Hesperia is located within San Bernardino County and is known for its famed golf course, a former PGA Tour stop, and several outdoor recreational areas that serve as popular weekend getaways for Los Angeles residents. Man-made Hesperia Lake is the site of several annual festivals, while the Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area and Mojave River Forks Regional Park offer opportunities for backcountry camping, horseback riding, and stargazing.
Hesperia Zoo
The Hesperia Zoo is a 10-acre zoo located within California's high desert area, showcasing a population of native California animal species alongside rare and endangered species from around the world. The zoo was opened to the public in 2001 and is designed as an immersive family-friendly experience, offering guided tours on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Tours offer up-close experiences with the zoo's primate, cat, marsupial, and exotic bird residents, available for visitors of all ages with advance reservations.
Feeding Frenzy times may also be reserved for a chance to see animal feedings. Special events offered at the zoo throughout the year include a children's Boo at the Zoo celebration, which encourages families to wear costumes to the zoo, and a three-hour Valentine's Day event offering a look at animal mating rituals.
Hesperia Zoo, 19038 Willow St, Hesperia, CA 92345, Phone: 760-948-9430
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area is an expansive California state park that is centered around the natural water system of Silverwood Lake, which begins with rain and snowmelt collected at Lake Oroville and the Feather River Basin and spans through the 444-mile State Water Project area.
The recreation area, which is accessible for a nominal entrance fee, is a popular outdoor recreation destination for Los Angeles residents looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, and swimming. Multi-use trails throughout the recreation area are permitted for pedestrians, bikers, and horseback riders, with boat ramps and rentals offered for anglers looking to catch catfish, bass, trout, and bluegill. Mesa Campground offers family campsites, with group campsites located at several other areas throughout the park.
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, 13988 Sawpit Canyon Rd, Hesperia, CA 92345, Phone: 760-389-2281
Hesperia Lake Park
Hesperia Lake Park is a popular recreation area for visitors from the Los Angeles area, centered around beautiful Hesperia Lake, which offers opportunities for day and night fishing throughout the year. The lake opens each day for visitor use at 6:00am, with special night fishing opportunities available on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout peak catfish season. Senior fishing days offer discounts for visitors over 55 on select Wednesdays and Thursdays.
A full bait and tackle store is offered onsite, also stocking supplies for visitors using the park's campgrounds and RV sites. Dogs are permitted at campsites for an additional fee per pet. Other attractions at the park include an equestrian camp, soccer fields, day-use picnic sites, and the John Swisher Community Center, which may be reserved for private special events.
Hesperia Lake Park, 7500 Arrowhead Lake Rd, Phone: 760-244-5951
CalEarth Homes
CalEarth Homes is a unique corporation that is dedicated to the construction of environmentally-friendly SuperAdobe architecture, which aims to provide financially-sustainable living situations for people worldwide. The company's homes are constructed with eco-friendly sandbags, barbed wire, and earthen materials found on site at the time of construction. SuperAdobe technology has been featured in international publications as an architecture concept of the future and has been endorsed by the United Nations and NASA as a solution for housing deficiencies around the world. Each first Saturday of every month, the company hosts public open houses, showcasing technologies and encouraging California residents to help build a better future for society. Personal tours and field trips are also available with advance registration.
10177 Baldy Lane, Hesperia, CA 92345, Phone: 760-956-7533
Oak Hills Brewing Company
Oak Hills Brewing Company was originally opened in November of 2012 by Jerry Hackbarth and John Brock and has become Hesperia's premiere craft microbrewery, serving beers dedicated to the highest-possible classic American craftsmanship and innovation. A wide variety of the company's craft ales are available on tap at its tap room, including its Conviction Pale Ale, Responsible Irish Red, Steadfast Kolsch, and El Hefe Hefeweizen. Barrel-aged and high-ABV brews are also served as part of the company's Select Ales series, along with housemade non-alcoholic ginger ale, cream soda, and root beer. Public special events at the brewery include trivia nights and food truck pop-ups, with all events open to the public for visitors of all ages, including families.
Oak Hills Brewing Company, 12221 Poplar St #3, Hesperia, CA 92344, Phone: 760-244-8278
Mojave River Forks Regional Park
Mojave River Forks Regional Park is a public campground and day-use recreational area located near the San Bernardino Mountains within the Summit Valley, offering sweeping panoramic views of the mountain range and the nearby Mojave Desert. Miles of beautiful hiking and equestrian trails are showcased throughout the park, which links to the Pacific Crest Trail and nearby recreation areas such as Silverwood Lake. Due to its isolation from nearby Los Angeles' light pollution, the park is a prime site for stargazing, with few lights located throughout the park to obstruct sky views. 50 campsites are offered throughout the park, along with RV hookup sites and camper amenities. Other amenities include a dedicated equestrian area and day-use picnic areas.
17891 CA-173, Hesperia, CA 92345, Phone: 760-389-2322
La Casita Cafe
La Casita Cafe is a Southern California Mexican restaurant chain that was originally opened in 1981 by Carmen and Alfredo Rosales. Today, the chain has spread throughout the SoCal region, offering three franchised locations, including a Hesperia location opened by the couple's daughter and son-in-law two years after the original restaurant's opening. Today, the restaurant serves a full menu of traditional Mexican dishes, including tostadas, chimichangas, fajitas, and signature burritos. Combination plates and a la carte items are also available, along with specialty egg and seafood dishes. A full selection of wines and domestic and import beers are available, along with the restaurant's signature La Casita margaritas, made with Sauza Gold. Visitors should note that the restaurant is cash-only, though ATMs are provided on site.
La Casita Cafe, 17289 Main St, Hesperia, CA 92345, Phone: 760-244-2242
Juliano's Italian Restaurant
Juliano's Italian Restaurant has been a High Desert favorite since 2004, owned and operated by Juliano Sanchez. The casual-dining restaurant offers an impressive array of traditional Italian favorites, including a full selection of hot and cold appetizers, antipastos, and salads.
Classic Italian entrees available include veal parmigiana, chicken marsala, salmon calaprese, and fettuccine alfredo. A full menu of fine California coastal wines is served, including the restaurant's house chianti, along with draft beer, liquor, and mixed well drinks. Patio dining is available seasonally, with an extensive catering menu available for private dining rentals and special events.
Juliano's Italian Restaurant, 12052 Hesperia Rd #9, Hesperia, CA 92345, Phone: 760-949-0595
