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Victorville

Victorville, California, United States

Escape to Victorville: High Desert Charm and Route 66 Nostalgia Nestled in the Mojave River Valley, where the rugged beauty of the high desert meets the iconic spirit of Route 66, lies Victorville, California. This vibra…

#Desert city#High desert#Route 66#Southern California#San Bernardino County

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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Victorville.

Top Hotels in Victorville

Top Flights to Victorville

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Victorville.

Tours

Route 66 Museum

Explore the rich history of Route 66 with vintage cars, signs, bicycles and other Route 66 memorabilia.

Shopping

Victor Valley Mall Shopping Experience

Shop till you drop at the Victor Valley Mall with a wide range of stores and dining options.

Outdoor

Mojave Narrows Regional Park

Enjoy fishing, camping, and hiking in this regional park with lush surroundings and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Victorville.

Currency

$ | USD | US Dollar

Population

Information not available.

Languages

English, Spanish, Tagalog, French

Average weather

Victorville

Jan

15°1°

Feb

17°3°

Mar

20°5°

Apr

24°7°

May

28°11°

Jun

33°15°

Jul

38°19°

Aug

37°19°

Sep

33°16°

Oct

27°10°

Nov

20°4°

Dec

15°1°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Victorville.

What people love

Victorville, located in California's High Desert region, offers several pros for travelers:

Proximity to Outdoor Recreation: Victorville is situated near numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, and off-roading in the nearby Mojave Desert. The area is also close to the San Bernardino National Forest, providing ample opportunities for nature lovers.
Route 66 Landmarks: Victorville is a popular stop along the historic Route 66, with several iconic landmarks such as the California Route 66 Museum and the El Rancho Motel. Travelers interested in Americana and nostalgia will enjoy exploring these sites.
Airplane Graveyard: The Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville is home to an airplane graveyard where retired aircraft are stored. Aviation enthusiasts can visit the site and see a variety of planes up close.
Shopping and Dining: Victorville offers a range of shopping and dining options, from local eateries to well-known chain restaurants. The city also has several shopping centers and outlets for those looking to indulge in retail therapy.
Gateway to National Parks: Victorville serves as a convenient gateway to popular national parks such as Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park. Travelers can easily access these parks for day trips or overnight stays.

Overall, Victorville's location, attractions, and amenities make it a worthwhile destination for travelers looking to explore the High Desert region of California.

What to know

There are a few cons to consider when traveling to Victorville, California:

Extreme Weather: Victorville experiences hot and dry weather conditions during the summer months, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (37.8°C). This can make outdoor activities uncomfortable and even dangerous for those not used to such high temperatures.
Limited Entertainment Options: Compared to larger cities, Victorville may have fewer entertainment options such as restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions. Visitors looking for a vibrant nightlife scene or a wide variety of dining choices may find the options in Victorville to be limited.
Distance from Major Tourist Attractions: While Victorville is a good base for exploring the nearby Mojave Desert and Joshua Tree National Park, it is quite far from major tourist attractions like Los Angeles or San Diego. Traveling to these destinations can require a significant amount of time and may not be feasible for those looking to explore multiple areas during their trip.
Traffic Congestion: Like many cities in Southern California, Victorville can experience traffic congestion during peak hours, especially on major highways and roadways. This can lead to delays and frustration for visitors trying to get around the area.

Overall, while Victorville offers unique attractions and a gateway to the desert landscape, visitors should be aware of the potential drawbacks mentioned above when planning their trip.

Victorville, located in the High Desert region of Southern California, has a rich history that spans centuries. Here is a detailed account of its development and significant aspects:

Early History

Native American Inhabitants: The area that is now Victorville was originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, particularly the Serrano and Mojave tribes, who lived along the Mojave River.

19th Century

Exploration and Settlement: In the late 18th century, Spanish explorers traversed the region. By the 19th century, it became a part of the route used by settlers moving westward.
Mormon Road: In the mid-1800s, the area was traversed by the Old Spanish Trail, later becoming part of the Mormon Road, which connected Salt Lake City to Los Angeles.

The Railroad Era

Santa Fe Railroad: A pivotal moment in Victorville’s history was the arrival of the Santa Fe Railroad in 1885. The establishment of a station, initially named "Victor" after Jacob Nash Victor, a construction superintendent for the railway, spurred the town's growth.
Name Change: To avoid confusion with the town of Victor, Colorado, the post office changed the name to Victorville in 1901.

Early 20th Century

Cement Industry: The establishment of the Southwestern Portland Cement Company in 1917 marked the beginning of significant industrial development. The plant played a major role in the city’s economy.
Route 66: The construction of U.S. Route 66 through Victorville in 1926 brought increased traffic and tourism, contributing to its economic growth.

Mid-20th Century

Military Influence: During World War II, the establishment of the Victorville Army Airfield (now Southern California Logistics Airport) in 1941 was significant. It served as a training base for bomber crews and later transitioned into George Air Force Base, a major training center during the Cold War.

Late 20th Century to Present

Incorporation: Victorville was incorporated as a city in 1962, reflecting its growth and development.
Logistics Hub: The closure of George Air Force Base in 1992 led to its conversion into the Southern California Logistics Airport, a key logistics and distribution center.

Significant Figures

Jacob Nash Victor: The town's namesake, he played a crucial role in the railroad's expansion into the area.
Roy Rogers: The famous "King of the Cowboys" had a ranch near Victorville, and the Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum was once a popular attraction in the city.

Landmarks

California Route 66 Museum: Celebrating the iconic highway that passes through Victorville, this museum is a popular stop for tourists.
Mojave Narrows Regional Park: A natural area along the Mojave River, providing recreational opportunities and a glimpse into the region's natural beauty.
Victor Valley Museum: Offers insights into the cultural and natural history of the High Desert.

Victorville continues to grow as a key city in the High Desert, balancing its historical roots with ongoing development and modernization.