24 Of the Best Things to Do Near Edwards Air Force Base

Introduction

Welcome to Edwards Air Force Base, the center of the aerospace testing universe and home of the Air Force Flight Test Center. Edwards AFB offers a number of recreational activities to enjoy during your time here: bowling, camping, golfing, shooting, swimming, and more. Off base, there’s even more to explore. Read on to learn about 24 things to do at and near Edwards AFB.

Know what you are looking for? Click the number(s) to go right to where you want to go:

(1) Events
(2) Community Center
(3) Arts and Crafts
(4) Bowling
(5) Gyms
(6-12) Outdoor Recreation
(13) Golfing
(14-17) Pools and Water Parks
(18-19) Museums
(20-21) Theaters and Performing Arts
(22-24) Nearby Attractions

Suggested Read: Edwards AFB: In-Depth Welcome Center

COVID-19 Notice

Due to the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, the following venues may be operating under limited hours of operation or closed due to base or local community restrictions. Check the venue’s website or call for current hours of operation and information on attendance guidelines and restrictions.

24 Things to Do Near Edwards AFB

Edwards Air Force Base Events

1. Base Events and Programs

Edwards AFB offers the military community a number of special events and programs throughout the year. Events include the 4th of July Summer Bash, a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and Holiday Card Lane, base-wide holiday parties, and more. In 2020, the base brought back the Edwards AFB air show in a new way with the Aerospace Valley Hybrid Air Show. This hybrid shows incorporated flyovers and virtual STEM showcases and classes.

For a full list of upcoming events, visit the Edwards AFB Force Support Squadron website.

Edwards AFB Community Center

2. Oasis Community Center

Building 2500
205 W. Popson Ave.
Edwards AFB, CA 93524
Phone: 1 (661) 275-2687

Edwards AFB’s Oasis Community Center hosts instructional classes, base-wide events, entertainment programs, and more for airmen, families, and retirees. The center has Wi-Fi, gaming consoles, billiard tables, table tennis, air hockey, foosball, board games, a Panda Express, and a lounge area with a large-screen TV. Visit the center’s website for information on upcoming events.

Arts and Crafts

3. Edwards AFB Arts & Craft Center

Building 2440
200 Methusa Road
Edwards AFB, CA 93524
Phone: 1 (661) 275-2787

The base’s Arts & Crafts Center has everything you need to create your next work of art. The center has a wood hobby shop, an engraving shop, and a frame shop for personalized gifts and memorabilia. Visit the website for information on upcoming events, classes, and activities.

Edwards AFB Bowling Alley

4. High Desert Lanes

205 W. Fitzgerald Blvd.
Edwards AFB, CA 93523
Phone: 1 (661) 275-2695

Strike up family-friendly fun at the Edwards AFB High Desert Lane’s bowling center. The center has leagues for all ages, special events, tournaments, and more. If you get hungry, grab a snack at the center’s Strike Zone Snack Bar.

Edwards AFB Gym

Edwards AFB offers an array of fitness and recreational activities. Programs and facilities include intramural and extramural sports, exercise classes, sports courts and fields, running tracks, running and bike trails, outdoor workout areas, and more. Visit the Edwards AFB Force Support Squadron website for more information.

5. Rosburg Fitness Center

Building 2200
210 W. Popson Ave.
Edwards AFB, CA 93524
Phone: 1 (661) 275-4961

The Rosburg Fitness Center has strength, cardio, and weight training equipment. The facility has a gymnasium for basketball, volleyball, and PT; wallyball and racquetball courts; saunas; and more. Visit the center’s website for more information on exercise classes, massage therapy services, personal trainers, and other center amenities.

Edwards AFB Outdoor Rec

6. Outdoor Recreation

Building 2500
205 W. Popson Ave.
Edwards AFB, CA 93524
Phone: 1 (661) 275-2267

Edwards AFB’s Outdoor Recreation offers a variety of services, including FamCamp camping facilities, equipment rentals, and more. Equipment rentals include sporting goods, water sports equipment, camping equipment, garden equipment, party equipment, inflatables, trailers, and other recreational gear.

Outdoor Recreation can also give you information on the Edwards Riding Center and horse boarding, RV storage, private trip planning services, and the RecOn Initiative that provides outdoor adventure-based activities to airmen who are returning from deployments.

7. Edwards AFB Rod and Gun Club

Building 210
210 Adam’s Way
Edwards AFB, CA 93523
Phone: 1 (661) 275-8727

Edwards AFB shooting facilities include an archery range, a rifle and pistol range, and skeet and trap ranges. Visit the website for information on annual memberships, special events, and rates.

8. Mojave Greens Disc Golf Course

Behind the Rosburg Fitness Center
Building 2200
210 W. Popson Ave.
Edwards AFB, CA 93524
Phone: 1 (661) 275-4961

The 18-hole, par-55 Mojave Greens Disc Golf Course is open to everyone. Discs can be checked out from the base fitness center or purchased at Outdoor Recreation’s equipment rental facility in Building 7211 at 1100 Kincheloe Ave.

9. Scorpions Nest Paintball Range

Building 210
210 Adams Way
Edwards AFB, CA 93523
Phone: 1 (661) 275-2267

Challenge your friends at Edwards AFB’s Scorpions Nest Paintball Range. Equipment rentals and paintball supplies are available.

