Halfway Between Los Angeles And Las Vegas Is A Unique California Desert Town Right On Route 66
First things first, you must drive Route 66 at least once in your life!
Now that I’ve got that covered, I can move on to even cooler destinations. Drum rolls, please. I present to you Barstow! It’s a desert oasis hidden between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
It’s a place where you can grab a burger at a historic drive-in, explore a museum dedicated to the Mother Road, or even venture into the eerie remains of an Old West ghost town.
So before you hit the jackpot in Vegas, what do you think about a little detour to Barstow?
1. Route 66 Mother Road Museum
If you’re cruising along Route 66, you absolutely can’t miss the Route 66 Mother Road Museum in Barstow. This little spot is packed to the brim with nostalgia, showcasing the road’s history through vintage signs, old photos, and memorabilia.
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the heyday of American road tripping. Back then, the “Main Street of America” was the ultimate cross-country adventure.
It’s a must-visit for anyone obsessed with Americana or just curious about what made Route 66 such a legendary part of American culture. And don’t be surprised if you catch yourself humming “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” while you browse!
2. Calico Ghost Town
Venture a bit outside Barstow and you’ll find Calico Ghost Town, a real-life step back into the Wild West.
Calico was once packed with miners, saloons, and all the drama you’d expect from a frontier town. Today, it’s beautifully preserved! There’s an open-air museum with old buildings, spooky mines to explore, and costumed actors recreating life from the past.
The walkable streets and fascinating history make it a great spot to stretch your legs. And if luck is on your side, you might even spot some desert wildlife wandering nearby. And hey, don’t forget to try your hand at gold panning. It’s harder than it looks!
3. Barstow Harvey House
Exploring the past is your kicker? Then, step right into it with a visit to the Barstow Harvey House! It was once a railroad hotel and restaurant and the ultimate pit stop for travelers looking for a meal or a place to rest their tired feet.
On the other hand, today is the historic building that serves as a museum, preserving the golden era of railroads and offering a glimpse into how important the rail system was in shaping towns like Barstow.
It’s one of those spots where you can almost hear the steam engines in the distance, and the architecture itself tells the story of America’s love affair with trains.
4. Mojave National Preserve
Looking to escape into the vast beauty of the desert? The Mojave National Preserve, just a short drive from Barstow, is the place to go.
It’s a massive expanse of wild desert, where sand dunes, Joshua trees, and mountains stretch as far as the eye can see. It doesn’t matter what you’re into; hiking, camping, or simply soaking in the tranquility, this preserve offers a one-of-a-kind desert experience.
If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t miss the famous Kelso Dunes, where the wind creates a creepy, “singing” sound as it moves the sand. Trust me, it’s not something you’ll hear anywhere else.
5. Barstow Outlets
If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy on your road trip, the Barstow Outlets are the perfect pit stop. It’s right off the highway and this shopping haven offers a great mix of discounted brands like Nike, Levi’s, and Coach. You decide what suits you!
It’s a nice place to stretch your legs and snag a bargain before continuing your journey. Plus, you can grab a bite at one of the nearby eateries, making it an easy and relaxing place to recharge.
And while you’re there, take a moment to enjoy the desert views from the outdoor mall. You’ll leave with some fresh gear and a few good stories to tell.
6. Desert Discovery Center
For anyone fascinated by the desert’s wild and quirky ecosystem, the Desert Discovery Center is a great place to learn more about the Mojave Desert’s flora and fauna.
It’s a small but packed museum where you can explore exhibits on local wildlife, Native American culture, and the area’s geology. What I love most is how interactive the exhibits are!
It’s the kind of place where even kids can get involved, whether they’re trying out a desert animal track or watching a video about the region’s natural wonders. They’ll absolutely love it!
It’s not a long stop, but you’ll definitely walk away with a deeper appreciation for the desert landscape. Who knew cactus could be so fascinating?
7. Route 66 “End of the Trail” Sign
Barstow is home to the iconic “End of the Trail” sign, which marks the western terminus of the legendary Route 66.
For any Route 66 fan, this is a quintessential stop. You can find it right near the Mother Road Museum. And the sign is a perfect photo op to commemorate the end of your journey… Or the beginning, depending on which direction you’re headed.
It’s a nostalgic spot that really highlights the significance of Route 66 in American history. After you snap a photo, take a moment to appreciate what this road has meant for generations of travelers, adventurers, and dreamers alike.
8. Western America Railroad Museum
If you have even a passing interest in trains, the Western America Railroad Museum is worth a stop. Located at the historic Barstow Depot, the museum features an impressive collection of vintage railroad artifacts, photographs, and locomotives.
It’s fascinating to see how railroads helped shape this desert town, and the exhibits do a fantastic job of bringing that history to life. Even if you’re not a train enthusiast, you’ll be impressed by the scale and beauty of the old engines on display.
And, for the real train geeks, the museum’s model train displays will make you feel like you’re watching a miniature version of the American West unfold right in front of you.
9. Rainbow Basin Natural Area
Nature lovers, get ready for a colorful desert adventure at Rainbow Basin Natural Area.
This area is famous for its stunning rock formations that, true to its name, boast hues of red, purple, and gold. It’s one of those spots where you could easily spend hours exploring the unique terrain, snapping photos, and trying to identify the fossils embedded in the rocks.
The short, stunning hike through the basin offers some of the best views of the desert landscape, and it’s a great spot to stretch your legs after hours on the road.
10. Big Boy Steam Engine
For a true slice of history, the Big Boy Steam Engine in Barstow is a must-see. This locomotive is one of the largest steam engines ever built, and it’s on display at the Barstow Station for all to admire.
Standing next to it, you can’t help but feel small in the face of its size and sheer power. It’s an awe-inspiring piece of machinery that really brings the golden age of railroads to life.
It’s perfect for both history lovers and families! It’s a cool, interactive spot where you can learn about the days when trains ruled the West.