The Antelope Valley is a region of both Los Angeles and Kern Counties containing 20 areas including Palmdale, Lancaster, Quartz Hill, Leona Valley, Elizabeth Lake, Lake Hughes, Antelope Acres, Rosamond, Mojave, Littlerock, Llano, Pearblossom and Lake Los Angeles. This large 3,000 square-mile, beautiful desert community is located just northeast, in the high desert, approximately 45 miles from the city of Los Angeles. The 14 freeway and highway 138 are the main roads. It is also possible to get to the area along California State Route 138, either from its point of origin along Interstate 5 between Santa Clarita and the Grapevine, or from where it intersects Interstate 15 in Victorville.  

The valley was first entered by Europeans in the 1770's. Antelope Valley began as a trade route for Native Americans traveling from Arizona and New Mexico to California's coast. The Antelope Valley Indian Museum in Lake Los Angeles offers insights and artifacts showing the indigenous population.  It wasn't until the 1840s when John C. Fremont made a scientific observation of the valley along with his other California explorations and permanent settlement began.

Stagecoach lines came through the valley along its foothills after Fremont's visit and were the preferred way of travel for colonists before the coming of the Southern Valley Railroad in 1876. The rail service linking the valley to the Central Valley and Los Angeles started the first large influx of settlers to the valley, and farms and towns soon sprouted on the valley floor.

The Antelope Valley has a population just over 486,000. It is the fastest growing region in Los Angeles County.  The Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District (AVAQMD) motto, "It's a breath of fresh air", continues to be the operative statement regarding the air quality in the Antelope Valley. At least three eSolar plants are planned for the Greater Antelope Valley, and Southern California Edison has announced plans to purchase power from those plants. A few of the largest employers are Edwards Air Force Base, Lockheed Martin, China Lake Navel Weapons, Palmdale School Distric, Northrop Grumman and Antelope Valley Hospital.

Main Attractions for Residents and Tourists 

 The Antelope Valley has much to offer from golf, hiking, fishing, horseback riding and hot air balloon rides to museums and theaters. There is a wide variety of attractions to satisfy folks who like the rough terrain as well as those who enjoy the fine arts. The Lancaster Performing Arts center is always a good time. Just down the street from the Lancaster Performing Art Center is the new Bex Restaurant featuring an underground bowling lounge.

Every Thursday evening you can catch live bands located outside on the stage in front of Bex on Lancaster Blvd. during the local farmers market. Winter Hours are from 2pm – 7pm and Summer Hours are 3pm – 8pm. Not far from the Lancaster Blvd is the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds.

Outdoor fun for the family might includes Devil's Punchbowl. The National Park is a bit of a hike from the center of Antelope Valley, but it is certainly worth the beautiful drive. This Natural Area has a wide variety of scenery and plenty of trails to take for an afternoon nature hike. California Poppy Reserve: You can relive the poppy-field scene from The Wizard of Oz in Judy Garland's old stomping grounds. Interestingly enough, she and John Wayne both lived in Antelope Valley at some point in their lives. The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is open year round from sunrise to sunset, while the best time to visit is February through May. There are local orchards, the Antelope Valley Winery, and nearby Lake Elizabeth and Lake Hughes.

Special Events in Antelope Valley

The Antelope Valley Fairgrounds offer a wide variety of events throughout the year. During the last week of August through early September the fair grounds hold their annual fair days, an eleven day event. The Rural Olympics has been a part of the Antelope Valley Fair for many years and is totally unique to its high desert community.  Along with the Rural Olympics there is plenty of art exhibits, food booths, shopping, carnival rides and some of the greatest bands of our time have played at the A.V. Fair Concert Series.

The annual Edwards Air Force Base air show provides one of the best displays of precision and high-tech aviation available to the general public anywhere.

Located just south of Lancaster is the neighboring town of Palmdale. Palmdale offers plenty of activities for the whole family. During the summer don't miss DryTown Water Park open from May through September. The "Starlight Concert Series" held at the Palmdale amphitheatre at Marie Kerr Park located in West Palmdale is really a starlight event with it's clear summer skies. After summer ends, the fun doesn’t stop. Don’t miss the annual fall festival.

We are proud to call the Antelope Valley home sweet home!