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Barstow
Overview
Barstow is a city of 24,000 people (2018) in the southern desert of the state of California. The city's location at the junction of Interstate 15 and Interstate 40 in the middle of a barren desert, as well as its positi
Facts
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Source
WBP almanac
External sources
Media
From Wikipedia38 words
WBP editorial3
Desert crossroads as a cultural waypoint
Barstow’s position at the junction of I‑15 and I‑40 makes it more than a refuelling stop; it is an unofficial meeting point for travellers moving between the Pacific coast and the Southwest. The city's layout, with its low‑rise motels and vintage diners, mirrors the rhythm of the open road, offering a snapshot of American road culture that is hard to capture elsewhere. Visitors who take the time to linger find a modest museum dedicated to the railways that first linked the town, providing context for how the desert once pulsed with freight and passenger traffic.
A base for desert exploration
Because Barstow sits on the edge of the Mojave, it serves as a practical launchpad for day trips into the surrounding wilderness. From the town centre you can drive an hour to the historic Calico Ghost Town, or head north to the basaltic formations of the Kelso Dunes, where the sand sings under the wind. Early‑morning departures are advisable to avoid the midday heat, and stocking up on water and fuel in Barstow is essential, as services become sparse the further you venture into the arid landscape.
What guidebooks miss: the local food scene
Beyond the expected truck‑stop fare, Barstow hosts a handful of family‑run eateries that blend classic American comfort with regional flair. A modest Chinese‑American dim sum place, run by a second‑generation immigrant family, offers a surprisingly diverse menu, while a nearby diner serves a version of the iconic “Barstow burger” – a thick patty topped with caramelised onions and a slice of jalapeño jack, reflecting the subtle influence of nearby Mexican communities. These spots give a taste of the town’s quiet multicultural layers that seldom appear in standard travel listings.