20 Fun & Best Things to Do in Death Valley National Park

Sounds appealing, doesn’t it? If you can get past the name, Death Valley National Park is one of the wildest experiences in the western United States. The brave visitors who make their way into this California desert are in for a truly surreal landscape and potentially a very hot afternoon.

Death Valley is the largest national park in the mainland US, and one can easily spend three or more days exploring its dirt roads and hiking trails. The lowest point in the country sits below the sand dunes and rocky mountaintops, and ghost towns dot the desolate countryside. The unique natural features of this valley can create an other-worldly atmosphere, to the point that films like Star Wars have been filmed here.

However, one of Death Valley’s most famous claims to fame is the fact that the hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth was measured within it. It was 134 degrees Fahrenheit in July of 1913! If that sounds like something you need to experience, summer is your season – but if you’re an air-conditioning lover, stick to winter and spring.

There is quite an extensive amount of things to do in Death Valley National Park, many of them being hikes and outdoor activities. However, even the less adventurous can take in the natural beauty of this place, as the various viewpoints and attractions are often just along the roads.

Whether you have a few hours or a few days to explore Death Valley National Park, you’ll find plenty to do. Read on to see what you won’t want to miss and everything you need to know.

TL;DR

• Most significant landmark – Badwater Basin
• Best free activity – Rhyolite Ghost Town
• Best activity for kids – Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
• Best activity for adults – Devils Golf Course
• Best food – Last Kind Words Saloon & Steakhouse
• Best nightlife – Stargazing at places like Dante’s View or Ubehebe Crater
• Best all-around accommodation – The Ranch at Death Valley

Best & Fun Things to do in Death Valley National Park

When visiting Death Valley, keep in mind that cell service will rarely be available. Grab a National Park Service map before venturing out into the desert, just to be safe. Once you have that, look for some of the Death Valley things to do from our list below!

1. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

Let’s start with something that you might think of as typical in a scorching-hot desert: sand dunes. The Mesquite Flat Dunes are a top…