Hotels in Barstow, CA

Situated in the Mojave Desert of Southern California, the busy city of Barstow offers the perfect desert escape any time of year. Located in San Bernardino County, this city got its origins as a buzzing rail center and a jumping-off place for immigrants entering the state via US Route 66. The town was also made famous by John Steinbeck's novel "The Grapes of Wrath." Along the original Route 66, you’ll enjoy a smattering of adorable cafes, restaurants, old-timey bars, and historic facilities all along Barstow's Main Street.

One stop you can’t skip while staying at Barstow hotels is the incredible Desert Discovery Center, which is a public-run community education center. This small nature and learning center is open free of charge to the public. It works in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Barstow Unified School District, Barstow Community College, Mojave River Valley Museum, City of Barstow, and Discovery Trails. While here, you’ll get the chance to see the Old Woman Meteorite, the second-largest meteorite in the United States, plus other worthy attractions on site. Observe wildlife from an outdoor pond and trail around the building before stopping into the center to snag some food and drinks for a nice afternoon reprieve.

If you’re into geology, Rainbow Basin is a must-see while staying at the best Barstow hotels in the Mojave Desert with its incredible rock formations and fossil beds. This majestic geological formation is part of the Calico Peaks range, located approximately eight miles north of Barstow. It is noteworthy for the beautiful geological features, which have provided valuable scientific information about life between 12 and 16 million years ago during the middle Miocene Epoch. With easy public access via Irwin Road from Barstow, the Rainbow Basin has been designated a National Natural Landmark and is a destination you won’t want to miss.

For a fun day of adventuring, take a worthy tour of the Western America Railroad Museum, just outside hotels in Barstow. Located on the east side of the Harvey House Railroad Depot, the museum collects, preserves, and shares the history of railroading in the Pacific Southwest. Spend a fun afternoon strolling through the many indoor exhibits and displays of railroad artifacts, artwork, timetables, uniforms, related tools, and other railroad memorabilia. Before leaving, head outside and check out the many displays of rolling stock, locomotives, and other fascinating railroad operating equipment for some cool history. Plus, while here, you’ll get the chance to see the iconic Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway #1460, also known as the “Beep,” plus Union Pacific EMD SD40-2 #9950.

Have a blast in Barstow, and don’t forget to check out our other hotels nearby in Lancaster, Roseville, and Cupertino.