During World War II, over 10,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated to Manzanar—one of ten incarceration camps established after Executive Order 9066. Today, this National Historic Site stands as a powerful reminder of a dark chapter in American history, set against the stunning backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The contrast between the site’s painful past and its natural beauty creates a uniquely moving visitor experience that draws thousands each year seeking to understand this crucial piece of our shared history.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Manzanar National Historic Site is located on US Highway 395 in California’s Owens Valley, approximately 370 km (230 miles) northeast of Los Angeles. The site sits between the towns of Lone Pine and Independence, making it relatively remote but accessible by car.
Most visitors arrive by driving from major California cities. From Los Angeles, the journey takes approximately 3.5-4 hours via Highway 14 and US-395 North. From San Francisco, expect a 6-7 hour drive, potentially longer in winter when mountain passes may be closed.
Plan Your Trip to Manzanar
Find the best flight options to nearby airports in Bishop or Mammoth Lakes, or fly into Los Angeles for a scenic drive through the Eastern Sierra.
The nearest major airports are in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, both requiring a rental car to reach Manzanar. The Eastern Sierra Regional Airport in Bishop (56 km/35 miles north) offers limited commercial service.
Best Time to Visit Manzanar
Recommended Seasons
- Spring (April-May): Mild temperatures between 15-26°C (59-79°F) with wildflowers blooming and clear mountain views
- Fall (September-October): Pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 10-24°C (50-75°F) and fewer visitors
- Annual Pilgrimage: Last Saturday in April – a special cultural event with ceremonies and educational programs
Seasons to Avoid
- Summer (June-August): Extremely hot with temperatures regularly exceeding 35°C (95°F), making outdoor exploration uncomfortable
- Winter (December-February): Cold temperatures dropping to -7°C (20°F) at night, though the visitor center remains comfortable
The site is open year-round, but spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions for exploring the outdoor exhibits and walking the grounds. The harsh desert climate of extreme heat in summer and cold in winter mirrors what internees experienced, though today’s visitors can retreat to their vehicles or the climate-controlled visitor center.
Getting Around Locally
A personal vehicle is essential for visiting Manzanar as there is no public transportation to the site. Once at Manzanar, you have several options for exploring:
- Self-Guided Auto Tour: A 5.6 km (3.5 mile) driving loop takes you around the site with numbered stops corresponding to an informative guide available at the visitor center
- Walking: Many visitors prefer to walk portions of the site, particularly around the reconstructed buildings in Block 14 and the Japanese gardens
- Visitor Center to Block 14: This short 400 m (0.25 mile) walk connects the two main developed areas of the site
The site covers 3.2 km² (1.2 mi²), so combining driving and walking is the most effective way to experience Manzanar. The terrain is flat but consists of desert soil that can be dusty, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
Explore at Your Own Pace
Rent a car to visit Manzanar and explore the beautiful Eastern Sierra region at your convenience.
Where to Stay
There are no accommodations at Manzanar itself, but several nearby towns offer lodging options:
Lone Pine (16 km/10 miles south)
The closest town with the most options, from budget motels to mid-range hotels. The historic Dow Hotel and Quality Inn are popular choices with Manzanar visitors.
Price range: $80-150 per night
Independence (10 km/6 miles north)
A smaller town with limited but charming options including the historic Ray’s Den Motel and Independence Inn, plus vacation rentals.
Price range: $70-120 per night
Bishop (56 km/35 miles north)
The largest town in the area with more dining and accommodation options, including chain hotels like Holiday Inn Express and Best Western.
Price range: $90-180 per night
Find Your Perfect Stay
Book accommodations in Lone Pine, Independence, or Bishop to make the most of your visit to Manzanar.
Camping options are also available in the area, including the Alabama Hills Recreation Area near Lone Pine and several campgrounds in Inyo National Forest. These sites offer a more immersive experience in the stunning landscape that surrounds Manzanar.
Dining & Local Cuisine
There are no food services at Manzanar National Historic Site, so visitors should plan accordingly. The nearby towns offer several dining options:
- Lone Pine: Alabama Hills Café serves hearty American breakfast and lunch with mountain views. Seasons Restaurant offers more upscale dining with locally-sourced ingredients and game meats like elk medallions.
- Independence: The Still Life Café provides fresh, organic fare in a charming setting. Owens Valley Growers Co-op offers local produce and prepared foods.
- Food Trucks: “Lonchera Los Plebes” in Lone Pine (open 1:00-9:00 PM) is highly rated for authentic Mexican cuisine.
Many visitors bring picnic lunches to enjoy at the site’s outdoor tables. Water is available at the visitor center, but bringing additional water is recommended, especially during warmer months.
For a historical connection, some visitors research traditional Japanese American foods that were prepared at Manzanar’s mess halls during its operation, adding another dimension to understanding daily life at the camp.
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
Must-See Attractions at Manzanar
Visitor Center
Housed in the restored high school auditorium (one of the few original buildings), the visitor center features extensive exhibits on camp life, personal stories, and artifacts. Don’t miss the 22-minute documentary “Remembering Manzanar” that provides essential context for your visit.
Block 14 Exhibits
These reconstructed buildings show the living conditions internees faced, including barracks with minimal privacy, communal latrines, and mess halls. The stark interiors help visitors understand daily life in the camp.
