Palmdale

History

In 1933, the U. S. government established Muroc Air Base (from an original founder's name, Effie Corum, spelled backwards), now known as Edwards Air Force Base. They also bought Palmdale Airport in 1952 and established an aerospace development and testing facility called United States Air Force Plant 42. One year later, in 1953, Lockheed established a facility at the airport. After this point in time, the aerospace industry took over as the primary local source of employment, where it has remained ever since. Today, it's known as the "Aerospace Capital of America", where many of the aircraft used in the United States military are built and tested.

By car

Palmdale is about 70 miles north of Downtown Los Angeles off of California State Highway 14, the Antelope Valley Freeway. The A.V. Freeway is the area's principal north - south route. The other end of CA-14 to the North connects Reno, Nevada to the Palmdale area via US Highway 395.
California State Highway 138 is the principal east - west route and connects the Inland Empire (Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario) and the "Grapevine" area of Interstate 5 to the Palmdale area.
California State Highway 18 connects the Victor Valley area to the Palmdale area via CA-138.

By plane

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operates the Los Angeles Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) at its site near Plant 42 at Avenue P and 25th Street East. However, the

Palmdale Regional Airporthas no scheduled passenger airline service.

The next closest airport is Bob Hope Airport (BUR) in Burbank, approximately one hour's drive to the south, and is served by most major carriers.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Ontario International Airport (ONT), and Bakersfield Meadows Field (BFL) are all approximately the same distance away timewise, assuming no traffic.
LAX has the most travel options and is generally the least expensive, but is significantly crowded and has many a long line in addition to the excessive traffic one must usually contend with to get to/from the airport.
Ontario will be much less crowded and easier to use. Traffic can be bad at times, but not nearly as bad as LAX.
Bakersfield is also an easy to use, uncrowded airport like Ontario, but has less flight options and is also generally more expensive, however, there is little to no traffic problems reaching BFL.
If you are willing to drive really far (90-120 miles), Long Beach Municipal Airport (LGB) and John Wayne International (SNA) may also be used as alternates.
There are a couple of shuttle bus companies that operate daily from Palmdale to LAX, costing approximately $70 one way:

• Antelope Valley Airport Express, +1 661 945-2529.
• On Time Airport Super Shuttle, +1-800-372-3372.

By train

• Palmdale Transportation Centerdaily rail service to Los Angeles area destinations via Metrolink, a commuter rail line. The center is also served by Amtrak California, the national passenger rail carrier, using its Thruway Bus service. It is the metropolitan area's mass-transit hub.

• Vincent-Grade/Acton Metrolink stationserves southernmost Palmdale and nearby Acton with commuter rail service to/from Los Angeles. Its on the same Metrolink line as Palmdale Transportation Center

Other than coming to or leaving town, rail service is not particularly used in this area as there are only 2 stations serving Palmdale and 1 more in nearby Lancaster.

By bus

Greyhound Bus Lines serves the Palmdale Transportation Center daily.
The Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA) has daily commuter bus lines that connect to the Palmdale Transportation Center from various areas in Los Angeles. The AVTA is also the operator of the city's public bus system.
Santa Clarita Transit has a daily commuter bus line that runs to the Palmdale Transportation Center from the nearby city of Santa Clarita.

By bus

Palmdale has a local city bus system, operated by the Antelope Valley Transit Authority. These buses operate on most major thoroughfares throughout the metropolitan area and arrive on average of every 15 to 20 minutes. There are 2 major transfer centers in the city for switching bus lines, one at the Antelope Valley Mall and the primary one at the Palmdale Transportation Center. Santa Clarita Transit is the nearby city of Santa Clarita's public bus system and it offers connecting bus service from the PTC as well. Greyhound Bus also serves the Palmdale Transportation Center.

By taxi

Palmdale has taxi services by several companies. However, these taxis must always be called ahead of time, they are rarely in a position to be flagged down like in New York City or Los Angeles. If you plan on using a taxi service when arriving at Palmdale Regional Airport, there is a pay phone in the terminal that can be used to call them.

• El Taxi en Espanol (661) 266-2255
• Southland Yellow Cab (661) 723-2227

By car

Palmdale has most of the major rental car companies present. If arriving at Palmdale Regional Airport, there is a phone available to contact the rental car companies. The rental car companies do not have lots on the airport site, but they will come and pick you up from the airport and take you to the rental car facility. They will also likewise return you to the airport in the same manner.

