Victorville is a city located in the High Desert region of San Bernardino County, California, about 140 km northeast of Los Angeles (LA). If you want to see the "desert landscapes of California," this area is definitely worth a visit.

In addition to Victorville, the surrounding areas include Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Helendale, Hesperia, Lucerne Valley, Phelan, Pinon Hills, Oak Hills, and Wrightwood, all of which have the unique atmosphere of the High Desert. The Korean population is said to be around 7,000.

  1. Location and Features
    Victorville is located along the I-15 highway, serving as a stopover on the way to Las Vegas. Due to the desert climate, it can be very hot during the day and cool at night, so be sure to prepare for sun protection and outerwear when you visit.

  2. High Desert Atmosphere
    The "High Desert" refers to desert areas at high elevations, and when you come here, you will experience clear, dry weather along with vast plains. As you drive, you will notice cacti like Joshua Trees, and you may see very few towns, making for a unique experience.

  3. Nearby Areas to Explore

    • Adelanto: A small town located west of Victorville, where you can experience the unique desert landscape of San Bernardino County.
    • Apple Valley: Although it is a city in the desert, it has a history of apple tree cultivation, and housing developments are increasing.
    • Barstow: A place along Route 66, it has a charming atmosphere like a rest stop on a road trip across the desert.
    • Helendale, Hesperia, Lucerne Valley: Small towns where you can fully experience the desert terrain, popular among those who enjoy golf resorts or off-road recreational activities.
    • Phelan, Pinon Hills, Oak Hills: Areas where housing and natural scenery harmonize, making them popular for weekend cabins or suburban homes.
    • Wrightwood: Surrounded by mountainous terrain, it is a destination for winter sports like skiing or snowboarding.

  4. Traces of the Old Route 66
    The section of Route 66 that passes through Victorville and its vicinity is famous as a legendary route for American road trips. Even today, as you drive through the desert, you can see old gas stations and vintage signs, allowing you to enjoy the "American road trip" vibe.

  5. Victor Valley Museum
    If you want to learn about local history or natural history, be sure to visit the Victor Valley Museum. It features charming exhibits from prehistoric fossils to the High Desert ecosystem and the lives of early pioneers. It's a great place for family outings.

  6. Urban Development and Living
    In recent years, the High Desert area, including Victorville, has seen the emergence of franchise restaurants, large supermarkets, and shopping centers, making life much more convenient. Compared to the LA area, real estate prices are relatively affordable, making it quite attractive for those who prefer suburban living.

  7. For Tourists or Those Seeking Leisure
    While Victorville itself is not a bustling tourist city, there are famous attractions like Las Vegas, Joshua Tree National Park, and Big Bear within a 1-2 hour drive. It's a great place to stop and enjoy the serene desert scenery, and it's also a perfect route for a full-fledged road trip.

  8. Precautions

    • Since the sun is intense during the day, be sure to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
    • Due to the large temperature difference, it can get quite cold in the evening, so a light outer layer is necessary.
    • Although it's a desert, there are gradually more recreational activities and amenities in the towns, so as long as you're not too far out, you can meet most daily needs.

In summary, Victorville and its surroundings are a High Desert area where you can experience the charm of suburban living and road trips within a unique natural environment called the "desert." When people think of California, they usually first think of beaches or palm trees, but it's refreshing to know that there are places like this where you can enjoy the vastness and free atmosphere of the desert. If you are planning to travel from LA to Las Vegas or vice versa, it would be a good idea to explore the Victorville area at least once.