One Day in Death Valley Itinerary: What to See & Do with Kids

Zabriskie Point

Just down Highway 190, is Zabriskie Point – a perfect introduction to Death Valley. Zabriskie Point offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the otherworldly landscapes that characterize the region. Zabriskie Point is a must-visit outlook, is stroller friendly, and you don’t have to spend a lot of time or exert too much effort to enjoy what it has to offer. Parking is available at the site, and we had no trouble securing a spot. However, it can get very crowded, so keep that in mind if visiting later in the morning or early afternoon or during particularly busy times. Restroom facilities are also accessible, but they are only vault toilets so prepare little ones in advance. I don’t recall a water spigot, so be prepared with full water bottles and extra just in case – especially if you are traveling during warm weather. The popularity of Zabriskie Point can attract crowds, and visitors seek out early morning sunrises or the evening sunset because of the stunning views.

The geological formations and vibrant colors of the Amargosa Range create a surreal backdrop, making Zabriskie Point a photographer’s paradise. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to catch a stunning family photo. This stop also offers a few informative signs to help turn the stop into an educational opportunity for families to learn about the unique geological history of Death Valley. It’s a perfect stop for all visitors to the park and one I wouldn’t miss.

Badwater Basin

Traveling to the south on Badwater Road for about 30 minutes brought us to Badwater Basin. Renowned as the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere at 282 feet below sea level, Badwater Basin offers a surreal landscape of expansive salt flats, stretching as far as the eye can see.

Kids will be amazed by the vastness of the salt flats, especially as they crunch across the textured deposits of salt and watch them glitter in the sun. Be sure to bring your cameras, because the photo ops here are out of this world! Because it rained only a day or two before we came, there was water in part of the basin and we weren’t able to see the complete polygon shapes. However, we still saw some pretty awesome salt deposits, had fun looking at the reflection of the surrounding mountains in the water, and took plenty of pictures.

Families can explore the area based on their particular abilities and interests. While the salt flats aren’t stroller or wheel-chair friendly, the “hike” is flat and little ones can easily walk around or be touted along in a carrier. It is about a 1.5-miles round-trip trek to the heart of the salt flats if you want to see the famous salt deposit shapes (if it isn’t covered by water!). This is a fantastic spot for families because kids can run around freely and not feel constricted to a specific trail. Just remember to be mindful of other visitors and respectful of the land.

Artists Palette

Traveling north, back towards Highway 190, you will see a turn-off for Artists Drive on your right (about 8 miles north from the Badwater Basin parking lot). As a side note: if you want to stop at Devils Golf Course, do so either on your way down to Badwater Basin or before hitting Artists Drive. The distance between the Devil’s Golf Course turn-off and the Badwater Basin parking lot is about 5.5. miles. We skipped Devil’s Golf Course because the road was not paved and driving our minivan on a bumpy road would have been very slow going. We knew it would only stress us out, so on we went to Artists Drive.

Artists Drive is a one-way loop that branches off Badwater Road and it is approximately 9 miles long. Just about halfway through the drive, you come upon the Artists Palette outlook and stop. There is a small parking lot, vault toilets, and lots of small canyons to explore. The contrast of the different colors of rock and sand is unlike anything we had seen previously, at least up close. This is another great stop with school-aged kids who can run around and play hide and seek or pretend to be explorers. The colors are supposed to be even more spectacular at sunrise or sunset. If you are staying in the park, this is very do-able, but probably will be a bit crowded during the busy season.

Furnace Creek Visitor Center

Even though we had already visited several of the main sites of Death Valley, a trip to the visitors center is still recommended. Once you get back onto Badwater Road from Artists Drive, head north (make a right) until it meets up with Highway 190, just under 5 miles. Make a left (west) and drive another mile or so until you reach the visitors center on your left. It should be said, there are several other areas you could potentially explore off Badwater Road. Consider exploring Desolation Canyon and/or Golden Canyon while in the area.

Once you reach the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, there is a small area with exhibits, a few grab-and-go food options, a gift shop, flush toilets, and helpful rangers. If your kids are participating in the Junior Ranger Program, you can get your books here (or online ahead of time) and get sworn in as Junior Rangers once they have been completed. Check the schedule as well and try and catch a ranger-led talk throughout the day. Fill up your water bottles, because you won’t have a chance at your next stop and you will want plenty of water, even in the winter.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

The largest dunes in California are a quick 20-30 minute drive northwest of the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. There are no set or defined hikes here, although the highest dune is about 1 mile from the parking lot. This is not stroller or wheelchair friendly, but as it is basically a giant sandbox, kids of all ages and abilities will love a visit. Just like most locations in Death Valley, there is no shade available so plan accordingly.

Once you get there you are pulled to keep going further into the dunes – wanting to climb to the next one, and then the next, and then the next. Go for it! But make sure you have the stamina and water because the hike back feels much longer. My kids loved trying to make sand castles (it had rained the day before so the sand was wetter than usual), running up and down the dunes, and rolling around in the sand. It’s a fun stop where you can really just be fun and not worry too much about running the experience for others – just don’t throw sand on them! And be prepared to find sand everywhere for a while…

Where to Go after Death Valley

With its relatively short proximity to Las Vegas, many may choose to do a day trip with Las Vegas as the start and end point. If that is the case you might want to consider doing the above itinerary in reverse order, putting the furthest activity first so you have a shorter drive on the way home when you are tired out from the day.

