Looking for desert scenery, Route 66 nostalgia, and small-town charm? Head to Victorville! Nestled in the High Desert between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, Victorville offers historic attractions, scenic hikes, and vintage Americana. It's a great pit stop or weekend getaway with a dose of desert history.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Victorville is in spring and fall (March–May and September–November) when temperatures are mild and ideal for exploring. Summers can be very hot, while winters are cooler and quiet.
How to Get There
- By Car: Located along I-15, Victorville is about 90 minutes from Los Angeles and 2 hours from Las Vegas, making it a popular stop for road trippers.
- By Train: Amtrak's Southwest Chief stops in Victorville, with service between Los Angeles and Chicago.
- By Air: Ontario International Airport (ONT) is the closest major airport, about 1 hour away by car.
Where to Stay
- Hilton Garden Inn Victorville – Comfortable, full-service hotel near shopping and dining options.
- Green Tree Inn – Budget-friendly lodging with a golf course view and an on-site restaurant.
- Home2 Suites by Hilton – Modern, extended-stay hotel with kitchenettes and family-friendly amenities.
Top Attractions
First: Cruise Through Nostalgia at the California Route 66 Museum
Second: Wander Wild Trails and Lakeside Views at Mojave Narrows Regional Park
Third: Level Up the Laughs at Scandia Family Fun Center
Fourth: Shop Local at the High Desert Farmers' Market
Fifth: Have Fun at the Holiday Skate Center
Sixth: Bite Into Legendary Burgers at Emma Jean’s Holland Burger Cafe
Seventh: Fuel Up with Hearty Flavor at Molly Brown’s Country Cafe
Eight: Spice Up Your Plate at Pancho Villa's Mexican Restaurant
Ninth: Tee Off at Green Tree Golf Course
More Places to Eat
- Emma Jean’s Holland Burger Café – Iconic Route 66 diner serving burgers and shakes since the 1940s.
- Paulina’s Mexican Grill – Upscale twist on traditional Mexican fare with a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Local Events
- Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion (September) – Vintage car show and celebration of Route 66 culture.
- Victorville Fall Festival (October) – Family fun with live music, food trucks, and seasonal activities.
- Holiday Tree Lighting (December) – Festive community event with lights, music, and holiday cheer.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Victorville, California
- Hesperia Lake Park (15–20 min) – Fish for catfish or trout, picnic under shade trees, or camp in this quiet desert park.
- Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area (25–30 min) – Swim, boat, or hike scenic trails with mountain and lake views in the San Bernardino National Forest.
- Victor Valley Museum (Apple Valley) (15–20 min) – Learn about local history, Native culture, and natural science in a family-friendly setting.
- Desert Discovery Center (5–10 min) – Visit Victorville’s giant mammoth sculpture, interactive geology exhibits, and native plant gardens.
- Sunset Ridge Park (10–15 min) – Enjoy panoramic views, sports fields, and family play areas in nearby Apple Valley.
- Spring Valley Lake (15–20 min) – Relax by the private lakeside community’s beaches, golf course, and marina (limited public access for some activities).
- Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch (25–30 min) – Snap photos at this funky forest of metal and glass art installations along Route 66 in Oro Grande.
FAQ
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What is Victorville, California known for?
- Victorville, California is best known as a stop along the famed Route 66 within its Old Town Victorville historic district.
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What is the climate like in Victorville?
- The Mojave Desert city enjoys a cold desert climate year-round.
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Has Victorville been used in any films?
- Yes, it has been used as a filming site for a number of major feature films, including Lethal Weapon, Face/Off, and Kill Bill: Volume 2.
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What is the distance from Victorville to major cities?
- It is conveniently located approximately 90 minutes from Los Angeles and just over two hours from San Diego.
Plan Your Trip
