Lancaster is a fantastic city with a rich heritage, diverse history, amiable people, cultural diversity, delicious food, starry nights, warm days, cool evenings, scenic landscapes, breathtaking vistas and much more. Covering Lancaster in 48 hours is just adequate to go beyond the major tourist spots and experience the city to the fullest. We’ve created a 48-hour itinerary that will allow you to get the sense of Lancaster and create everlasting memories.
Image By Charles Nadeau [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Day 1 in Lancaster
Saddleback Butte State Park at 9:00am!
Start you day 1 in Lancaster with a pleasant and serene walk at the Saddleback Butte State Park. It is beautiful in the spring and autumn seasons with blooming and colorful flowers and rock formations. Saddleback Butte is a granite mountaintop with 2.5miles of hiking trail. Hike the trail and take in the stunning 360 degree view of the Valley. Saddleback Butte is surrounded by a state park that is filled with Joshua trees and other native flora and fauna. Do see the hands-on exhibits at the visitor center that highlight the Antelope Valley’s natural and cultural history and geology. If you want a certain degree of solitude, this is the popular place to be. A feast for eyes, mind and body awaits you at the Saddleback Butte State Park!
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as there is a bit of hiking.
After your morning walk or hike, refuel with a delicious meal. This place has twelve picnic areas with tables and barbecue grills. You can enjoy the home-cooked food that you got here or other breakfast options include- Los Chiles Mexican Restaurant (17051 E Ave O, Palmdale, California - L.A. Metro 93535, United States) for Mexican cuisine or DJ’s Burgers ( 17116 E Ave O, Palmdale, CA 93591, United States) famous for breakfast burritos and breakfast treats.
Address: Lancaster, CA 93535, United States
Phone: 1 661-946-6092
Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park at 11:00am!
After restoring the energy with hiking and hearty meal, head to the Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park that features over 7,500 artifacts and objects that depict the Native American culture in California, the Great Basin and Southwest. The collections include the place’s founded H. Arden Edwards personal archives, as well as collection by Grace Oliver. Highlights include the touch table that tells about the grinding and processing food in the past, bow drills and other exhibits that show how Native Americans used sticks to generate fire and also used other tools and equipments to carry out the daily chores. The park includes historic cottages, a picnic area, outdoor ceremonial space, historic grounds and nature trails with native animals and plants. This structure is a unique example of the American folk art of the early days. A must-visit place when in Lancaster!
Address: 15701 E Avenue M, Lancaster, CA 93535, United States
Phone: 1 661-946-3055
Opening hours: Saturday & Sunday: 11:00am-4:00pm
Distance and Time from Saddleback Butte State Park: 4.8miles or 8minutes drive
Lunch at 1:00pm!
You must have worked up an appetite by now. In mood for Mexican fare, step into Los Chiles Mexican Restaurant (17051 E Avenue O). For American comfort food, make your way over to DJ’s Burgers (17116 E Ave O, Palmdale). Head over to Vanda’s Thai Kitchen (39470 170th St E Ste C, Palmdale) that serves up Thai cuisine.
Western Hotel Museum at 2:00pm!
Dig into the past at the Western Hotel Museum, which is one the oldest surviving building in Lancaster and features several artifacts and objects dating back to the nineteenth century and from local native folks. It features artifacts and photos detailing the story of the people who constructed, lived and worked here. Walk through the wide hallways and experience the past. Historical artifacts include old mining equipments, Native American stone tools and other objects. As you take a tour the museum, you feel the vibe of the 1890s.
Address: 557 W Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534, United States
Phone: 1 661-723-6250
Opening hours: Saturday: 11:00am-4:00pm
Catch a show at Lancaster Performing Arts Center at 4:00pm!
Next, head to the Lancaster Performing Arts Center that features a wide array of shows and programs, including live orchestra, gymnasts show, comic performances, music performances, rock n’ roll concerts and a number of several other performances by regional and national artists.
Address: 750 West Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534, United States
Phone: 1 661-723-5950
Distance and Time from Western Hotel Museum: 0.6miles or 4minutes drive via W Kettering Street
Shopping at 5:00pm!
Spend an hour perusing the specialty boutiques at the Sol Plaza Boutique Mall. The mall features more than 40 specialty boutiques with merchandize, ranging from apparels to accessories and jewelry to beauty to housewares and electronics. Give your wardrobe and home a reboot!
Address: 1140 Commerce Center Dr, Lancaster, CA 93534, United States
Phone: 1 661-729-4900
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00am-7:00pm; Sunday: 10:00am-6:00pm
Distance and Time for Lancaster Performing Arts Center: 2.2miles or 8 minutes drive via 10th Street West
Next, head to the Lancaster Marketplace, an open-air shopping and entertainment center with a myriad of retail stores and restaurants. You’ll find everything here from apparels to accessories, shoes, jewelry, items for home, and much more. Browse the collections of the well-known brands at this place!
Address: 44950 Valley Central Way, Lancaster, CA 93536, United States
Phone: 1 661-942-7897
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00am-8:00pm
Distance and Time from Sol Plaza Boutique Mall: 3.6miles or 7minutes drive via CA-138 W/CA-14 North
An Aperitif at Pour d’Vino at 7:00pm!
