucky to visit during spring, you’ll enjoy the incredible sight of the Joshua tree covered with wildflowers and snowy white blooms.
Spending time at Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park is always exciting, so make sure you include it in your bucket.
Location: 205th Street W, Lancaster, CA 93534, United States
5. Visit The Boeing Plaza – Aerospace Walk Of Honor
If you’re a book lover and wish to learn about aviators and the aerospace industry, visiting the Boeing Plaza is the best fit.
Situated on the corner of the BLVD area lies the Boeing Plaza, home of the Aerospace Walk of Honor.
The Aerospace Walk of Honor is devoted to honoring individuals who risked their life and time for the advancement of aerospace. In addition, there are a series of memorialized monuments of past aviators on Lancaster Boulevard.
An annual induction and unveiling of the monuments occur during late summer with a program and banquet in the evening.
Location: Sierra Hwy Lancaster, California 93534, United States
6. Visit Joe Davies Heritage Airpark
A visit to Joe Davies Heritage Airpark is one of the best and most fun things to do in Lancaster, CA.
Joe Davies Heritage Airpark is an Airpark named in honor of Palmdale City Councilman and Aerospace Commissioner Joe Davies ( former commander of Air Force Plant 42).
Joe Davies Heritage Airpark, situated on Air Force Plant 42 grounds, is home to 17 retired military aircraft. The airpark also contains exhibits such as an AGM-28 Hound Dog Missile and an eighth-scale model of the famed B-2 Spirit aircraft.
If you are a history lover and which to spend the day learning new things, make sure you prioritize a visit to Joe Davies Heritage Airpark.
Location: 2001 E Ave P, Palmdale, CA 93550, United States
7. Enjoy Coffee at Bandstand Coffee & Tea
If you are a coffee lover looking for the best place to take coffee in Lancaster, you’ll appreciate visiting Bandstand Coffee & Tea.
Bandstand Coffee & Tea is a coffee house in downtown Lancaster. The coffee house is fantastic, with comfortable seating and great music.
Their staff is amiable and welcoming. The Bandstand Coffee & Tea environment is calm and lovely for guests to have quality time.
Bandstand Coffee & Tea serves some of the best tea and coffee with a dessert that comes alongside. Of course, customers always throng in to eat the restaurant’s special Chai Frap.
Spending time at Bandstand Coffee & Tea is always worthwhile; don’t forget to take advantage of their free WiFi.
Location: 706 W Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster 93534, United States
8. Spend Quality Family Time at Lancaster Performing Arts Center (LPAC)
Vacations are always fun when there’s something fun-filled for the entire family. One of the best centers to spend quality time in Lancaster is at Lancaster Performing Arts Center (LPAC).
Lancaster Performing Arts Center, launched more than three decades ago, is a center to watch live theatre productions.
Lancaster Performing Arts Center hosts a live entertainment series to keep guests thrilled and entertained annually.
Their calendar of events includes stand-up comedy, musical performances, Tv Series, revues, movie shows like Cinderella, and dance shows.
Lancaster Performing Arts Center is the perfect place for couples searching for something romantic. Please keep track of their events calendar and ensure you include a visit to LPAC on your bucket list.
Location: Address: 750 W. Lancaster, CA 93534, United States
9. Take Tea at The Modern Tea Room
Situated around downtown Lancaster’s hip BLVD district lies the Modern Tea Room; This tea house serves traditional tea in Lancaster.
Stopping at the Modern Tea Room is one of the best and most fun in Lancaster, CA.
They offer a vast collection of top-notch teas around the globe. Their take-home menu features premium loose-leaf tea and oolong tea.
The tea menu at Modern Tea Room is inexhaustible, with options like coffee-infused tea, matcha beverages, champagne tea, and herbal tea flavor all available.
If you need something light to whet your appetite, you can opt for their beverage supplements, including sandwiches, desserts, and salads.
Whether a novice drinker or a tea connoisseur, you’ll find every time spent in the Modern Tea Room Worthwhile.
Location: 705 W Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534, United States
10. Go Roller Skating at The Castle Roller Skating
Are you a lover of skating? Do you desire a place to explore your skating skills in Lancaster?
