Location: Palmdale
Top Things to do in Palmdale
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Top 5 Budget-friendly Things to do in Palmdale, California (CA)
Palmdale is a city in the center of northern Los Angeles County in the U.S. state of California. The San Gabriel Mountains separate Palmdale from the City of Los Angeles.
Restaurants in Palmdale
1. Blackbird Airpark
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
Reviewed By CarolDM1900 - Montpelier, United States
I was a kid when an American U-2 spy plane piloted by Francis Gary Powers was shot down over the Soviet city of Sverdlovsk. This happened in 1960, and the Cold War seemed suddenly to look a lot "hotter." It would be hard to overstate the stunning impact of the shoot-down and all that followed, from the show-trial and conviction of the American pilot for espionage to his negotiated release 2 years later in a prisoner exchange for a Soviet spy arrested with a coded message concealed in a hollow nickel. Those days are mostly forgotten today, but you can learn about them and about the Cold War more generally, by visiting the Blackbird Airpark. The first thing you'll see upon entering is a U-2 with an interpretive sign. But wait! You can go inside the small visitor center/gift shop and sit down to watch a video covering the U2 incident and its fallout, using historical film footage and a narration that conveys the gripping character of the shoot-down and the public trial, along with the general tenor of US-Soviet relations at the height of the Cold War. If you care about history, or wonder how we got to where we are now, I recommend you watch this video. The airpark also has two very impressive examples of the now-retired SR-71 Blackbirds that provide its name. You will learn about that formerly state-of-the-art spy plane too in the video presentation, and it is no less gripping than the U-2 sections. The most amazing segment has to do with the 1966 disintegration of an SR-71 while in flight near the edge of space, and the incredible survival of its test pilot, Bill Weaver, who "awakened" to find himself falling. His navigations systems specialist, Jim Zwayer, did not survive. It was an odd and unnerving feeling to peer into the SR-71 cockpit and imagine what must have gone on, as the ill-fated plane disintegrated around the two men. What stories these planes must hold! There are other interesting aircraft here -- and some are just beautiful to see, like the great shiny USAF propeller plane that gleams in the sun. You'll come across experimental planes, detached engines and ignition carts with explanations of how they work, and a giant 747 that once carried the Space Shuttle on its back. You'll find the interpretive signs accompanying all the displays easy to follow for those (most of us) who are not aeronautical engineers. I also enjoyed some of the small touches, like seeing the distinctive "Skunk Works" emblem on a couple of the planes, as tribute to Lockheed Martin's ADP - Advanced Development Program, which developed secret projects that were largely unfettered by bureaucracy. The ADP is today nearby at Air Force Plan #22 in Palmdale. You can't go there, but you can come here. I've always chuckled about the name "Skunk Works." I used to read the old comicstrip called "Li'l Abner," in which the name given to the secret location of the moonshine still was "Skunk Works." The emblem is distinctive and amusing, and I think it does convey something important about the value of looking at things differently and not just doing the same old, predictable thing when what you are all about trying to create something new in the world. The airpark isn't big. You can certainly see a lot more planes and equipment at major aviation museums, such as the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles Airport or the Museum of Flight in the old Boeing buildings in Seattle. But there is a kind of charm in coming here to Palmdale, where so many experimental flights took off into the unknown. I found it fascinating, as I hope you will too. Highly Recommended.
2. Cinemark Antelope Valley Mall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By 497marys - Palmdale, United States
Very comfortable reclining and heated seats, all reserved make this a very special experience. Excellent discounts are available from Movie Club, for senior citizens and on snacks with the annual purchase of a reusable popcorn bucket and large drink on a reusable cup.
3. DryTown Water Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By ninot203 - Rosamond, United States
We love this place, always clean and lots of lifeguards and supervision. The water slides and lazy river are lots of fun. Looking forward to goinf back.
4. Barrell Springs Trail
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By jimvet1826 - Clearwater, United States
Young lady at the hotel I was staying at told me about this hike. It's an out and back that I clocked from parking area and back at almost 3 miles. It has several decent little climbs but mostly it flat and granular. Beautiful views and there were at least 40 people that I passed all out getting fresh air and exercise.
5. Route 138 - Pearblossom Highway
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 97 reviews
A great highway to travel anytime of the year, but it's best in spring.
Reviewed By Cavydad - Camarillo, United States
The back way to Las Vegas. No need to go through Ranch Cucamonga and San Bernardino. Rustic, meandering, and rolling road that is a great way from the San Ferndo Valley or West Los Angeles and avoid the traffic across the San Gabriel Valley. Yucca trees and even such places as Lake Los Angeles, of course without a lake, highlight the drive.
