San Bernardino, California Travel Guide
City City in California, known for its diverse culture
High desert and mountain trails define San Bernardino: travelers pass through on Route 66, head for the San Bernardino Mountains and Big Bear, or soak in historic Arrowhead Springs. Parks, off-road trails and Mexican diners provide practical stopovers.
Why Visit San Bernardino, California? #
San Bernardino mixes Route 66 Americana with outdoor access to the San Bernardino National Forest, appealing to road-trippers and nature enthusiasts alike. Classic roadside relics and historic Route 66 markers recall mid-century travel culture, while nearby trails and mountain recreation provide hiking, camping and winter sports opportunities. A practical regional hub, the city also links visitors to wider Inland Empire arts and culinary scenes.
Who's San Bernardino, California For?
San Bernardino is the gateway to San Bernardino National Forest and the Rim of the World - hiking, mountain biking and winter sports are within easy reach. Big Bear and higher elevation trails are short drives from town.
Access to Big Bear Lake, mountain forests and desert transition zones provides varied nature experiences. Scenic byways, picnic spots and lakeside recreation make it a practical base for outdoorsy day trips.
The city serves regional logistics and distribution industries with good road links to LA and the Inland Empire. Affordable office space and proximity to several airports make it functional for logistics and regional business travel.
Family activities include Route 66 stretches, local parks and seasonal festivals. Proximity to mountain resorts gives families options for skiing or lakeside recreation within an hour’s drive of the city.
Top Things to Do in San Bernardino, California
All Attractions ›
- San Bernardino National Forest - Gateway to mountain trails, camping and scenic drives above the city.
- San Manuel Stadium - Home of the Inland Empire 66ers; lively minor-league baseball atmosphere and concessions.
- California Theatre of the Performing Arts - Restored 1928 theater hosting concerts, films and community performing-arts events.
- San Bernardino Santa Fe Depot - Historic downtown train station housing the San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum.
- Seccombe Lake Park - Quiet urban park with a small lake, walking paths and picnic areas.
- National Orange Show Event Center - Large fairgrounds hosting year-round expos, vintage car shows and the annual orange festival.
- Glen Helen Amphitheater - Massive outdoor concert venue hosting big-name acts and motocross events seasonally.
- Arrowhead Landmark - Huge white arrow on the hillside historically linked to Arrowhead Springs mineral baths.
- Original McDonald's Site and Museum - Site commemorating McDonald's beginnings, with exhibits and a replica original restaurant.
- Big Bear Lake - Mountain lake offering skiing, hiking, boating and alpine restaurants less than two hours away.
- Lake Arrowhead - Upscale mountain village with lake activities, shops and scenic drives nearby.
- Joshua Tree National Park - Iconic desert park famed for twisted Joshua trees, rock climbing and moonlike landscapes.
- Palm Springs - Desert city known for mid-century modern architecture, museums, hiking and spa retreats.
- Idyllwild - Small artsy mountain town with granite bouldering, pine trails and calming slower pace.
Where to Go in San Bernardino, California #
Downtown
Downtown San Bernardino mixes historic storefronts, civic buildings and a stretch of Route 66 character. It’s a practical base for museums, local dining and short walks. Visitors come here for nostalgia, budget options and quick access to nearby attractions.
Top Spots
- San Bernardino History & Railroad Museum - Local history displays in the heart of town.
- Downtown eateries - A mix of neighbourhood restaurants and taquerias.
- Historic Route 66 stretch - Classic motels and neon signage along E Street.
University District
The area around CSUSB is collegiate and functional, with reasonably priced cafés and seasonal student activity. It’s quieter during term breaks but useful for campus events or visiting families. Accommodation here tends to be budget-friendly and practical.
Top Spots
- California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) - A major campus with events and green spaces.
- Campus cafés - Affordable food options serving students and visitors.
- Campus trails - Walking paths and viewpoints across campus grounds.
North & Arrowhead foothills
Head north from the city and the foothills offer quick access to outdoor recreation and cooler air. This area suits visitors who plan hikes into the San Bernardino National Forest or who want scenic drives. Facilities are basic but the landscape is the draw.
Top Spots
- Arrowhead Springs (general area) - Mountain foothills and access routes into the National Forest.
- Trailheads - Starting points for hikes into higher country.
- Scenic lookouts - Views over the valley on clear days.
Plan Your Visit to San Bernardino, California #
Best Time to Visit San Bernardino, California #
Visit San Bernardino in spring or fall for mild, comfortable weather ideal for hiking the foothills and exploring nearby mountains. Summers are very hot and dry, while winters are mild with occasional rain and mountain snow.
Best Time to Visit San Bernardino, California #
San Bernardino, California's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 5°C to 36°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with 66 mm of rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 15°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 36°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 7°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
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How to Get to San Bernardino, California
San Bernardino is served by a mix of small regional airports and larger hubs nearby; the main local airfield is San Bernardino International (SBD), while Ontario International (ONT) and Los Angeles International (LAX) are the primary commercial gateways. Rail and bus services center on the San Bernardino Transit Center and the San Bernardino-Downtown Metrolink station for regional connections.
San Bernardino International Airport (SBD): SBD is a small regional airport on the city’s north side with limited commercial service. If you arrive here, taxis or rideshares to downtown San Bernardino take about 10-20 minutes and typically cost about $10-25; there is limited scheduled public-transit service directly from the airport, so plan for a short taxi or rideshare.
