USA, California – Lancaster

Yet Lancaster does not only offer beautiful nature, which you can discover, for example, on many trails inside the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. The city itself, which is home to approximately 160,000 people, offers an interesting culture to explore.

For example, in its main district known as the BLVD Cultural District, which stretches between 10th Street and the Sierra Highway. The district was significantly renovated in 2010. Today locals and tourists come here to walk and enjoy local gastronomy.

Many restaurants are owned by locals, so you won't just find big chains here. You can definitely visit the Azteca Mexican Restaurant or the Mediterranean restaurant Olive's Mediterranean Cafe. However, the BLVD is not just about food. You will find many shops here, so you will definitely take a souvenir.

If you want to learn about local history or learn about art, your steps should definitely lead to the MOAH or Museum of Art and History. This modern museum is located in the center of the BLVD, however, the museum operates a total of four buildings. The main one holds an art collection of ten thousand works. The exhibitions are constantly changing, so it is possible to see something new with each visit. Much of the art on display is in some way connected with the Antelope Valley.

While walking through the city, you can relax in the greenery for a while. There are approximately 200 hectares of various parks in Lancaster. All are accessible free of charge, and in good weather you can have a picnic or play tennis. Probably the most popular park in the city is Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park, where various cultural events often take place.

If you want to leave the town and explore the surroundings, then about 30 kilometers east of Lancaster lies Saddleback Butte State Park. The main advantage of the park is the trail leading along the ridge of the granite mountain Saddleback Butte, from where it offers fantastic views of the surroundings.

Not far from the state park, you will find the Indian Museum State Historic Park, which will be a great icing on the cake of a trip around Lancaster. In the museum you will find many different artifacts and above all you will learn about the history of the area, where the important trade route of the original inhabitants led. The museum's collection includes 7,000 items. You have something to look forward to.

GPS: 34°41'55.1"N 118°08'28.6"W

Text: Maxim Kucer

Photos: Wikipedia.org: USEPA, LancasterCA, BorisFromStockdale, Gwillhickers, GrayBirdGrayBackground