It’s not unusual that lots of tourists visit Barstow yearly. Though not famous like other cities in California, Barstow is a beautiful tourist destination with lots of fun events that keep visitors glued to the city.
You’ll be amazed by the numerous wonderful things you can do in this city. Whether you wish to explore beautiful sceneries or have an adventurous experience, Barstow has all the amenities to make your stay remarkable.
Also Read:
Barstow is a small town in San Bernardino County, California, between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
Unlike other indistinct cities in California, Barstow is at the junction of several highways, which includes California State Route 58, Legendary route 66, and Interstate 15.
Americans first settled in the city in 1882 due to its enormous silver deposit, but it later ran out of silver, and most of the mines closed. The city currently sits on the edge of Mojave and is a town with affluent communities and natural attractions.
Tourists and locals spend lots of time viewing the landmarks and engaging in the best activities in Barstow. If you ever visit Barstow and are interested in what this city offers, below is a list of things to do in Barstow, California.
Table of Contents
Things to Do in Barstow, CA
1. Plan a Trip to Dana Park
If you need a place to enjoy and spend an exciting time with your family, you shouldn’t miss a trip to Dana Park on your list of things to do in Barstow, California.
Dana park lies at the Center of Barstow and is a place to get active and engage in exciting events.
The park has tennis courts and a playground for kids.
If skateboarding is your thing, you can try skateboarding at the skateboard field, and there are also bowls and ramps for practice.
The park also features a Fitness Center, Cardio and weights gym, racquetball, and a basketball court. In addition, there’s a reserved area with picnic tables for family picnics and a barbeque spot, so you don’t get hungry while having fun.
Location: 850 Barstow Rd, Barstow, CA 92311, USA
2. Hike at The Castle Mountains National Monument
If you need a place to relax and experience nature at its peak in Barstow, you’ll appreciate a trip to The Castle Mountains National Monument.
The Castle Mountains National Monument is an area in Barstow which cuts across 21 acres of vast wilderness between the Nevada state line and Mojave National Preserve.
Guests in the area enjoy natural views of rainforest, wildflowers, and grasslands. In addition, you can engage in numerous activities like backpacking, mountain biking, and hiking.
If you wish to spend the night in the desert, you may set your tent in one of three available campgrounds. However, it would be best if you visit during spring because Snowfalls are usually below freezing during this period.
Location: National park, Barstow, CA, USA
3. Learn New Things at Desert Discovery Center
Just across Dana Park lies Barstow Desert Discovery Center. The center is a place to learn about nature and its bodies. Dana Park is also the home of the United States’ second largest meteorite,” The Old Woman Meteorite”, discovered in 1975 and always on display at the center.
The center also contains a secret garden; habits of native plants and animals. The area is vast, with lots of trails to go hiking. The center also hosts festivals here and programs like Animal Feeding Time on a weekly and monthly basis.
You don’t have to bother about spending a dime because admission into the center is free for locals and visitors, so just come with a desire to learn and have fun.
Location: Desert Discovery Center, 831 Barstow Rd, CA 92311, USA
4. Outdoor Experience at Newberry Mountains Wilderness Area
Barstow may be a small city in California, but the town has many natural attractions and locations for outdoor fun experiences.
Like Mojave National Preserve, Newberry Mountain Wilderness Area is a lovely location for outdoor fun in Barstow. The area spans over 26,000 acres of land surrounded by rugged volcanic mountains and maze-like canyons.
You’re lucky if you visit during spring, as there’s always a colorful display of wildlife in the Newberry Mountains Wilderness Area. Bird lovers can enjoy watching species of bird-like golden eagles and falcons take flight.
Location: Newberry-Baker, CA, USA
5. Walk and Shop in Barstow Outlet
Barstow city has many packed-up surprises for its visitors, and spotting an outlet mall in a desert is undoubtedly something of great delight.
If you need to rest after a stressful day of touring Barstow city, the Outlet in Barstow is the perfect spot to relax and get together.
The outlet in Barstow is home to business activities, and guests visiting the area will find many exciting features. The site includes an official California State welcome center, sanitary restrooms, and food halls.
