Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Lancaster, CA

Lancaster is a city located in the Antelope Valley of the Mojave Desert in Southern California. It has a population exceeding 165,000 and hosts a diverse community, with over 75% of its land dedicated to agriculture. Throughout its history, various populations have settled in this vibrant region.

Currently, Lancaster offers a plethora of attractions and activities suitable for all ages and preferences. Visitors can explore numerous entertainment options, as well as peaceful environments to unwind and rejuvenate.

The city features extensive parklands, playgrounds, picnic sites, and sports facilities. Its historic district boasts a range of boutiques, dining establishments, and entertainment venues. The contemporary section of the city showcases The BLVD, a one-mile revitalized stretch of Lancaster Boulevard.

1. Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve

Experience the serene beauty of the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, renowned for its stunning wildflower displays. This state-protected reserve, situated in the western Mojave Desert, stands at an elevation between 2600 to 3000 feet.

Each spring, the reserve is transformed by a vibrant array of wildflowers, with the peak blooming season typically spanning from March to May. To preserve the natural ecosystem, California State Parks refrains from irrigating the fields or artificially stimulating flower growth.

Additionally, Lancaster hosts the Poppy Festival in April, where visitors can enjoy two days filled with music, art, culinary delights, and family-friendly activities. Shaded picnic areas provide scenic views of the valley and the San Gabriel Mountains. The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset.

2. BLVD Farmers’ Market

Farmers’ markets provide an engaging culinary experience, allowing visitors to discover, sample, and learn about fresh local produce and food products. The BLVD weekly farmers’ market takes place every Thursday, showcasing organic fruits and vegetables, artisanal bread, homemade treats, salsas, honey, ready-to-eat meals, and much more.

This venue also offers an opportunity to converse with the farmers, gaining insight into their growing and cooking techniques. The Farmers’ market serves as a communal hub, featuring local musicians, families, and friends enjoying the atmosphere together. Moreover, specialty items and handmade crafts make for excellent gift options.

The City of Lancaster collaborates with Raw Inspiration, a non-profit organization managing Certified Farmers Markets in California.

3. Lancaster Performing Arts Center

The Lancaster Performing Arts Center connects the Antelope Valley community with a diverse array of regional, national, and international entertainment options. Established in 1991, this center aims to support arts initiatives through financial resources, equipment, and performance enhancements for youth programs.

Home to numerous events, the center showcases performances ranging from the National Circus of the People’s Republic of China to shows featuring gymnasts, the Olympic Warriors, and comedic acts by artists such as Bill Engvall. Additionally, music performances by renowned figures like Chris Isaak draw exclusive audiences.

With various events tailored to different interest groups, tickets for Lancaster Performing Arts Center events are highly sought after, particularly during holiday seasons.

4. The Castle Roller Skating

Experience the exhilaration of roller skating, a fun and cost-effective activity that promotes physical fitness for families. Engaging in roller skating effectively burns calories while enhancing balance, strength, and flexibility.

Visit a roller skating venue committed to being “the fun place for the whole family.” Offering a variety of public skating sessions each week, including special events featuring Christian music, it aims to entertain audiences of all ages.

Should you wish to commemorate a special occasion, inquire about arranging a private party. After taking skating lessons, guests can browse their well-stocked skate shop.

5. Watch The Lancaster Jethawks In Action

If you are a baseball enthusiast, a visit to The Hangar is recommended. This stadium in Lancaster serves as the home field for the JetHawks, a minor league team with a strong local fan base.

As the sole team in Los Angeles County, tickets for home games typically sell out quickly; hence, early purchase is advisable given the stadium’s capacity of only 4,900 spectators.

The JetHawks have enjoyed considerable success in recent years and maintain an impressive long-term record. A game at The Hangar is a quintessential experience when visiting Lancaster.

6. The Musical Road

Situated on West Avenue “G” in Lancaster, the unique “musical road” offers visitors a one-of-a-kind auditory experience, being the only one of its kind in the United States.

The concept originated in Japan when engineer Shizuo Shinoda inadvertently carved markings into a road, which, when traversed, produced musical vibrations. The sound varied depending on the spacing and depth of the grooves.

Initially created for a Honda commercial, the road’s popularity among locals led to its preservation. To listen to the melody, drivers should remain in the left lane of the three-lane road, with a speed of 55 mph providing optimal sound quality. Other similar “singing” roads exist in Japan, South Korea, and the Netherlands.

7. Visit Famous Filming Locations

Embark on a desert adventure exploring renowned filming locations. Among these is the famed “Kill Bill Church,” officially recognized as The Sanctuary Adventist Church, which remains an active place of worship. The quaint Spanish-style chapel, adorned with a solitary Joshua tree, presents a cinematic ambiance.

Across from the “Kill Bill Church,” dilapidated structures used in films featuring Jean Claude Van-Damme and Chris Rock can be visited. Also notable is Club Ed, constructed for Dennis Hopper’s 1990 film, *Eye of the Storm*.

Club Ed road has since gained fame as the most filmed desert road, and numerous other filming spots in Lancaster showcase the stark beauty of the desert landscape.

8. The Boeing Plaza – Aerospace Walk Of Honor

For those interested in the aerospace industry and its pioneers, Boeing Plaza provides an informative venue. Located at the corner of the BLVD area, the Aerospace Walk of Honor was established in 1990 to acknowledge the remarkable contributions of exceptional aviators.

This tribute honors individuals who dedicated their time and risked their lives for advancements in aviation. Honorees are commemorated by granite monuments along Lancaster Boulevard.

Each year, three to five pilots are recognized for their lifetime contributions to experimental aircraft testing, with a formal unveiling taking place each summer, accompanied by a celebration and banquet.

9. Lancaster Museum of Art and History

The Lancaster Museum of Art and History offers visitors a distinctive experience, dedicated to the appreciation of art, history, and culture within the Antelope Valley.

The museum’s extensive exhibitions cater to all age groups. Children will find delight in locally curated dinosaur and indigenous artifacts, while adults can explore innovative displays focused on sustainable energy practices.

The museum collects works of art from the post-war period and current contemporary art, including sculpture, prints, drawings, photography, and film.

10. The Antelope Valley Indian Museum

The Antelope Valley Indian Museum presents a unique and eclectic folk art venue situated in the Mojave Desert. The museum showcases artifacts from three major cultural regions: the Southwest, the Great Basin, and California. It has served as a public museum since 1932, in addition to its previous roles as a homestead, theater, ranch, film set, and tourist attraction.

Nestled against the dramatic backdrop of Joshua trees and towering rock formations, Piute Butte, designated as a sacred landscape by the Native American Heritage Commission, houses the museum. Visitors can discover many rare cultural items and unique objects within the museum’s collection.

The property features a picnic area, historic grounds, cottages, and an outdoor ceremonial arena, with the museum open to the public on weekends year-round.

11. American Heroes Park

In 2011, the City of Lancaster inaugurated American Heroes Park, a 12-acre recreational facility located just one block north of the BLVD downtown area. This park honors local heroes who have sacrificed their lives to safeguard America’s freedoms and liberties.

American Heroes Park offers a multitude of amenities for community enjoyment, including playgrounds, baseball and soccer fields, basketball and handball courts, gazebos, and restroom facilities. Memorial plaque walls stand as a poignant tribute to local military, police, and fire personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

American Heroes Park is open to the public daily, providing an ideal setting for outdoor activities or relaxing picnics.