The Beautiful Town That’s The Gateway To Death Valley

Nestled within the coronary heart of the Mojave Desert, Barstow, California, isn’t only a place you go by way of—it’s one of the vital iconic spots to see on Route 66. With deep roots in railroad historical past, a dusting of Outdated West attraction, and an unbeatable location on the crossroads of main highways, Barstow has earned its fame because the unofficial gateway to Dying Valley and past. House to simply underneath 25,000 folks, this small desert city additionally serves as a central hub for varied points of interest within the area.

Whether or not you’re headed to Las Vegas, cruising the historic Route 66, or venturing into the surreal landscapes of Dying Valley, Barstow makes the proper basecamp—or an surprising spotlight of your journey. From ghost cities and historic railroads to native eats and outlet buying, Barstow is a dynamic city filled with numerous leisure and cultural actions and websites for residents and guests.

Gateway To Dying Valley & Desert Adventures

Barstow, California, is positioned within the Inland Empire North area of San Bernardino County. With its place between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and located simply south of Dying Valley Nationwide Park, Barstow is a strategic launch level for these heading into the park by way of Baker or Shoshone. It additionally borders the doorway to the Mojave Nationwide Protect, making it an ideal basecamp for desert exploration.

This small city is greater than only a geographical junction—it is a logistical and navy hub. Barstow is dwelling to the U.S. Military Nationwide Coaching Middle at Fort Irwin, the Marine Corps Logistics Base, NASA’s Goldstone Deep House Communications Advanced, and the BNSF Railway’s large classification yard. The Historic Harvey Home, as soon as a glamorous rail cease for passengers, now serves as each a museum and an Amtrak depot—a permanent image of Barstow’s deep ties to rail historical past and transportation.

Planning to go to Dying Valley? Replenish on fuel and provides in Barstow earlier than heading north—providers grow to be sparse past this level.

Not solely does Essential Avenue in Barstow kind a part of historic Route 66, however Interstates 15 and 40, together with Highways 58 and 247, all converge right here—making Barstow a real crossroads for guests to the Southwest in Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona . Greater than 60 million folks go by way of the city annually, but regardless of the fixed movement, Barstow holds tight to its small-town character and deep desert roots. Guests at present stroll the identical streets as soon as traveled by miners, railroaders, and Route 66 adventurers.

High Issues To Do In Barstow, California

Barstow is full of points of interest that remember its distinctive desert heritage. Begin your go to on Essential Avenue, which doubles as the unique Route 66. Right here, you’ll discover colourful murals, basic mom-and-pop motels, and landmarks just like the Casa del Desierto Harvey House, which now homes two implausible museums.

On the Route 66 Mother Road Museum, an underrated but worthy stop along Route 66, you possibly can be taught concerning the legendary freeway’s function in American journey tradition, whereas subsequent door on the Western America Railroad Museum, practice lovers can discover classic rail automobiles and memorabilia. For a deeper dive into native historical past, the Mojave River Valley Museum, positioned close to Dana Park, affords reveals on Native American tradition, mining, and desert wildlife.

Whether or not you are simply passing by way of or planning to remain an evening or two, Barstow additionally has some nice locations to eat and relaxation up earlier than your subsequent stretch of street. For a chunk to eat, you possibly can’t go unsuitable with Lola’s Kitchen, an area favourite identified for its genuine homestyle Mexican delicacies. If you happen to’re craving consolation meals, Southern Twist serves up Southern staples like fall-off-the-bone ribs in a heat, welcoming setting. And for one thing versatile, Jenny’s Grill Steak & Mariscos affords a singular mixture of all-day breakfast dishes and Mexican seafood plates.

With regards to lodging, Barstow has quite a lot of choices that cater to each finances vacationers and nostalgic Route 66 street trippers. The Route 66 Motel affords a basic roadside expertise with retro aptitude, whereas the Rodeway Inn on Historic Route 66 is a budget-friendly and handy alternative. For a extra conventional keep, the Best Western Desert Villa Inn supplies dependable consolation, very best for resting up earlier than hitting the freeway once more.

If you happen to’re into ghost cities, don’t miss Calico Ghost Town, positioned only a quick drive from Barstow. As soon as a bustling silver mining city within the Eighties, it has been partially restored and now affords excursions, outlets, and even costumed reenactments. If you happen to’re seeking to cool off and perform a little buying, the Outlets at Barstow supply a welcome break from the desert warmth, with greater than 35 brand-name shops to browse. Proper throughout from Tub & Physique Works, you may discover the California Welcome Center, an incredible cease for maps, brochures, and native journey ideas—all housed in a white constructing that’s simple to identify.

The place to Eat in Barstow:

• Lola’s Kitchen – Homestyle Mexican delicacies
• Southern Twist – Southern consolation meals
• Jenny’s Grill Steak & Mariscos – All-day breakfast with a Mexican twist

High Locations to Keep:

• Route 66 Motel – Retro roadside attraction
• Rodeway Inn on Historic Route 66 – Price range-friendly comfort
• Finest Western Desert Villa Inn – Clear and dependable

Surrounded by desert terrain and characterised by rugged hills, dry river beds, and huge open areas, typical of the Mojave Desert, Barstow, California

When’s The Finest Time To Go to Barstow?

Barstow has a real desert local weather, characterised by extraordinarily scorching summers and chilly, dry winters. If you happen to’re planning out of doors excursions like a visit to Dying Valley or Calico Ghost City, one of the best months to go to are October by way of April, when daytime highs are extra manageable and nights are pleasantly cool.

Summers usually are not for the faint of coronary heart. With highs continuously exceeding 100°F, it’s greatest to schedule any sightseeing for early morning or late night for those who’re visiting between June and September. The all-time report excessive hit a blistering 120°F in July 1996.

Winters, whereas chilly within the mornings, are gentle in comparison with a lot of the U.S., with common lows close to 30°F. Snow is uncommon, however the distinction of cool desert mornings and sunny afternoons makes winter an underrated time to discover the area comfortably. Barstow will get minimal rainfall—just below 5 inches yearly—and over 130 days a 12 months see temperatures over 90°F. If you happen to’re hoping to keep away from crowds whereas nonetheless catching respectable climate, March and November are very best journey months.

Barstow could also be often known as a crossroads, nevertheless it’s excess of a spot to go by way of. With its distinctive mixture of desert magnificence, Wild West historical past, and handy proximity to Dying Valley, it serves as the proper start line for desert adventures in Southern California. From museums and murals to ghost cities and outlet shops, Barstow affords a shocking quantity to probe for a small desert metropolis. It’s greater than a gateway—it’s a vacation spot in its personal proper.