There are over 40 stores to shop for whatever you need, and always ensure to stop by their Customer Support to be abreast of the latest deals and promos.
Location: 2796 Tanger Way, Barstow, CA 92311, USA
6. Tour Barstow Harvey House
Barstow Harvey House is a historic tower that attracts many tourists to Barstow every year.
Built-in 1911, Barstow Harvey House earned recognition and is now part of the National Heritage List.
This historic tower, called House of Desert or Casa Del Desierto, serves various functions. Its spacious halls allow guests to host social events and serve as an expository space.
Ballrooms are available for reservation, and guests also get to go on ghost tours which are always exciting with friends.
If you wish to learn more about this historic landmark, do well to check their website.
Location: 685 N 1st Ave, Barstow, CA 92311, USA
7. Go Hiking at Owl Canyon Trail
Hiking at Owl Canyon Trail is one of many exciting things in Barstow, California. A moderate hike is estimated to take about an hour and forty minutes before completion.
Some parts of the trail may require scrambling, and visitors can experience a fantastic view of rock formations in the area.
Pets are allowed entry, so you are free to come to the trail with your dogs and pet. In addition, you can camp in the area at a nominal fee of $6. There’s also a tap for drinking water, although visitors can come with their water.
Location: Barstow, CA, USA
8. Watch Sports at Oggi’s Sports Brewhouse Pizza
Another exciting place to visit in Barstow, California, is Oggi’s Sports Brewhouse Pizza.
Oggi’s Sports Brewhouse Pizza is a fantastic center to hang out with friends and family. The center serves award-winning beer and pizza to complement your drinks.
Several TVs in different spots at the brewhouse help you track your favorite team games. Their restaurant has won over 45 other awards, and also present at the brewhouse is a big bar with over 25 taps that sells Oggi’s specially crafted beer.
Outside offering good meals, Oggi’s Sports Brewhouse Pizza restaurant is the only restaurant in Barstow with an outdoor terrain. Don’t forget to try out Oggi’s distinctive homemade dough at the restaurant.
Location: 2854 Lenwood Rd, Barstow, CA 92311, USA
9. Visit Del Taco Historic Site
We wondered why Del Taco Historic Site makes our list of things to do in Barstow. Del Taco Historic Site lies in Yermo, just a few minutes’ ride from Barstow, California.
Del Taco Restaurant is an American restaurant that serves American-style Mexican cuisine and other general American dishes.
Their menu includes meals like burgers, fries, and shakes. Unfortunately, the restaurant ran out of patronage and is no longer in business, but the building remained. It is a testament to the popular taco stand created by former Taco CEO employees.
If you wish to catch a glimpse of history, stop by the Del Taco Historical site, and you’ll be glad you did.
Location: 401 N First Ave., Barstow, CA, USA
10. Calico Ghost Town
Calico Ghost Town is a testament to residents of the old west in Barstow, California. In the mid-19th century, developer Walter Knott purchased the area, left only five of the original buildings, and built false facades with the rest.
The area was deserted in the mid-1890s, although it hit its peak ten years later as a silver mining town. Calico Ghost town features a general store for shopping, photo studios, and a museum.
Also, guests can try a variety of meals at their restaurants and purchase chilled beer in their beer garden. You can’t get bored at Calico Ghost House because there are many things to do in the area.
Location: 36600 Ghost Town Rd., Yermo, CA 92398, USA
11. Watch Movies at Skyline Drive-in Theatre
Won’t you love a place where you can watch trending movies and chill with family and friends?
Skyline Drive-in Theatre, which began operations in 1966, was briefly closed for over nine years (1987-1996). The theatre features two big screens, and there’s also a concession stand as well, but visitors are allowed to bring in their snacks.
Location: 31175 Old Hwy 58, Barstow, CA 92311, USA
12. Try Traditional Mexican Cuisines at Los Domingo’s Mexican Restaurant
Los Domingos is a restaurant in Barstow, California, which serves traditional Mexican cuisines.
Since 1981 when it began operations, they’ve been consistent with the quality of meals served at the restaurant. As a result, they’ve got many tasty meals on their menu; meals like delicious American burgers and meaty New York Strip all make up the menu.
