The Top Five Best Places to Visit on a Trip Between Buckeye, Arizona and Yorba Linda, California
If you're planning a road trip between Buckeye, Arizona and Yorba Linda, California, you don't have to settle for a boring drive. There are plenty of interesting stops along the way that will make your trip more fun and exciting. From quirky museums to natural wonders, here are the top five best places to visit on your journey.
Halfway Point: Blythe, CA
Before we dive into the best places to visit along the route, let's talk about the halfway point: Blythe, CA. This small town sits right on the banks of the Colorado River and is a popular spot for water sports like boating and fishing. But if you're not into aquatic activities, there are a few other things to do in Blythe. The Blythe Intaglios are a set of ancient geoglyphs that can be found on nearby mountains. These mysterious figures were etched into the desert floor thousands of years ago and are a fascinating sight to see. There's also the Palo Verde Historical museum, which showcases the history of the area and has some interesting artifacts on display.
Stop 1: Cabazon Dinosaurs
Our first stop is just off the I-10 freeway in Cabazon, CA. Here, you'll find a group of giant dinosaur sculptures that are impossible to miss. The Cabazon Dinosaurs were originally built in the 1960s as a way to attract customers to a nearby diner, but they've since become a popular tourist destination in their own right. You can climb up inside two of the dinosaurs, a T-Rex and an Apatosaurus, and there's even a museum and gift shop on site. It's a fun photo op and a great place to stretch your legs on a long drive.
Stop 2: Joshua Tree National Park
About an hour east of Cabazon lies Joshua Tree National Park. This unique park is named for the Joshua Tree, a unique species of tree that's only found in the Mojave Desert. The park is also home to a stunning array of rock formations and wildlife, like bighorn sheep and desert tortoises. There are several hiking trails throughout the park, ranging from easy walks to strenuous climbs, so there's something for everyone. If you're short on time, the 18-mile scenic drive offers some breathtaking views of the scenery.
Stop 3: Integratron
Just north of Joshua Tree, in the town of Landers, CA, you'll find one of the most unusual attractions in the area: the Integratron. This 38 foot-tall dome-shaped structure was built in the 1950s by a man named George Van Tassel, who claimed that he was receiving messages from extraterrestrial beings. He built the Integratron as a place where people could gather and meditate, in hopes of communicating with these beings. While the extraterrestrial claims may be dubious, there's no denying that the Integratron is a unique and peaceful place. Visitors can book a sound bath session, where they'll lie down inside the dome and listen to the sounds of crystal singing bowls being played, which are said to have therapeutic effects.
Stop 4: Pioneertown
As you continue west on the 62 freeway, you'll soon come across Pioneertown, a former movie set that has been turned into a quirky tourist attraction. Back in the 1940s, Pioneertown was built to resemble an Old West frontier town, and it was used as a filming location for dozens of Western movies and TV shows. These days, it's open to the public and offers a glimpse into the past. There are a few shops and cafes that have been built to look like Old West buildings, and you might even catch some live music or a gunfight reenactment. It's a fun place to stop for a meal or a drink and soak in the atmosphere.
Stop 5: Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Our final stop is in Yorba Linda, CA, just outside of Los Angeles. The Nixon Presidential Library and Museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of President Richard Nixon, who was born and raised in nearby Whittier. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, including an exact replica of the Oval Office and a piece of the Berlin Wall. Visitors can also tour the house where Nixon was born and raised, which has been restored to its original 1910s decor. Love him or hate him, Nixon played a significant role in American history, and the museum is a fascinating look into that era.
In Conclusion
As you can see, there's plenty to see and do on a road trip between Buckeye and Yorba Linda. From prehistoric beasts to presidential history, it's a diverse and exciting journey. So the next time you're planning a trip between Arizona and California, be sure to make time for these five fun stops. Happy travels!