Barstow

Day Trips

Arrive in Barstow and check into your hotel or historic motel near the downtown area. Unpack and get oriented with a leisurely stroll along Main Street. Pop into a local café for a strong cup of coffee and some freshly baked pastries.

Explore the Western America Railroad Museum and learn about the town’s railroad heritage with interactive exhibits. Walk next door to the Harvey House for a guided tour of the Art Deco architecture. Stop at the Route 66 Mother Road Museum for a deep dive into classic roadside Americana.

Dine at a classic steakhouse or burger joint frequented by locals and travelers alike. Catch a sunset view from the historic Western Motel’s neon sign backdrop. Finish the night with live music at a nearby bar or enjoy a quiet drink under the desert sky.

Begin at the Route 66 Mother Road Museum to immerse yourself in the golden age of American road travel. Marvel at vintage signs, historical photos, and restored vehicles that define this legendary highway. Chat with museum volunteers to uncover hidden stories about the motels and diners that once dotted this iconic route.

Drive east along the historic roadway towards Amboy for a classic lunch stop at Roy’s Motel & Café, where the neon sign is a photographer’s dream. Explore the ghost town storefronts and imagine life as it was during Route 66’s heyday. Continue on to Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch and wander through the whimsical tree sculptures made entirely of recycled glass and metal.

Return to Barstow just in time for a relaxed dinner at a local pizzeria or family-run Mexican restaurant. Stroll through the evening-lit streets of downtown and soak up the small-town ambiance. Cap off the night with a cold craft beer at a downtown taproom.

Make an early start to beat the heat and head to Calico Ghost Town for a hands-on adventure in an authentic 19th-century mining community. Join a guided mine tour and learn about the Silver King Mine’s boom days. Wander the dusty streets and peek into restored buildings like the saloon, blacksmith shop, and schoolhouse.

Pan for your own silver ore at Maggie Mine, separating the real nuggets from the sand while soaking in desert panoramas. Visit the ghost town museum to browse antique photographs and mining artifacts. Grab a picnic lunch at the shaded pavilion, surrounded by weathered wooden facades that tell tales of the past.

Stick around for the Calico Ghost Town’s Living History reenactments, featuring costumed actors who bring the Wild West to life. Enjoy a hearty meal at the on-site restaurant, famous for its ranch-style chili and cornbread. As darkness falls, listen to the wind whistle through empty windows, adding an eerie charm to the desert night.

Set out at dawn for the Mojave National Preserve, where the golden light reveals stunning desert landscapes. Hike the Kelso Dunes and feel the soft sand shift beneath your feet as you climb to the top for panoramic views. Keep an eye out for wildlife tracks in the sand and spot lizards sunning themselves on rocks.

Drive to the Mojave Road Visitor Center at Kelso Depot and explore the historic railroad depot and its exhibits. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the platform, surrounded by the preserve’s vast open spaces. Continue onward to Cima Dome for a short hike among unique granite formations and Joshua tree forests.

Return to Barstow for a relaxed dinner at a local barbecue joint, savoring slow-smoked ribs and tangy sauces. Unwind in your room with a desert sunset view from the window. If the skies are clear, head back out to catch a few shooting stars before calling it a night.

Depart early for Death Valley National Park, the lowest point in North America, and witness the otherworldly terrain of Badwater Basin at sunrise. Feel the vast salt flats stretch before you and capture stunning photos in the soft morning light. Head north along Artist’s Drive for colorful mineral-streaked canyons and slickrock formations.

Stop at Furnace Creek Visitor Center for a quick lunch and to learn about the park’s geology and human history. Explore the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes for a chance to climb or sandboard across the rolling dunes. Drive to Zabriskie Point for iconic overlooks of the badlands, where the afternoon sun accentuates every ridge.

Begin the drive back to Barstow as the desert temperatures drop and the sun sets in a blaze of oranges and purples. Enjoy a casual dinner at a hometown diner, swapping stories about the day’s adventures. Rest early or take a stroll under the moonlit desert sky before bed.