Ontario International Airport (ONT): ONT is the closest full-service commercial airport for the Inland Empire (about 15-25 miles west of downtown San Bernardino). Taxis or rideshares to downtown usually take 20-40 minutes depending on traffic and cost roughly $35-60; there are shuttle options and connections to nearby Metrolink stations (a short shuttle or taxi) that allow rail travel into San Bernardino - combining a shuttle/Metrolink leg typically takes 40-70 minutes total and fares for the rail segment commonly fall into the single-digit to low-double-digit range.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): LAX is the region’s major international hub, about 60-70 miles west of San Bernardino. Driving or rideshare trips take 60-120 minutes depending on traffic and usually cost about $80-140; a common public-transit option is the LAX FlyAway or local transit to Los Angeles Union Station (FlyAway fare around $9-10) then Metrolink to San Bernardino (regional rail fare typically in the low double digits), with total door-to-door time often 90-150 minutes.
Train: San Bernardino is served by Metrolink’s San Bernardino Line at the San Bernardino-Downtown station (part of the San Bernardino Transit Center). The San Bernardino Line connects directly with Los Angeles Union Station; typical one-way travel time to Union Station is roughly 75-90 minutes and fares for the rail leg are generally in the low double digits.
Bus: Local service is provided by Omnitrans (standard one-way local fares are around $1.75) with the sbX bus rapid transit on major corridors serving the San Bernardino Transit Center. Intercity carriers (Greyhound and other coach services/seasonal operators) also serve the transit center; intercity bus fares vary widely but are commonly in the $10-30 range depending on route and advance purchase.
How to Get Around San Bernardino, California
San Bernardino is easiest to navigate by car or rideshare for door-to-door convenience; however, Metrolink is a reliable choice for regional trips to Los Angeles and Omnitrans covers local destinations affordably. Use buses or rail for peak-traffic avoidance, and reserve walking for short trips in the downtown core.
- Driving & Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) ($8-140) - Driving is the simplest way to get around the Inland Empire - distances are short but traffic on the freeways (I-10, I-215, SR-210) can add significant time during peak hours. Rideshare fares for short city trips typically run $8-30; airport transfers from ONT or LAX are substantially higher (see airport notes). Renting a car is convenient if you plan to explore the wider region or visit attractions outside the transit corridors.
- Metrolink (regional rail) ($8-15) - Metrolink's San Bernardino Line links the city with Los Angeles and intermediate suburbs; trains run several times a day with peak-direction frequency. It's a good option for day trips to LA or for avoiding freeway traffic - expect roughly 75-90 minutes to Union Station. Tickets are zone-based; typical one-way fares for the San Bernardino-LA trip fall in the low double digits. Check schedules for weekend/holiday differences.
- Omnitrans & sbX (local buses) ($1.75) - Omnitrans runs the local bus network across San Bernardino County; fares are modest (about $1.75 one-way) and sbX provides bus-rapid-transit service on the busiest corridors. Buses are useful for getting around the downtown area and to nearby neighborhoods, but frequencies can be limited outside peak hours - plan ahead for evening and weekend travel.
- Intercity bus (Greyhound, FlixBus and others) ($10-30) - Intercity coaches stop at the San Bernardino Transit Center and provide budget connections to Los Angeles, San Diego, and other cities. Fares are highly variable ($10-30 is common), and coach travel can be slower than driving but economical for point-to-point trips. Book early for best prices and check arrival/departure locations - they typically use the transit center.
- Taxis ($8-60) - Traditional taxis operate around downtown and the transit center and are useful for short hops or when transit schedules don't line up. Fares are metered; expect short downtown trips to run $8-25 depending on distance. Taxis are convenient for first/last-mile connections when buses or trains aren't available.
- Walking - Downtown San Bernardino is compact enough to walk for short trips between the transit center, courthouse, and central shopping areas; however, many destinations across the city are spread out and not pedestrian-friendly. Wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated in summer, and use sidewalks where available - walking is best for short, local errands rather than cross-city travel.
Where to Stay in San Bernardino, California #
Where to Eat in San Bernardino, California #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across San Bernardino, California's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in San Bernardino, California #
San Bernardino’s after‑dark scene is a mix of straightforward downtown bars, family restaurants and big‑draw venues a short drive away (notably regional casinos). Downtown has pockets of bars and music venues, but for late‑night entertainment many locals head to nearby casinos or to neighboring cities. Use caution in unfamiliar areas at night, and prefer well‑lit, busy streets or rideshare/taxi services.
Best Bets
- San Manuel Casino (nearby, Highland) - Large casino with shows, restaurants and late‑night entertainment.
- Downtown San Bernardino (Fourth Street area) - Local bars and restaurants clustered around the town centre.
- CSUSB events and campus nights - University events and performances bring occasional evening crowds.
- Nearby concert venues (Rialto/Arrowhead area) - Regional venues host touring bands and big events nearby.
- Local breweries and taprooms - Casual brewery taprooms offer laid‑back evening options.
- Rideshare & taxi services - Plan rides for late nights; public transit finishes early.
Shopping in San Bernardino, California #
San Bernardino’s retail scene mixes local malls with downtown small businesses. Inland Center Mall is the region’s major indoor shopping destination; downtown has independent stores, ethnic groceries and occasional farmers markets. For outlet shopping and bigger malls, the nearby Ontario and Cabazon outlet centres are regional draws. Parking is easy at larger malls; expect fixed prices in stores and occasional bargains at flea markets and swap meets.
Best Bets
- Inland Center Mall - Major indoor mall with national retailers and food court.
- Downtown San Bernardino shops - Independent retailers, ethnic groceries and downtown boutiques.
- San Bernardino Farmers' Market - Seasonal produce, street food and local artisan stalls.
- Local flea markets & swap meets - Weekend markets for vintage, tools and household bargains.
- Arts & crafts shops (downtown) - Small galleries and craft stores selling local makers' work.
- Cabazon/Desert outlet malls (nearby) - Large outlet malls a short drive for designer discounts.
