Between LA & Las Vegas Is A Laid-Back, Historic Route 66 City With Shopping Outlets & A Drive-In

One of the benefits of living in Southern California is the ability to drive out to Las Vegas whenever you feel like it. But even if you've made this trek numerous times, the fact is that there are plenty of quirky and memorable small towns to discover along the way, particularly if you're driving from Los Angeles. One of the most famous is Barstow, California, which is the unofficial halfway point, sitting about two and a half hours from both LA and Las Vegas along the historic Route 66.

In fact, Route 66 is baked into Barstow's DNA, and the laid-back city embraces its road trip history and culture, complete with museums, vintage storefronts, and even a classic drive-in movie theater. But its history actually begins in the late 1800s with the discovery of silver in nearby Calico, which helped bring the railroad to Barstow. After the silver was tapped out, Barstow became the area's main travel hub, even being made famous by the novel "The Grapes of Wrath." For decades, until the freeway allowed motorists to avoid stopping on Main Street (part of Route 66), Barstow enjoyed its status as a traveler haven. As a result, this place would easily fit in with the 10 charming, retro American cities that feel stuck in time. 

So, while Vegas is all about glitz and glamour, and LA is all about Hollywood and theme parks, Barstow offers a chance to experience the past. Even if you're only stopping on your way to Sin City, it's worth spending a day (or two) here.

One of the best reasons to spend time in Barstow is to revel in its Route 66 history and culture. And a great place to start is at the Mother Road Museum. It's located inside a historic structure, the Casa Del Desierto, which was built in 1911 and was almost lost to time, due to decades of disrepair and an earthquake. This site is also home to the Western America Railroad Museum, so you can explore both at once. Another highlight is Barstow Station, a shopping district built out of railroad cars that has been serving travelers since 1975. If you prefer more of an artistic experience, you can walk along the highway and marvel at various roadside murals, many of which highlight Route 66, as well as the history of the region. And, if you're really interested in exploring more of that history, head south to the Mojave River Valley Museum, which recounts notable dates and people from the 1700s to today. 

Inject some entertainment into your Route 66 experience by catching a movie at the Skyline Drive-In, which is situated north of town. The theater originally opened in 1966 and only had one screen. By the late 1980s, it shuttered, but was then reopened in 1996 with a second screen and has been going strong ever since. Skyline features new releases and has an abundant snack bar, but keep in mind that the business is cash only, so plan accordingly. 

Finally, if you're spending a couple of days in Barstow and want to explore even more of the area's history, you can drive about 20 minutes northeast to the Calico Ghost Town, where you can take tours and learn about its mining history.

Since Barstow sits about equidistant from both LA and Las Vegas, one popular way to experience the city is to fly into one travel hub and leave from the other. When making your travel plans, though, keep in mind that Burbank Airport (BUR) is getting a new terminal in 2026, allowing you to bypass the traffic at LAX, and U.S. airlines are cutting flights to Las Vegas, making travel harder for visitors. And while you can see most of Barstow's highlights in a single day, there are plenty of roadside motels and hotels if you choose to spend a night or two on your way to somewhere else.

Although most of Barstow's appeal is related to its connection to Route 66, you don't have to be a history buff to enjoy the city. Shopaholics will appreciate the Outlets at Barstow, where you can visit your favorite brands and buy products at potentially deep discounts. With dozens of retailers, from Adidas to Lacoste to Tommy Hilfiger, you're sure to find something you'll like.

Finally, when you get hungry during your visit, there are plenty of unique places to eat. For a retro-themed experience, check out Route 66 Pizza Palace, which features Route 66 artwork, an arcade, and a light fixture made of beer draft pull tabs. Similarly, DiNapoli's Firehouse Restaurant is decked out in kitschy decor and offers a variety of Italian favorites. If you're craving Southern cuisine, try Southern Twist, which serves dishes like beef ribs, oxtails, collard greens, and peach cobbler.