Alternatively, this itinerary works for one-way travel through the park. When we finished with Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, it was time to head to our final destination located in the Inland Empire of Southern California which took about 5 hours.

There are not many large cities for the first 4 hours driving west out of the park, but if you’re looking to visit the California coast or Sequoia National Park, a night in Bakersfield may be a good bet. It’s not a glamorous town, but big enough to have plenty of food, hotel, and store options to prep you for the next leg of your journey.

If Los Angeles is your goal, look to Santa Clarita (close to Six Flags Magic Mountain if theme parks appeal!) or push on another 30-60 minutes to get closer to Los Angeles proper. That drive will most likely feel long, so keep that in mind when choosing your evening destination.

Lastly, if you are eyeing San Diego and you aren’t up for a 6+ hour drive, a stop in Riverside might be a good fit. Just be warned – you will drive through El Cajon Pass which can get bogged down with traffic in the evenings or when there are high winds or extreme weather. This is also the case if headed to Riverside, Palm Springs, or Orange County.

Wherever you land, make sure it has soft beds and good showers so you can clean up and rest well from a great day at Death Valley.

Best Time to Visit Death Valley

We traveled to Death Valley in mid-December and the weather could not have been better. Death Valley is known for its extreme heat in the summer, but the winter months are actually quite pleasant. The average high during winter is 67°F (19°C) and the average low 40°F (4°C).

So, you can expect mild days and cool nights during the winter in Death Valley. However, it’s important to remember that the temperatures can vary depending on the elevation. For example, the higher elevations in the park will be cooler than the lower elevations.

Here are some tips for planning your winter trip to Death Valley:

• Bring layers of clothing so you can adjust to the changing temperatures.
• Be sure to wear sunscreen, even in the winter, as the sun can be strong.
• Drink plenty of water, as the desert air is dry.
• Be aware of the potential for flash floods, which can occur in the desert during the winter months during or after rains.

Spring and Fall are also popular times to visit Death Valley. From March to May you can expect temperatures ranging from the 50s to the 80s, and in late March through early April you have the best bet at catching wildfower season. September to November will have similar temperatures, but late summer can bring periodic rainstorms and accompanying flash floods.

If you are considering a visit to Death Valley during the summer, think twice. While it claims the “hottest place on Earth” title, this isn’t just bragging rights. With average highs soaring above 115°F (46.1°C) and lows barely dipping below 90°F (32.2°C), even stepping outside becomes an ordeal.

Where to Stay in Death Valley

There are three main options we considered when we started looking to visit Death Valley: Las Vegas, Pahrump, or within the park.

Staying in Las Vegas with a day trip to Death Valley

While there will be significant drive time, a day trip from Las Vegas to Death Valley is certainly doable. A round-trip drive from the Las Vegas Strip to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center will take about 4.5 hours. Add in a few hours of drive time between major sites, and you will want to make sure you have a good audiobook on hand. Several companies run day tours that may be worth the price tag simply for the fact that you don’t have to worry about any of the driving. Navigation is relatively simple if you are visiting the sites above, but long hours behind the steering wheel can get tiring.

Getting Around Death Valley

Unless you take a tour, you will need a personal vehicle to get around Death Valley. If you stick to the above itinerary, any reliable vehicle will get you where you want to go. however, if you are staying longer or want to explore the more rugged parts of the park, a vehicle with 4-wheel drive or off-roading capabilities may be needed.

Words of Advice for Visiting Death Valley

• Download Offline Map
• Bring water + more water
• Sunscreen is a must, a hat recommended
• Things can get costly, so consider packing a lunch and gassing up in Pahrump

FAQs

Where is Death Valley located?

Death Valley stretches out along the border of California and Nevada, nestled between the Panamint Range to the west and the Black Mountains to the east. The Furnace Creek Visitors Center is approximately 2 hours from Las Vegas, 5 hours from Los Angeles, and 6 hours from San Diego.

How many days do I need in Death Valley?

The above itinerary can easily be done in one day, but I would recommend 2 nights and 3 days to explore Death Valley more in-depth.

Where can I eat in Death Valley?

Eating options in Death Valley range from quick bites to fine dining, with something to satisfy every budget and taste. Here are a few highlights:

• The Oasis at Death Valley: There are several eating options at this location close to Furnace Creek: The Inn Dining Room (more formal dining), Last Kind Words Saloon (lunch, dinner, and drinks), 1849 Restaurant (buffet style), and an ice cream parlor. Expect premium prices and book reservations ahead of time if you can.
• Furnace Creek Visitors Center: During operating hours, there are some grab-and-go lunch selections to help tide you over until dinner.
• Stovepipe Wells Village:  Toll Road Restaurant is located close to the Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Tips:

• Be sure to check restaurant hours, as some may have limited operating times.
• Bring plenty of water, especially when exploring during the hot days.
• Consider packing snacks and drinks if you’re on a tight budget or staying in remote areas.

How much money do I need for one day in Death Valley? 

Beyond the entrance fee of $30, you won’t need any more money to enjoy what the part has to offer. There is a gift shop at the visitors center, and the restaurants in the park are on the pricier side. We were able to spend the day without spending a dime, thanks to the 4th grade parks pass.