Death Valley National Park

California Weekend Getaways

In Death Valley, the earth sheds its mantle of green and gives way to fantastic geologic formations with fanciful names like Devil's Golf Course and Badwater. It's the lowest (and hottest) place in the United States, yet its historic National Park lodge, the Furnace Creek Inn offers pamper-me luxury and finer cuisine and service than you might expect in the middle of the desert.

Ready to Go? Use our Death Valley Weekend Getaway Planner and you'll be ready in no time.

Death Valley is Popular For: Outdoor recreation and driving tours. Many visitors also enjoy the nearby ghost towns and it's a photographers' favorite.

How Far? Check the map at the beginning of this gallery to see which getaways are closest to your starting point. Most weekend-trippers limit their adventures to about three hours' travel time and most drive there. If you're going by car, Death Valley is Within 200 Miles of Bakersfield, Fresno, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Bernardino and San Diego

If you don't mind flying, you can expand your range by flying to Los Angeles and driving. Compare airfare prices at Kayak.com or check for last-minute specials at lastminute.com