Where to Eat in Death Valley: Restaurants In and Around the Park
Three areas account for all the food service inside the park: Furnace Creek, which has the widest selection, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs. Outside these areas, the gateway towns of Beatty, Nevada, and Lone Pine, California, offer more choices at lower prices.
Eating in the Park: Lodges, Restaurants, and Cafeterias
Food service is intentionally limited inside the park. Three dining areas, roughly 25 miles apart, and prices higher than those in town are simply part of the Death Valley experience. Here's what you'll find in each area.
Furnace Creek: The Heart of Dining
The Oasis at Death Valley operates Furnace Creek's two properties, each with its own atmosphere.
The Inn at Death Valley has the park's most polished dining room. You'll find a historic 1920s setting, an international menu, and views of the pool fed by a natural hot spring. Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner, especially from March through May. Expect to pay $30 to $50 per person.
The Ranch at Death Valley is more casual, with a restaurant open from breakfast through dinner ($12 to $20) and a saloon where you can end the evening. This is also where you'll find the famous date shake mentioned below.
The Furnace Creek Visitor Center doesn't serve food, but the attached store sells a few snacks.
Stovepipe Wells: A No-Frills Stop
About 25 miles northwest of Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells Village is home to the Toll Road Restaurant, a diner open for all three meals: omelets in the morning, burgers or a daily special at lunch, and grilled dishes in the evening. It's affordable, casual, and doesn't require a reservation. The adjoining Badwater Saloon lets you keep the evening going in a full-on Old West setting.
Panamint Springs: Your Last Chance Out West
At the western end of the park on Highway 190, Panamint Springs Resort has a restaurant open all day. The menu is short, local craft beer is available, and the atmosphere feels like an isolated ranch. It's the only food option for roughly 56 miles if you enter or leave the park through this access point.
Groceries and Picnics in the Park
Two general stores let you stock up without leaving the park.
The store at The Ranch at Death Valley in Furnace Creek has the best selection: water, snacks, packaged sandwiches, ice, alcohol, and a few fresh foods. The Stovepipe Wells Village Store has a smaller selection but covers the basics.
Picnicking makes a lot of sense, especially outside the hot season, from October through April. You'll find tables at several picnic areas in the valley. Always carry more water than you think you'll need. The NPS recommends at least 4 liters per person per day in summer. Never leave food in your vehicle during extreme heat. A few hours is all it takes to ruin it.
Where to Eat Nearby: Gateway Towns
Beatty, Nevada, on the East Side
About 31 miles from Furnace Creek via Highway 374, Beatty is the easiest gateway town to reach from the park's main area. It has several restaurants open late, a casino with a buffet, and a well-stocked grocery store. Many visitors stock up here before entering the valley.
Lone Pine, California, on the West Side
About 62 miles away via Highway 190 and US-395, Lone Pine offers more variety, including Mexican restaurants, American diners, and a grocery store. It's a good stop if you're arriving from or heading toward Owens Valley.
Baker, California, to the South
Baker is about 81 miles south via Route 127. Known for its 24-hour roadside stops and giant thermometer, it's a convenient place to grab a quick meal if you're coming from Los Angeles via I-15.
Our Picks for Every Occasion
Quick and affordable: the restaurant at The Ranch at Death Valley in Furnace Creek or the Toll Road Restaurant in Stovepipe Wells.
For families: the Toll Road Restaurant in Stovepipe Wells has an easy-to-read menu, a relaxed atmosphere, and no reservation requirement.
For a view: the dining room at The Inn at Death Valley, with windows overlooking the palms and the naturally heated pool. The setting makes the price worthwhile.
For a historic meal: The Inn, which has been open since 1927. Its walls have watched generations of desert explorers pass through before you.
The Specialty to Try: The Date Shake
The Furnace Creek palm grove dates back to the borax operations of the 19th century. It still produces Medjool dates, and the date shake, made with fresh dates, is The Ranch at Death Valley's signature treat. It's thick, sweet, and surprisingly rich after a day in the desert sun. I ordered one after hiking up to Zabriskie Point in November, and it became my late-afternoon ritual. Some gateway towns also sell them at seasonal stands.
Practical Tips: Hours, Reservations, Budget, and Season
Hours: Park restaurants shorten their hours from May through September. Check the NPS website before you leave, since temporary closures are common during periods of extreme heat.
Reservations: Dinner reservations at The Inn at Death Valley are required from March through May. The Ranch, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs don't take reservations.
Budget: Plan on $12 to $20 at a cafeteria or diner, and $30 to $50 at The Inn. Prices are higher than outside the park because of the isolation. Our Fees and Passes page explains entrance fees and passes.
Season: The full selection is available from October through April. From May through September, temperatures in the valley can exceed 122°F. Some businesses close at noon to protect their staff. Plan your meals before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. For essential seasonal precautions, see our When to Visit Death Valley guide.
In Brief: Where to Eat by Area
| Area | On-site options |
|---|---|
| Furnace Creek | The Inn at Death Valley (fine dining), The Ranch at Death Valley (casual), General Store |
| Stovepipe Wells | Toll Road Restaurant, Badwater Saloon, Village Store |
| Panamint Springs | Panamint Springs Resort (restaurant) |
| East side of the park | Beatty, NV (about 31 miles from Furnace Creek) |
| West side of the park | Lone Pine, CA (about 62 miles) |
| South side of the park | Baker, CA (about 81 miles) |
To plan your entire trip, see our complete Death Valley guide and our Where to Stay page for combining lodging and meals at the park's lodges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I eat in Death Valley?
The park's restaurants are in Furnace Creek (The Inn at Death Valley and The Ranch at Death Valley), Stovepipe Wells (Toll Road Restaurant and Badwater Saloon), and Panamint Springs (Panamint Springs Resort). Nearby, Beatty, Nevada, is the closest gateway town, about 31 miles from Furnace Creek.
Is there food in Death Valley?
Yes. Three areas have restaurants, and two general stores let you stock up inside the park. Selection remains limited and prices are higher than in town, so bringing your own supplies for picnics is a smart move, especially outside the cold season.
What's the average price of a meal in the United States?
A typical meal in the United States costs $15 to $25. In Death Valley, plan on $12 to $20 at a cafeteria or diner, and $30 to $50 at The Inn at Death Valley. Our Fees and Passes page explains entrance fees and passes.
When should I avoid Death Valley?
From May through September, temperatures in the valley can exceed 122°F, and some restaurants shorten their hours or close midday. Check the latest hours on the NPS website before you leave, and plan your meals early in the morning or after 6 p.m.