Elena Mallia 
Death Valley is considered one of the most difficult environments on earth! This arid valley is just massive, and offers so many breathtaking landscapes to explore!
You’ll agree with me that it’s fundamental to find the right place to stay to enjoy everything this magic place has to offer, that’s why I made this guide with the 5 best areas where to stay in Death Valley, including some great hotels where to return to after a day in the heat!
The areas are all outside the Death Valley National Park, a driving distance from it, and I selected them based on different interests and budgets.
So whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, crazy nightlife or simply a good budget accommodation to stay in Death Valley, I have the right town and hotel for you… just don’t forget to book it as soon as you can if you want to take advantage of some good deals!
Let’s start!
Contents
If you are in a hurry
If you need to take a quick decision and book immediately, I got your back, check this list with the best hotels located in Death Valley National Park and nearby towns:
Here is a map to help you visualize where are located all the different areas and places to stay in Death Valley:
- Beatty: for first-timers
- Ridgecrest: for families
- Las Vegas : for nightlife
- Lone Pine: for nature
- Pahrump : the coolest town
1. Beatty – where to stay in Death Valley for the first time
Northeast of Death Valley, about a 25 minute driving from the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, you’ll find the small town of Beatty: the closest base to explore Death Valley National Park (but it lies in the Nevada side)!
Note: for those who don’t know that the Furnace Creek Visitor Center is where you get useful information about the Death Valley National Park, get a park map, learn about Death Valley history, get a precise reading of the temperatures, etc.. a must to start your exploring!
Once inside the park, there are countless unique things to do and see: from the panoramic Zabriskie Point at Sunrise, to the endorheic Badwater Basin, the inactive volcano Ubehebe, and the beautiful Desert Wildflowers… but I could keep going for hours!
Anyways, if you decide to stay in Beatty, you can explore Death Valley until the late dusk, and have the best sleep after an intense day of adventure in nature! In fact, you can hardly find a more tranquil place than this sleepy desert town, hosting about 1000 inhabitants.
But this doesn’t mean Beatty has nothing to offer to its visitors: on the contrary, this town is soaked in history. Here you can learn a lot about its gold mining past at The Beatty Museum and Historical Society, showing important documents and impressive photographs!
If you love horror and to get scared, four miles west of Beatty there is the creepy Rhyolite ghost town! Having been abandoned in 1920, in Rhyolite there are ruins of the old jail, train station, and schoolhouse… go check them out!
This super clean and comfy motel will offer you a great location, at only 8 miles from Death Valley National Park and Furnace Creek Visitor center. Death Valley Inn & RV Park is the right base to explore Death Valley and to relax right after! Make good use of the outdoor swimming pool, the hot tub, and the furnished terrace, where you can cook a delicious BBQ!
Other accommodation options in Beatty
Find the best value for money in this clean and quiet hotel, centrally located only 9 miles from Death Valley
This hotel is the best getaway to Death Valley National Park and offers free wifi and an outdoor swimming pool
This luxury escape in the desert is perfect to explore Death Valley, just a few minutes from Furnace Creek!
Things to do in Beatty
- Visit the creepy ghost town Rhyolite and its remaining remnants
- Gaze at the sculptures of the Goldwell Open Air Museum
- Do the Golden Canyon trail and take in the incredible views!
- If you love meat, check out the Smokin’ J’s Barbecue restaurant!
- Get Death Valley useful info at the Furnace Creek Visitor center
- Play some golf at the Furnace Creek Golf Course
- Dive deep into Death Valley history at the Harmony Borax Works
- Have some scenic drives in Death Valley, like at Dante’s View
2. Ridgecrest – the best area in the Death Valley for families
Located on the Californian side of Death Valley, specifically southwest of it, Ridgecrest lies ~2 hours driving from the Death Valley National Park.
This is another town with many cool activities and attractions to offer, especially if you want to satisfy the tastes of all the family!
Its position close to another worldwide famous park, the Sequoia National Park, and to Red Rock Canyon State Park, make Ridgecrest the perfect starting point to explore nature, go for some outdoor adventures (hiking, biking, and more), and disconnect from our technological life.
Another thing that any member of the family will love is a trip to the Maturango Museum-Indian Wells showing cool exhibitions of the Mojave desert and Petroglyph Park.
Does this sound like the right place for your holiday in Death Valley? Then check out these great hotels, but make sure you book them as soon as you can if you want to secure yourself a spot!
Hampton Inn & Suites Ridgecrest
This great 3-star hotel has an ideal central location to do some cool trips both to Death Valley National Park and Las Vegas! Start your day in the best way with an AMAZING breakfast, and refresh yourself at the indoor swimming pool after an intense day of visiting. The hotel also offers some great amenities and facilities like free wi-fi, a gym, and a fitness center.
Other accommodation options in Ridgecrest
Lovely hotel with a good location for visiting the Death Valley National park and on-site parking at no extra cost
This hotel is within walking distance from many shops and dining options, and offers free wifi and breakfast!
