Winter Desert Oasis in Death Valley National Park

Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay in Death Valley

The Ranch at Death Valley

Historic resort located within Death Valley National Park featuring Western-style accommodations, an outdoor swimming pool fed by natural spring water, a golf course, and multiple dining options.

The Inn at Death Valley — Inside the Park

An elegant hideaway since 1927, this historic inn celebrates Old Hollywood in Death Valley National Park.

Amargosa Opera House

A quirky desert landmark offering simple rooms, vintage charm, and one-of-a-kind artistic spirit.

Villa Anita DV

A contemporary hillside villa offering stylish interiors, sweeping desert views, and a private, resort-like atmosphere.

Shoshone Inn

A cozy desert inn offering warm hospitality, comfy rooms, and easy access to Death Valley’s natural wonders.

Things to do in Death Valley

Furnace Creek

• Hang out at the pool or enjoy a game of pickle ball or shuffleboard.

• Explore the Death Valley National Park Visitor Center.

• Play a round of golf at the lowest elevation golf course (214ft below sea level), 18-hole, par 70 golf course.

• Star-gazing: Death Valley NP is the largest Dark Sky National Park and has multiple star-gazing events available in the winter months, including the Dark Sky Festival each spring.

• Go on a horseback ride through the desert starting at the Furnace Creek Stables.

• 49er Days event (usually end of October) celebrating the pioneers that came to Death Valley in 1894.

• Walk down to Harmony Borax Works and see the 20 mule-team wagons and the borax processing site.

• Relax during a massage at the spa.

National Park Sites near Furnace Creek that are easy day trips!

• Road to Badwater: Featuring hiking trials at Golden Canyon and Desolation Canyon, scenic driving loop at Artist Palette, and Badwater Salt Flats—the lowest place in North America (282 ft below sea level).

• Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: Fun sand dunes you can hike through and if you bring a sled, you can sled down the dunes.

• Mosaic Canyon: A beautiful hike through a narrow canyon located just above Stovepipe Wells.

• Zabriskie Point: A beautiful overlook of the Badwater basin salt flats.

• Star Wars film site self-driving tour: Download the National Park app and listen to the audio tour of all the Star Wars Film locations (many are on the road to Badwater).

• Scotty’s Castle: Currently closed to the public. But a treasure of Death Valley National Park. This historic mansion was damaged in a mudslide and had a fire in one of the buildings in 2015. The park is currently working hard to restore and reopen the property. Check to see if it is open during your trip and make the drive to check the historic mansion out!

There are many more sites to see in the park, but many require long drives and 4-wheel drive vehicles. These sites include Ubehebe Crater, Racetrack, Devil’s Golf Course, Wildrose Charcoal Kilns, Donte’s View, and Father Crowley Vista Point (also check this out if heading to Bishop as it’s along the way). If you want the full Death Valley Park experience, rent a jeep or do a jeep tour with Farabee’s Jeep Tours to these locations:

• Take a side quest to Tecopa to visit the China Ranch Date Farm and the Tecopa Hot Springs. You can do this as a day trip from Furnace Creek or stay in Shoshone or Tecopa on the way to Las Vegas Airport.

• China Ranch Date Farm: Visit a fully operational date farm not far from Death Valley National Park. Grab a date-shake, some dates for snacking, and even a date tree!

• Soak in the local natural hot springs: Tecopa has both developed and undeveloped hot springs.

Places to eat & drink in Death Valley

Furnace Creek

• The Inn at Death Valley has the Pool Café and Inn Dining Room restaurant—great menu options. Reservations may be necessary at the Inn Dining Room.

• The Ranch 1849—buffet and diner.

• The Last Kind Words Saloon—classic American dining.

• Coffee and Cream—grab an ice cream to cool off.

• Timbisha Taco Shop & Hawaiian shaved Ice—if you’ve never had an Indian taco, stop here! Indian fried bread with meat, beans, lettuce, cheese, and salsa makes for a delicious meal.

• The Death Valley Natural History Association’s Bookstore (visitor center) has grab-and-go sandwiches and drinks for your explorations throughout the park.

• The Wild Rose Golf Pro Shop—has a limited menu and drinks.

Tecopa

• Kit Fox Café—pizza and pasta.

• Death Valley Brewing—pizza and beer.

• Steaks and Beer—steak and beer.

Shoshone

• Crowbar Café and Saloon—Americana food including steaks, sandwiches, and Mexican.

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