What to do in Furnace Creek, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

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A sign for Furnace Creek Ranch with palm trees and a vintage wagon in the foreground.
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A vintage wagon under a starry night sky.
An old wooden wagon with red wheels and metal fittings, parked on a gravel surface with a clear blue sky in the background.

Furnace Creek Tourist Attractions & Activities

If you’re searching for an exciting holiday, count on Expedia.com.au to help you find interesting attractions, enlightening experiences, and tons of other fun things to do in Furnace Creek AU$24. From first-rate tours to incredible deals on sightseeing trips – our extensive selection of local things to do and places to visit is just a few clicks away.

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Activities


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Top places to visit

1. Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is the continental United States’ largest park. It’s also the hottest, driest and lowest. Despite harsh conditions, the park’s more than 3 million acres (1.3 million hectares) aren’t simply desert plains. Find mountains, canyons, sand dunes, extinct volcanic craters and even palm trees and wildflowers.
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2. Furnace Creek Visitor Center

The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is a useful resource and jumping-off point for exploring the surrounding Death Valley National Park. Drop in to the visitor center’s adjoining museum and learn about the region’s cultural and natural history before heading off on your adventure around the park. Join ranger-led tours, watch an informative film about the park or pick up maps and brochures so that you can plan your journey.
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A sign for the Furnace Creek Visitor Center with a desert landscape in the background.

3. Badwater

Snow-white crystals of salt fill the immense pan of Badwater Basin, a crater-like salt flat in the middle of the valley. Flanked by dusky-pink mountain ranges and purple-hued ridges, Badwater Basin is a dreamlike destination. Explore the moonscape saltpan on foot for the chance to say you’ve walked across the lowest point in North America, at 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level.
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4. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes is a spectacular natural phenomenon in the heart of Death Valley. It consists of dunes 100 feet (30 meters) high that offer unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains. Notice the ever-changing patterns carved into this sandy landscape.
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5. Zabriskie Point

Look out across the colorful sculpted landscape at the foothills of the Black Mountains from Zabriskie Point. Enjoy the vast scene of undulating badlands, which ripple across mudhills, gullies and mountains. In the distance, notice the gleaming white expanse of saltpans in the main valley. Made famous by the Antonioni-directed film of the same name, Zabriskie Point is a dramatic introduction to Death Valley National Park when entering from the east.
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6. Harmony Borax Works

The story of boom-time prosperity begins at Harmony Borax Works, a historic ore-processing plant in Death Valley National Park. Explore the preserved remains of the old refinery and learn about the region’s mining history. See an example of the 20-mule team wagons that became icons for the industry.
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7. Borax Museum

Get a glimpse of the past when you visit the outdoor exhibits of the Borax Museum at the Oasis at Death Valley, previously known as the Furnace Creek Resort. The privately owned museum has information and artifacts explaining why pioneers flocked to Death Valley in the 19th century and how they mined the rich mineral deposits that characterize the region. Check out historic mining equipment that was used for the gathering and processing of borate minerals.
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8. Artists Palette

The Artist’s Palette is a remarkable rock formation in Death Valley National Park. Admire the spectrum of colors appearing on this rock face, and watch as they shift depending on the angle of the sun. The phenomenon is the fascinating result of explosive volcanic periods millions of years ago, which can be traced in the formation’s extraordinary painted appearance and unique geological makeup.
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9. Golden Canyon

Experienced and beginner hikers can enjoy the trails that crisscross the Golden Canyon and its surroundings, blessed by moderate slopes and stunning views. Even though this is a popular route, the trail itself is rarely crowded. The path is easily customizable, with trips ranging from a simple, 90 minute-long in-and-out of the canyon itself to more difficult 4-hour treks past the area’s many natural landmarks. Lace up your shoes, put on your hat, bring a big bottle of water and plunge in for an up-close look at Death Valley.
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A rugged, rocky landscape with layered sedimentary formations and a clear blue sky.

What to do in Furnace Creek


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Day trip destinations from Furnace Creek

Frequently asked questions

Is Furnace Creek worth visiting?
Whether you're here to discover the cultural hotspots and local charm or sample unique foods and go on outdoor adventures, there are many things to do in Furnace Creek.
How do I spend a day in Furnace Creek?
Zabriskie Point and Furnace Creek Visitor Centre are two excellent places to begin your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to check out the retail and dining options in Furnace Creek while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Furnace Creek?
Don't leave without visiting Badwater, rated the top tourist attraction in Furnace Creek.
Is three days enough to stay in Furnace Creek?
You can easily enjoy popular sights like Zabriskie Point, Artists Palette and Furnace Creek Golf Course with a three-day break in Furnace Creek. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a little longer and check out Death Valley.
What are some activities to do in Furnace Creek with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or playful teenagers, a fun-filled itinerary is the key to a stress-free getaway. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Furnace Creek with kids.

What to do in Furnace Creek for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Furnace Creek, with activities for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Harmony Borax Works.
Are there free things to do in Furnace Creek?
In Furnace Creek, Golden Canyon is a popular spot for anyone wishing to experience the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the local parks and neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a great way to learn about the best free things to do in Furnace Creek.