Unique vacation home in a super quiet area, with easy access to outdoor activities and the Death Valley Park
Things to do in Ridgecrest
- Eat the best meat at Casey’s Steaks & Barbecue!
- Take a few days to visit Sequoia National Park and Red Rock Canyon State Park
- Browse the exhibitions of the Mojave desert at the Maturango Museum
- Go trekking in the Rademacher Hills
- Love asian food? Try Thai or Japanese dishes at Xin Bowl Asian Bistro
- Check out the prehistoric rock carvings at Petroglyph Park
- Have some amazing French food at Mon Reve
3. Las Vegas – where to stay in Death Valley for nightlife!
Well, I think Las Vegas introduces itself without having to say a lot more! Located a 2,5 hours drive away from Death Valley National Park, just west of it, the so-known Sin City is the right place if you’re more interested in party life than the nature of the park!
Las Vegas will give you a warm welcome with its casinos, clubs, and nightlife, while in Death Valley you’ll take a break from its craziness, and probably sweat all the alcohol you have inside your body!
But Las Vegas offers another great advantage: super affordable prices, from cheap hotels and hostels to inexpensive activities for any kind of traveler and taste! Staying in Las Vegas, the most exciting city in the world is cheap, fun, and unpredictable… What do you want more?
NOTE: We have a whole post dedicated to Las Vegas accommodation, check it out if you want to know more options!
Are you ready to be spoiled in total luxury? Check out this 5-star eco-friendly hotel in Las Vegas, featuring 10 swimming pools, a full-service spa, and health club, and two restaurants… ah no, they’re actually 14! Get ready to try the best food from all over the world! Your spacious suite has some breathtaking views of the city, a separate living area, and a dining room. Basically, you don’t even have to leave the hotel… here you have everything you need!
Other accommodation options in Las Vegas
Located at walking distance from Las Vegas Strip, this hotel offers spacious rooms and an outdoor pool
Very nice hotel in Las Vegas with excellent facilities like free wifi, a gym, an outdoor pool and on site restaurant
Have a break from the heat in this hotel with air conditioning rooms, walking distance from Las Vegas Blvd!
Things to do in Las Vegas
- Have a tour of the Death Valley incredible sceneries (like Dante’s View)!
- Go see the spectacular Bellagio fountain show in Las Vegas
- See the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip from this nighttime helicopter flight
- Watch the sunset and the sunrise from Death Valley (and explore it) with this tour!
- Go crazy shopping at the Fremont Street Experience
- Experience the serenity of Emerald Cave with this tour!
- Cool down with a slush drink at Fat Tuesday
- Just walk around the crazy Las Vegas Strip
4. Lone Pine – for nature seekers in the Death Valley!
Right in the middle of the Death Valley (precisely at 2 hours driving distance from the national park entrance) and Sequoia National Park, the Californian Lone Pine gives you no escape from mother nature!
And I am not only talking about the parks… from this small town you can explore the best hikes, natural scenery and green landscapes in California. Expect to find lushes, wild forests (here you cannot miss the Inyo National Forest!) and huge sequoias in every corner, and to see mountains everywhere you look!
And what is better than having access to some of the most stunning landscapes in the world at super accessible prices? As Las Vegas, Lone Pine offers cheap accommodations for any taste!
But Lone Pine itself is a super charming city with a rich history (not so rare to find in North America), definitely worth visiting and staying. The town had even been the set for dozens of western movies from the early-1920s!
And there is a cool museum to prove that: the Museum of Western Film History. Here you’ll find everything from scripts to costumes, insights into the production world, and posters… if you’re a movie geek, this will be your paradise!
Quality Inn Lone Pine near Mount Whitney
This hotel offers the best value for money in Lone Pine lovely town! Here you can relax in the heated outdoor swimming pool, from where you can have breathtaking views of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains… What a great way to end an intense day visiting Death Valley! Other pluses are the free WiFi and free parking available on site!
Other accommodation options in Lone Pine
Lovely motel in Lone Pine, offering spacious clean rooms with air conditioning, and outdoor swimming pool
Pet-friendly motel in Lone Pine, a short distance from many restaurants and shops, ideal to visit death Valley!
Sleep in the comfortable beds of this lovely home nestled in nature, with great sunrises and sunsets views!
Things to do in Lone Pine
- Check out the collection of memorabilia at the Museum of Western Film History
- Explore the Inyo National Forest
- Go hiking on the Mount Whitney Trail
- Have a good dinner at the lovely Season’s Restaurant
- Go hiking and climbing on the Alabama Hills
- Recharge your energy with a delicious breakfast at the Alabama Hills Café and Bakery
- Drive on Whitney Portal Road, the most spectacular drives in the Eastern Sierra
- Go a day hike to Lone Pine Lake
5. Pahrump – the coolest place in Death Valley
Located east of the Death Valley, at only an hour away from Death Valley Junction, the town of Pahrump is the right place if you want to have easy access to the National Park, but also to many cool outdoor and indoor activities, nightlife, lodging options and more!