• Avis (661) 945-5825
• Budget (661) 273-8140 or (661) 266-0662
• Dollar (661) 945-1869
• Enterprise (661) 274-2585 or (661) 266-0334
• Hertz (661) 540-0889 or (661) 948-5496

Aerospace and flight

• Blackbird Air Park

  phone: +1 661 274-0884
  address: 2503 E. Avenue P
  Actually, two museums adjacent to Plant 42, the classified USAF manufacturing plant, also used by NASA. The Blackbird Airpark Museum is an extension of the AFFT Museum at Edwards AFB, while the Joe Davies Heritage Airpark (formerly Palmdale Plant 42 Heritage Airpark) is operated by the municipality. Both are manned by retirees who had previously worked in the aerospace industry, some actually having worked on the aircraft displayed at the two parks. All of the aircraft have been carefully restored for public display. View and walk around retired SR-71A (Blackbird), A-12 and U-2 aircraft.

Live entertainment & festivals

• Palmdale AmphitheaterLocated at Marie Kerr Park on the western side of the city, is a 10,000 seat outdoor amphitheater, featuring the Starlight Concert Series hosting many world famous performers on evenings in the summer.

• The Palmdale Fall FestivalAn annual festival said to be one of the best in California and held every October at Marie Kerr Park.

• The Palmdale Jazz & Wine FestivalAn annual event held in September at the Palmdale Amphitheater.

• Palmdale Playhouse and Art Gallery

• Thursday Night on the SquareFeatures an outside market, live entertainment, various arts and crafts, refreshments, and children's activities on Thursday nights in the summer.

Local experience, culture & museums

• Palmdale Civic CenterThe location of the Poncitlan Square and the Larry Chimbole Cultural Center downtown.

• Joe Davies Heritage Airpark at Palmdale Plant 42And the next-door Air Force Flight Test Center Museum's Blackbird Airpark Annex show off displays of various aircraft built or tested at Palmdale Air Force Plant 42.

• Palmdale Playhouse and Art Gallery

• Palmdale SchoolhouseAt McAdam Park is the only remaining building of the original village of Palmenthal in the late 1800s.

Outdoors, nature, camping & recreation

• Big Rock Creek CampA camping area near Devil's Punchbowl southeast of the city.

• Joshua Ranch TrailA natural preservation area, temporarily closed due to a housing development under construction.

• Littlerock Dam and Recreation AreaSoutheast of the city, is a county operated park with a public use lake and several campsites.

• Saddleback Butte State ParkLocated in the buttes north of Lake Los Angeles to the northeast of the city, the park has a small camping area. It is known to be an ideal location for late night stargazing and viewing meteor showers on clear nights.

Sports

Baseball/Softball

• Best Of The West Softball ComplexRegularly hosts various state and national softball tournaments.

Bowling

• Brunswick Vista LanesIs located on 30th Street East near Palmdale Blvd.

• Brunswick Sands BowlIs located on Sierra Highway north of Avenue L.

Golf

• Rancho Vista Golf CourseIs Palmdale's only PGA class golf course.

• Antelope Valley Country ClubAnother major golf course which requires club membership to play.

• Desert Aire Golf CourseLocated near the eastern side of the city.

Skiing

• Mountain HighA ski resort in nearby Wrightwood, southeast of the city.

Youth activities

• Dry Town Water Park

  phone: +1 661 267-6161
  On Avenue S is open each summer from May to September, it has water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river.

• Hammack Activity Center and Roller Hockey RinkA family-friendly facility providing various activities for youth.

Palmdale has many of the stores found in the typical middle-class cities across the United States. Most of these stores are found at the intersection of Rancho Vista Blvd. and 10th Street West in and around the Antelope Valley Mall. There is also another heavy retail shopping cooridor growing on 47th Street East at Avenue S. The third main shopping area is located along Palmdale Blvd. between 17th Street East and 30th Street East.
As far as shopping unique to Palmdale, there really isn't any. You may find local area postcards in some of the stores like Wal-Mart or Target, but that's about as far as it goes.

Palmdale has eateries to satisfy any palate. Most of the food establishments are located at the intersection of Rancho Vista Blvd. and 10th Street West near the Antelope Valley Mall, or along Palmdale Blvd. between 20th and 30th Streets East.
Where multiple restaurants of the same name are mentioned, they are listed in order of distance from the city center where all hotels are located.

