What to do in Death Valley, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

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A sign about moving rocks in Death Valley National Park, California, with a view of a rocky trail and mountains in the background.
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Ancient stone ruins with a mountain backdrop.
A signboard with an illustration of a crater and text about the Death Valley National Park.

Death Valley Attractions

You're ready to set sail in a new direction. Constantly in search of expanding your horizons and innovative ways to get inspired, you're prepared to discover new territory like the expert traveller you are. Up next: Death Valley! It's not hard to fill an itinerary, because Expedia makes it easy to book tons of things to do. Reserve your activities today, and the only thing you'll have left to do is pack your trunk and prepare to have fun.

  • Book your favourite tour on Expedia at an ideal value, and you will still have money for a fancy hotel or upscale meal while you are travelling. The things to do in Death Valley aren't only among the best, but they won't cost an arm and a leg. We have things to do here, and you can make them yours beginning at .
  • Death Valley is popular among sightseers like you. In fact, a good percentage of travellers can't wait for the next trip to this city to dive into local culture and find the top activities. The most booked things to do can catch the enthusiasm of even seasoned travellers, and that includes savvy visitors like you. Our activities includes an impressive array of entertainment and excitement. With one-of-a kind ways to check out the best this area has to give like a Death Valley Tour, there are plenty of selections at your disposal when you check out the activities list here at Expedia.

You'll want an expert itinerary to best get the feel for Death Valley, especially when you want to pack in lots of exciting activities. And we know you don't want to hunker down in your hotel room遥ou're ready to get out and see what life is like for locals. You can hardly wait to cover the top activities around, and a quiet day exploring local neighbourhoods is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Our activities are the ideal way to organise your trip. Book guided tours on Expedia, and there will be no need to worry about looking at a map.

Things to do


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Top places to visit

1. Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is the continental United States’ largest park. It’s also the hottest, driest and lowest. Despite harsh conditions, the park’s more than 3 million acres (1.3 million hectares) aren’t simply desert plains. Find mountains, canyons, sand dunes, extinct volcanic craters and even palm trees and wildflowers.
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2. Furnace Creek Visitor Center

The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is a useful resource and jumping-off point for exploring the surrounding Death Valley National Park. Drop in to the visitor center’s adjoining museum and learn about the region’s cultural and natural history before heading off on your adventure around the park. Join ranger-led tours, watch an informative film about the park or pick up maps and brochures so that you can plan your journey.
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A sign for the Furnace Creek Visitor Center with a desert landscape in the background.

3. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes is a spectacular natural phenomenon in the heart of Death Valley. It consists of dunes 100 feet (30 meters) high that offer unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains. Notice the ever-changing patterns carved into this sandy landscape.
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Sand dunes with sparse vegetation and mountains in the background.

4. Badwater

Snow-white crystals of salt fill the immense pan of Badwater Basin, a crater-like salt flat in the middle of the valley. Flanked by dusky-pink mountain ranges and purple-hued ridges, Badwater Basin is a dreamlike destination. Explore the moonscape saltpan on foot for the chance to say you’ve walked across the lowest point in North America, at 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level.
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5. Zabriskie Point

Look out across the colorful sculpted landscape at the foothills of the Black Mountains from Zabriskie Point. Enjoy the vast scene of undulating badlands, which ripple across mudhills, gullies and mountains. In the distance, notice the gleaming white expanse of saltpans in the main valley. Made famous by the Antonioni-directed film of the same name, Zabriskie Point is a dramatic introduction to Death Valley National Park when entering from the east.
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6. Artists Palette

The Artist’s Palette is a remarkable rock formation in Death Valley National Park. Admire the spectrum of colors appearing on this rock face, and watch as they shift depending on the angle of the sun. The phenomenon is the fascinating result of explosive volcanic periods millions of years ago, which can be traced in the formation’s extraordinary painted appearance and unique geological makeup.
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7. Racetrack Playa

Racetrack Playa is a remarkable dry lakebed in the heart of a remote valley. The area is renowned for its rugged beauty and eerie landscapes, hemmed in by the Cottonwood and Last Chance mountain ranges. Drive around the awe-inspiring Racetrack Valley to reach the lakebed and discover formations, such as the Grandstand. Despite its immense size, the Racetrack Playa is extremely flat, which has allowed some spooky phenomena to occur. Explore the lakebed to solve the mystery of the “sailing stones.”
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8. Devil's Golf Course

The Devil’s Golf Course is a landmark site in the mystical Mojave Desert. According to the National Park Service guidebook in 1934, the surface is so rough that “only the devil could play golf” on it. Marvel at the expansive saltpan, one of the key features of Death Valley National Park and a fascinating example of the region’s otherworldly landscape.
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Recommended things to do in Death Valley

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Top 5 things to do
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What to do in Death Valley


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Day trip destinations from Death Valley

Frequently asked questions

Is Death Valley worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor adventures and history, there are plenty of fun things to do in Death Valley. Make sure to discover the area's blend of cool sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Death Valley?
After you've visited major attractions like Aguereberry Point and Devil's Golf Course, spend the rest of your day enjoying the retail and food options in Death Valley.
What is the top tourist attraction in Death Valley?
Devil's Golf Course is one of the top tourist attractions in Death Valley and deserves a spot on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Death Valley?
Three days in Death Valley is more than enough to visit the city's main highlights. Many travellers stay for two days on average. Devil's Golf Course, Goldwell Open Air Museum and Aguereberry Point are among the most popular sights. Want to see more? Stick around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots like Furnace Creek.
What are some activities to do in Death Valley with kids?
Planning what to do in Death Valley with kids has never been easier. Whether you're getting away with toddlers or teenagers, there are many family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained here.
What to do in Death Valley for adults?
Adults of all ages will have lots of things to do in Death Valley. Whether you're into history, art, outdoor activities or just love finding new places to explore, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Death Valley?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around exciting neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Death Valley. If you need inspiration, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Goldwell Open Air Museum is a top spot for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing activities.