Most folks blow right past Victorville on their way to Vegas or LA, but this high desert gem has way more going on than you’d guess from the freeway.
Think rugged canyons perfect for off-roading, Route 66 nostalgia around every corner, and starry skies so clear you’ll swear you can touch the Milky Way.
This is where Southern California’s adventurous spirit kicks into high gear. Whether you’re here for the outdoor thrills, aviation history, or just some good old-fashioned roadside Americana, Victorville delivers in spades. From hidden hiking trails to one-of-a-kind museums, here are the 12 best things to do in Victorville, California that’ll make you rethink that gas station pit stop.
1. Mojave Narrows Regional Park – Best Overall & For Families
This 350-acre oasis in the high desert proves Victorville isn’t all dust and tumbleweeds.
The spring-fed lakes attract everything from great blue herons to night herons, while the grassy picnic areas under cottonwood trees feel miles away from the desert.
Kids go nuts for the horseback riding tours and catch-and-release fishing in the stocked lakes.
Meanwhile, adults appreciate the 6+ miles of hiking trails with killer views of the San Bernardino Mountains.
Insider tip: Visit in October when the cottonwoods turn gold and the park hosts its annual Harvest Festival with pumpkin patches and hayrides.
2. California Route 66 Museum – Best For Nostalgia & Road Trip Lovers
Housed in a 1930s-era former dance hall, this free museum packs more Route 66 memorabilia than you can shake a steering wheel at.
From vintage gas pumps to classic car exhibits, it’s a love letter to America’s Mother Road.
Don’t miss their recreated 1950s diner counter or the wall of historic postcards showing how Victorville looked when Route 66 was king.
The volunteer staff – many who actually traveled the route back in its heyday – tell stories that’ll transport you.
Pro tip: Time your visit for their monthly classic car show when the parking lot fills with polished chrome and tail fins.
3. Victorville Valley Railroad – Best For Train Enthusiasts
All aboard for a 3-mile roundtrip journey on a real diesel-powered work train! This living museum operates actual railroad equipment from the 1940s-1960s, with conductors sharing tales of the region’s railroading past.
The highlight? When the train crosses the Mojave River on a rickety trestle bridge that’ll give you just enough thrill without scaring the kids.
Special events like the Polar Express ride in December sell out fast, so book early.
4. The Pegasus Project – Best For Animal Lovers
Ever wanted to brush a rescued horse or feed a baby goat? This nonprofit animal sanctuary lets you get up close with horses, donkeys, pigs, and more – all rescued from neglectful situations.
Their guided tours (by donation) introduce you to each animal’s backstory while teaching proper care techniques.
Kids especially love the chicken coop where they can collect fresh eggs.
Volunteer opportunity: They welcome helpers for morning feeding sessions – just bring closed-toe shoes and a big heart.
5. Victorville Skate Park – Best For Thrill Seekers
This 25,000-square-foot concrete playground draws skateboarders from across the high desert with its competition-grade bowls and street course elements.
Even if you’re just watching, the energy is electric as local shredders pull off jaw-dropping tricks.
The park’s lighted until 10 PM, making it perfect for beating the desert heat. First-timers can rent gear at High Desert Board Shop downtown before testing their skills.
Safety note: Helmets are required for under-18s, and the park provides loaners if you forget yours.
6. Mojave Riverwalk Trail – Best For Easy Hiking
Don’t let the “river” fool you – this 6-mile paved trail follows the usually-dry Mojave River bed, offering stunning desert vistas without strenuous climbs.
The interpretive signs point out native plants like Joshua trees and creosote bushes.
Early mornings are magical when roadrunners dart across the path and the San Gabriel Mountains glow pink.
Several access points mean you can walk as little or much as you want.
Pro tip: The D Street trailhead has the best parking and connects to downtown Victorville’s shops.
7. High Desert Farmers Market – Best For Fresh Local Flavors
Every Saturday morning, local growers transform Victorville’s fairgrounds into a colorful marketplace bursting with high desert honey, organic dates, and just-picked veggies that actually taste like something.
The real stars are the food vendors serving everything from fresh tamales to vegan smoothies.
Don’t leave without trying date shakes – a Mojave Desert specialty made with locally-grown dates.
Seasonal alert: October means pumpkin patches and chili roast competitions that draw crowds from across the region.
8. Victor Bowl – Best For Retro Fun
This 1958 bowling alley keeps the vintage vibes strong with its original lanes, atomic-age signage, and jukebox pumping oldies.
Their Friday night cosmic bowling turns the place into a neon-lit party, while weekday afternoons offer cheap games for families.
The snack bar serves shockingly good burgers and hand-dipped milkshakes that taste straight out of the Eisenhower era.
League secret: Join their summer beginner league – it’s low-pressure and a great way to meet locals.
9. Mojave River Valley Museum – Best For History Buffs
Tucked away in a 1928 schoolhouse, this volunteer-run museum reveals Victorville’s pioneer past through artifacts like mining equipment, Native American tools, and a reconstructed 1800s homestead.
The geology room dazzles with glowing fluorescent minerals from local mines, while the paleontology corner displays Ice Age fossils found right in the Mojave River.
Hidden gem: Ask to see their collection of historic photos showing Victorville when it was just a railroad water stop.
10. Hook Park – Best For Budget-Friendly Outings
This neighborhood favorite proves you don’t need fancy attractions to have fun.
The sprawling playground keeps kids busy for hours, while adults appreciate the shaded picnic areas and well-maintained basketball courts.
Come summer evenings, the park transforms into an impromptu community hub with families grilling dinners and teens practicing skate tricks.
It’s Victorville at its most authentic.
11. Southern California Logistics Airport Tours – Best For Aviation Geeks
Ever wondered what happens to retired commercial airliners? This massive airport facility stores and refurbishes planes, offering monthly guided bus tours that get you up close to 747s and military aircraft.
The highlight? Seeing the “Boneyard” where planes await their next life as freight carriers or firefighting tankers. Book ahead – tours fill fast.
12. El Rancho Verde – Best For Authentic Mexican Fare
This family-owned institution serves housemade tortillas and slow-braised carnitas that’ll ruin you for chain Mexican food.
Their vegan molcajete (stone-bowl veggies) gets rave reviews, while meat lovers swear by the carne asada fries.
The wall murals depicting Mexican village life make you feel transported, and the horchata is freshly made daily.
Local hack: Order the “secret” off-menu churro sundae – it’s not really secret, just insanely good.
Final Thoughts: Victorville Surprises & Delights
From high-flying aviation tours to nostalgic Route 66 stops, Victorville proves the California desert is way more than just a pass-through zone. These 12 best things to do in Victorville, California showcase its unique blend of adventure, history, and small-town charm.
So next time you’re cruising I-15, take that Victorville exit.
Whether you spend an afternoon or a whole weekend, you’ll discover why locals love their high desert home.
Which spot speaks to you most? The animal sanctuary? The retro bowling alley? Or maybe those starry desert skies? Pack your sense of adventure and find out!