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
⮕ Cruise Through Nostalgia at the California Route 66 Museum
© The California Route 66 Museum
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What is The California Route 66 Museum known for?
- The California Route 66 Museum is an historic museum in Old Town Victorville that showcases the history of the legendary United States Route 66, from its origins during the 19th-century pioneer era to its heyday in the mid-20th century as an Americana driving route.
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When was The California Route 66 Museum founded?
- The museum was originally founded in 1995 and is located within the former Red Rooster Cafe building, which was showcased in the Neil Diamond film The Jazz Singer.
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What exhibits can be found at The California Route 66 Museum?
- The museum offers more than 4,500 square feet of exhibits related to the historic route and to American automobile and roadside culture history, with three unique display rooms of constantly-changing exhibits.
16825 D St, Victorville, CA 92395, Phone: 760-951-0436
⮕ Wander Wild Trails and Lakeside Views at Mojave Narrows Regional Park
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What is Mojave Narrows Regional Park known for?
- Mojave Narrows Regional Park is a regional campground and outdoor recreational area located along Horseshoe Lake, offering year-round opportunities to catch catfish, trout, and bass on its waters.
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What types of campsites are available at Mojave Narrows Regional Park?
- The park offers nearly 70 campsites and RV hookups, including nine group camping sites available for overnight rental. All campsites offer restroom and shower use, dump stations, barbecue grills, and fire rings for visitors' use.
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What amenities are available within Mojave Narrows Regional Park?
- The park features several amenities, including a children's playground and zero-depth water play park, a disc golf course, and a number of walking, biking, and equestrian trails for visitor use. There are also several large group picnic shelters that may be rented for day use.
18000 Yates Rd, Victorville, CA 92392, Phone: 760-245-2226
Recommended Activities for Families
⮕ Level Up the Laughs at Scandia Family Fun Center
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What is Scandia Family Fun Center?
- Scandia Family Fun Center is a unique Scandinavian-themed amusement park and family entertainment center in Victorville, offering seasonal rides and attractions for visitors of all ages.
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When was Scandia Family Fun Center founded?
- The Scandia amusement park chain was originally founded in 1977 and has three locations throughout the California region, including locations in Sacramento and Ontario.
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What rides and attractions are available at Scandia Family Fun Center in Victorville?
- The Victorville location offers rides such as the Crow's Nest thrill ride, Baltic Sea Bumper Boats, and the Stockholm Raceway go-karting track. Visitors can also enjoy a Scandinavian fantasy-themed miniature golf course and a full game arcade with video and redemption games. Additionally, there are eight fast-pitch baseball and softball batting cages available for play and rental.
12627 Mariposa Rd, Victorville, CA 92395, Phone: 760-241-4007
⮕ Shop Fresh, Local, and Lively at the High Desert Farmers' Market
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What is the High Desert Farmers' Market?
- The High Desert Farmers' Market is a state-certified farmers' market in Victorville that was originally founded in July of 1992 by Victor Valley College student Kerri Santoro and professor Bob Adams.
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Where is the High Desert Farmers' Market located?
- Today, the market is located on the lower campus at Victor Valley College.
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What does the High Desert Farmers' Market offer?
- The market strives to provide the Victorville region with fresh, affordable food, featuring meats, dairy products, produce, and pantry and specialty goods sold by local farmers and vendors.
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Does the High Desert Farmers' Market accept any assistance benefits?
- The market accepts SNAP, EBT, and WIC benefits to provide a consistent, affordable food source for lower-income residents in the region.
18422 Bear Valley Rd, Victorville, CA 92395, Phone: 760-247-3769
⮕ Roll Into Retro Vibes at Holiday Skate Center
© Holiday Skate Center
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What is Holiday Skate Center?
- Holiday Skate Center is a family-friendly roller skating rink and entertainment center in Victorville that is open to visitors of all ages.
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What kind of activities does Holiday Skate Center offer?
- The center offers roller skating lessons throughout the week for children and adults, including group lessons on Saturday mornings and private instruction times available by appointment.
- Open skate times are hosted throughout the week, with unique lighting and family-friendly music played.
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Does Holiday Skate Center host any special events?
- Special skating parties are offered, including Christian and gospel-themed music nights.
