California and Nevada are two places that are 453 miles/729 kilometers apart, with separate cities and towns between them. If you’re planning a road trip from Vegas to California, you might want to know about the California city closest to you. So which California city is closest to Vegas?
The nearest California city to Las Vegas is Barstow, San Bernardino County. This is a driving distance of 158 miles/254 kilometers. Driving non-stop it would take approximately two hours and 20 minutes, costing $36.21. The midpoint between these two locations is Halloran Springs, California.
You have a higher chance of having a memorable road trip when you’re familiar with your itinerary between states. So, this post will highlight the city of Barstow and show you some fun things to do there.
Barstow City, California
Barstow is one of the smaller cities in San Bernardino County, California, with a population of 25,442 people. The city is located along several roadways, including California State Route 58, Route 66, and Interstate 15. As a result, it is an ideal stopping place for motorists traveling between Vegas and California.
Let’s say you decide to live in Barstow for a while, you should know that the city offers a semi-suburban feel, and you’ll need to earn about $36,159 per year as an adult to live comfortably there. Will be required. However, for those hoping to raise children in Barstow, you can take advantage of the endless exposure available instead of densely populated cities, some of which may not be friendly.
While subjective factors are considered in determining whether a place is good or not, Barstow is quite good. If you’re someone who prefers a small, tight-knit community, this is the place to be. It has all the facilities that are adequate for both individuals and families.
The average age of people in the city is 30, which means there are a lot of young people around. Family units consist of 3 to 4 people including parents and children. The overall diversity of California is also reflected in this city as its diversity is above the national average. Whether you’re visiting Barstow temporarily, stopping by in between trips, or for a permanent residence, there are tons of fun things to do here.
Top 6 Exciting Things to Do in Barstow, California
The following are some exciting things to do in Barstow, the California city closest to Vegas:
1. Visit the Western American Railroad Museum
Knowledge acquisition can never go out of fashion. After all, the day we die is the day we stop learning. So take advantage of the Western American Railroad Museum to learn about the Pacific Southwestern Railroad. Here, you will see artefacts, old timetables, some uniforms and many other things.
The most exciting part of it is that this journey is free. And there’s a gift shop where you can pick up some railway souvenirs before you leave. This is a fun place to visit in Barstow.
2. Rainbow Basin Natural Area
Rainbow Basin Natural Area is one of Barstow’s attractions. Here, you can enjoy the view of rocks, gorges and colorful valleys formed by centuries-old water and wind movements. If you wish, you can do it on foot or in your vehicles and camp in one of the campgrounds available.
The Bureau of Land Management manages this natural wonder. If you are one of those people who enjoy seeing geological formations, you can explore all the areas. Plus, if you go with friends or family it promises a memorable experience.
3. Have custom pizza at Di Napoli’s Firehouse Italian eatery
DiNapoli’s Firehouse Italian eatery is one of Barstow’s oldest establishments. Owing to its longevity, it understands the dynamics of hospitality such that it treats each customer like family. Thus, you will get the chance to design your own pizza with cheese, beef, pepperoni, green peppers, fresh tomatoes, Canadian bacon, mushrooms and other toppings.
You will find complete hospitality here including excellent beverages, beautiful setting and sumptuous food. You can also get handmade pasta salads, potato salads and other side dishes. Be it locals or tourists, it is a great place to visit.
4. Visit NASA Goldstone DSN Center
As you know, space exploration is exciting because it improves our knowledge of the outside world. This is another fun thing you can do in Barstow. You can visit the NASA Goldstone DSN Center. Although the facility is not open to the public, there is a visitor center where you can visit and learn about space communications.
You can get a guided tour at a relatively low price provided you book in advance. The place is open six days a week and is frequented by residents and visitors. You can also book a tour before your trip to Barstow.
5. Check out Barstow Station
Barstow Station is a perfect place to visit as it combines many attractions in one place. Here you can rest after a long journey, have fun, learn about history, eat delicious food and even buy essentials before continuing your journey. Furthermore, it has essential amenities like WiFi, lounges and beverage outlets, and clean toilets, making your visit worthwhile.
There are shops of popular brands like McDonald’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, Double R Gifts, Subway Sandwiches etc. The station is convenient to visit as a resident and a great place to stop as a traveler.
6. Have a delicious Mexican dish
It is common knowledge that California was part of Mexico before it became a state in the US. As a result, it still retains some Mexican cultural characteristics, including its food. If you have never tried Mexican cuisine, you can take advantage of your visit to Barstow and try one of the Mexican restaurants available.
In conclusion
There are several cities between California and Vegas, but the closest California city to Vegas is Barstow. As suggested above, you can have a fun time by visiting some of the attractions here.