10 Best Things to Do in Needles, California (2023)

Are you planning to visit Needles, California? In this article, we’ve mentioned the 10 best things to do in Needles, California that you should definitely explore there.

Needles is a popular city in San Bernardino County, California. It is situated on the banks of the Colorado River. The city shares its border with Arizona and Nevada. Due to deserts the climate of this city is subtropical.

Needles is a perfect combination of Nature, Craft, and entertainment. There are various places that one can visit while going to this city. From Havasu Lake to the national reserve and golf course, it offers a lot of interesting things to its visitors.

Interesting Facts about Needles, CA

• Geographically speaking, Needles is apart from the other county cities. 
• The Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway, which initially spanned the Colorado River at Eastbridge, Arizona, three miles southeast of present-day Needles, was being built when Needles was established in May 1883. 
• Needles is a destination for travel and recreation. The settlement serves as the eastern entry point to the picturesque Mojave National Preserve. 
• From the 1920s to the 1960s, Needles served as a significant stop on the famed U.S. Route 66.
• The Mohave Mountains’ “The Needles,” a collection of pinnacles south of the city on the Arizona side of the river, inspired the name of the city, Needles.

Here are a few places to visit and the best things to do in Needles, California.

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Best Things to Do in Needles, California

1. Colorado River

The Colorado River runs along the coast of Needles City. There are two bridges across the river that will lead you to Arizona. Needles City is the last town before reaching Arizona.

Standing on the river’s edge, one can see several beautiful homes in the distance. There are various families enjoying boat rides and white-sand beaches.

You can feel the wind blowing through your face, which makes you feel refreshed. Exploring the Colorado River is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Needles.

• Famous For: Beautiful River Banks

2. Havasu Lake

Lake Havasu was created while creating Parker Dam in the year 1938. There are various sports activities taking place, such as boating, water skiing, and many more. 

The temperature of the city is dry and hot, while this lake provides a soothing vibe to every visitor.

This is the most loved place for people living near it, and there are also various restaurants near it. One can have a lot of fun at this place.

• Location: Alongside the Colorado River
• Opening Hours: 24/7
• Famous for: Variety of Water Sports.

3. Chemehuevi Mountains Wilderness

People who love nature mostly visit Chemehuevi Mountain Wilderness. These mountains cover around 85,000 acres of land and also conduct various recreational activities.

There are even various plants that make this place densely populated. This place consists of various species of flora and fauna due to the Sonoran and Mojave deserts’ ecosystems.

Visiting Chemehuevi Mountains Wilderness is one of the best things to do in Needles that should be added to your bucket list to make the most of your trip.

It is important to remember to “Leave No Trace,” which means that no waste should be disposed of here.

• Location: 1303 US-95, Needles, CA 92363, US.
• Opening hours: 24/7
• Famous For: Flora and Fauna, Landscapes

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4. El Graces Harvey House Hotel & Depot

The early 1900s railroad business was closely related to Needles. With features that honor this hobby, El Garces Harvey House Hotel & Depot pays homage to this significant past.

Depot offered tourists a first view of its location and a place to visit whenever trains have been the main mode of communication.

• Location: 950 Front St, Needles, CA 92363, US.
• Opening Hours: 24/7.
• Famous For: Good for stays.

5. Havasu National Wildlife Refuge

The Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is also known as Havasu Lake National Wildlife Refuge. It was created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt for the purpose of preserving the habitats of migratory birds.

The Refuge covers around 37,000 acres and is along the Colorado River. More than 100 species of birds stop here while migrating during long journeys. This place is best for people who love birds.

• Location: 317 Mesquite Ave., Needles, CA 92363, US
• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM
• Famous For: Being a Habitat for Migratory Birds.

6. Mojave National Preserve

There are four major deserts in North America, one of which is the Mojave National Preserve. The place has a diversified ecosystem that consists of different kinds of flora and fauna, a diversity of sand mounds, mesas, dry riverbanks, mountain peaks, and other natural features.

Due to the abundance of rock formations in the region, it is a fantastic location to investigate and learn about geology.

• Location: 90942 Kelso Cima Rd., Essex, CA 92332, US.
• Opening hours: 24/7
• Famous For: Having a Diversified Ecosystem.

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7. El Rio Golf Club

The El Rio Golf Club, the premier golf adventure in Mohave Valley, is ready for your appointment time. Visiting there will absolutely be the best thing to do in Needles if you love sports.

Due to the area’s extensive Spanish heritage and closeness to the Colorado River, the magnificent gold rush is fittingly named.

You can indeed be sure that you are prepared and pumped up to play because the location also has a pro center and practice areas.