Swing by the Pour d’Vino for tasty and unique drinks. It is a vibrant Italian restaurant that boasts over 100 wines and beers, along with delicious Italian fare and live music. It has a broad selection of imported and domestic wines. For a romantic evening, social gathering or a special night, look no further than this elegant tavern. Sit under the stars on the fireside balcony, dine the traditional way, enjoy the gourmet fare, relax and kick back with a glass of wine and soothing music.
Address: 741 West Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534, United States
Phone: 1 661-723-8466
Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday: 3:00pm-10:00pm; Friday & Saturday: 12:00pm-12:00am; Sunday: 12:00pm-8:00pm
Distance and Time from Sol Plaza Boutique Plaza: 2.4miles or 11 minutes drive via 10th Street West
Dinner at 8:00pm!
Linger over a delectable American food at the BeX (706 W Lancaster Blvd) or Giannini Bistro & Grill (858 W Lancaster Blvd). Enjoy the South American fare at Rio Brazilian Steakhouse (628 W Lancaster Blvd). For Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, swing by Olives Mediterranean Cafe (518 W Lancaster Blvd). Relish Thai and Asian cuisine at The Thai Restaurant (44759 Sierra Hwy).
Let loose and enjoy the night on the town at 10:00pm!
End your day 1 in Lancaster with a stop at The Britisher Cocktails, a popular spot among locals for cocktails, live music and people-watching, too. As you sip your favorite cocktail and nosh on plates of delish bar bites, you’ll hear awesome live music and folks belting out songs at the Karaoke. It’s lively and warm vibe and extensive cocktail lists are sure to charm you and make your night experience a wonderful one.
Address: 849 W Avenue I, Lancaster, CA 93534, United States
Phone: 1 661-948-5506
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 6:00am-2:00am
Next, step into My Lounge to get your groove on the best beats and live music. It is a happening nightspot with live music and an extensive selection of spirits and cocktails. It’s unique and energetic vibe stands out. An incredible and fun time awaits you at My Lounge!
Address: 42035 10th Street W, Lancaster, CA 93534, United States
Phone: 1 661-723-5000
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00am-4:00am
Day 2 in Lancaster
Crazy Otto's Diner at 9:00am!
After an action-packed day one in Lancaster and a good night’s sleep, you are now refreshed. It’s time to begin the day 2 right with a scrumptious breakfast at the Crazy Otto’s Diner, which has been the Lancaster’s mainstay from past 15 years. This restaurant is a longtime favorite breakfast place for the residents and visitors alike. It serves up delicious and fresh fare full of flavors, friendly service and inviting vibe. The food menu is wide, including Crazy Otto’s Burger, meat omelette, prime rib, jumbo omelette and French toast, just to name a few. Enjoy your delish and hearty breakfast with a hot cup of joe.
Address: 43528 20th Street W, Lancaster, CA 93534, United States
Phone: 1 661-948-6502
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 5:00am-2:00pm
American Heroes Park at 10:00am!
After refueling your body, head to the American Heroes Park that is a recreational park with a myriad of activities for all age groups and also memorials in honor of the local heroes. It features two gazebos, soccer and baseball fields, playground, handball and basketball court, an adobe structure, trellis structures and ample parking space. Take a tranquil walk amidst the nature, indulge in outdoor activities and soak in some history of the area.
Address: 642 W Jackman Street, Lancaster, CA 93534, United States
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 8:00am-8:00pm
Distance and Time from Crazy Otto’s Diner: 3.3miles or 9minutes drive
Lancaster Museum of Art and History at 11:00am!
Unleash your inner artists at the Lancaster Museum of Art that features a wide range of exhibits for all age groups. The museum features a wonderful and captivating collections and art exhibitions that focus on post-war California art, Native American artifacts and contemporary art. The Antelope Valley history is depicted through a wide collection of art, including sculpture, film, drawings, prints and photography. Browse the works by the local artists, as well as rotating exhibits by renowned national and international artists. A spot where history and art galore!
Address: 665 West Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534, United States
Phone: 1 661-723-6250
Opening hours: Tuesday & Wednesday: 11:00am-6:00pm; Thursday: 11:00am-8:00pm; Friday to Sunday: 11:00am-6:00pm
Distance and Time from American Heroes Park: 0.3miles or 2minutes drive
Prime Desert Woodland Preserve at 12:00pm!
Next, head over to the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve that features native flora and fauna, including California Junipers and Joshua Trees. It also has several miles of hiking trails, scenic landscapes and local wildlife. Take a serene walk amidst the evergreen trees, spot the varied species of birds, jackrabbits and other wildlife.
Address: 43201 35th Street W, Lancaster, CA 93536, United States
Phone: 1 661-723-6230
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 6:00am-10:00pm
Distance and Time from Lancaster Museum of Art and History: 4.9miles or 13minutes drive
Lunch at 2:00pm!
Now, it’s time to take a break from heat and enjoy a delicious lunch!
