California Welcome Centers in the Deserts
Warm weather, abundant attractions
Deserts
- Summary
- Things to do
- Gallery
- Places to Eat & Drink
- Videos
- Podcasts
The thwack of a golf club, the hum of the wind buffeting towering sand dunes, the splash of a dive into a glistening pool—the desert region is a sensory feast. Death Valley National Park holds the record for hottest temperature ever recorded (129°F in 1913), while the deserts of Joshua Tree National Park feature giant boulders and alien-like yucca plants. At Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, discover perfect night skies, slot canyons, and spring wildflowers. The Greater Palm Springs region boasts great golfing, luxurious resorts, world-class shopping, and midcentury modern architecture.
Featured Deserts
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22 Great Hotel Deals for Fall 2020
Book now and stay later with these enticing and flexible special offers
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7 Great Places for California Stargazing
Get out and enjoy the outdoors at night—the Golden State shines bright after sundown
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California Resorts with Room to Roam
For anyone seeking an outdoor escape, Golden State luxury resorts offer plenty of open space to explore
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10 Idyllic Solo Retreats in California
Today’s travelers are discovering that “alone time” and “vacation time” are often one and the same
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Take it Outside: A Guide to Fresh-Air Experiences in California
Restaurants, wineries, and shops expand operations outdoors this summer
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25+ Places to Find Great Art Outside in California
Murals, sculptures, and even painted fire hydrants expand the Golden State’s cultural scene
Traveler Photos
Tag #VISITCALIFORNIA on Instagram to have your trip featured on our page.
Places to Eat and Drinks
Removed from Likes
22 Great Hotel Deals for Fall 2020
Book now and stay later with these enticing and flexible special offers
Removed from Likes
10 Idyllic Solo Retreats in California
Today’s travelers are discovering that “alone time” and “vacation time” are often one and the same
Removed from Likes
Take it Outside: A Guide to Fresh-Air Experiences in California
Restaurants, wineries, and shops expand operations outdoors this summer
Removed from Likes
25+ Places to Find Great Art Outside in California
Murals, sculptures, and even painted fire hydrants expand the Golden State’s cultural scene
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So You Think You Know San Diego?
Head beyond the beaches and brewpubs to discover a landscape dotted with culture, gardens, and vineyards
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LGBTQ Travel in California
Celebrate LGBTQ culture year-round at these Golden State events, festivals, and destinations
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9 Ways to Go Underground in California
Go subterranean at hipster bars, crystal caves, and gold mines
Videos
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Podcasts
Sunnylands, Oysters, Free Activities
31min
Fascinating Road Trips
37min
Southern California's Greatest Hits
40min
Road Trip: Searching for Stars
39min
Rock Climbing, Best Campgrounds, L.A. Shopping
35min
Spas, National Monuments, Mission San Juan Capistrano
32min
Emma Gannon, Gold Country, Haunted Sites
38min
Culinary Gems, Hidden Beaches, Napa Valley Wine
37min
Culinary Greatest Hits
34min
Curtis Stone’s Culinary Tour, Lake Tahoe, Death Valley
34min