Barstow Travel Guide

A Mojave Desert city, Barstow is known for its dry weather, sweltering summers, and unique barren but beautiful landscape. Barstow is only 60 miles from San Bernardino and houses critical United States Army centers, bases, and training facilities, giving it plenty of purpose and making it a highly appealing destination for veterans, their families, and the general public.

Things to Do in Barstow

When the summer heat proves to be too much, visitors to Barstow often find themselves browsing Treasure House Mall, which offers antique, collectible, and thrift shops. Or, if visitors feel up to the challenge, they can spend the day at Pitcher Park playing soccer, desert off roading at Shoot Spot, or hiking the Rainbow Basin Natural Area, which connects via running trails to the Owl Canyon Campground where visitors can park an RV or pitch a tent, or simply spend the day relaxing. Another great entertainment option in Barstow is museum hopping -- that is, checking out the city’s various museums which include the Route 66 Mother Road Museum, the Western America Railroad Museum, and the Mojave River Valley Museum. Those with a creative flair can take an art class with Painter’s Palette Artist’s Workshop, and guests who are one with water can enjoy a day spent at the Henderson Pool.

Best Places to Stay in Barstow

Visitors planning to stay in Barstow have a variety of accommodation options to choose from. They can book a room at the Barstow Hotel or at an inn or motel, or rent a full-sized, fully equipped home on the outskirts of the city. The vacation rentals, regardless of location, are comfortable and designed to be both welcoming and functional, with high speed internet access and clean restrooms.

Best Time to Visit Barstow

The best time to visit Barstow is May through the month of October for the best weather.

Best Events in Barstow

Barstow doesn’t lack when it comes to coordinating exciting yearly events. In fact, Barstow hosts a whole array of fun events which include the Miss Barstow Pageant, the Fourth of July Celebration, the Mardis Gras Parade, Calico Days, and the Calico Ghost Town Heritage Fest.

Things to Do for Families in Barstow

There’s nothing more exciting than a good old game of family bowling- in Barstow, families who agree with this statement can spend an afternoon at Leatherneck Lanes Bowling where they can have fun on the facility’s dedicated family bowling day, try some tasty snacks, and make good use of the free wifi. Families looking for something unique to do can take a short drive to Yermo, where they can take a guided “ghost tour” of the Calico Ghost Town. Guests can choose from a general town tour, the exclusive Maggie Mine Tour, or the School House Tour.