What to do in Death Valley, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

Death Valley
Death Valley showing desert views, tranquil scenes and signage
Death Valley
Death Valley featuring tranquil scenes and heritage architecture
Death Valley showing signage and tranquil scenes

Places to Visit in Death Valley

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Death Valley, California while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Death Valley attractions from NZ$29, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Death Valley tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 17 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Death Valley. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.


  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

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.
Learn more
Death Valley which includes desert views and tranquil scenes as well as a small group of people

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.
Learn more
Death Valley showing interior views

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.
Learn more
Badwater which includes hiking or walking, views and desert views

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.
Learn more
Death Valley

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.
Learn more
Death Valley showing desert views and tranquil scenes

6. 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.
Learn more
Death Valley featuring tranquil scenes and desert views as well as a small group of people

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.”
Learn more
Racetrack Playa featuring landscape views, desert views and mountains

What to do in Death Valley


Discover the most popular places to visit in Death Valley


 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

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.