Craving for Mexican food, step into Tortilla Grill Lancaster (42815 30th St W). For American food, stop by Tom’s (42741 30th St W) or Black Angus Steakhouse- Lancaster (44690 Valley Central Way). Head to Farleys Italian Gelato and Coffee Roasters (2025 W Avenue K) that serves up Italian cuisine.
Musical Road at 3:00pm!
A visit to Lancaster is incomplete without driving down the Musical Road, which was originally made for a Honda Commercial in the year 2008 and was built on Avenue K- named Honda Civic Musical Road. Later, it was re-constructed on Avenue G and remains there until today. Grooves are engraved into the pavement in a way that when you drive over the road, musical tune of Rossini's "William Tell Overture" plays. It’s a musical ride and the only musical road in the U.S. The speed limit is 55 mph. A unique experience awaits you at the Musical Road!
Address: 3315 W Avenue G, Lancaster, CA 93536, United States
Shopping at 4:00pm!
All the antique lovers, stop by the Antiques at the Barn, a treasure trove of antiques and collectibles. It holds a broad collection of antiques, vintage goods and collectibles, including room chairs, old appliances, antique glasses, houseware, artwork, furniture and other vintage goods. Whatever you vintage fancy, you’re sure to get it here!
Address: 6851 W Avenue I, Lancaster, CA 93536, United States
Phone: 1 661-726-9556
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:00am-6:00pm
Distance and Time from Civic Musical Road: 5.2miles or 7minutes drive
You’ll surely find something at The BLVD that will suit your budget and tickle your fancy! The BLVD is a wide shopping spot packed with one-of-a-kind boutiques, antiques & consignment stores, home decor shops, trendy apparel and jewelry stores, electronics, beauty, art and several other specialty stores. Boutiques, local shops, trendy stores and fine restaurants cram the area. Take a stroll through The BLVD and shop for apparels, items for home, accessories and other items. Enjoy shopping along with entertainment on the side at the Lancaster BLVD.
Address: Lancaster Boulevard, 10th Street West to Sierra Highway, Lancaster, CA , United States
The Hangar at 6:00pm!
Next, catch a baseball game at The Hangar, a stadium that is home to a minor league baseball team- The Lancaster JetHawks. The draw here is the skyboxes, a video message board and a manual scoreboard, and of course the team and the game itself. It’s an impressive stadium with comfortable seating and concession stands strewn all over the spot. Sip on a beer and munch on the tasty food, while watching the big game.
Address: 45116 Valley Central Way, Lancaster, CA 93536, United States
Phone: 1 661-726-5400
Distance and Time from Lancaster BLVD: 2.7miles or 8minutes drive via W Lancaster Blvd
Dinner & Drinks at 8:00pm!
Treat yourself to drinks and dinner at one of the Lancaster’s finest restaurants.
Visit the Kinetic Brewing Company with exposed-brick layout, house-brewed beers and international bar bites. Enjoy the internationally-inspired food along with American craft beer. Locals flock to this spot for craft beers and mouth-watering pub food.
Address: 735 W Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534, United States
Phone: 1 661-942-2337
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday: 11:30am-10:00pm; Thursday: 11:30am-11:00pm; Friday & Saturday: 11:30am-12:00am; Sunday: 11:30am-9:00pm
Distance and Time from The Hangar: 2.4miles or 8minutes drive via West Avenue I
Or
Head over to BeX Bar & Grill that has a wide selection of cocktails and an extensive menu of American grub. Grab a seat on the lovely patio, munch on the American eats and enjoy your drink. For entertainment, there is an underground bowling lounge with pool, bowling and live music every weekend.
Address: 706 W Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534, United States
Phone: 1 661-945-2399
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday: 11:30am-9:00pm; Thursday to Saturday: 11:30am-1:30am; Sunday: 11:30am-9:00pm
Distance and Time from The Hangar: 2.4miles or 8minutes drive via West Avenue I
Immerse in the vibrant Lancaster nightlife at 10:00pm!
For a classy night, swing by the Trap nightclub. This nightspot features live bands that ensures everyone has an incredible time. With a focus on karaoke, drink specials and live music, a great is guaranteed here. Add a touch of style and class to your evening. It also has ladies nights and jukebox.
Address: 2822 E Avenue I, Lancaster, CA 93535, United States
Phone: 1 661-946-2916
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 1:00pm-2:00am
Distance and Time from BeX: 4.1miles or 11 minutes drive via E Avenue I
Or
Head to Coach's Sports Bar & Grille, a buzzing bar with mellow music and giant TV screens showing the latest sporting events. You are sure to enjoy the lively and cheerful atmosphere of the Coach’s Sports Bar & Grille. Wednesday is the Wing’s day, Tuesday is Taco’s day and Thursday is the Steak Night. Coach’s has everything to satisfy your appetite and quench your thirst for a drink and enjoyment.
Address: 43451 Gadsden Avenue, Lancaster, CA 93534, United States
Phone: 1 661-942-8919
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 11:00am-10:30pm; Saturday & Sunday: 11:00am-12:00am
Distance and Time from BeX: 2.7miles or 9minutes drive via Sierra Hwy
Day 2 in Lancaster Map Guide
