Editor’s Note: After more than a century in business, the Randsburg General Store has permanently closed its doors. But there’s good news! The store has relocated and reopened as The Vault in another historic building just down the street. Check it out in its new digs, and let us know what you think!

A living ghost town in the desert, Randsburg is filled with rich mining history and serves as a constant reminder of a bygone era. Located just off the highway, Randsburg looks like a real “Wild West” town! Visitors who stop at this historic town immediately feel like they’ve stepped back in time. Among its many historic structures is the Randsburg General Store, which has been around for over a century. In fact, it’s one of the oldest general stores in Southern California!

Related Stories

Go A Little Nutty At This Longtime Neighborhood Icon In Southern California

Go A Little Nutty At This Longtime Neighborhood Icon In Southern California

This Impossibly Charming Used Bookstore May Be Southern California's Best-Kept Secret

This Impossibly Charming Used Bookstore May Be Southern California's Best-Kept Secret

The Christmas Store In Southern California That's Simply Magical

The Christmas Store In Southern California That's Simply Magical

Check out The Vault’s website and Facebook page for the latest hours and menus.

Have you been to this historic general store in Randsburg, California, or explored the rest of Randsburg? This living ghost town looks straight out of a different era! You’ll even find a darling B&B here that will take you straight back to the town’s mining days in a truly unique way. Let us know your favorite things to do in Randsburg, CA and beyond!

Of course, Randsburg isn’t the only ghost town (living or otherwise) hiding away in SoCal! The desert down here is hiding a number of historic spots and unique remnants of the past, like this ghost town in the Mojave, plus a number of trails, abandoned places, and even unexpected tourist spots.

While you’re exploring Southern California, how about a taco road trip too? Yum!

The Southern California Ghost Town That’s Perfect For An Autumn Day Trip

 

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Randsburg General Store

What are the most charming small towns in Southern California?

While Los Angeles, San Diego, and other big cities seem to get all the attention, there are many small towns that are well worth a visit. Idyllwild is a gorgeous little mountain town with lovely shops and restaurants, and it’s even a pleasure to simply drive through. It’s the perfect location for a day trip to get respite from the summer heat of the big cities. Trabuco Canyon holds onto a bit of Old West charm and is just outside of the whole Los Angeles sprawl, nestled in the Santa Ana mountains. It’s a great place for hiking trails, and there’s a great steakhouse as well.

What farms in Southern California let you pick your own fruit?

Southern California is awash in you-pick farms for the freshest and most delicious produce you’ll ever find! The Carlsbad Strawberry Company has been inviting people to pick fresh strawberries for over 50 years. When it’s strawberry season, this is the place to be. After strawberry season, make the most of cherry season at Windy Ridge Cherry Ranch in Leona Valley. The ripe, lush red cherries are an absolute delight, and later in the year, make sure to return to pick peaches, plums, pears, and more! 

What are the most picturesque rural scenic drives in Southern California?

Southern California’s scenic byways are legendary, and few things are better than a road trip to get away from it all. Of course, the most famous in the nation is the Pacific Coast Highway that runs most of the length of the state, Officially called California SR-1, this road starts in Dana Point, Capistrano Beach and ends way up in the redwoods near Leggett. While it will take you through some big cities, most of the length of it is purely gorgeous coastal nature and is worth several days to fully enjoy.

An honorable mention is CA-76 which starts in Oceanside and then carries you up alongside beautiful Palomar Mountain, past Lake Henshaw, and then ends shortly after at CA-79.

Explore Southern California