What to do in Furnace Creek, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

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A sign for Furnace Creek Ranch with palm trees and a vintage wagon in the foreground.
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Furnace Creek Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Furnace Creek has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Furnace Creek, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Furnace Creek with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Furnace Creek

Furnace Creek is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Furnace Creek, and make it a breeze to explore Furnace Creek and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Furnace Creek to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Furnace Creek, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Furnace Creek.

Furnace Creek attractions

Furnace Creek has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Furnace Creek to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Furnace Creek.

Looking for things to do in Furnace Creek can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Furnace Creek or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Furnace Creek attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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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3. 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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4. 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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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. Harmony Borax Works

The story of boom-time prosperity begins at Harmony Borax Works, a historic ore-processing plant in Death Valley National Park. Explore the preserved remains of the old refinery and learn about the region’s mining history. See an example of the 20-mule team wagons that became icons for the industry.
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7. Borax Museum

Get a glimpse of the past when you visit the outdoor exhibits of the Borax Museum at the Oasis at Death Valley, previously known as the Furnace Creek Resort. The privately owned museum has information and artifacts explaining why pioneers flocked to Death Valley in the 19th century and how they mined the rich mineral deposits that characterize the region. Check out historic mining equipment that was used for the gathering and processing of borate minerals.
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8. Salt Creek Trailhead

The Salt Creek Trail comprises a 1-mile (1.6-kilomter) wooden boardwalk loop over a rare sight of water in Death Valley National Park. The salty creek provides a welcome change from the vast arid bowl surrounding it. Enjoy the views of the water, with a backdrop of the park’s dramatic mountains.
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9. Dante's View

For some of the best vantage points in Death Valley National Park, head to Dante’s View. See Death Valley unfold before you from atop the popular viewpoint, which is located on the northeastern side of Coffin Peak along the crest of the Black Mountains.
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What to do in Furnace Creek


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Day trip destinations from Furnace Creek

Frequently asked questions

Is Furnace Creek worth visiting?
Whether you're here to discover the cultural hotspots and local charm or sample unique foods and go on outdoor adventures, there are many things to do in Furnace Creek.
How do I spend a day in Furnace Creek?
Zabriskie Point and Furnace Creek Visitor Centre are two excellent places to begin your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to check out the retail and dining options in Furnace Creek while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Furnace Creek?
Don't leave without visiting Badwater, rated the top tourist attraction in Furnace Creek.
Is three days enough to stay in Furnace Creek?
You can easily enjoy popular sights like Zabriskie Point, Artists Palette and Furnace Creek Golf Course with a three-day break in Furnace Creek. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a little longer and check out Death Valley.
What are some activities to do in Furnace Creek with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or playful teenagers, a fun-filled itinerary is the key to a stress-free getaway. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Furnace Creek with kids.

What to do in Furnace Creek for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Furnace Creek, with activities for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Harmony Borax Works.
Are there free things to do in Furnace Creek?
In Furnace Creek, Golden Canyon is a popular spot for anyone wishing to experience the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the local parks and neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a great way to learn about the best free things to do in Furnace Creek.