Thursday, April 11, 2024
Lights, Camera, Getaway! Those familiar with the silver screen are well aware that in a certain film, Death Valley masquerades as “Tatooine.” For years, cinephiles have been flocking to The Oasis at Death Valley, embarking on a pilgrimage to behold six iconic locations from the 1977 classic Star Wars, set in a distant galaxy. It was during this time that a renowned filmmaker chose this authentic American oasis, nestled within 3.4 million square miles of desert, oasis, and mountainous national park, to craft cinematic magic and whisk audiences away to far-off galaxies.
“Want to visit Tatooine? If so, take a trip to Death Valley National Park! The famous Star Wars movie series filmed scenes in the park for Episode IV – A New Hope and Episode VI – Return of the Jedi,” reads the National Parks Service’s website[1] [2] . Download the free NPS App to enjoy a guided driving audio tour of the spectacular Death Valley locations featured in Star Wars.
Staff members at The Oasis at Death Valley are well-versed in the tales and filming locations of various movies, offering insider knowledge to interested guests. Among these locations are the awe-inspiring landscapes found throughout Death Valley National Park, such as Dante’s View, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Desolations Canyon, Artist’s Drive, and Golden Canyon. Conveniently, these spots are just a short 20-to-40-minute drive from the Resort, which stands as the sole resort within Death Valley National Park.
Located a mere two-hour drive from Las Vegas and slightly over four hours from Los Angeles, the area surrounding the resort is characterized by vast stretches of desert where the nearest town or amenities are at least an hour away, with high-speed limits and no traffic lights.
For those inclined to explore the celestial realm, Death Valley is an ideal destination. It boasts the distinction of being one of the few gold-tier designated International Dark Sky Parks in the United States, offering stargazers the opportunity to behold the Milky Way with the naked eye.
In homage to the renowned saga and its Hollywood legacy, The Oasis at Death Valley has curated an exclusive map for guests, guiding them to the easily accessible filming locations via car.
While Death Valley may appear as a world apart for vacationers, those familiar with the area have discovered a veritable “oasis-like planet” in the form of the luxurious AAA Four-Diamond The Inn at Death Valley and the family-friendly The Ranch at Death Valley, both integral parts of the recent $250 million revitalization project at The Oasis at Death Valley. Known for its predominantly sunny weather and minimal rainfall, Death Valley also offers relief from pesky insects. Visitors can enjoy amenities such as expansive spring-fed swimming pools, maintaining a comfortable 87-degree temperature year-round, as well as the distinction of playing golf on the lowest USGA golf course on earth. Other attractions include cascading bougainvillea-adorned gardens, opportunities for golf, tennis, horseback riding, a variety of dining options, a spring-watered date palm grove, a general store, post office, and a nostalgic ice cream shop. With abundant lush lawns providing space for recreational activities or simply basking in the breathtaking scenery during the day, and the celestial spectacle of stars illuminating the night sky, the resort offers a range of accommodations, including a main resort, two hotels, 22 private casitas, and 80 cozy cottages.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