In fact, around the city you’ll find attractions for any taste: from coffee roasters to golf courses, tennis courts, wineries, high-speed racing experiences, hot air balloon panoramic rides… it will be hard to remember that you are actually staying here to visit Death Valley!
The town itself, contrary to what someone could think, is very lively, hosting many restaurants, bars, casinos, and if you come here during October, the Grape Stomp, great for having fun with all the family!
Talking about casinos, Pahrump is nestled, right between Las Vegas and the Death Valley National Park… what a great position to visit both right? Basically, you can pass from adventures in nature to adventures in clubs and casinos in just a few hours!
Well, I don’t think I have to say much more to convince you… just take a look at these great hotels below, for any price range, but don’t forget to book them as soon as you can if you don’t want to lose the spot!
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pahrump, an IHG Hotel
If you’re looking for a place to stay in total comfort, with a good location for visiting the Death Valley National Park, this 3 stars hotel is for you! Here you relax in the beautiful outdoor swimming pool while you gaze at the views of the surrounding mountains. The delicious buffet breakfast is included in the room rates… perfect to deal with all the activities you will do!
Other accommodation options in Pahrump
Sleep in the quiet rooms of this great B&B, offering air conditioning and comfortable beds!
Very nice small apartment with all comforts: the great starting point for visiting Death Valley National Park
Enjoy beautiful sunsets with mountain views in these comfy homes, close to Death Valley National Park
Want to try something original? At 46 km from Pahrump there is this super cool place where to stay close to Death Valley Junction. Villa Anita in Death Valley is an art installation studio that wants to highlight local artwork and design. In fact, much of the interior and exterior are built from repurposed materials. Cool right? Also, from here you can enjoy many activities in the surroundings, like cycling and hiking!
Things to do in Pahrump
- Have a high speed racing experience at Spring Mountains Motorsport!
- Try great wine in the middle of the arid desert at Pahrump Valley Winery
- Bring the family at the Grape Stomp, the annual grape-stomping in October
- Go gamble at Pahrump Nugget Hotel and Gambling Hall
- Fly on the water-propelled jetpack at Jetpack America
- Check out the Native American artifacts at the Pahrump Museum
- Go listen to some good Live Music on Friday and Saturday at The Hubb!
| 👑 Luxury price: | $200 |
| 💵 Mid Range: | $150 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | $80 |
| 🏠 Airbnb: | $200 |
| 💰 Accommodation prices: | Medium |
| 📍 Best area: | Beatty |
| 👪 Best area for families: | Ridgecrest |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | The Palazzo at The Venetian® |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Exchange Club Motel |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | El Portal Motel |
Frequently asked questions about Death Valley National Park
📍Where do you stay when you visit Death Valley National Park?
When you visit Death Valley National Park, you can stay in its surrounding towns. The closest one is Beatty, offering great lodging options like Death Valley Inn & RV Park or Exchange Club Motel, both offering great value for money!
📅 How many days do you need in Death Valley National Park?
To actually visit the Death Valley National Park, you need around 1 or 2 days. That’s why you should consider staying in the surrounding towns, like Las Vegas, Ridgecrest, or Lone Pine… so you can engage in other activities too!
🌡️What is the best month to visit Death Valley National Park?
If you want to avoid the crazy heat of the arid Death Valley National Park, the best time of year to visit the park is between mid-October to mid-May, where temperatures are a little lower (around 80F).
🛏️ Which is the best place to stay in Furnace Creek, inside Death Valley National Park?
Furnace Creek hosts several campgrounds with ideal locations inside the Death Valley National Park and close also to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. Other than camping, The Ranch At Death Valley is a good hotel option in Furnace Creek.
📸 What are the main things to do in Death Valley National Park?
Some of the best things to do in Death Valley National Park are visiting the Furnace Creek Visitor center, deep dive into Death Valley history at the Harmony Borax Works, and having the best scenic drives in Death Valley, like at Dante’s View!
Conclusion
Here we are at the end of our adventure through the cool towns where to stay in Death Valley National Park, including great accommodation options.
From the tranquil Beatty town to the family-friendly Ridgecrest, the crazy Las Vegas on the west, the natural Lone Pine, and the cool Pahrump, right in the Death Valley junction, there is for sure the right area for you. One thing is sure: they all offer great activities and access to Death Valley National Park!
Since we went through so many options, I want to help you with your decision and give you some more help! Here are my favorite hotel options close to Death Valley National Camp:
- The Palazzo at The Venetian – This 5-star eco-friendly hotel in Las Vegas offers anything you want for a stay in total luxury!
- Exchange Club Motel – Find the best value for money in this clean and quiet hotel, at only 9 miles from Death Valley National Park!
Just remember to book them as soon as you can if you want to secure yourself a spot!
I hope this guide will be helpful for you to find the right accommodation and area near the Death Valley National Park and to enjoy an amazing vacation!
If you have been to one of the places near the Death Valley National Park and you want to share your experience, or you simply have some questions, please leave them in the comments… looking forward to answering you!
All the best,
Elena
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