Blake Walsh

15 Free Things to Do in Victorville, CA

  • Published 2022/12/16

In San Bernardino County, California, Victorville is an exemplary historic city with museums and landmarks.

Named after Jacob Victor, this city in Southern California was incorporated in 1962.

This city’s creation resulted from the construction of the railroad station in the area.

When the city became famous for producing limestone and granite products, its cement manufacturing industry thrived, the leader in the Victor Valley.

Now, Victorville excels as a scenic retreat with its picturesque mountain vistas, national parks, and other outdoor and indoor recreation spots.

On top of that, it’s also where many major films were shot, including Kill Bill: Volume 2 and Lethal Weapon.

This city is the right destination if you’re on a tight budget but still want to explore the Southern California area.

Here are the free things to do in Victorville, California, to get you started on your affordable retreat into this charming city.

Expand Your Railroad Knowledge at the California Route 66 Museum

Exterior of The California Route 66 Museum

Carl DeAbreu Photography / Shutterstock.com

To refresh your knowledge of history, the California Route 66 Museum has lots of exciting surprises for you.

Since the incorporation of US Highway 66 in 1926, the route has become a significant landmark for many residents, tourists, and interpreters.

This route represented American freedom and hope to many people, including author John Steinbeck.

The California Route 66 Museum’s goal is to bring the significance of the Mother Road to the public consciousness.

Facade of The California Route 66 Museum

Angel DiBilio / Shutterstock.com

This interactive museum spans approximately 4,500 square feet and features a diverse set of attractions relating to the road.

Travel back in time with a 50s set diner exhibition and a view of a 1917 model T Ford.

Look through unusual booths, memorabilia, and other artifacts for free!

You can find the California Route 66 Museum on D Street.

Take a Stroll along Sunset Ridge Park

Sunset Ridge Park is your best outdoor recreation choice for the whole family on the corner of Topaz and Eucalyptus Street.

If you’ve got athletes or aspiring ones in your family, this park isn’t only a relaxing spot to destress but also where they can practice their skills.

Sunset Ridge Park is suitable for sports-oriented individuals.

Thanks to lighted softball fields and expansive volleyball and basketball courts, you can find enjoyment with a few friendly matches.

The ample space of the park is also perfect for strolling and running, whether by yourself or with someone else.

What are you waiting for?

Take a Scenic Bike Ride along Victorville Mojave Riverwalk

Do you need the motivation to experience the outdoors while on vacation in Victorville?

The 7.2-kilometer Victorville Mojave Riverwalk may push you to explore nature and improve your physical fitness.

This route generally takes over an hour or more to complete, enough time for you to bask in landscape and scenery.

Established in 2019, this route connects to other Class II bike routes that zigzag all over Old Town Victorville.

Gear up and prepare your bike for riding all over Victorville Mojave Riverwalk.

If you prefer to walk or hike, you may do so, too!

Victorville Mojave Riverwalk is dog-friendly so that you can enjoy the solitude with your favorite furry friend.

This walk starts on Bear Valley Road and ends in Mojave Narrows.

View the Water Demonstration Garden at Center Street Park

Center Street Park has made history as the first park in the city to have a water-saving demonstration garden.

The park promotes water-saving gardens and is a recreational spot with an open field and shaded picnic benches.

Its demonstration garden comes with an informational guide on water-wise landscapes and plant species living within it.

This allows visitors to study irrigation techniques, hardscapes, and helpful garden design ideas.

There are also picnic areas at Center Street Park you can relax after you explore the grounds.

See the Kneeling Soldier at Old Town Victorville Veterans Memorial

Daytime view of the Old Town Victorville Veterans Memorial

Marc, City of Victorville, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Victorville’s historical past is most often reflected in its museums and galleries.

However, one unique monument, the Kneeling Soldier in Old Town Victorville Veterans Memorial, tells a story that spans many centuries.

Old Town Victorville Veterans Memorial, located on 7th Street, has stood since 1996.

The kneeling soldier on top of a block serves as the memorial’s centerpiece.

Sculpted into the block’s sides is a poem by Felix G. Diaz entitled “We Remember.”

This monument stands in a compact plaza surrounded by luscious green spaces.

It is a great spot to reflect on life and pay your respects to the several men and women who’ve given up their lives to defend America.

Relax in the Shade at Avalon Park

If you’re in Victorville during summer, Avalon Park offers excellent shade and a refreshing spot to battle the heat without staying indoors.

Beyond a community park, Avalon Park is also a testament to how one community’s valiant efforts can create a positive ripple effect for years to come.

In 2010, locals and volunteers helped build the playground at this park.

You may also see a golf disc course layout and a basketball court.

Enjoy the time of your life at Avalon Park on Avalon Avenue!

Hike the Paseo Trails at Brentwood Park

Brentwood Park is not your average park adventure.

This park, on Hook Boulevard, comes with vast open space and multi-use trails for aspiring outdoor explorers.

Gather your group for a few games and soccer matches on the open field.

You can grill your barbecues and share a meal with your companions at the covered picnic corner.

However, the best of all amenities is Brentwood Park’s paseo trails.

These trails connect to the surrounding community and are perfect for slow walks or biking challenges.

Bring Your Friends to the Disc Golf Course at Doris Davies Park

Doris Davies Park is the complete package for your high-class Victorville park experience.

