Getaway Guide: Weekend Road Trip To Blythe, CA

Tucked at the very edge of Riverside County, the city of Blythe, California welcomes visitors to the Colorado River. The population of Blythe nearly triples during the winter months for those who seek to escape the chilly beach wind in favor of the warm, desert river. The Blythe Bluegrass Festival each January is a popular event for such a flock of visitors. During the extreme heat of the summer months, visitors head to Blythe for relatively tame rafting, canoeing and other water recreational activities. All year long, Blythe thrives on tourists who enjoy rock climbing, golfing, camping and ghost town and desert exploration.

Getting There

The city of Blythe is about four hours east of Los Angeles. Just hop on the I 10 East, passing through popular shopping destinations like Ontario and Palm Springs. As the drive winds just south of Joshua Tree National Park, travelers will find themselves less than an hour away from the Arizona/California border and the Colorado River.

Related: Best Scenic Drives Within 50 Miles Of LA

What To Do

Bigfoot Skate Park
North Broadway
Blythe, CA 92225

Along with Blythe's several state parks are various recreational parks. Featuring a long snake bowl with a pyramid, railed tabletop and grind rail, boarders come from far and wide to practice their skills. True to its name, the foot-shaped park is open to the public without strict requirements for age or padding. The rollerblading or skateboarding kid in your life will be grateful for a stop on your way to the river.

Riviera Blythe Marina Park
14100 Riviera Drive
Blythe, CA 92225
(760) 922-5350

This public regional park on the Colorado River is the most popular and most developed site in the area. It offers the best access to the river for boating and fishing, as well as provides such amenities as cable TV, showers, picnic facilities and a laundromat. The family-friendly Riviera Marina is a wonderful place to make memories while enjoying many forms of water recreation, from inner-tubing to canoeing, swimming and speed boating. This 14-acre park can be found on Riviera Drive off of the 10 freeway in Blythe.

Related: Best Boating Trips Near Los Angeles

Lucas Oil I 10 Speedway
591 N. Olive Lake Blvd.
Blythe, CA 92225
(760) 922-0333
www.i10speedway.com

One of Blythe's unique sporting attractions is the Lucas Oil 10 Speedway, which hosts minor and major derbies year round. Located at the crossing of the 10 freeway and the Colorado River, this site also serves as the Colorado River Fairgrounds where the annual Colorado River Fair takes place in the spring. The speedway features local drivers and gives locals the opportunity to witness Sports Network-level racing.

Where To Stay

Capital Suites
545 E Hobsonway
Blythe, CA 92225
(760) 922-9209
www.capitalsuitesblythe.com

Complementary deluxe breakfasts, Wi-Fi and cable are among the amenities offered at this all-suite location. The two-story, 67-suite hotel is located at the center of Blythe. All rooms are non smoking and a fitness room and outdoor pool and spa are accessible to all guests. Local restaurants, as well as all of Blythe's most popular attractions, are only a short distance away.

Where To Eat

Rebel BBQ
181 S. Lovekin Blvd.
Blythe, CA 92225
(760) 922-7000
www.rebelbarbeque.com

Among various burger chains, Rebel BBQ is an independently owned, family-style restaurant that seemingly never fails to impress diners with its unique sauces. Besides burgers and ribs, comfort food sides such as mac and cheese, baked beans and potato salad are offered. Food is freshly made and prices are affordable. This site is an overall friendly and welcoming break from standard camp BBQ.

Danielle Farve is a freelance writer covering all things Los Angeles. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.