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The things to do in Barstow CA include a range of straightforward options suited to travellers making a short stop or passing through. Barstow sits at the junction of major highways, making it a regular stop for people heading between Southern California, Nevada, and beyond. The town has developed around this role, offering practical places to briefly rest, eat, and explore. It’s easy to navigate and doesn’t demand a long stay to see what it offers. For anyone looking to take a short break from the road, Barstow has enough to make the stop worth it.
10 Famous Things To Do In Barstow CA
Here is a list of the best things to do in Barstow CA, a town that offers a mix of simple attractions, local stops, and easy ways to explore the area at your own pace.
1. Explore The Mojave River Valley Museum
Photo: matressa_ / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
The Mojave River Valley Museum gives a clear and informative look at the natural and cultural history of the Mojave Desert. Exhibits cover local geology, Native American history, mining, and early settlement. Visitors will find displays of desert animals, fossils, tools, and maps. The museum is small, so it doesn’t take long to go through, but it provides useful insight into the area. Understanding the local setting before exploring further is a good first step.
Location: 270 E Virginia Way, Barstow, CA 92311
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
2. Tour The Barstow Main Street Murals
Photo: Tobias Bjørkli / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Touring Barstow’s Main Street murals are one of the best things to do in Barstow, showing key moments and people from local history through outdoor wall art. These large-scale paintings are spread out along a short walk through the centre of town. Each mural tells a different story—from mining and railroads to Route 66 and space travel. Many visitors take photos or stop to read the plaques. The murals add colour and interest to Barstow’s streets.
Location: E Main St, Barstow, CA 92311 (Murals located between 1st Ave and 7th Ave)
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
3. Visit The Route 66 Mother Road Museum
Photo: Mr1900 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
The Route 66 Mother Road Museum, a popular thing to see in Barstow, offers a close look at one of America’s most iconic highways. Visitors will find photographs, old gas pumps, classic signs, and other objects that tell the story of travel along Route 66. The museum focuses on the people and places that shaped the route’s history, especially how Barstow fits into it. It’s a small, focused museum that keeps things straightforward and informative for anyone curious about the past of this historic highway.
Location: 681 N 1st Ave, Barstow, CA 92311
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 hours
4. Explore The Western America Railroad Museum
Photo: Klaus Nahr / Wikimedia Commons
Exploring the Western America Railroad Museum is a famous thing to do in Barstow, highlighting the town’s strong railway past through a collection of tools, uniforms, and real locomotives. Visitors can walk around vintage train cars outside and explore indoor exhibits showing how the railway shaped Barstow and the surrounding region. Many of the items on display come from the working days of the railway. The museum is easy to explore, with exhibits clearly labelled for better understanding.
Location: 685 N 1st Ave, Barstow, CA 92311
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours
5. Walk Through Barstow Harvey House
Photo: Miskatonic / Wikimedia Commons
Barstow Harvey House is a restored train depot that gives insight into early 20th-century railway life. Its architecture stands out, and visitors can find displays about the Fred Harvey Company and how it supported railway travellers. Walking through the halls, you can get a feel for the scale and style of how train passengers were served in the past. It’s a quiet spot with visual details that reflect the town’s role in railway history, offering a clear view into a once-busy part of American travel.
Location: 685 N 1st Ave, Barstow, CA 92311
Ideal Trip Duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour
6. Browse The Desert Discovery Centre
Photo: chris_muschard / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
The Desert Discovery Centre overviews the Mojave Desert’s natural environment and wildlife. It includes indoor exhibits, gardens, and trails. Visitors can learn about desert plants, animals, and geology through hands-on features, many designed for school-age visitors but appealing to all ages. The centre also houses the Old Woman Meteorite, the second-largest meteorite found in the US. It is a top thing to see in Barstow. It often runs free public programmes and is useful for understanding Barstow’s environment.
Location: 831 Barstow Rd, Barstow, CA 92311
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours
7. Shop At Barstow Outlets
Photo: Krisztina Papp / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Outlets at Barstow feature a range of national brands offering discounts on clothes, shoes, and accessories. It’s designed as an open-air centre, making it easy to move between shops. There are food options on-site, and it’s common for travellers to take a short shopping break here. Prices are lower than standard retail, and sales are frequent. Shopping here is one of the best things to do in Barstow for anyone wanting to pick up items while passing through.
Location: 2796 Tanger Way, Barstow, CA 92311
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
8. Visit Barstow Community College Planetarium
Photo: okmarian / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Barstow Community College Planetarium offers space-related shows and presentations in a dome setting with comfortable seating. Visitors can view educational films about astronomy, planets, and space science. The planetarium also sometimes hosts community events and guest speakers. It’s a quiet and engaging setting for families, students, or anyone interested in learning more about the universe. The building is small and well-kept, offering an easy and structured way to explore science in Barstow.
Location: 2700 Barstow Rd, Barstow, CA 92311
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
9. Stop By Skyline Drive-In Theatre
Photo: Manuell Tony / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Skyline Drive-In Theatre gives a classic drive-in experience with modern films. Visitors stay in their cars to watch movies on a large screen, using their own radio for sound. It’s a simple and relaxed setting. The theatre usually plays two films in one showing, and ticket prices are often lower than standard cinemas. It offers a calm alternative to busy indoor theatres, with no crowds or loud spaces. Both locals and travellers stop by here for an easy and quiet film experience while staying in Barstow.
Location: 31175 Old Hwy 58, Barstow, CA 92311
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
10. Take Photos At Barstow Station
Photo: Zhang Shaoqi / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Barstow Station is a roadside stop that includes food outlets, gift shops, and railway-themed design. Some of the businesses are set inside old train carriages, giving the place a link to Barstow’s transport history. Travellers often drop in for a quick meal, to browse souvenirs, or take a few photos. It’s open daily and suits those looking for a short, useful pause on their route. It’s a simple place to eat, shop, and see something different during your time in Barstow.
Location: 1611 E Main St, Barstow, CA 92311
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 minutes – 1 hour
The various things to do in Barstow CA make it perfect for a short stop or quick detour through this desert town. From railway history and vivid murals to outlet shopping and space-themed shows, Barstow offers easy-to-reach attractions with a local touch. It’s simple to explore and worth the pause. Book your trip today with TripXL and make the most of your time in Barstow.
Cover Photo: Stocksnap / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
