One-Tank Trips from Victorville - Hesperia, CA
When in Victorville or Hesperia, you are only about an hour and a half northeast of Los Angeles. You can easily take your RV on numerous adventures all within one tank of gas. First, a little about the immediate area of Victor Valley.
This area is known as the “high-desert” region of California, an area that is situated between 2,000 feet and 4,000 feet in elevation, and located just north of the San Gabriel, San Bernardino, and Little San Bernardino Mountains. It is a beautiful area, replete with scenic views, mountains and rivers and campsites, parks and lots of recreational facilities.
One of the highlights in Victorville includes the Route 66 Museum. The California Route 66 Museum is an Interactive Museum with more than 4500 Sq. Ft. of floor space and photo opportunities for the visitors to share memories in such settings as a 50’s diner, a VW Love Bus complete with hippie wigs and sunglasses for that perfect shot. They also have plenty of free handouts about Route 66. A library and gift shop full of Route 66 Merchandise with DVD’s and books about the road round out their offerings.
Hesperia is also located in San Bernardino County, 35 miles north of downtown San Bernardino in Victor Valley and surrounded by the Mojave Desert. While there, drop by the Hesperia Zoo. This 10-acre park is home to a wide variety of indigenous and endangered species from all parts of the planet. They house big cats, marsupials, and many bird species.
While in Hesperia, visit Hesperia Lake Park, a popular outdoor recreational area. In the center of the park, is the scenic Hesperia Lake, popular for daytime and nighttime fishing. Their facilities also include picnic areas, campsites, an equestrian area, and a soccer field.
One-Tank Trips:
One-tank trips from Hesperia/ Victorville could include many around the Los Angeles and even the San Diego areas. For those seeking a quaint and romantic getaway, idyllic Santa Catalina Island is an ideal choice. Families with kids will want to visit Disneyland, one of the top attractions in California. You can also take a slight detour to California's only castle along the Central Coast – Hearst Castle, visit Calico Ghost Town, the World’s Tallest thermometer, see giant sequoias or visit the Peace Bridge in Mount Rub, all of which are not far from Victorville.
PALMDALE & SILVERWOOD LAKE
You can also visit Palmdale by driving about an hour straight west from Victorville on CA-18, and see the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains, which separate Palmdale from Los Angeles. Palmdale is nicknamed the 'aerospace capital of America' due to its main industry of aerospace technology.
Silverwood Lake is a large reservoir in San Bernardino County, California, United States, located on the West Fork Mojave River, a tributary of the Mojave River in the San Bernardino Mountains.
APPLE VALLEY
Apple Valley is situated just next to Victorville in the Victor Valley area of San Bernardino County. Once known for its sprawling apple orchards which have since disappeared, the town is known for its beautiful scenery, central location, nice weather, and variation of things to see and do.
Apple Valley is located near the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains on the edge of the Mojave Desert with the Mojave River running along the west side of the town.
These natural surroundings provide lots of opportunities to participate in outdoor activities such as horseback riding, a popular activity on the series of trails that are scattered around the area.
Some of the places below are a few hours' drive away but each is worth the extra miles: the unique California desert environment of Joshua Tree, the island of Santa Catalina, and Coronado Island, near San Diego. Here are just a few trips to choose from for excellent day (or overnight) trips nearby.
JOSHUA TREE
Joshua Tree National Park is a wonderful destination that is open all year long. However, the best time for wild flower viewing is definitely the spring and summer. Joshua Tree National Park is only about 100 miles south-east from San Bernardino or about an hour and 20-minute drive. And there’s a lot more to do in Joshua Tree National Park than just rock climbing.
This park is remarkable. Think of Dr. Seuss books with spiky Joshua trees dotted among monstrous rocks that beg for more photos. You can drive through the park in less than an hour, but why not visit for the entire day (or even overnight to enjoy camping), hiking, biking, or walking along the many trails. This desert landscape will amaze you; the views will thrill the photographer in you and the activities will satisfy the adventurer in you.
If you are a hiker, be sure to hike the 49 Palms Oasis trail. It is a strenuous three-mile trail that covers an area of palm trees with glimpses of the water. If you visit during the spring and summer, you can also enjoy the view of the wildflowers in full bloom. (Bring plenty of water to drink!)
Stay late in Joshua Tree to enjoy the stargazing. You can organize an overnight camping trip if you wish. However, if you’re only here for a day trip, make sure to go on a walk to the Cottonwood Spring oasis. You may spot hummingbirds and Gambel’s Quail in this oasis.
SANTA CATALINA ISLAND & AVALON
Santa Catalina Island is only about 2 hours including a ferry ride from L.A. It has been luring visitors since the 1920s, when it was used as a location for Hollywood films. Today, tourists can still appreciate the island's cinematic seaside beauty. So, drive the hour to L.A. and then you can enjoy a ferry ride out to the island.
The moment visitors set foot on Santa Catalina Island the idyllic atmosphere engulfs one. With its leisurely pace, sunny weather, and soothing ocean waves, Santa Catalina Island is one of the most romantic places in California.Besides being a delightful day-trip destination, the island is perfect for a weekend getaway, short vacation, or honeymoon centered around relaxation and recreational activities. Hiking, cycling, backpacking, sailing, sunbathing, and picnicking are popular activities.
The picturesque town of Avalon has the island's largest selection of hotels, shops, and restaurants, along with breathtaking ocean views, palm-fringed beaches, and a botanical garden.All of Avalon's beaches have gentle crystal-clear waters, and most are ideal for swimming. Tucked away in a sheltered cove, Descanso Beach is prized for its beach club, which offers private cabanas and oceanfront restaurant dining.
Santa Catalina Island is an hour-long ferry ride on the Catalina Express from San Pedro, Long Beach, or Dana Point to the port of Avalon. The Catalina Flyer operates ferry boat transportation from Newport Beach to Avalon, which takes just over one hour.
CORONADO ISLAND
Coronado Island is a beautiful location worth a bit longer drive if you want. Drive south from L.A. for about 2½-3 hours to arrive at Coronado.
Gorgeous beaches, luscious landscape and an overabundance of choice places to enjoy the sun, Coronado Island offers it all in a one-day trip from Los Angeles. Think fine-grained, golden sand, vast shores, and crystal-clear beaches.
The Hotel del Coronado is a historic beachfront hotel just across the bay from San Diego. It is one of the few wooden Victorian beach resorts remaining in the USA.
Coronado’s timeless charm inspires you to wander, experiencing cashmere-soft sands, lush parks, one-of-a-kind boutiques and atmospheric dining. If you long to escape to relax, your heart will love Coronado.
This resort city has about five white-sand beaches: Central Beach, Glorietta Bay Beach, Silver Strand State Beach, and Coronado Dog Beach. The vast beaches attract surfers, so don’t forget to take along your surf board, camera, and your bathing suit.
You can also get to Coronado via a ferry from San Diego. Coronado Ferry Landing has restaurants and a small beach where you can enjoy a meal with a breathtaking view of the ocean.
When planning your next trip to this unique part of southern California, get in touch with your nearest El Monte RV dealer in Hesperia.