O.K. You're thinking 'a desert Air Force base. Really, how great can it be?' Well, erase every preconceived notion you may have about an Air Force base. Edwards is better than you could ever imagine. You will find the entire infrastructure, facilities, recreation, cultural advantages, and more that define a bustling city and a world-renowned engineering center. (And we have yet to tell you what attractions and vacation destinations are within easy reach of the base. For that, go to our Area Information section.)

Learn what makes Edwards Air Force Base such a special place to live and work by reviewing our base attractions.

South Base
Benefield Anechoic Facility
The Avionics Test and Integration Complex
The Air Force Research Laboratory Directorate
NASA Dryden Flight Research Center
Aero Club
Muroc Lake Golf Course & Sandbagger Grill
Rosamond and Rogers Dry Lake Beds
USAF Test Pilot School
Ridley Mission Control Center
Rosburg Fitness & Sports Center
High Desert Lanes Bowling Center & Strikezone Snack Bar
Oasis Community Center , Pool, and Lounge
Oasis Aquatic Center & Aerobic Center
Arnold Park
Main Library
Child Development Center & Child Care Options
Youth Activities Center
Outdoor Recreation Building
Skills Development Center , Auto Hobby Shop and more
Scorpion's Nest Paintball Field
Information, Tickets & Travel
Rod & Gun
Riding Center and Stables
Branch Memorial Park
Teen Center
Cactus Café
Family Fitness Center

South Base
This is home to the Bomber Wing, where the legendary B-52 was put through its paces. Here, you will see the extremely rare, 3rd generation stealth bomber, the B-2. This is where you will test the world's most sophisticated electronic weapons systems, the emerging Airborne Laser, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) such as the Global Hawk. In addition, South Base is where the Test Support Facility (TSF) is situated. All told, there are 119 acres including runways, 5 major buildings, and 12 support buildings. Very impressive.
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Benefield Anechoic Facility
It is the largest facility of its type in the world, with the largest single-piece door in existence (which takes 45 minutes to open and close). Its vast open space has ample room to suspend a full-size fighter aircraft in mid air. The floor space contains thousands of individual cones of radar absorbing material (RAM). When you are inside this facility, it looks like nothing you've ever seen before. Its purpose? To test an aircraft's systems and avionics in a shielded chamber that simulates free airspace.
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The Avionics Test and Integration Complex
A greater variety of testing and evaluation work is conducted at this complex than perhaps any other place at Edwards. This area is comprised of three core facilities and other buildings (including the massive Benefield Anechoic Facility). All told, the environment encompasses: Modeling and Simulation (M&S), System Integration Laboratories (SIL), Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL), Installed Systems Test Facilities (ISTF), and Measurement Facilities. Our professionals here direct structured testing in state-of-the-art facilities. They engage realistic simulations and stimulations in test conditions, as well as those encountered in flight. Suffice it to say, the challenges within this complex are unique, and then some.
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The Air Force Research Laboratory Directorate
A specialized facility dedicated to advanced research. It includes 19 liquid rocket engine stands, 13 solid rocket motor pads, a chemistry research lab, electron microscope lab, a satellite integration facility with clean rooms, a centrifuge facility, and more.
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NASA Dryden Flight Research Center
This is NASA's primary installation for aeronautical flight research. Its charter is to research, develop, verify, and transfer advanced aeronautics, space, and related technologies. A number of milestones were first developed here: The X-1 (the first aircraft to break the sound barrier)...supersonic and hypersonic flight ...fly-by-wire, supercritical, and forward-swept wing aircraft...and research that brought about the space shuttle. One of the concepts being tested today is high-speed wing warping technology. If it's a breakthrough concept, it's being tested first at Dryden.
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Aero Club
Want to learn to fly? Or maybe catch a bird's eye view of the entire base? This is the place. You can take your flight and ground instruction here, and earn your private pilot's license. You can also rent aircraft and have exclusive use of the runway at South Base, providing for easy access to clear blue California skies and to any number of quick vacation get-aways.
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Muroc Lake Golf Course & Sandbagger Grill
What could be better than grabbing a round of golf with friends...on a sunny, calm, blue-sky weekend? The course is championship level, covering 185 acres and 18 holes at par 72. Buy golf balls, apparel, or upgrade your equipment in the pro shop. There's also a driving range, as well as chipping, pitching, and putting surfaces. And to refresh yourself, there is the Sandbagger Grill. Everything you need for a perfect day.
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Rosamond and Rogers Dry Lake Beds
They are the largest of their kind in the world, and they are what make Edwards the most uniquely suited location on Earth for aircraft flight testing. These dry lake beds are the world's widest, longest, and smoothest - providing aircraft of all types the safest landing area possible. When the first Space Shuttle returned from its initial orbital mission, its dynamics meant it would experience extremely high temperatures during landing. There was only one place it could touch down: here at Edwards. The dry lake beds cover 65 square miles. Their largest runway is an astounding 7 miles long. And all branches of service use the lake beds for their most promising test missions.
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USAF Test Pilot School
Want to know where the most daring test pilots earn their wings? Right here at the USAF Test Pilot School. They learn everything there is to know to push the most sophisticated, emerging aircraft and systems to the very edge of their capabilities - and beyond. These are the very test pilots you will work with as a non-military engineer.
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Ridley Mission Control Center
When you have a flight test scheduled, this is where the action takes place... where you will coordinate your flight and monitor its data. The environment here serves as the command and control center for all flight test missions at Edwards. Activities include attending a mission briefing with your test pilots, and much more. Ultimately, you will monitor your flight in one of the center's seven mission control rooms.
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Rosburg Fitness & Sports Center
So, you want to get active...to build muscle, or endurance, or just look and feel good. Here, you'll have everything you need - and more. Choose from intramural, extramural, and varsity programs (pick-up basketball games are a favorite). If you're into weight training, consider Hammer Strength equipment, fixed weight equipment and free weights, several exercise machines, ab rollers, gravity boots and stretch racks. You'll find a great warm up/stretching room, large locker rooms, and a VIP room. Additional facilities include softball fields, tennis courts, football and soccer fields, and outdoor running tracks. If you want to sweat, this is the place!
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High Desert Lanes Bowling Center & Strikezone Snack Bar
It's not bowling as usual here. Yes, there are 20 lanes with automatic scoring, however there are also attractions such as Glow Bowling in the dark, and Colorama available for all ages. You can enjoy open bowling, or join a league. And all your equipment needs can be met in the full-service pro shop. If you're hungry after throwing all those strikes, there is the Strikezone Snack Bar, offering burgers, chicken, fish, sides and extras, salads, desserts, a kid's menu, and more.
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Oasis Community Center, Pool, and Lounge
Some say it is the best-kept secret for family fun on base. It's hard to imagine, considering all that you can enjoy: games for check-out, a ping pong table, 2 foosball tables, 3 pool tables, 4 dart boards, air hockey, video games... (Wait, we're not done.) There are 2 computers with Internet access, Nintendo 64 machines, and a big screen TV. The Community Center also coordinates and assists with events such as concerts in the park.