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Is there a skate shop at Holiday Skate Center?
- A fully-stocked skate shop offers skate and skating equipment rentals for visitors.
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Does Holiday Skate Center offer birthday party packages?
- Birthday party packages are available for young children wishing to celebrate their birthdays at the rink, with private special event rentals available for school and community groups.
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Is there a roller derby team at Holiday Skate Center?
- The rink is also the official home of the Dirt City Roller Rats roller derby team.
14950 Palmdale Rd, Victorville, CA 92392, Phone: 760-241-6813
Where to Eat
⮕ Bite Into Legendary Burgers at Emma Jean’s Holland Burger Cafe
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What is Emma Jean's Holland Burger Cafe?
- Emma Jean's Holland Burger Cafe is a historic diner in Victorville that was originally opened in 1947, serving a wide variety of classic American comfort fare.
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What makes Emma Jean's Holland Burger Cafe special?
- The diner has been featured on the Food Network program Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives and is known for its delicious Trucker Special Sandwiches, which feature the restaurant's signature roasted tri-tip steak.
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What kind of food does Emma Jean's Holland Burger Cafe serve?
- Scrumptious breakfasts include three-egg omelettes, pancake and French toast stacks, and griddle favorites.
- Lunch options include chicken fried steak, pork chops, fried chicken, and a variety of creative hamburgers and cheeseburgers.
17143 N D St, Victorville, CA 92394, Phone: 760-243-9938
⮕ Fuel Up with Hearty Flavor at Molly Brown’s Country Cafe
© Molly Brown's Country Café
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What is Molly Brown's Country Cafe?
- Molly Brown's Country Cafe is a homestyle fine dining restaurant in Victorville that has been in operation for more than two decades, serving up delicious country-style meals at breakfast and lunch.
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Where are Molly Brown's Country Cafe locations?
- The restaurant offers four locations throughout Southern California, including two Victorville locations on Hesperia Road and Mojave Drive.
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What meal options are available at Molly Brown's Country Cafe?
- Hot plate lunch specials focus on homestyle favorites such as meatloaf, liver and onions, and chicken fried chicken.
- A full burger menu is also available, along with a wide variety of breakfast options, ranging from omelettes and skillet breakfasts to delectable stuffed French toast dishes with ingredients such as blueberries and cream cheese.
13778 Hesperia Rd, Victorville 92392, Phone: 760-955-9778
⮕ Spice Up Your Plate at Pancho Villa's Mexican Restaurant
© Pancho Villa's Mexican Restaurant
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What is Pancho Villa's Mexican Restaurant?
- Pancho Villa's Mexican Restaurant is a lively Mexican cantina chain that was originally opened to the public in 1988 in Fontina, California by owner and chef Francisco J. Jara.
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What makes Pancho Villa's Mexican Restaurant special?
- Throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the restaurant has become known as the home of the "World's Greatest Mariachi Internacional de Mexico", showcasing live mariachi music performances on the weekends at all of its locations, including its Victorville location.
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What menu items are available at Pancho Villa's Mexican Restaurant?
- Breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner menus showcase delectable Mexican comfort fare, including burritos, enchiladas, tamales, and chile rellenos.
- Fajita specials are also available, along with a wide range of land and sea special entrees.
11620 Amargosa Rd, Victorville, CA 92392, Phone: 760-981-1985
For Golfers
⮕ Tee Off Where Desert Greens Meet Big Sky at Green Tree Golf Course
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When was Green Tree Golf Course opened?
- Green Tree Golf Course in Victorville, California opened in October of 1963.
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Who designed Green Tree Golf Course?
- The course was designed by William F. Bell.
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What kind of golf course is Green Tree?
- It is a par-72, 18-hole course that provides an affordable game of golf for both residents and visitors alike.
- The course features a 127 slope rating, and the fairways and greens are blue grass.
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What is the length of Green Tree Golf Course?
- Green Tree Golf Course is a little more than 6,600 yards long, making it fun and easy to walk.
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What skill levels are catered for at Green Tree Golf Course?
- The course consists of four different sets of tees designed for different levels of skill.
14144 Green Tree Blvd, Victorville, CA 92395, 760-245-4860
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
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