8 Adventures You Can Only Have in Victor Valley
Nestled between Los Angeles and the Mojave Desert is Victor Valley, home to the cities of Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Hesperia and Victorville. These tight-knit communities offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of major metro life, yet they provide extraordinary experiences. Ready to explore all this region has to offer? Here are eight adventures to add to your to-do list.
In This Article
1. Enjoy Live Music
During the summer, music fans gather at Hook Park in Victorville for the free Concerts in the Park series. Shows begin at 6 p.m. In addition to music, kids can have fun with arts and crafts at the event’s KidsZones. Apple Valley and Hesperia host their own free concerts in the park series, as well.
2. Feed Your Adrenaline
Adrenaline junkies, listen up! Apple Valley Speedway is home to a 0.8-mile, 15-turn track that will keep even experienced drivers on their toes. Come test your skills or cheer on your favorite driver. Additionally, head out to El Mirage OHV Recreation Area in Adelanto, a dry lakebed for off-highway vehicles, for a wide array of recreational opportunities. Day, week and season passes are available.
3. Visit Local Museums
History enthusiasts love museum-hopping in the Victor Valley. Head to Apple Valley Legacy Museum for a glimpse into the city’s past, or check out the Victor Valley Museum & Gallery, which highlights the region’s natural and cultural heritage. Here, children can learn, play and socialize through its Curious City! program. Additionally, celebrate the country’s most famous highway at the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville. Its interactive exhibits and knowledgeable, enthusiastic docents leave visitors with a deep appreciation for the cultural impacts of Route 66.
4. Catch a Show
Ample opportunities to enjoy the performing arts can be found across Victor Valley. The newly renovated Cultural Arts Center of the High Desert, once a USO club, hosts a variety of dramatic and musical performances as well as exhibitions from local artists.
The Performing Arts Center at Victor Valley College features a calendar full of college- and community-sponsored shows. Both venues offer tickets for $20 or less per person, making this a great affordable entertainment option for families.
5. Tee Off at Apple Valley Golf Course
If you’re looking to hit the links, take your clubs to the famous par-71 Apple Valley Golf Course. This “walking friendly” course has hosted Lloyd Mangrum, Roy Rogers, Dale Evans and former President Richard Nixon. Day rates and memberships are available.
6. Attend Community Events & Festivals
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the region’s culture is to attend local festivals and events. Mayjah Vibes in Adelanto, for example, showcases the vibrant spirit of the Pacific Islands with live music, great food and fun activities. In Hesperia, the annual High Desert Inter-Tribal Spring Celebration brings community members together to celebrate the area’s youth.
7. Embrace the Outdoors: Parks, Trails, and Lakes
The High Desert boasts multiple places to recharge and connect with the outdoors. At Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area in Hesperia, you can enjoy a relaxing picnic, explore its bike trails and even try your hand at windsurfing. At Mojave Narrows Regional Park in Victorville, play disc golf surrounded by more than 1,000 wildlife species. Or head to Eagle Ranch Park in Victorville, which is known for its stunning mountain views, flora and wildlife. The on-site lake is stocked with catfish and rainbow trout. Visitors can partake in biking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding and other recreational activities.
8. Spend Time with Family and Friends
For family-friendly fun, check out Not An Arcade in Hesperia. Contrary to its name, Not An Arcade is full of classic games like Skee-Ball, air hockey, billiards, game consoles and more. Plus, check out the daily tournaments for chances to win even more prizes.
In Victorville, hit the lanes at Victor Bowl for some friendly competition with friends and family. Victor Bowl is a local favorite for birthday parties and events for all ages. Bowling aficionados can also join a club or league for more frequent play and fellowship.
Get to Know the Victor Valley
Want to learn more about living and working in Victorville, CA, and the Victor Valley? Check out the latest edition of Livability Victor Valley Economic Development.