The Oasis Pizza & Deli always has a wide selection of foods and snacks for lunch and dinner. If you want to get active after dinner, consider Stripes Lounge, the energetic late night dance club for those who want to kick up their heels.
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Oasis Aquatic Center & Aerobic Center
If you are a recreational swimmer, or a serious lap swimmer, this aquatic center is for you. Open year-round, the indoor pool is heated and is a full 25-meters. If you don't know how to swim, you can learn here.

The Aerobics Center offers over 100 free classes including Cardio Kick Boxing, Spinning, Step, and Yoga. Also on-site are video games, lounge areas, conference rooms, evening and late night entertainment, dancing, Karaoke, movie nights, and a climbing wall on the outside deck. If you're an active person, you'll be spending lots of time here.
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Arnold Park
It's a perfect summer day. And you've found the ideal place: Arnold Park. Go alone, or with the family. You'll find playground equipment, covered picnic areas, a stage and more. The park often hosts community gatherings and is available for rental. In addition, there is a Drop Zone Skate Park, the ultimate place for skateboarders, offering a dedicated course that will get even the most skilled boarder stoked.
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Main Library
Whatever your interests, you will find the information you need here. There are rows and rows of the latest learning materials, books, periodicals, videotapes, music (CDs and cassettes), and computers with Internet access (for researching your next vacation spot, or simply browing the web for fun). Quiet areas are also available. Simply put, the main library has something for everyone.
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Child Development Center & Child Care Options
Your little ones will get the finest care and will be stimulated to learn and develop in a genuine, caring environment for children 6 weeks to 5 years old. The center is NAEYC Accredited and DoD certified. It operates under the philosophy that each child is an individual, unique unto themselves. That's precisely why the top-notch staff makes every effort to encourage your child's special gifts, talents, and abilities. This center is a wonderful resource for young and growing families.

Also on base is a Family Child Care referral service for parents with children ages 2 weeks through 12 years. This service refers and monitors in-home child care delivered by licensed providers on base and in affiliated homes off base. In addition to standard daily child care, you can receive referrals for special circumstances, including when you child is ill, or when you need hourly, evening, or weekend child care.