Merritt Park
A Japanese garden designed by internee Kuichiro Nishi that served as a peaceful refuge. The National Park Service has partially restored this 1.5-acre haven that showcases how internees created beauty amid difficult circumstances.
Cemetery Monument
The white obelisk monument created by internee Ryozo Kado marks the cemetery where some internees were buried. Though most remains have been relocated, this stark memorial remains a powerful symbol and gathering place for the annual pilgrimage.
Activities and Experiences
- Self-Guided Auto Tour: Follow the 5.6 km (3.5 mile) loop road with 27 interpretive stops, including the sentry posts, guard tower, and various camp facilities
- Photography: The site offers compelling visual contrasts between historical structures and the majestic Sierra Nevada backdrop
- Junior Ranger Program: Children can complete activities to earn a badge while learning about this important history
- Annual Pilgrimage: Held the last Saturday in April, this event brings together former internees, descendants, and visitors for ceremonies, educational programs, and cultural performances
Enhance Your Experience
Discover guided tours and activities in the Eastern Sierra region to complement your visit to Manzanar.
Cultural Significance & Educational Value
Manzanar offers profound educational opportunities about civil liberties, constitutional rights, and the consequences of fear and prejudice during wartime. The site preserves not just buildings but also stories of resilience, community, and the human capacity to create meaning even in difficult circumstances.
Educational Resources
- Ranger Programs: When staffing permits, rangers offer talks about various aspects of Manzanar’s history
- Oral Histories: The visitor center features recorded testimonies from former internees
- Book Recommendations: “Farewell to Manzanar” by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and “The Called Us Enemy” by George Takei provide personal perspectives on the incarceration experience
Many teachers bring students to Manzanar as part of curriculum on civil rights, World War II, or Japanese American history. The National Park Service offers educational materials for classroom use before and after visits.
“Never again. Not on my watch.” – A common sentiment expressed by visitors after learning about this chapter of American history
Safety, Etiquette & Practical Tips
Safety Considerations
- Weather Protection: The Owens Valley experiences extreme temperatures. Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) in warmer months and warm layers in cooler seasons
- Hydration: Bring plenty of water, especially in summer when temperatures can exceed 38°C (100°F)
- Wildlife: Watch for rattlesnakes during warmer months, particularly in less-visited areas
Visitor Etiquette
- Respect the Site: Manzanar is both a historic site and a place of pilgrimage for many Japanese Americans. Maintain appropriate decorum, especially at the cemetery monument
- Photography: Photography is permitted throughout the site, but be respectful when other visitors are present, particularly during ceremonies
- Preservation: Do not remove any items from the site, including rocks or plants
Practical Information
- Hours: The grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset; the Visitor Center operates from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Fees: Admission is free
- Accessibility: The Visitor Center and Block 14 exhibits are wheelchair accessible. The auto tour provides access to most site features
- Cell Service: Limited in the area; download maps or information before arriving
Visitor Comments About Manzanar
“Visiting Manzanar was a gut punch of history that textbooks simply can’t convey. Standing in the reconstructed barracks and feeling the harsh desert wind made me understand what Japanese Americans endured. A sobering but essential experience for every American.”
“My grandmother was incarcerated here as a child. Bringing my own children to see where their great-grandmother lived was emotional but healing. The ranger program helped them understand this part of our family history in ways I couldn’t express myself.”
“I’ve visited many historical sites across Europe, but this American story hit closer to home. The contrast between the beautiful mountains and the painful history creates a powerful experience. Plan enough time to really absorb everything—at least 3 hours.”
Other Things to Do Nearby
While Manzanar deserves dedicated time, the Eastern Sierra region offers several complementary attractions:
Alabama Hills
Just west of Lone Pine, these distinctive rock formations have been featured in hundreds of Western films and commercials. The area offers hiking, photography, and the famous Mobius Arch with a perfect frame of Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States at 4,421 m (14,505 ft).
Museum of Western Film History
Located in Lone Pine, this museum celebrates the area’s rich cinematic history with props, costumes, and exhibits from movies filmed in the nearby Alabama Hills since the 1920s.
Eastern California Museum
In Independence, this museum houses additional exhibits on Manzanar and Owens Valley history, including Native American artifacts and displays about the region’s water history.
Death Valley National Park
About 160 km (100 miles) southeast of Manzanar, Death Valley offers dramatic landscapes including Badwater Basin (the lowest point in North America) and colorful Artist’s Palette.
Extend Your Journey
Combine your visit to Manzanar with exploration of the Eastern Sierra and Death Valley regions.
Final Thoughts
Manzanar National Historic Site offers visitors a profound opportunity to confront a difficult chapter in American history while considering its relevance to contemporary issues of civil liberties, racial prejudice, and national security. The site’s power comes from its authenticity—standing in the same landscape where thousands of Japanese Americans were incarcerated helps visitors connect emotionally with this history in ways that books or films cannot.
As you plan your visit, remember that Manzanar is both a historical site and a place of pilgrimage. Approach your experience with an open mind and heart, ready to learn not just about injustice but also about the resilience, creativity, and community that flourished even in challenging circumstances.
The stories of Manzanar echo across time, reminding us of our responsibility to uphold constitutional rights for all Americans. Your journey to this remarkable place contributes to ensuring that, as many visitors pledge after their visit, such events will never happen again—not on our watch.
The above is subject to change.
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