hunter and i with the death valley national park sign

Death Valley National Park, spanning the California-Nevada border, is a fascinating expanse of unique desert terrain and striking landscapes. Known as one of the hottest places on Earth, this iconic park entices travelers with its diverse landscapes and vibrant scenery. 

Within its 3-million-acre range, visitors will find some of the most beautiful parts of the United States, from vast salt flats and sand dunes to multicolored hills and volcanic craters. This guide will cover the canโ€™t miss places to visit in Death Valley National Park.

Death Valley Attractions Map

cooper and i at salt creek boardwalk
Boardwalk on the Salt Creek Interpretive Trail. This is a great, easy stroll for kids.

How to Get to Death Valley National Park

Situated just two hours from Las Vegas, Nevada, Death Valley National Park is easily accessible for travelers. The close proximity of major airports make reaching this remote park easier than many realize.

McCarran International Airport (LAS), Las Vegas, NV โ€“ Located approximately 2 hours away by car, this is the most convenient major airport for accessing Death Valley.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Los Angeles, CA โ€“ Roughly a 4.5-hour drive to the park, this is another option for travelers flying in from various parts of the world.

Furnace Creek Airport (L06), Death Valley National Park, CA โ€“ For private flights, this smaller airport provides direct access right into Death Valley National Park.

If visitors are flying to visit Death Valley, they will need to rent a vehicle. We rented through Turo and had a great experience. If you plan to visit Racetrack Playa (covered later in this article) ensure you are allowed to visit this area in the terms of the rental. Some renters will specifically say you cannot take their vehicle to this area.

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Where to Stay When Visiting Death Valley National Park

Beautiful scenery at The Ranch at Death Valley. We loved our stay there!
Beautiful scenery at The Ranch at Death Valley. We loved our stay there!

Due to the vast size of Death Valley, I highly recommend staying within the National Park. You will pay a bit more, but the convenience is worth it. The park is so large and requires a lot of driving to get to each attraction, so you donโ€™t also want to have to drive 2 hours in the morning just to start your day.

Options within the park range from comfortable and affordable to luxurious, all catering to different travel styles.

The Inn at Death Valley

The Inn at Death Valley is the most luxurious option within Death Valley National Park. This luxury hotel features a spring-fed pool kept at 87 degrees Fahrenheit year round, a golf course, a spa, and room service. In addition to classic hotel rooms, guests can also choose to stay at one of their new casitas which includes a complimentary golf cart rental to get around the resort.

The Ranch at Death Valley

The Ranch at Death Valley is a sister resort to The Inn and is located just down the road. The Ranch has a lower price point while still having some very nice amenities. The pool has an incredible view of the resortโ€™s palm trees with the towering snow-capped mountains in the background. They also offer individual cottages guests can stay in. My husband and I opted for one of these during our stay and it was absolutely lovely- I would recommend it to everyone.

Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel

This cozy, rustic hotel offers proximity to many top places to visit in Death Valley, including the famous Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel combines charm with convenience, giving guests access to nearby dining and services.

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    our family at the badwater basin sign
    Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the US
    badwater basin
    Incredibly unique terrain at Badwater Basin

    1. Badwater Basin

    Badwater Basin is one of the top places to visit in Death Valley, offering a unique opportunity to walk across North America’s lowest point at 282 feet below sea level. Its expansive salt flats are shaped by natural forces into hexagonal patterns, creating a fascinating sight. Badwater Basin is a must for travelers seeking a taste of Death Valley’s otherworldly landscapes.



    ubehebe crater

    2. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

    The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, located near Stovepipe Wells, are among the most beautiful parts of Death Valley. These rolling dunes invite visitors to explore soft, golden sand set against rugged mountains. The dunes are especially captivating at sunrise and sunset, when the light creates dramatic shadows across the landscape, making them a prime spot for photography. 

    If you are traveling with kids, bring a sled with you and spend an afternoon sledding down the dunes!

    3. Danteโ€™s View

    dantes view

    From over 5,000 feet above the valley floor, Danteโ€™s View offers one of the most panoramic views in Death Valley National Park. Visitors can see Badwater Basin stretching across the valley below, with Telescope Peak visible in the distance. Itโ€™s an ideal place to capture the vastness and beauty of the park, especially at dawn or dusk when the lighting accentuates the valleyโ€™s depth and rugged terrain.

    4. Artistโ€™s Palette on Artistโ€™s Drive

    artists palette
    This viewpoint is just a short walk from a parking lot off of Artist’s Drive. It is easily visible.

    Certainly the most colorful of Death Valleyโ€™s attractions, Artistโ€™s Palette is located along the scenic Artistโ€™s Drive. This vibrant hillside displays stunning shades of green, pink, purple, and yellow due to the oxidation of natural minerals. Visitors can admire this display up close or from a distance, with late afternoon light offering the best view of this gorgeous geological marvel.

