Search results
Apr 2, 2022 · Death Valley in Movies and Television. Visit Tatooine! Star Wars Tour of Death Valley. The following list of movie or television film/video productions were either shot on location in or near Death Valley, or, the subject matter/plot includes Death Valley ( real or perceived in italics.) 20 Mule Team (1940) 3 Godfathers (1948) Accomplice (1946)
- Star Wars (1977) Rotten Tomatoes® 92%
- Return of the Jedi (1983) Rotten Tomatoes® 82%
- Blade (1998) Rotten Tomatoes® 57%
- National Lampoon's Vacation (1983) Rotten Tomatoes® 93%
Discover new TV shows and movies tagged as 'death valley' and where you can watch them.
Movies Filmed in Death Valley: A Glimpse into Silver Screen History 1. “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” (1977) – Perhaps the most iconic film shot in Death Valley, this science fiction epic showcased the vast and desolate landscapes of the region to depict the desert planet of Tatooine.
- Best Hikes to Try When Exploring Death Valley with Kids
- Awe-Inspiring Death Valley Sights
- Scenic Drives Through Death Valley with Kids
- Family-Friendly Guided Programs
- Fun Death Valley Experiences For The Whole Family
- Know Before You Go
- What to Pack
- Get The Kids Excited For Their Visit to Death Valley
- Four-Day Suggested Itinerary: Death Valley with Kids
Death Valley has no shortage of easy hikes that allowed our family to discover new and exciting landscapes. We packed a lot into our short visit and left wanting more. The park is huge, so try to pace yourself and enjoy each moment. The Death Valley hiking seasons favor the mild winter months. If you are visiting in the warmer months, time your hik...
Several sights in Death Valley are hiking optional, which can be a welcome break when exploring with kids. You can drive to a parking lot and walk a few feet out to a lookout for wonderful views. These spots offer hiking and exploration options as well, which would be a fun experience for families with older kids.
In a park as large as Death Valley, driving is not only essential for exploring, it can be a big part of the fun! Several Death Valley experiences require some off-roading. Farabee’s Jeep Rental, located next to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center rents family-friendly 4-door Jeeps from September through May for those looking for an off-road adventure...
Though this desert is pretty easy to explore on your own, a guided experience can add a whole other dimension to your visit. This is especially true when traveling through Death Valley new with curious kids who never tire of asking questions! Our visit was in December 2020, so all tours were canceled due to the Covid pandemic, but we hope to enjoy ...
THE BORAX MUSEUM
Curious to learn more about the Old West? Check out this museum next to The Ranch at Death Valley Hotel. Real stagecoaches and locomotives displayed outside are fun photo ops. Housed in the oldest structure in Death Valley, artifacts on display inside the museum include tools, arrowheads, and photographs. Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free.
SWIM OUTSIDE IN WINTER
Pools at the Ranch and Stovepipe Wells offer $10 day passes. Fed by natural springs, the pools remain right about 85 degrees at all times, so you can comfortably swim outside after a long day of exploring in the winter. Of course, it works just as well when you need to cool down mid-day in the summer! Inquire about passes at the hotel registration desks.
SANDBOARDING
We mention this above when describing the Mesquite Sand Dunes hike, but I wanted to repeat it since it was the boys’ favorite thing to do! Sandboarding is a ton of fun, as it doesn’t hurt when you fall like snowboarding. There are no rentals in Death Valley, so make sure you arrive prepared with a board or sled that won’t sink in the sand. Mesquite San Dunes are the only dunes in the park that allow boarding.
PLAN TO DRIVE
At 3.4 million acres, Death Valley is the largest National Park park in the continental US. With a park larger than the state of Connecticut, driving is necessary for exploration. Gas is available at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells, but as with many national parks, gas is a bit pricier inside the park. Las Vegas is the closest major city, about two and a half hours to the east. If you’re coming from the western California side, fill up when you can. The closest gas station we found was in T...
WHERE TO STAY
Given the size of the park, it’s much easier to explore while staying within the park itself. You can reserve a camping site at Furnace Creek during the busy season, from October – April. Sites at all other campgrounds are first-come, first-served. Only a few campgrounds remain open in the summer due to the extreme heat, and they are not staffed. It’s always a good idea to check the official National Park websiteto see current conditions and availability before you go. If you prefer a hotel w...
SOUVENIRS AND THINGS
You can find souvenirs and educational materials at park stores managed by The Death Valley Natural History Association. Stores are located at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station, Scotty’s Castle Visitor Center, and the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. You’ll also find ice, firewood, and basic supplies at the stores in Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells in case you forgot the dishwasher soap as I did!
WATER, WATER, WATER
Given the dry climate of Death Valley, plan to drink more water here than in other places, even in the winter. Springs are rare and should not be considered a reliable source of drinking water. Bring your favorite water bottles (these are great if you’re looking for one), and pick up some extra gallons at the grocery store before you go.
MAPS
Because cell phone service is unreliable outside of the main visitor centers at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells, I recommend bringing at least one map with you. We brought the National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map. I’d also recommend becoming familiar with it before you go, especially if you’re like me and have become a bit too accustomed to following Google Maps on your phone.
SUN PROTECTION
Since you’re going to the hottest, driest, National Park in the United States, you want to make sure to bring plenty of sun protection for the whole family. Start with sunscreen and chapstick, and consider getting a hat designed to keep your face and neck covered. JJ’s forest school teacher recommends this onefor kids by Sunday Afternoons.
Over my years working in museums, I noticed a pattern with visitors. Most were so much more excited to see an original work that they had studied or were familiar with than they were to learn about new works, even those that interested them. This was even more true when they had journeyed to see a specific work or exhibition. I’ve incorporated thos...
Our trip to Death Valley was also our first experience renting and driving an RV. I drastically underestimated the time it would take us to drive, so we were basically left with one full day in the park. While one day will get you to a lot of the centrally-located park highlights, it definitely left me with tough choices and a strong desire to retu...
Here's our Death Valley family guide & virtual tour for visiting Death Valley with kids or for learning about its history & resources!
People also ask
What movies were filmed in Death Valley?
What to do in Death Valley with kids?
What are some Death Valley themed surprises?
Is Death Valley a dark sky park?
Movies filmed in Death Valley have left an indelible mark on the silver screen, enchanting audiences with their captivating visuals and gripping narratives. This unique desert region continues to draw filmmakers and storytellers, offering a backdrop that is both awe-inspiring and evocative.
