How about Death Valley (great name!), west of Las Vegas?
Amazing scenery and the lowest point in the US (200ft below sea level). There is accomodation and food at the Furnace Creek Ranch next to the small airfield, or at the posher Furnace Creek Inn.
I just got back form a weeks R & R in California, but did not have a chance to fly due to current restrictions and a lack of planning.
This thread is making me sooooooooo jealous.