El Rio provides the facilities, tools, and value perception necessary to create a memorable encounter.

• Location: Mohave Valley, AZ 86440, United States
• Opening Hours: 5:30 am – 6:00 pm
• Famous For: Golf Tournaments

8. Old Trails Arch Bridge

This location, known as the Old Trails Bridge, has also been known as the Topock or Needles overpass. Putting title traditions aside, the footbridge has a metal arch with an 800-foot long and 600-foot span.

When it was finished in 1916, the project was America’s biggest and most lightweight arched bridge.

• Location – Abandoned US 66 over the Colorado Road, Arizona, US.
• Opening Hours: 24/7
• Famous For: Its different structure.

9. Wagon Wheel Restaurant

Since 1978, the Wagon Wheel Eatery has been a neighborhood staple, dishing out freshly handcrafted specialties.

Every homestyle griddled brunch dish is available all day, and it tastes its finest in the cozy diner setting.

One of the most popular menu items is the chicken-fried steak, which is served with plenty of eggs and hash browns that have been griddle-cooked.

• Location: 2420 Needles Hwy, Needles, CA 92362, US
• Opening Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Famous For: Homestyle Grilled Breakfast

10. Needles Borax Wagon

The Needles Borax Wagon is a must-see attraction in Needles and should not be missed. The wooden wagon, adorned with the phrases “Needles” and “California,” is a wonderful representation of the region it resides in.

The Studebaker Wagon Company created the Wagon, which has appeared in both films and television programs.

• Location: 305-399 W Broadway St, Needles, CA 92363, US
• Opening Hours: 24/7
• Famous For: Popular Tourist Attraction.

Where to Stay in Needles, California

Needles is a newer, lovely tourist site that is well worth a trip. You might be shocked by some of the unusual activities and locations you can discover in this undiscovered location.

If your vacation itinerary calls for this city, we can provide you with a list of accommodations.

1. Overall Best hotel in Needles – Rio Del Sol Inn Needles

This California hotel has an outdoor pool, and Rivers Edge Golf Course is only a short stroll away. Moreover, free local calls and Wi-Fi are available to guests. The sundeck and indoor hot tub at the pet-friendly Needles Rio Del Sol Hotel are both available.

• Location: 1111 Pashard Street, Needles, CA
• Amenities: WiFi, Air conditioning, Family rooms, and Pets allowed. 
• Food Information: Vending machine (snacks), Vending machine (drinks). 

2. Best Luxury Hotel in Needles – Hampton Inn Needles

Accommodations are available at Hampton Inn Needles. The Hampton Inn Needles offers rooms with private bathrooms and air conditioning. There are buffet, continental, and American options for breakfast every day.

• Location: 1803 Needles Hwy, Needles, CA
• Amenities: Air conditioning, Lift, and Pets allowed.
• Food Information: Kid-friendly buffet and Snack bar. 

3. Best Cheap Hotel in Needles – Best Western Colorado River Inn

At Needles, the Best Western Colorado River Hotel provides lodging with free WiFi and has a hot tub, sauna, and outdoor pool. A complimentary breakfast is offered each day.

• Location: 2371 Needles Highway, Needles, CA
• Amenities: WiFi, Shared lounge/TV area, Air conditioning, Family rooms, Pets allowed. 
• Food Information: Coffee house on site,  Wine/champagne, Kid meals, and Bar. 

Where to Eat in Needles 

Needles is the ideal synthesis of leisure, craft, and the natural world. While visiting this city, one can eat in a variety of locations. These are some dining options in Needles, California.

1. Denny’s

In Needles, if you’re hungry for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, you’ve come to the correct location! It serves some of the most delicious cuisines that are worth trying.

Location: 1400 J St, Needles, CA 92363, United States

2. Wagon Wheel Restaurant

Located at Needles Hwy, it is absolutely one of the best restaurants in Needles. You should definitely visit Jedro’s Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Needles to order a traditional American dish with fries. 

Location: 2420 Needles Hwy, Needles, CA 92363, United States

3. River City Pizza 

Customers consider this Needles restaurant, River City Pizza, to have some of the greatest pizzas in the area. If you love to eat Pizza, you should not stop your feet to get there.

Location: 1901 Needles Hwy, Needles, CA 92363, United States

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Conclusion – Best Things to Do in Needles, CA

So, these are the best things to do in Needles, California. If you are planning to visit there, you should definitely explore these attractions to make the most of your trip. In the end, we would like to say that Needles is undoubtedly a beautiful city in California, and one must surely visit there.

FAQs – Best Things to Do in Needles, CA