Location: Mojave
Top Things to do in Mojave
The 10 Best Things to Do in Mojave, United States
Mojave (formerly, Mohave) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kern County, California, United States. Mojave is located 50 miles (80 km) east of Bakersfield, at an elevation of 2,762 feet (842 m). The town is located in the southwestern region of the Mojave Desert, below and east of Oak Creek Pass and the Tehachapi Mountains.
Restaurants in Mojave
1. Hole in the Wall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By TryppAdams - Minneapolis, Minnesota
I started out in the lower parking lot, below the visitors center and would recommend going this way versus starting at the upper parking lot as it means you will be climbing up the rings at the end versus climbing down them in the beginning. The trail starts out and is very flat, brings you past some petroglyphs, through a cow grazing pasture and wraps around the mountainside and brings back to the "Hole in the Wall" where the rock starts to look like Swiss cheese. You move back into the canyon and out of the sun, then before you know it approach the first set of rings. You quickly climb the few rings and move through the canyon before climbing 2 more sets of rings. These felt easier to climb up than they would be down. You emerge in the upper parking lot just a short walk down to the visitor's center and back to your car. This is a nice and easy 1 mile hike, but i could see the rings providing a challenge for some. While I loved this hike and it was quick and easy with plenty of scenery, I'm not sure this hike is worth the drive over to this side of the Mojave National Preserve. I felt like i racked up a lot of windshield time just for this hike although it didn't offer some time rolling through the Joshua Trees.
2. Tehachapi Loop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
Reviewed By CharleySays - Atascadero, California
The Tehachapi loop is an engineering marvel. It is recognized as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and a California Historical Landmark. Built in 1874-1876 it solved the problem of getting trains from the central valley up the hill to Tehachapi. To visit the Loop and See / read the historical plaques take the Keene off ramp and follow the Signs. There are up to 400 trains a day using the loop, so you probably won't have to wait long to see the trains in action as the train actually can pass over itself as it makes the loop. For train fanciers it is a must see, for engineers it is a must marvel. and for the rest of us it is a wonderful curiosity to ponder. Remember There is also a train museum in Tehachapi and the Cesar Chavez memorial is also near the Loop turn off at Keene
3. The Cat House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
This is a small non-profit exotic feline breeding center about 1 hour north of Los Angeles which houses over 70 exotic endangered cats.
Reviewed By Flash2 - Mississauga, Ontario
The cats are beautiful! I felt conflicted as many of the cats were in small cages. Several cats were pacing and howling. They didn't seem comfortable however we were told it was near feeding time. Very small facility and shouldn't take more than one hour to see it all. Can't imagine what it would be like for the cats in 100 degrees temperatures as it gets in Southern California. It says it is a non profit but apparently was owned by a couple. The husband just recently passed away. Also not sure of the advantages of such a facility? $7.00 per person and we paid $28.00 for 4 adults. Good value meh?
4. Civic Musical Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 153 reviews
Reviewed By Diane M - Lancaster, California
This road is quite unique. From what I understand, it was located elsewhere, but the music was disturbing neighbors. The new location is somewhat isolated, so a long drive from out of Antelope Valley is probably not warranted, unless you just gotta hear it. You actually do get the melody for us older listeners. The idea of a musical road is intriguing for the younger set.
5. Air Force Flight Test Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Cavydad - Camarillo, California
Fascinating perspective of the Air Force. Area 51 is not accessible. Edwards offers an insight of what might be going on in the Nevada desert. What a range of weopanry and views of the devanstrating tools of destruction.
Still, the planes are interesting and the connection to the Space Shuttle and NASA was terrific.
Overall, a great day.
6. Desert Tortoise Natural Area
Overall Ratings
4 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Elizabeth L - Marina del Rey, California
Desert Tortoise Natural Area is open most of the year. It is all natural and beautiful. You may or may not see a tortoise, they are free and don't come when called.
Parking is free and on some days visiting is free.
You take Highway 14 (for most travelers) and keep going to California City, which is a sleepy little town. You will see the sign for the Natural Area, take that for a few miles and you will find the Tortoise Natural Area.
On the weekends there are tour guides. I like the weekdays and to go on my own.
It is a beautiful walk and whether you want to walk just a bit or several miles you can. The area is flat. It is never crowded and in the distance you can see the amazing Sierra Mountains. It is just lovely.
It does get very hot in the daytime, it is in the middle of the Mojave Desert, so sun screen and bring some water with you for the walk. Have fun.
7. Mojave Trail
Overall Ratings
5 based on 13 reviews
Early American pioneers seeking out the promised land of California used to travel along this desolate but adventurous 138-mile road.
Reviewed By dfpgreg - California
The Mojave Road is a great adventure. If you enjoy Off Roading, Camping, History and the beauty of the desert this trip is for you. The Entire Historic Mojave Rd. is approx. 133 miles from start to end. You should have a 4x4 to be safe but for the most part you don't really need it unless you hit some soft sand or any wet areas. The Starting point is right next to the AVI Casino just outside Laughlin. The finish is just east of Calico. We go every Thanksgiving weekend and start Friday morning around 8:00 am and Finish Sunday afternoon. It gets cold at night 30's-40's depending on elevation. Usually beautiful during the day, high 60's - 70's. Be sure to travel with at least 2 vehicles jus in case. Pack plenty of firewood and the proper supplies, including estra water and Gas. At one point in the trail you are 60 miles from nothing and It really feels that way which is part of the adventure. I reccommend purchasing the mojave rd. guide if you are interested in going.
8. Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
More than 1,700 acres of poppy fields and lined with trails featuring a variety of flowers.
Reviewed By NorCalSFO - San Francisco
This was a beautiful park. We visited in mid April, 2017. Poppies were mostly gone. Local folks said best season is depending on the weather, so you could either closely check weather, or be lucky if your trip date is already set. I was told end of March is good so we may visit here again next year. If you walk the longest trail, it'll be about 2 hours of walk. So, it's a good exercise as well. There are several other places within 100 miles from this place. We visited a couple and flowers were pretty dense here.
9. Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By Joshua F
This was great to stop in and see on a Friday evening. Great history, photos, and displays that communicate the interesting history of the area. Trains are important to the community, and this showcases their history. Recommended for anyone, especially those with kids. The tour guide engaged my 3 children and they loved it.
10. Willow Springs International Raceway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By SanMo - Malibu, California
Several race tracks. Several driving schools. Many different skill levels.
I first attended this track 7 years ago----sent my daughter (15 1/2 years) for a defensive driving/drivers ed class. They taught her how to pass, brake, skid, abs brakes etc.
I finally returned this week. Recently bought a sports car and wanted to learn to drive it well, safely and fast. Joined PCA and attended a day at Streets of Willow Springs.
So Much fun! I learned to drive my car fast, (no tickets!) drive safely and learn to how to drive on a track. I'm so going back! No other experience to compare, but I'm gonna return!
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