You can also expect fresh and spicy meals like Chili Prime Rib Steak or Steakhouse Picados and a diverse menu of traditional Mexican tacos, salad, and burritos.
You don’t have to bother about taking your kids along because they also have a kid’s menu with lots of dishes for children.
No restaurant in Barstow serves tasty meals better than Los Domingo’s, so visit this lovely restaurant when you visit Barstow, California.
Location: 1520 E Main St, Barstow, CA 92311, USA
13. M60 Tank
If you are a fan of history, then you shouldn’t exit Barstow without seeing the city’s particular monument dedicated to the armed forces.
M60 is a tank used by the United States military around 1959 and is now used by many other countries worldwide, like Germany, Iraq, and Korea.
Unlike other artificial monuments, the M60 tank monument is an actual, decommissioned M60 main battle tank serving as a reminder of the service of the military to the country.
Location: 100 Veterans Pkwy, Barstow, CA 92311, USA
14. Visit Desert Lighthouse
The last thing you’ll expect to see in a city like Barstow is a lighthouse over 50 feet tall.
Barstow is a city with many surprises, and inside this desert-like town lies a Desert Lighthouse over 50 feet tall.
The sight of the lighthouse is captivating and locating the lighthouse only requires a drive down to Brook Canyon Road and a half mile of hiking.
Location: Barstow, CA, USA
15. Tribute Visit to Giant Fire Helmet
Celebrating heroes who risked their lives for their nations is typical. Giant Fire Helmet is a tribute to the firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11.
The Giant Fire Helmet has the number ”343” inscribed to indicate the number of FDNY firefighters who paid the ultimate price on 9/11.
The Barstow Fire Department built a life-size replica of an FDNY fire helmet to aid locals and passers-by and pay tribute to the 343 fallen heroes.
Location: 861 Barstow Rd, Barstow, CA 92311, USA
16. Grab Pamphlets at the California Welcome Center
A trip to Barstow won’t be complete without spending time at California Welcome Center.
California Welcome house is just at the heartland of the Mojave Desert, which makes it exciting for visitors to have fun at the California Welcome Center and also enjoy the natural views or go hiking in the Mojave Desert.
If you need a place to gather explicit information and plan your stay in Barstow, California, California, Welcome Center is the best place to seek help.
Whether you are an interstate or intrastate traveler in the city, Staffs at California Welcome Center would help you gather local, state, and national information about the cities.
The center also has pamphlets and information for guests going throughout California.
Location: 2796 Tanger Way #100, Barstow, CA 92311, USA
17. Watch Old Trains at the Western America Railroad. Museum
The Western America Train Museum is found right inside the ancient Harvey House. The museum contains railroad relics of the city of Barstow and the entire western region.
Suppose you need a place to spend a few minutes learning about the history of the Pacific southwest railroad. In that case, you should include the Western America Train Museum on your itinerary list of things to do in Barstow, California.
The museum has many railroad-related items and visual displays of old trains, archival materials, and train sets.
Location: 685 N 1st Ave, Barstow, CA 92311, USA
18. Learn about Barstow Historic Regions at Route 66 “Mother Road” Museum
Located in Casa Del Desierto (House of the Desert) lies the historic Route 66 ”Mother Road” Museum.
The Route 66 ”Mother Road” Museum contains historical books about several regions of Barstow, California. You can find exciting historical information on Route 66, the Mojave Desert, and early railways at the museum.
This historic museum served several functions during the early times of Trans- American railway travel. First, the museum had a railway depot, restaurant, and hotel which served rail travelers.
Remember to pick up souvenirs and maps at the gift shop before exiting the museum.
Location: 681 N. First Avenue, Barstow, CA 92311,
19. Order Pizza at Di Napoli’s Firehouse Italian Eatery
Won’t you want to visit a place where you can try tasty pizza after a tiring day of touring around Barstow, California?
Di Napoli’s Firehouse Italian Eatery is a food restaurant serving many lovely meals at affordable prices. The Early, lasting over two decades now, launched in 1994. The ambiance of the environment is calm and welcoming.
Customers are well catered for at the eatery as the staff is welcoming and always takes time to ensure customers don’t lack anything.
