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Barstow

Barstow, California, United States

Barstow, California, located in the heart of the Mojave Desert, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored by eager travelers. This vibrant city offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and modern am…

#Desert#Route 66#Interstate 15#Transportation hub#Historic landmarks

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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Barstow.

Top Hotels in Barstow

Top Flights to Barstow

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Barstow.

Tours

Explore Calico Ghost Town

Visit this old mining town, now a ghost town and historical landmark, where you can experience reenactments, enjoy classic Western attractions, and indulge in ghost tours.

Mojave River Valley Museum

Explore local history and learn about the Mojave Desert’s natural history, mining, indigenous cultures, and early settler times.

Desert Discovery Center

A center providing interpretive education about the desert environment and its ecosystems.

Shopping

Shopping in Tanger Outlets Barstow

Discover a vast array of brand-name stores offering amazing deals at the Tanger Outlets in Barstow.

Barstow Station

Visit Barstow Station, a unique travel hub featuring quaint shops and eateries, resembling a train station.

Outdoor

Hiking at Rainbow Basin Natural Area

Enjoy hiking through striking rock formations and amazing landscapes at the Rainbow Basin Natural Area.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Barstow.

Currency

$ | USD | US Dollar

Population

As of the latest estimates, the approximate population of Barstow, California, is around 25,000.

Languages

English, Spanish, French

Average weather

Barstow

Jan

15°2°

Feb

18°4°

Mar

21°6°

Apr

25°9°

May

30°13°

Jun

35°17°

Jul

39°22°

Aug

38°21°

Sep

34°17°

Oct

27°11°

Nov

19°5°

Dec

15°2°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Barstow.

What people love

Barstow, California, located in the Mojave Desert, has some attractions and features that may interest travelers. Here are some pros of traveling to Barstow:

Location: Barstow is situated at the junction of two major highways, Interstate 15 and Interstate 40, making it a convenient stopover point for travelers heading to popular destinations like Las Vegas, Los Angeles, or the Grand Canyon.
Route 66: Barstow is a significant city along the historic Route 66, offering a glimpse into the heyday of American road trips. Visitors can explore Route 66 museums, vintage diners, and iconic landmarks along the route.
Calico Ghost Town: Just outside of Barstow is the well-preserved Calico Ghost Town, a former silver mining town that now operates as a tourist attraction. Visitors can experience a taste of the Old West with mine tours, historic buildings, and themed activities.
Outdoor Recreation: Barstow is surrounded by the Mojave Desert, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, off-roading, and camping. Nearby attractions like the Rainbow Basin Natural Area and Mojave National Preserve offer stunning desert landscapes to explore.
Shopping and Dining: Barstow has a variety of shopping outlets, restaurants, and cafes catering to travelers passing through the area. Visitors can enjoy a mix of local and chain establishments for dining and shopping needs.

Overall, Barstow can be a convenient and interesting stop for travelers looking to explore Route 66, experience desert landscapes, and enjoy outdoor activities.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Barstow, California, include:

Limited tourist attractions: Barstow is not known as a major tourist destination, so visitors may find limited options for sightseeing and entertainment compared to other cities in California.
Extreme temperatures: Barstow experiences very hot temperatures during the summer months, which can be uncomfortable for travelers not accustomed to the desert climate. Conversely, winter nights can be quite cold.
Lack of public transportation: Barstow is a relatively small city with limited public transportation options, so visitors may find it challenging to get around without a car.
High crime rate: Barstow has a higher crime rate compared to the national average, especially in certain areas of the city. Travelers should take precautions to ensure their safety.
Limited dining and shopping options: While there are some restaurants and shops in Barstow, the selection may not be as diverse or extensive as in larger cities.
Distance from major attractions: While Barstow is centrally located in Southern California, it is not particularly close to major tourist attractions like Los Angeles or San Diego, which may require additional travel time.

It's worth noting that these cons may not apply to everyone, and some travelers may still find Barstow to be a convenient stopover or base for exploring nearby attractions like Joshua Tree National Park or the Mojave Desert.

Barstow, California, located in San Bernardino County, has a rich history that reflects its role as a transportation hub and its development through various periods in American history.

Early History and Establishment

Indigenous Peoples: Before European settlers arrived, the area around Barstow was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Mojave and Serrano peoples.
19th Century: The first European settlers arrived in the mid-19th century during the California Gold Rush. The area was initially part of the Mormon Road and later the Old Spanish Trail, which were key routes for settlers and traders.

Development and Growth

Railroad Era: Barstow's significant development began with the arrival of the railroad. In the late 19th century, the Southern Pacific Railroad built a line through the area. This was closely followed by the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway, which designated Barstow as a major hub in its rail network.
Naming: Barstow was named after William Barstow Strong, the president of the Santa Fe Railway.

20th Century

Route 66: Barstow became an important stop along Route 66, the historic highway that connected Chicago to Los Angeles. This brought increased traffic and economic activity to the town.
Military Presence: During World War II, the Barstow Marine Corps Logistics Base was established. This base has been a significant contributor to the local economy and continues to play an important role in the logistics of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Significant Events

Harvey House: The Casa del Desierto, a Harvey House, was constructed in 1911 and served as a hotel and restaurant for rail passengers. It is now a historic landmark and houses a museum.
Economic Shifts: In the latter half of the 20th century, Barstow faced economic challenges as the prominence of rail transport declined and Interstate 40 and Interstate 15 diverted traffic away from Route 66.

Historical Figures

William Barstow Strong: As the president of the Santa Fe Railway, his influence on the development of rail infrastructure was instrumental in Barstow’s growth.

Landmarks

Casa del Desierto: This historic Harvey House is notable for its architecture and its role in the history of rail travel.
Route 66 Museum: Located in Barstow, this museum celebrates the history of the iconic highway and its impact on the region.
Rainbow Basin: A natural geological formation and a designated National Natural Landmark located near Barstow, known for its unique rock formations and fossil beds.

Modern Barstow

Today, Barstow remains a transportation nexus with its location at the junction of major highways and its proximity to military installations. It serves as a gateway to the Mojave Desert and attracts tourists interested in its historical and natural attractions. The city continues to celebrate its rich history through various events and preservation efforts.