10. Arnold Park

End of Coliseum Drive
Edwards AFB, CA 93523
Phone: 1 (661) 275-2267

Edwards AFB’s Arnold Park features playground equipment, covered picnic areas, a staging area, and restrooms.

11. Branch Memorial Park

Off Lancaster Boulevard
Edwards AFB, CA 93523
Phone: 1 (661) 275-2267

Edwards AFB’s Branch Memorial Park features picnic areas and a pond.

Valyermo

12. Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area and Nature Center

28000 Devil’s Punchbowl Road
Valyermo, CA 93563
Phone: 1 (661) 944-2743

The 1,310-acre Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area and Nature Center showcase a deep canyon, rock formations, and native flora and fauna. Visit the website for a full list of programs, including tours, animal presentations, bird walks, geology talks, moonlight hikes, telescope programs, and more.

Edwards AFB Golf Course

13. Muroc Lake Golf Course

Building 5611
111 Crossfield Drive
Edwards AFB, CA 93523
Phone: 1 (661) 275-7888

Edwards AFB’s 18-hole, par-72 Muroc Lake Golf Course marries desert beauty with well-manicured greens. Muroc Lake has a clubhouse, a pro shop, locker room facilities, and a number of golf programs and special events. And if you’re hungry after a round of golf, grab a bite to eat at Sandbagger Grill.

Pools and Water Parks

14. Oasis Aquatic Center

Building 2501
207 W. Popson Ave.
Edwards AFB, CA 93524
Phone: 1 (661) 275-7946

The aquatics program at Edwards AFB offers lap swimming, open swimming, pool parties, and more. Visit the Force Support Squadron website for more information on aquatic center hours of operation and programs.

15. Muroc Pool

Building 5600
275 Doolittle Parkway
Edwards AFB, CA 93523
Phone: 1 (661) 277-3551

Edwards AFB’s Muroc Pool is open seasonally. Visit the Force Support Squadron website for more information on the pool’s hours of operation and programs.

16. Sonic Splash Pool

Building 5210
24 Lathrop Drive
Edwards AFB, CA 93523
Phone: 1 (661) 277-3552

Edwards AFB’s Sonic Splash Pool is open seasonally. Visit the Force Support Squadron website for more information on the pool’s hours of operation and programs.

Palmdale

17. DryTown Water Park

3850 E. Avenue S
Palmdale, CA 93550
Phone: 1 (661) 267-6161

If you’re looking to beat the heat, head to DryTown Water Park. The 6-acre park features thrilling water slides and rides, a lazy river, a pool, and an area for younger guests.
Edwards Air Force Base Museums

18. Air Force Flight Test Museum

405 S. Rosamond Blvd.
Edwards AFB, CA 93524
Phone: 1 (661) 277-8050

The Air Force Flight Test Museum’s aircraft and exhibits tell the story of more than 75 years of flight test research at Edwards AFB and the surrounding region. The museum’s exhibits include aircraft propulsion systems, missiles, hardware, life support equipment, technical drawings, test reports, memorabilia, photographs, and wind tunnel models. Visit the website for information on current exhibits and upcoming events.

19. Blackbird Airpark

2503 E. Avenue P
Palmdale, CA 93550
Phone: 1 (661) 274-0884

An annex of Edwards AFB’s Air Force Flight Test Museum, Blackbird Airpark in nearby Palmdale features the world’s only display of a Lockheed SR-71A together with its predecessor the A-12. The airpark also displays the once ultra-secret D-21 drone and the last surviving U-2D model.

Theaters and Performing Arts

20. Edwards AFB Theater

4 W. Yeager Blvd.
Edwards AFB, CA 93524
Phone: 1 (661) 275-3826

The Edwards AFB movie theater shows second runs of movies for free. Concessions are available for purchase. Visit the theater’s website for current movies and showtimes.

Lancaster

21. Lancaster Performing Arts Center

750 W. Lancaster Blvd.
Lancaster, CA 93534
Phone: 1 (661) 723-5950

Lancaster Performing Arts Center showcases a variety of live entertainment: music, comedy, concerts, plays, ballets, orchestras, and more. Visit the website for information on upcoming shows and events.

Nearby Attractions

22. Edwards AFB ITT Office

Building 2500
205 W. Popson Ave.
Edwards AFB, CA 93524
Phone: 1 (661) 275-8747

For more information on things to do around Edwards AFB, visit the Edwards AFB Information, Tickets, and Travel website. ITT offers special military discount tickets to many local attractions, as well as national favorites like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. Whatever travel destinations you seek, ITT staff can help you plan your trips and make sure your vacation is a memorable one.

Rosamond

23. The Cat House

3718 60th St. W.
Rosamond, CA 93560
Phone: 1 (661) 256-3793

The Exotic Feline Breeding Compound’s Feline Conservation Center, also known as The Cat House, preserves and propagates rare and endangered felines through breeding, research, and education. The center is home to 70 cats of varying species, including leopards, bobcats, cougars, jaguars, and tigers. Visit the center’s website for information on tours and special events.

24. Willow Springs International Raceway

3500 75th St. W.
Rosamond, CA 93560
Phone: 1 (661) 256-6666

The historic Willow Springs International Raceway hosts a variety of races on its seven tracks. Visit the website for information on upcoming events.

Conclusion

Edwards AFB is full of fun opportunities, and the surrounding area offers even more things to do. Whether you want to make a splash at a water park, play a round of golf, or learn about historic aircraft, you’re sure to make plenty of new memories.

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.