The nearby Children's Library is specially designed for kids, with low bookshelves that are easy to reach, with Internet access, and story times.
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Youth Activities Center
Moms, dads, and kids ages 5 through 18 love this center. There is a nationally-accredited school-age program, plus after school drop-in activities, as well as directed programming for youths 9-14. Other offerings include classes (ballet, tap, gymnastics, karate, cooking, arts and crafts), sports programs (football, cheerleading, soccer, basketball, baseball, softball), and a computer lab that is open daily. In addition, a 4-H Adventure Camping Trip is planned every year.

For more fun, consider the Sonic Splash Pool next to the center. With fast and twisting slides, a kiddie pool and much more, it's a favorite destination for children - and for adults who are young at heart.
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Outdoor Recreation Building
Whatever you like to do, you'll find the equipment you need right here. Going camping? All the items are available at your fingertips. The same can be said for skiing, hiking, climbing, gardening ... the list is almost endless. In addition, you can sign up for programs including scuba lessons, ski trips, hiking, fishing, etc. If that's not enough, check out our new climbing wall (and climbing classes) located outside the Aquatic Center. If you are into recreation, the Outdoor Recreation Building is the place to start.
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Skills Development Center, Auto Hobby Shop and more
This center is for serious hobbyists and gear heads. The Wood Shop provides a wide range of equipment, woods for purchase, and portable tools for your projects. Ceramics offers a broad spectrum to potters and ceramists alike, including pouring and firing. We also feature Framing, Heat Sublimation, and Engraving services with state-of-the-art equipment.

Then there is the Auto Hobby Shop. Change your oil, or even replace your entire engine. You can do it all here. We have 7 work stalls, 7 lifts, and a computer analyzer for American cars, plus full tool sets at your disposal. If you need some assistance, there are skilled mechanics on duty.
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Scorpion's Nest Paintball Field
There are plenty of spots to hide and plan your attack. Plus places to climb and get a bird's eye view of your 'enemies.' There are dangerous open spaces that must be navigated without getting yourself 'blasted.' We are talking, of course, about the layout of our very own paintball park, providing hours of fun to quench your competitive spirit. You can even rent all equipment you'll need at the Outdoor Recreation Buidling on base.
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Information, Tickets & Travel
If you want to visit an attraction or travel for vacation, this center is the first place to check, purchase discount tickets for amusement parks, specialty tours, trips to Las Vegas and more. There is also a full-service agency, and a gift registry for special occasions.
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Rod & Gun
Welcome to the oldest continuing operational Rod & Gun activity center in the Air Force, with life members such as Chuck Yeager and Jimmy Doolittle. This area offers 2 skeet ranges, 4 trap fields, sporting clays, and archery. You'll also have access to a 100-yd. rifle and pistol range. Reduced rates are available through yearly membership. Member fun shoots are scheduled throughout the year.
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Riding Center and Stables
If you are horse person, or just love to watch these magnificent animals, be sure to visit our Riding Center and Stables. There are 52 stalls for private boarding of horses, complete with feed and tack storage rooms. Enjoy the clubhouse with patio. View horse jumping. Or relax and have an outdoor barbeque. Watch as horses take advantage of the lighted main riding arena, trail arena, 3 large exercise pens, and 4 round pens. The Riding Center and Stables also sponsor horse shows, parades, and desert trail rides.
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Branch Memorial Park
Everyone needs an oasis where they can sit, relax, and soak things in. Branch Memorial Park offers a setting that is ideal for picnics, outdoor reading, or just for kicking back. Want an uncluttered get-away for some afternoon fishing? The Branch Park pond is the place. The park is also available for rental.
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Teen Center
If you have an active teen, or want to assist teens in enjoying awesome activities, this is where to go. Year-round offerings include the performing arts club, the Teen Muscle Fitness Program, monthly pool tournaments, a cooking club, and more. In the spring, there is the Youth Golf Clinic for kids 12 to 16. The center participates in the Youth Employment Skills Program, Congressional Awards Program, and other Boys and Girls Club programming. There's more. As a reward for their community service, top teens from Edwards travel to Orlando, Florida to meet with other teens from around the world.
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Cactus Café
Whether you want to grab something 'on the go', or sit down with friends, and enjoy a meal in a relaxing setting - the Cactus Café has what you want. From pancakes to pastries. Corn dogs to cobb salads. Burgers to baked potatoes, and beyond. Stop in for breakfast or lunch, dine-in, or carry out. The Cactus Café is a great, informal gathering spot.
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Family Fitness Center
The Family Fitness Center is just what the name implies; a place for the whole family. The center features free weights, saunas, cardio training, Cybex fixed weight machines and much more, including personal trainers. After a tough workout, soothing massage therapy is available by reservation.

Also located inside the center is the Jungle Zone - an Amazon forest-like recreation area, perfect for active kids.
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