Things to do in San Bernardino, California
- The city was a critical stop on the historic Route 66, which shaped much of its 20th-century commercial development.
- San Bernardino is one of the oldest communities in California, originally established in 1810 as an asistencia to the Mission San Gabriel Arcángel.
- The city’s geography features a significant elevation change, ranging from roughly 1,000 feet to over 2,000 feet above sea level within municipal borders.
- During the mid-20th century, the city became a central hub for the citrus industry, specifically known for the production of navel oranges.
- It is home to the largest annual gathering of Route 66 enthusiasts, known as the Route 66 Rendezvous, reflecting its deep automotive heritage.
About San Bernardino, California
San Bernardino serves as a major transportation and industrial hub in Southern California’s Inland Empire, uniquely positioned between the San Bernardino Mountains and the San Jacinto Valley. The city is globally recognized as the birthplace of the fast-food industry, a legacy preserved at the Historic Original McDonald's Museum. Cultural and historical depth is further defined by institutions like the Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art and the Norton Air Force Base Museum. Visitors frequently experience the city's architectural variety, ranging from the classic California Theatre Of The Performing Arts to the local religious landmarks such as Our Lady of The Rosary Cathedral.
Highlights of San Bernardino, California
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
Explore the origin of the global fast-food phenomenon at the site of the very first McDonald's restaurant.
Museums
Examine the aviation history and logistics legacy of the former strategic military installation.
Museums
View a diverse collection ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary ceramics on a university campus.
Venues
Admire the ornate 1928 architecture of this historic venue, which continues to host live stage performances.
Museums
Discover a vast collection of military equipment and historical archives documenting regional service members.
Temples
Visit this site to appreciate the ecclesiastical architecture and role of the Roman Catholic Diocese.
Parks
Relax in this community green space which serves as a central recreational point for local residents.
Venues
Experience professional sports and large-scale community events held at this primary municipal venue.
Top things to do in San Bernardino, California
The 31 highest-rated places in San Bernardino, California, ranked by travellers.
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Parks
Lake Gregory Regional Park is a 150-acre alpine lake basin located in the San Bernardino Mountains at an elevation of 4,...
2
Museums
The Historic Original McDonald's Museum sits on the exact site where Richard and Maurice McDonald opened their first res...
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Amusement parks
SkyPark at Santa's Village is a historic outdoor adventure park set within a high-altitude mountain forest in Skyforest,...
4
Parks
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area is a reservoir located in the San Bernardino Mountains, formed by the Cedar Spring...
5
Venues
San Manuel Stadium, officially known as LoanMart Field as of 2026, is a multi-purpose baseball venue located in downtown...
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Venues
The California Theatre of the Performing Arts is a historic venue located in downtown San Bernardino, originally constru...
7
Parks
Heaps Peak Arboretum is a specialized botanical collection situated within the San Bernardino National Forest at an elev...
8
Temples
The Way World Outreach is a prominent non-denominational Christian ministry located in San Bernardino, California. Found...
9
Parks
Perris Hill Park is a 63-acre municipal recreational space located in the northern sector of San Bernardino. It features...
10
Parks
Littlefield Community Park is a neighborhood recreational space in San Bernardino, California, primarily serving the loc...
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Parks
Nuñez Park is a community-focused recreational space located in the Westside neighborhood of San Bernardino. The facilit...
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Temples
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Parks
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Parks
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Natural attractions
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Venues
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Museums
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Museums
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Temples
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Temples
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Museums
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Historical places
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Venues
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Parks
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Parks
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Museums
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Natural attractions
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Places of interest
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Natural attractions
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Museums
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San Bernardino, California on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to San Bernardino, California
Spring (March to May) or Fall (October to November) are ideal, as these months avoid the extreme summer heat common in the Inland Empire.
2 days, which allows enough time to visit the major museums, historical sites, and local parks.
A car is essential for navigating the sprawling city layout; public transit is limited to local bus lines.
Staying near the downtown core provides the best access to historical landmarks, while areas closer to the mountain base offer quieter environments.
Mid-range; accommodation and dining costs are generally more affordable than in nearby Los Angeles or coastal Orange County.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 31 curated attractions in and around San Bernardino, California, ranked by traveller ratings.
Lake Gregory Regional Park is the highest-rated place to visit in San Bernardino, California right now.
The largest category is parks, with 10 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Downtown Los Angeles, Bayonne, New Jersey, Washington, D.C..
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