    5. Golden Canyon and Red Cathedral

    golden canyon

    Golden Canyon is a popular hike leading through dramatic golden-hued rock formations, ultimately arriving at the towering Red Cathedral. As one of the iconic places to visit in Death Valley, this trail offers visitors an immersive experience of the parkโ€™s geology and natural beauty. The glow of the canyon walls under sunlight makes it one of the most beautiful hikes in Death Valley.

    6. Zabriskie Point

    zabriske point
    A short walk down from the parking lot for incredible views (and photos)

    Zabriskie Point is one of Death Valleyโ€™s most celebrated viewpoints, offering a stunning panorama of the parkโ€™s colorful badlands. This site is especially popular for sunrise, as the early morning light enhances the layered colors of the hills. Zabriskie Point is an essential stop for anyone seeking to capture the essence of Death Valley National Parkโ€™s unique landscape.

    7. The Racetrack Playa

    racetrack playa
    Racetrack Playa. Photo credit – NPS

    The Racetrack Playa is a remote, dry lakebed famous for its mysterious โ€œsailing stones,โ€ which are rocks that appear to move across the cracked surface, leaving long trails behind them. Itโ€™s one of the most intriguing Death Valley attractions and requires a 4WD vehicle to access due to its remote location. The surreal landscape and the phenomenon of the moving stones make it a memorable part of any Death Valley adventure. 

    This attraction is located relatively far away from other attractions, and combined with the necessity of 4WD it makes it extra special when you get the opportunity to see it for yourself.

    8. Devilโ€™s Golf Course

    devils golfcourse

    Named for its incredibly rugged terrain, Devilโ€™s Golf Course features a massive salt pan covered in sharp, crusty formations. Itโ€™s another surreal spot that shows off the extreme conditions and formations of Death Valley National Park. Visitors can hear the salt crystals crackling as they expand in the heat, adding an eerie atmosphere to this dramatic landscape.

    9. Ubehebe Crater

    our family at ubehebe crater
    We thoroughly enjoyed walking around the rim of Ubehebe crater
    ubehebe crater

    This large volcanic crater was formed by an explosive eruption thousands of years ago and remains a striking example of Death Valleyโ€™s volcanic history. Ubehebe Crater offers visitors a chance to walk along the rim or even descend into the basin to experience its magnitude up close. The black volcanic cinders surrounding the crater create a stark contrast to the lighter desert sands.

    Tips for Visiting Death Valley National Park

    Here are some essential things to know before visiting Death Valley National Park to ensure a safe and smooth visit in this intense climate and landscape:

    • Always have extra water packed in your vehicle.
    • Bring plenty of sunscreen.
    • Bring layers of clothing.
    • Visit between November and March for the most comfortable and safe temperatures. Temperatures can reach dangerous levels in summer.
    • Fuel up your vehicle before entering the park, and donโ€™t allow it to get below half empty. There are gas stations within the park, but you should plan ahead and know where they are located.
    • Cell service is limited to non-existent in the park. Have a physical map with you in the vehicle. 

    There are convenient stores at the resorts, but they are incredibly expensive. Stock up on any food and snacks youโ€™d like to have while exploring or in your room before driving to Death Valley.

    Planning a Trip to Death Valley National Park?

    Death Valley National Park is a place of remarkable diversity, offering some of the most beautiful landscapes and geological wonders in the world. With so many incredible places to visit in Death Valley, itโ€™s easy to see why this national park captivates adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. This was one of the first US National Parks our family visited and we will always regard it as one of our favorites.

    For those looking to plan the perfect trip, utilize me as your travel advisor. I do not charge to help with your itinerary if you book your hotel through me. I can often save you money on your accommodations and possibly even secure you perks!

    Questions or comments about Death Valley? Leave them below and I will respond as soon as possible! Death Valley is a large park and it can be overwhelming to plan a trip there- Iโ€™m happy to help!

    For more information about booking travel with me, see my Services page.

    On a California National Park road trip? Check out these other California guides:

    An Incredible Day Trip to Channel Islands National Park With Kids

    Top 6 Things to Do in Ventura, California When Visiting for the First Time

    5 Best National Parks to Visit With Kids

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    8 Comments

    1. Love me some Death Valley! I’ve been there countless times but I still haven’t been out to the playa (frankly, I’m too scared to get a flat (or worse!).

    2. We stayed at The Ranch in Death Valley and really enjoyed our stay. Great place to explore and star gazing at night is incredible!

    3. Sadly we have not yet made it to Death Valley National Park. I actually had no idea there was so much to see and do in this amazing park. Stunning views and colours around the park. One day we will get there!

    4. Great guide! Iโ€™ve never been to Death Valley, but your tips and stunning photos have me excited to visit these amazing spots. Thanks for the inspiration!

    5. I had no idea there were so many things to see and do in Death Valley National Park. Really great, informational post.

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