Return to LA After a Day at Death Valley

Check out of the hotel and head to Badwater Basin, an expansive salt flat that's 282 feet below sea level, marking the lowest point of elevation in North America. You'll notice an increase in temperature, which is why it's best to visit first thing in the morning.
During the cooler months, it's common to walk out onto the salt flat and soak in the surrounding views. There's a parking lot (with fierce competition for spaces during busier times of the day) and a wooden walkway that leads to a viewing platform for added convenience.

When driving back north to the main road, venture off to Artist's Palette, a scenic detour of rock formations in photogenic pastel colours. The shades of lavender and light blue are especially unique.
The one-way loop takes about 20 minutes, but you'll want to pull over once or twice to absorb the beauty of the surroundings and snap a few photos.

Your final stop in Death Valley National Park is Zabriskie Point, which offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains as well as the salt flats that mark the valley floor. The eroded landscape emerged from where a lake once existed millions of years ago.
Pull up to a small parking lot just off the main road and take a short hike to the peak. It's an easy walk, with nearby trails to explore for those with extra time on their hands.

While traveling from Death Valley back to Los Angeles, you'll pass through the small town of Shoshone. Grab lunch at the historic Crowbar Cafe, divided between a traditional American diner and a classic cocktail saloon. Either room serves the same menu, featuring American comfort-food favourites prepared with fresh, organic ingredients whenever possible. The burgers and chili are incredible, and every sauce is made in-house. Make sure to try the French fries.
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Monday: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Tuesday: Closed

The Crowbar is next to the free Shoshone Museum. Stop by after your meal to see artefacts from the region's mining legacy, as well as bones from a mastodon and woolly mammoth. A vintage automobile and old mining equipment decorate the grounds out front.
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Monday: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Tuesday: Closed

Just south of Shoshone is Tecopa, a tiny California community known for its remote location and some of the most pure, pristine hot springs in the world. To experience the water yourself, buy a day pass at Delight's Hot Springs Resort, which has four private clothing-optional dipping rooms. There's also a larger shared swimming pool with bathing suits required. All pools are fed by the natural springs and temperature-controlled. The water is rich in minerals and extremely soothing.
Day passes are available Monday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

While continuing back to Los Angeles, you'll once again pass through Baker. This time around, skip the World's Tallest Thermometer and grab dinner at The Mad Greek. The family-owned restaurant has been around for decades, feeding hungry travellers as a must-visit roadside destination.
As the name suggests, Greek cuisine is the specialty, from gyros to baba ganoush, but the menu also includes burgers and tacos. Save room for a baklava milkshake for dessert. The Mad Greek can get crowded, but lines move along quickly. You're always welcome to order from the drive-thru window and eat in the car to save time.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8.00 a.m. – 9.00 p.m.

Stretch your legs and fill up the tank at EddieWorld, a travel plaza that claims to be California's largest gas station with the best prices for miles around. It's a quirky place to visit, with a large gift shop, extensive candy selection, and a mini museum dedicated to the Los Angeles Lakers. EddieWorld is hard to miss. Just look for the 65-foot-tall ice cream sundae out front.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Pull over at this 24-hour travel centre, where you'll find easy parking for filling up on fuel and taking a bathroom break. Grab a cup of coffee if you need a caffeine boost for the final leg of the trip back to Los Angeles.