United States

Barstow

Barstow

Barstow is a city located in San Bernardino County, California, United States. It is situated in the Mojave Desert region, about midway bet…

Best for you if…

  • A 4–5 day trip
  • Exploring with transit or a car
  • Outdoor activities travelers
  • Sightseeing travelers
  • Visiting in Summer
Recommended stay
3-5 days
Best time
Summer
Walkability
Spread
Guide depth
Deep guide
More about this guide

Barstow is a strong pick for outdoor activities & sightseeing — plan about 3-5 days; group places into half-day loops. Peak season: Summer.

Deep guide guide · about 3 min to read · depth score 76/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)

Spread density — Wide area — group nearby places into half-day loops. (≈25.6 km span)

13 Places to explore
3-5 Recommended days
Summer Best season
8 Nearby places

Find nearby destinations

When to go

High season: Summer

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC

Best months for lower-cost travel: January · February · November · December

Weather

Autumn

20-30°C

Spring

15-25°C

Summer

30-40°C

Winter

5-15°C

How to get there

How to reach Barstow in the United States

Barstow is a city located in San Bernardino County, California. Here are some common modes of transportation to reach Barstow:

By Air:

The nearest major airport to Barstow is Ontario International Airport (ONT), which is approximately 75 miles southwest of Barstow. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi to reach Barstow.

By Car:

If you are driving from within the United States, there are several highways that lead to Barstow:

  • From Los Angeles: Take Interstate 15 North for approximately 120 miles.
  • From Las Vegas: Take Interstate 15 South for approximately 155 miles.
  • From San Diego: Take Interstate 15 North for approximately 175 miles.

By Train:

Barstow is served by an Amtrak train station, which is located downtown. The Amtrak Southwest Chief route connects Barstow to major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Kansas City. Check the Amtrak website for schedules and ticket information.

By Bus:

Several bus companies provide service to Barstow, including Greyhound and FlixBus. You can check their websites for routes, schedules, and ticket bookings.

Once you arrive in Barstow, you can explore its attractions such as the Route 66 Mother Road Museum, Mojave River Valley Museum, and the historic Barstow Harvey House.

Getting to know Barstow

Barstow is a city located in San Bernardino County, California, United States. It is situated in the Mojave Desert region, about midway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The city covers an area of approximately 43 square miles and has a population of around 23,000 people. Barstow serves as a major transportation hub, being intersected by two major highways, Interstate 15 and Interstate 40.

The history of Barstow dates back to the late 19th century when it was established as a railway town. It was named after William Barstow Strong, the president of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. The railway played a crucial role in the development of the city, attracting settlers and businesses. Today, Barstow still retains its importance as a transportation center, with a significant portion of the economy relying on the trucking and logistics industry due to its strategic location.

Barstow is known for its unique desert landscape and the natural wonders that surround it. Within close proximity, visitors can explore attractions such as the Mojave National Preserve, Rainbow Basin Natural Area, and the Calico Ghost Town. These sites offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and off-roading, attracting nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers from all over.

Pre-trip checklist

Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.

Local tips

  • Carry sunscreen and hats during summer
  • Visit the Calico Ghost Town for a unique experience
  • Explore the Mojave National Preserve for stunning landscapes
  • Try local cuisine at the Barstow Station

Places worth exploring

13 places mapped for this destination

0–1
1–3
3–8
8–20
20+

Walking loops

Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.

Suggested 3-day outline

Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.

How many days do you need in Barstow?

Most travelers spend about 3-5 days in Barstow, United States.

When is the best time to visit Barstow?

High season is typically Summer.

Which months are more budget-friendly in Barstow?

Travelers often find better value in January, February, November, December.

What kind of trip is Barstow good for?

Barstow suits Outdoor activities, Sightseeing, Shopping, Historical tours.

Is Barstow walkable?

Wide area — group nearby places into half-day loops.

Any local tips for Barstow?

Carry sunscreen and hats during summer

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Multi-city ideas

Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes

  • Barstow → Lenwood → Silver Lakes · ≈33 km
  • Barstow → Apple Valley → Spring Valley Lake · ≈46 km
  • Barstow → Lenwood → Apple Valley · ≈47 km

Same vibe

Destinations sharing travel styles, stay length, or region.

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