If yes, make sure you visit Castle Roller Skating before leaving the city of Lancaster.
Roller skating helps you keep fit and have fun with family and friends. It also enables you to improve flexibility and burn up calories.
Castle Roller Skating, popularly called” the fun place for the entire family”, is a skating facility that aims to create a center that offers unmatched fun to people of all classes.
The organizers host a series of skating classes weekly with a special session featuring gospel music.
Whether a professional or novice in skating, you’ll love spending time at Castle Roller Skating.
You can also shop for skating equipment at their skate shop, and if you need a place to host a birthday or social event, you can book a reservation in the area.
Location: 1400 Elm Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603, United States
11. Sightseeing at Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
If you’re in the mood for a walk in an area with fantastic scenery, you’ll appreciate visiting Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve.
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is a state reserve in California; this reserve is home to the vast population of blooming flowers in the state- the California poppy.
The State’s Parks and Recreation department manages the reserve to maintain its attractive look.
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is open during the spring wildflower bloom season around mid-February and mid-May.
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve lies inside the Antelope Valley at 3,000 feet.
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve features other exciting things, including an art gallery, wildflower-related exhibits, and a hiking trail.
Location: 15101 Lancaster Rd, Lancaster, CA 93536, United States
12. Visit famous filming locations- Kill Bill Church
If you’re up for some adventurous tour, you may consider an excursion to popular filming areas in Lancaster. One notable site is the famous ”Kill Bill Church” where the wedding massacre occurred.
Just across the street from ”Kill Bill Church” are some dilapidated buildings where the filming of Chris Rock and Jean Claude Van-Damme took place.
Another interesting site in the area is Club Ed. A structure built for a Dennis Hopper film- Eye of the Storm. Club Ed road ranks as the most filmed desert road in the city.
Location: 19809 E Ave G, Lancaster, CA 93535, United States
13. Stop by Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park
Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park, previously known as Lancaster City Park, is a tree-lined park in Lancaster that spans 63 acres of land mass. The park is home to various local activities like birthdays, softball competitions, and picnics.
The park features eight tennis courts, so tennis lovers in Lancaster can come and showcase their tennis skills.
The park also contains a Softball Complex and volleyball and basketball courts. The park is home to many recreational activities and games for people of all ages.
Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park also has a fully-equipped kitchen just in case you feel hungry between games, and there is also an arcade game room for gamers.
Your kids would enjoy playing the Tot Lot as there is a lot of colorful equipment at the playground.
Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park also features a large shaded picnic area with tables and benches. And don’t forget to order tasty barbecue at the park’s barbecue spot.
Location: 43063 10th Street W, Lancaster, CA 93534, United States
14. Visit AV Fair and Event Center
AV Fair and Event Center is one place tourists visiting Lancaster must stop by before exiting the city.
The AV Fair and Event Center is the venue of one of Lancaster’s spectacular events- Barktoberfest, an annual eight-day fun park event. Visitors and locals converge at the center to participate in many fun activities.
The euphoria that AV Fair and Event Center brings is unmatched and one you won’t recover from in a hurry.
Activities at the Barktober Fest include bull-riding, Monster truck competitions, figure races, and Demo Derby.
Other activities include dare-devils, enjoying fantastic meals and music, and engaging in fun-fair rides.
The center also contains a serviced RV park for tourists interested in camping.
Location: 2551 West Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536, United States.
15. Grab a Glass of Beer at Kinetic Brewing
Kinetic Brewing, situated at the center of downtown Lancaster, is one of the best microbreweries in Lancaster and a visit to this brewery is always worthwhile.
Do not spend all your time staying Indoors in Lancaster. Instead, enjoy fantastic meals and taste some of the best beer in the city.
There’s always something to drink for everyone in Kinetic Brewing. In addition, they offer a series of crafted beers and meals to complement your drink.
Pets are allowed entry, so ensure to bring your dog along to the brewery. The brewery also has two rooms for social gatherings and occasions.
Location: 735 W Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534, United States
16. Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park
Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historical Park is a historical museum in California that displays indigenous cultures’ history and culture.
Launched in 1932, The museum started in a building constructed in 1928 by H. Arden Edwards.
Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park is home to an extensive collection of about 3,000 indigenous artifacts preserved from areas throughout the Pacific Coast and American Southwest.
The museum also contains exhibits related to indigenous trade routes in the city.
Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park also has public events throughout the year and is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Location: 15701 East Ave M, Lancaster, CA 93535, United States.
17. Hiking at Prime Desert Woodland Preserve
Prime Desert Woodland Preserve is one of the best places to go hiking in Lancaster as a newbie or professional.
Prime Desert Woodland Preserve is a preserve with more than three miles of visitors’ trail.
Prime Desert Woodland Preserve spans 160 acres of land mass and is a habitat for California Juniper and Joshua trees.
The trail is open to the public all day of the week, with exceptions only on days of heavy rainfall or snowfall.
Location: 43201 35th St W, Lancaster, CA 93536, United States
18. Learn about history at the Museum of Art and History
What better way to start your tour in a city than to visit a place to learn about the city’s history and culture?
No better place exists in Lancaster to learn about its history than the Museum of Art and History.
If you’re a historian looking for the best and most fun things to do in Lancaster, then the Museum of Art and History is the perfect place for you.
The Museum of Art and History contains many works on California culture and postwar America.
Built-in 1986, the Museum of Art and History, previously called the Lancaster Museum and Art Gallery contains indigenous artifacts and works by modern artists like Lisa Bartleson, Gisela Colon, Brad Howe, and Ann Marie Rousseau.
Location: 665 W Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534, United States
19. Visit American Heroes Park
A visit to American Heroes Park is one of the best and most fun in Lancaster, CA.
American Heroes Park is a recreational area in Lancaster that spans 12-acre of land mass. The park lies just a block north of the BLVD downtown area and is an exciting place to enjoy quality time with family and friends.
Built to honor past heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect the freedom of America, American Heroes Park offers plenty of fun events to its guests.
Exciting events available at the park include playing basketball at the basketball courts and tennis games at the park’s tennis court.
American Heroes Park also features a baseball and soccer field, pavilions, a restroom building, and a massive playground for kids.
Aside from the fun games and activities at the park, you’ll also spot memorial plaque walls, which reflect gratitude for fallen military and fire personnel.
Location: 701 W Kettering St, Lancaster, CA 93534, United States
20. Enjoy Wine at Antelope Valley Winery
Are you a wine lover? Do you desire the perfect place to enjoy fine wine in Lancaster?
If yes, avail yourself at Antelope Valley Winery, and you’ll be glad you did.
Antelope Valley Winery is a family-owned winery in Lancaster. Operational for over two decades now, Antelope Valley Winery produces a variety of private-label red, white and Sparkling wines.
The winery has a tasting room and a shop to buy personalized wine gifts. You could also order a personalized private-label wine with branded corporate logos and unique occasion text.
The winery also offers wine tours around their vineyard, and guests can purchase exotic meat like grass-fed buffalo, alligator, and pheasant.
Location: 42041 20th St West, Lancaster, CA 93534, United States.
21. Build your team at Greatest Escape
If you’re in for some adventure, you’ll appreciate visiting Greatest Escape.
Greatest Escape features three themed Escape rooms for guests to explore. It creates an atmosphere for family and friends to develop good teamwork skills while also having fun.
Visitors get locked in a room and need to decode puzzles to escape the room.
With over three rooms to pick out from in Greatest Escape, visitors can have an excellent time playing in the different rooms, each having its unique feature and challenge.
The Greatest Escape is also perfect for birthdays, date night entertainment, and team-building events.
Location: 44820 10th Street W, Suite 3, Lancaster, CA 93536, United States
22. Play a Game of Sport at Lancaster National Soccer Center
Are you a lover of sports?
Would you love to visit a place where you can explore your sporting skills and burn some calories?
If yes, avail yourself of Lancaster National Soccer Center.
Lancaster National Soccer Center features over 35 fields where locals and guests can watch or engage in a game of sport.
All the fields are spot-on soccer fields, but with a few modifications, they would fit for other sports games like lacrosse and athletics.
Location: 43000 30th Street E, Lancaster, CA 93535, United States.