Visit the Desert Tortoise Natural Area to observe these slow-moving reptiles in their native habitat. Walk along the interpretive trails and learn from informational displays about the fragile desert ecosystem. Binoculars in hand, scan the landscape for jackrabbits, roadrunners, and other desert dwellers.

Head to the Mojave River Forks Regional Park for a scenic picnic by the riverbed, where shady cottonwood trees offer respite from the sun. Rent a kayak or canoe if water levels permit, and glide through calm backwaters. Birdwatch along the riverbanks and log each species you spot in a nature journal.

Return to Barstow for dinner at a farm-to-table café offering fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Reflect on the day’s wildlife encounters over a seasonal salad or vegetable-forward entrée. Finish the night by cozying up with a board game or book in the café lounge.

Begin with a visit to the Western America Railroad Museum, where model trains and interactive displays highlight Barstow’s importance as a rail hub. Explore restored cabooses and passenger cars to imagine life as a rail traveler in the early 20th century. Chat with volunteer guides who share anecdotes about famous locomotives that passed through town.

Walk next door to the historic Harvey House for a guided tour of the beautifully preserved Art Deco dining room and kitchen. Sample a classic Harvey House recipe at lunch, such as broiled steak or chocolate a la mode. Afterward, browse the gift shop for railroad-themed keepsakes.

Take a scenic train-themed ghost tour that weaves through historic parts of Barstow after dark. Enjoy tales of hobos, hobgoblins, and long-forgotten travelers that once rode the rails. Wind down with a hearty meal at a nearby smokehouse, indulging in brisket and homemade sides.

Rent a 4x4 vehicle or join a guided off-road tour to tackle desert trails around the Mojave River valley. Navigate rocky washes and sandy washes, stopping at hidden petroglyph sites for a glimpse into ancient desert art. Feel the thrill of remote exploration as you traverse vast open landscapes.

Enjoy a picnic lunch beside an ephemeral desert spring or oasis, discovering rare wildflowers if conditions are right. Visit the quirky Route 66 side attraction of Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch, marveling at trees made entirely from colorful glass bottles. Snap photos among the whimsical sculptures that reflect the desert light.

Return to Barstow for a laid-back dinner at a family-run Mexican restaurant serving authentic street tacos and chilled aguas frescas. Stroll through a local art gallery or pop-up market featuring work by up-and-coming desert artists. Sip a cold beverage at an outdoor patio while recalling the day’s offbeat finds.

Sleep in and savor breakfast at a diner known for fluffy pancakes and strong coffee. Spend a relaxed morning browsing local boutiques for desert-themed souvenirs. Pack snacks and water for an evening expedition.

Take a scenic drive to the BLM-managed open spaces surrounding Barstow where light pollution is minimal. Set up camp chairs and telescopes well before nightfall near the Kelso Dunes or other designated stargazing spots. Learn about constellations using a star map or astronomy app.

As darkness deepens, watch for the Milky Way arching overhead in stunning clarity. Spot planets, satellites, and shooting stars in a sky unobstructed by city lights. Share hot cocoa and desert tales around a small campfire before returning to your hotel.

Start your final day with breakfast at a local bakery, sampling fresh pastries and artisanal coffee. Reflect on your ten days of desert exploration as you map out any last-minute stops. Head downtown to visit your favorite shops one last time.

Browse antique stores for vintage Route 66 memorabilia and old railroad signs to remember your trip. Pick up local honey and handmade crafts from a roadside stand or farmers market. Enjoy a final lunch at a beloved neighborhood café, savoring every bite.

Return to your lodging to pack and prepare for departure, fitting souvenirs carefully into your bags. Enjoy a farewell sunset from a scenic overlook or hotel rooftop terrace. Toast your desert adventure with a final glass of wine or craft beer before hitting the road.