American & BBQ

• Bakers Square

  phone: +1 661 273-1020
  address: 350 W. Palmdale Blvd

• Cascades Grill

  phone: +1 661 272-9082
  address: 3905 Club Rancho Dr

• Country Cafe

  phone: +1 661 273-3082
  address: 2211 E. Palmdale Blvd

• Greenhouse Cafe

  phone: +1 661 272-8866
  address: 1233 W. Rancho Vista Blvd

• Pines Cafe

  address: 4343 Pearblossom Highway

• Schooner Saloon Restaurant

  phone: +1 661 947-3006
  address: 38417 20th Street East

• Steer N' Stein

  phone: +1 661 274-2311
  address: 2162 E. Palmdale Blvd

• Ten West Bar & Grill

  phone: +1 661 273-9764
  address: 40420 10th Street West

• Texas Cattle Company

  phone: +1 661 273-6642
  address: 1233 W. Rancho Vista Blvd

• Vincent Hill Station

  phone: +1 661 272-4799
  address: 553 Sierra Highway

Chinese

• China Garden

  phone: +1 661 272-9913
  address: 2321 E. Avenue S

• China Palace

  phone: +1 661 273-7481
  address: 232 E. Palmdale Blvd

• Lucky Star

  phone: +1 661 273-0943
  address: 38414 Division St

• Mr. Wok

  phone: +1 661 947-3138
  address: 3025 E. Avenue S

• Nopgow Chinese Restaurant West

  phone: +1 661 273-0875
  address: 39522 10th Street West

• Nopgow Chinese Restaurant East

  phone: +1 661 538-0590
  address: 2551 E. Avenue S

• Phoenix Inn

  phone: +1 661 265-9988
  address: 2250 E. Palmdale Blvd

• Something to Eat

  phone: +1 661 274-8838
  address: 39224 10th Street West

Greek

• Mediterranean Delight

  phone: +1 661 273-1128
  address: 1233 W. Rancho Vista Blvd

Hawaiian

• L&L Hawaiian Barbeque

  phone: +1 661 538-0500
  address: 39438 Trade Center Dr

• Q&Q Hawaiian Barbeque

  phone: +1 661 265-8889
  address: 39445 10th Street West

Indian

• Malhi's Family Indian Cuisine

  phone: +1 661 947-4400
  address: 39256 10th Street West

Italian

• Eduardo's Italian Restaurant

  phone: +1 661 273-0955
  address: 819 W. Palmdale Blvd

• Me & Ed's Pizzeria

  phone: +1 661 266-8570
  address: 39202 10th Street West

Japanese & sushi

• Big Tuna

  phone: +1 661 273-9966
  address: 39409 10th Street West

• Geisha Japanese Restaurant

  phone: +1 661 266-2202
  address: 120 E. Palmdale Blvd

• Shogun Sushi

  phone: +1 661-947-5557
  address: 828 E. Avenue Q-6

• Shogun Teriyaki

  phone: +1 661 947-0629
  address: 1233 W. Rancho Vista Blvd

• Tokyo Steakhouse

  phone: +1 661 538-1578
  address: 2106 E. Palmdale Blvd

• Tokyo Sushi

  phone: +1 661 272-1219
  address: 2211 E. Palmdale Blvd

• Uozumi Restaurant

  phone: +1 661 274-7777
  address: 38575 6th Street East

Mexican

• Don Juan's Mexican Cantina

  phone: +1 661 947-7166
  address: 38350 30th Street East

• El Dorado Restaurant & Bar

  phone: +1 661 947-7611
  address: 2072 E. Palmdale Blvd

• El Torito

  phone: +1 661 274-4502
  address: 1161 W. Rancho Vista Blvd

• El Toreo West

  phone: +1 661 273-4050
  address: 38801 10th Street West

• El Toreo East

  phone: +1 661 266-8496
  address: 3025 E. Avenue S

• Los Arco's Mexican Food

  phone: +1 661 267-0298
  address: 3115 W. Rancho Vista Blvd

• Medrano's Mexican Restaurant

  phone: +1 661 272-0335
  address: 1823 E. Palmdale Blvd

• Sharky's Mexican Grill

  phone: +1 661 273-4713
  address: 39532 10th Street West

• Speedy Joes Mexican Restaurant

  phone: +1 661 266-9625
  address: 40205 10th Street West

Mongolian

• Mongolian Express

  phone: +1 661 274-1703
  address: 1233 W. Rancho Vista Blvd

Seafood

• Mi Ranchito Seafood

  phone: +1 661 273-2135
  address: 1060 E. Palmdale Blvd

Soul food

• Louisiana Hots

  phone: +1 661 274-8000
  address: 2728 E. Palmdale Blvd

• Original M&M Soul Food

  phone: +1 661 273-5003
  address: 2260 E. Palmdale Blvd

Thai

• Nopgow Thai Restaurant West