Previously known as Pebble Beach Park, this park is the home of the Bad News Bears sports field and the activity buildings of Bears Den.

To take advantage of this park’s offerings, go for a free round at its nine-hole disc golf course.

Other amenities include an outdoor fitness area, fields for spontaneous games and matches, and a swimming pool.

Drive down Hughes Road to reach Doris Davies Park.

Take a Photo with Santa at the Mall of Victor Valley

Exterior of The Mall of Victor Valley

Felipe Sanchez / Shutterstock.com

American history isn’t the only thing awaiting you in Victorville.

When the holiday season begins, Santa Claus welcomes you and your little ones to his winter wonderland at the Mall of Victor Valley.

Your little ones can interact with Santa and even take pictures with him!

Though photo packages may come with a fee, meeting him is free.

Entrance doors of The Mall of Victor Valley

Felipe Sanchez / Shutterstock.com

You can also pre-book your kid’s spot and get them a free personalized call from Santa.

Is your little one ready to share their Christmas wishlist with Santa?

The well-known shopping center Mall of Victor Valley is on Bear Valley Road.

Cinemark at The Mall of Victor Valley

Felipe Sanchez / Shutterstock.com

Play Ball Games at Eagle Ranch Park

You and your family are in for a beautiful outdoor surprise at Eagle Ranch Parkway.

Eagle Ranch Park offers a peaceful retreat from downtown Victorville’s busy streets.

This 6.5-acre park has a ballpark and a volleyball court that are wide enough to make any game with your loved ones memorable.

Its open field features well-maintained grass and a peak into the Victorville skyline that’s just as beautiful no matter the season.

For your kids’ enjoyment, play equipment is within the park premises.

The paseos on Eagle Ranch Park also offer a scenic adventure for you whether you go with your bike or on foot.

Enjoy Live Entertainment at the Annual Fall Festival

The annual Fall Festival is a unique Victorville event you should try at least once.

This festival greets the fall season every October, strengthening community connections and involvement.

The best part is you are free to attend every time!

Bring your child and watch them have the best time at the Kid Zone attractions.

Listen to reggae, hip-hop, and other music genres as local bands and artists serenade you from the main stage.

Head to Civic Drive, right in front of City Hall, to explore the Fall Festival attractions.

Pack a Picnic at Las Haciendas Park

It’s time for a rustic park experience when you visit Las Haciendas Park on Papago Place.

This newest park in Victorville offers your traditional playground, sports court, and picnic areas.

Beyond that, it’s got an innovative design you’d want to take photos of.

Its padded play area is an ideal safe zone for kids, even with its aesthetically pleasing climbing rocks.

Las Haciendas Park’s picnic area also has a shaded pavilion and wooden benches for your unique family gathering and quick snack breaks.

Other Things to Do Nearby

If you’ve explored everything in Victorville, open up your list for the following free activities in nearby cities.

Check Out the Art Bottle Collection at Elmer Long’s Bottle Tree Ranch

Signage at Elmer Long’s Bottle Tree Ranch

gabriel12 / Shutterstock.com

San Bernardino County has a decent amount of unusual but entertaining sites you can visit for free.

One is Elmer Long’s Bottle Tree Ranch, on National Trails Highway in Oro Grande, California, 14 minutes from Victorville.

This Oro Grande pitstop has attracted many visitors because it collected bottle art creations shaped like tree branches.

Daytime view of Elmer Long’s Bottle Tree Ranch

Carl DeAbreu Photography / Shutterstock.com

Though the creator, Elmer Long, passed away in 2019, his legacy remains in Elmer Long’s Bottle Tree Ranch.

Watch bottles sparkle with a million different colors under the blazing sun.

This tourist attraction is also a great advocate for recycling.

It will only take you less than a quarter of an hour to reach the ranch if you drive from downtown Victorville.

Colorful bottles at Elmer Long’s Bottle Tree Ranch

gabriel12 / Shutterstock.com

Browse Historical Artifacts and Collections at Harrison Exhibit Center

In the neighboring city of Hesperia, California, prepare for an immersive educational tour around the city’s past at Harrison Exhibit Center.

This small museum houses various artifacts and documents from the stone age to the most successful years of Hesperia.

Learn the story of the Native American settlers within the city and the railroad past of the city.

Talk with Griz, the resident historian, and expand your knowledge with only one visit.

Harrison Exhibit Center is on Main Street.

If you are traveling from Victorville, it will only take you more or less 15 minutes to reach this center.

Learn about Historical Apple Valley at Apple Valley Legacy Museum

Outside Victorville, there’s always an opportunity to learn more about American history.

Apple Valley Legacy Museum ensures you get an accurate historical presentation free of charge!

This museum on Highway 18 details Apple Valley’s beginnings with exhibit collections and displays.

Established in 2015, it has also become home to many community programs and events, including parades, steak fries, and ho-downs.

After only a ten-minute trip from Victorville, you will reach the Apple Valley Legacy Museum and satisfy your historical yearnings.

Final Thoughts

The city of Victorville and all its glorious recreational sites is one travel destination you would want to experience.

From community parks to annual festivals, Victorville’s free activities can make your stay even more worthwhile.

While you bond with your family on your trip, you can rest assured that you won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

Save this list of the free things to do in Victorville, California, on your phone for future reference!

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