Hotel at a Glance: 3-Star Top-Secret Palmdale Hotel

About an hour north of Los Angeles, this 3-star property is located near some of the country’s premier aviation landmarks. Edwards Air Force Base, the Air Force’s second largest base, offers tours of the test center museum and main base. And 3 miles from here at the Aerospace Exploration Gallery, you can learn about NASA’s ventures into outer space while viewing refurbished jets. The hotel comes with assorted perks such as complimentary wireless and in-room coffee and tea.

• Recent room upgrades: Guest rooms now have new luxury bedding
• Pack a bathing suit: The hotel features an indoor pool
• Greet the morning with wholesome breakfast sandwiches and Starbucks coffee at the onsite eatery
• Grab a Brew: Blue Moon Belgian Ale, Samuel Adams Seasonal, and other beers are available at the bar
• Distance to Edwards Air Force Base: about 35 miles north

Palmdale, California: The Aerospace Capital of the World with Desert Hikes and Boutique Shopping

The rapidly growing city of Palmdale is located in Southern California’s Antelope Valley, a high desert region that sees 300 days of sunshine a year. The landscape has been the backdrop for several major Hollywood films including Pirates of the Caribbean and Star Trek Generations. It also supports a network of scenic biking and hiking trails. Devil’s Punchbowl, a protected natural hiking preserve about 20 miles south, dazzles visitors with massive geological formations that have been compared to the Grand Canyon.

Nicknamed “The Aerospace Capital of the World,” Palmdale is home to Edwards Air Force Base, Blackbird Airpark Museum, and NASA’s Aerospace Exploration Gallery. More leisurely diversions here include shopping at Antelope Valley Mall, which features more than 130 stores and restaurants.

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