  phone: +1 661 273-0875
  address: 39522 10th Street West

• Nopgow Thai Restaurant East

  phone: +1 661 538-0590
  address: 2551 E. Avenue S

• Thai Cafe Cuisine

  phone: +1 661 266-8429
  address: 827 W. Palmdale Blvd

• Thai Palms Restaurant

  phone: +1 661 272-1267
  address: 957 E. Palmdale Blvd

Fast food

• Alice's Burgers

  phone: +1 661 266-8550
  address: 801 W. Palmdale Blvd

• Brussels Deli

  phone: +1 661 265-7643
  address: 906 E. Palmdale Blvd

• Buffet King

  phone: +1 661 267-1888
  address: 2053 E. Palmdale Blvd

• Cupid's Hotdogs

  phone: +1 661 273-7668
  address: 820 W. Rancho Vista Blvd

• Doublz Burgers

  phone: +1 661 266-0353
  address: 2230 E. Palmdale Blvd

• Dragon Express

  phone: +1 661 947-4989
  address: 3005 E. Palmdale Blvd
  Suite# 18

• Fatburger

  phone: +1 661 575-0664
  address: 39256 10th Street West

• Great Steak & Potato Company

  phone: +1 661 266-0505
  address: 1233 W. Rancho Vista Blvd

• Green Burrito

  phone: +1 661 266-4582
  address: 1031 W. Rancho Vista Blvd

• Green Burrito

  phone: +1 661 266-4928
  address: 2505 E. Avenue S

• H. Salt Seafood

  phone: +1 661 272-0128
  address: 2551 E. Avenue S

• Philly Cheesesteak & Company

  phone: +1 661 274-4864
  address: 38745 Tierra Subida Ave

• Primo Burger's

  phone: +1 661 533-6806
  address: 4654 E. Avenue S

• Que Rico's

  phone: +1 661 265-1771
  address: 473 E. Palmdale Blvd

• Rubio's Mexican Grill

  phone: +1 661 225-9564
  address: 39445 10th Street West

• Tom's #25

  phone: +1 661 947-9777
  address: 695 W. Palmdale Blvd

• Don Juan's Mexican Cantina

  phone: +1 661 947-7166
  address: 38350 30th Street East

• El Dorado Restaurant Bar Dancing

  phone: +1 661 947-7611
  address: 2072 E. Palmdale Blvd

• El Torito

  phone: +1 661 274-4502
  address: 1161 W. Rancho Vista Blvd

• Horseshoe Club Cantina

  address: 38426 6th St
  East

• Texas Cattle Company

  phone: +1 661 273-6642
  address: 1233 W. Rancho Vista Blvd

• Vaughn’s Billiards

  address: 2015 E. Palmdale Blvd

• Best Western - John Jay Inn & Suites

  phone: +1 661 575-9322
  address: 6004 W. Palmdale Blvd

• Courtyard by Marriott

  phone: +1 661 947-4100
  address: 530 W. Rancho Vista Blvd

• Embassy Suites

  phone: +1 661 266-3756
  address: 39375 5th Street West

• EZ 8 Motel

  phone: +1 661 273-6400
  address: 430 W. Palmdale Blvd

• Hampton Inn and Suites

  phone: +1 661 265-7400
  address: 39428 Trade Center Dr

• Heritage Hotel

  phone: +1 661 273-5106
  address: 217 E. Palmdale Blvd

• Hilton Garden Inn

  phone: +1 661 266-4411
  address: 1309 W. Rancho Vista Blvd

• Holiday Inn

  phone: +1 661 947-8055
  address: 38630 5th Street West

• Motel 6

  phone: +1 661 272-0660
  address: 407 W. Palmdale Blvd

• Ramada Inn

  phone: +1 661 273-1200
  address: 300 W. Palmdale Blvd

• Residence Inn by Marriott

  phone: +1 661 947-4204
  address: 514 W. Rancho Vista Blvd

• Staybridge Suites

  address: 420 W. Westpark Drive.

• Super 8 Motel

  phone: +1 661 273-8000
  address: 200 W. Palmdale Blvd

• Lancaster - Palmdale's twin city to the north on Highway 14, Lancaster is the largest city in the Antelope Valley. Lancaster provides extensive services for travelers, as well as the whimsical "Musical Road", a recreation of a road built in Lancaster for a Honda commercial that has grooves cut into it that generate an approximation of the William Tell Overture when a car passes over them.
• Santa Clarita - Located 37 miles southwest of Palmdale on Highway 14, Santa Clarita is the home of Six Flags Magic Mountain, an amusement park that is legendary among roller coaster fanatics, with many of the rides having held world records for height or speed.