You can’t eat pizza at Di Napoli’s Firehouse Italian Eatery and not return for more. You can also spice up your orders with salami, Italian sausages, black olives, cheese, fresh tomatoes, and any toppings of your choice.
Handmade potato salad and side dishes are available at the restaurant. You could also decide to eat it at the restaurant or take it home.
Location: 1358 E Main St, Barstow, CA 92311, USA
20. Sightseeing at Rainbow Basin Natural Area
Rainbow Basin Natural Area is one area in Barstow you should visit before leaving Barstow, California.
Rainbow Basin Natural Area has loads of attractions for locals and tourists.
Rainbow Basin Natural Area is a beautiful landscape region with brilliantly colored canyons, crags, and valleys carved from soft sandstone by water flow and wind activity.
Whether you’re visiting on foot or in your car, you’ll enjoy viewing this incredible landscape, and camping is also allowed around the area if you desire to stay all through the night. Just ensure to bring all you’ll need.
Location: Rainbow Basin Natural Area, Fossil Bed Rd, Barstow, CA 92311, USA
21. Order Breakfast at Black Bear Diner
Cooking at home can sometimes be tiring, but you don’t need to worry about waking up early to fix something to eat because Black Bear Diner has got you covered.
Black Bear Diner serves various breakfast meals that keep visitors glued to the restaurant. Their menu has many enticing breakfast options, like French toast, pancakes, and waffles. You can also order fresh fruits and whipped cream to complement your meal.
The area’s ambiance is also lovely, and the options are enormous, so guests can view and track their protein and calorie intake in their orders.
Location: 2930 Lenwood Rd, Barstow, CA 92311, USA
22. Historic Tour at Mojave River Valley Museum
Fully operational since 1964, Mojave River Valley Museum is home to various historical exhibits. There are over 20,000 pictures and loads of newspapers at the museum.
The museum organizes field trips for residents and tourists; everyone can join their monthly meetings.
Over here, Guests can learn about railways, pioneers, and Barstow miners who helped develop the valley in previous years.
Location: 270 E Virginia Way, Barstow, CA 92311, USA
23. Explore and Learn about Space at NASA Goldstone DSN Visitor’s Center
NASA Goldstone DSN (Deep Space) Visitor’s Center has been a place for tourists to learn about space communications since the mid-19th century.
If you’re a Space fanatic or someone with a thing for telecommunication, this is one place you’ll enjoy visiting.
Organizers at the center provide guided tours for guests, but you should endeavor to make your bookings early.
Location: 681 N 1st Ave, Barstow, CA 92311, USA
When is the Best Time to Visit Barstow, California?
The best time to Visit Barstow, California, for ideal weather is between March 12th to May 27th and September 24th to November 11th.
The average weather temperature in Barstow, California, differs significantly.
If you’re looking for the warmest time to visit Barstow, the hottest months are July, August, and June.
The month of July is the busiest, and prices of hotels inflate within this period.
December seems to be less crowded, so tourists planning on a vacation with a low budget can schedule their visit within these days as the prices of hotels are less expensive this time.
How Much Does it Cost to Travel to Barstow, California?
Regardless of where you are around the globe, the Average worldwide flight cost to Ontario International Airport (ONT) is between $843 and $1,318 per person (economy flights)
And $2,645 to $4,136 per person for a first-class flight
How Much Does it Cost to Live in Barstow, California as a Guest (Visitor)?
The average cost of living for a 7-day trip in Barstow, California, is as follows:
$1,400 for a solo traveler
$2,514 for a couple
And $4,714 for a family of 4.
A solo traveler looking to visit Barstow, California, is expected to budget $31 to $63 per day for feeding and transportation.
The average hotel price for a solo traveler is $58 to $67 per night for a 1,2, or 3-star hotel room. $59 to $72 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental.
Couples, on the other hand, are expected to have a budget of $62 to $126 per day for food, sightseeing, and transportation.
For couples, hotels range from $58 to $67 per night for a 1,2 or 3-star hotel room. $59 to $72 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental.
The average budget for a family of 4 is between $124 to $252 per day for food and transportation.
While for lodging, the average price for two or 3-star hotels is $116 to $134 per night. $83 to $115 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental.
