Top 10 Things to do in San Bernardino County, CA

San Bernardino County is much more than just the home of the city of San Bernardino. This large slice of California has so many attractions on offer that even those who’ve lived in the county for years find it hard to visit all of them. From skiing destinations, watersports areas, camping, hiking, and hunting, outdoor lovers find San Bernardino County a paradise. There are also festivals, farmers’ markets, museums, scenic drives, and historic sites for those who want a break from the wilderness. 

So, read on as we explore the top 10 things to do in San Bernardino County, CA!

1. Visit Joshua Tree National Park

Two unique desert ecosystems meet within the borders of the Joshua Tree National Park. The Colorado desert and the Mojave desert come together in the nearly 800,000-acre park. Aside from the famed Joshua Tree, these strange plants that look like they came out of a Dr. Seuss book, you’ll see a wide range of desert plant life in the park. From 15 species of cacti, palm trees gathered at oases, vibrant flowers in the springtime, and creosote bushes, there’s plenty of plant life to be seen. 

There are also 250 species of bird, tons of reptiles, and even 57 different species of mammal found in the park. It’s a favorite destination for rock climbing, camping, or simply enjoying a pleasant day hike. Learn more about Joshua Tree National Park by visiting the official website here. 

2. Check out Big Bear Lake and Ski Area

Sitting amid the massive San Bernardino National Forest is the small town of Big Bear Lake, which sits near the shores of the lake of its namesake. Not only is the quaint little town fun to visit, but it serves a variety of year-round outdoor activities. 

In the winter, the area is a popular destination for skiers, snowboarders, and those who just want to play around in the snow or curl up in a cabin in the mountains. In the summer, the lake itself attracts those who want to do some fishing, get out in the boat, or participate in other watersports. 

Of course, the Big Bear area has plenty of opportunities for camping, hiking, and hunting. There are also lakeside resorts and private cabins for long and short-term rentals. 

3. Visit the First McDonalds

If you’re going to be passing through the city of San Bernardino, a stop at the original McDonald’s location could be a fun time for the whole family. Before the fast-food restaurant was a global phenomenon, it had one little restaurant in the heart of this California city. In fact, that was back before fast-food restaurant chains were even a thing — McDonald’s helped pave the way for this business model. 

The original location is now a museum dedicated to McDonald’s, featuring old Happy Meal Toys, advertisements, and pictures of locations across the globe. It’s also a popular place for pictures for your social media account, or just for your memories. You can take photos with statues of Ronald McDonald, Bugs Bunny, and even the Hamburglar behind bars in hamburger jail. 

This is located at 1398 N E St, San Bernardino, CA 92405. 

4. Enjoy the Many Festivals Offered

There are a lot of festivals at various times throughout San Bernardino County. If you have the time and live nearby, you can hit up more than one of them a year! Some of the most notable festivals include:

• The National Orange Show Fair – Takes place in the spring in the city of San Bernardino. Typically features things like photography, baking, and home crafts contests. citrus displays, carnival rides, and plenty of food vendors! 
• Route 66 Rendezvous – Also taking place in the city of San Bernardino, this car show features classic cars, food vendors, and a live band. 
• Family Fish and Wildlife Festival – Features fun and informative events for outdoor lovers. Includes interactive walkthroughs, in-depth workshops, and vendor booths. 
• San Bernardino Farmers Market – This regular farmer’s market is a great place to shop local and support farmers. If you live around the San Bernardino area, this is a fun place to walk around and buy some excellent food! Takes place in downtown San Bernardino. 

5. Check out the Scenic Rim of the World Highway

You couldn’t ask for more picturesque views than the ones seen from the Rim of the World Highway. Otherwise known as Highway 18, this road goes from the desert all the way up into the San Bernardino Mountains, rising almost 7,000 feet as it does. You can look off and see the sprawling landscape of rolling hills, small towns, and looming mountains while on this breathtaking highway. 

Notable scenery includes Big Bear Dam, Running Springs, Lucerne Valley, and the San Gorgonio Mountain. There are several spots to pull over and take pictures of the awesome views. And if you’re taking the road up to Big Bear, you’ll get these views as a kind of bonus while you make your way into the mountains. 

6. Take a Dip in the Deep Creek Hot Springs

If you’re up for a bit of a hike, you may want to take a dip in the Deep Creek Hot Springs. Located next to Deep Creek and near the base of the San Bernardino Mountains, these hot springs are an attractive prospect for many outdoor enthusiasts. 

It’s about a two-mile hike to get to them, with a change in elevation of around 900 feet. Once you get to the springs, you can alternate getting warm in the springs and cooling off in the nearby river. Unfortunately, it’s a day-use area only, so there’s no camping overnight!

7. Visit the Museums on Offer

There’s also no shortage of museums on offer in San Bernardino County. Aside from the McDonald’s museum mentioned above, there are plenty of interesting subjects covered in the California county’s museums. These include:

• The San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum – Located at the Amtrak station in San Bernardino, this museum is great for train and history enthusiasts of all ages. 
• Norton Air Force Base Museum – Anyone interested in the military or aviation will enjoy this museum dedicated to the history of Norton AFB. 
• WBC Legends of Boxing Museum – Amateur pugilists and sports fans of all types will enjoy this boxing museum, dedicated to the greatest athletes to ever enter the ring. 
• Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art – For a glimpse into art and culture, this museum of art is a must. It’s a cultural hub in San Bernardino County and showcases ancient and modern art as well as ceramic art. 

8. Catch a Game at San Manuel Stadium

Stop by the San Manuel Stadium in downtown San Bernardino to take part in America’s favorite pastime. The minor league baseball team there, the Inland Empire 66ers, can put on a great show for the whole family. The 8,000-seat stadium is a great place to spend a fun afternoon without shelling out a ton of money on a major league game. There’s nothing like some popcorn, a hotdog, and some home runs!

9. Enjoy the Glen Helen Regional Park

The Glen Helen Regional Park features fun activities for all. The 1,340-acre area has walking trails, a lake for fishing, a small water park, water slides, and a pool. Not to mention the Glen Helen Raceway and the Glen Helen Amphitheater, which is capable of accommodating 65,000 people and sees major musical acts on a regular basis. 

Take a lunch and enjoy a picnic, or take the family dog and go for a walk. Or, make a day of it in the summer to cool off in the water park and swimming pool. 

10. Take a Walk Along the Santa Ana River Trail

The Santa Ana River Trail will stretch for 110 miles from the Pacific Ocean all the way to the San Bernardino National Forest. At the time of this writing, it is about 60% finished. But you can still use those areas that are finished for walking, running, and biking. As you can probably guess, it follows alongside the Santa Ana River, making it a nice area to enjoy for exercise or recreation. 

Conclusion

San Bernardino County, thanks to its proximity to Los Angeles and the relatively low cost of living, is an increasingly popular chunk of California. Many people come to visit the county’s many attractions, while others are moving out of Los Angeles and into the neighboring county. Cities like Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree are seeing more and more growth and investment. 

Whether you’re looking for a piece of land to call your own in San Bernardino County, or you’re looking to invest in land, we can help. You can check out our property map to view the land we have for sale. Or you can contact one of our Land Specialists to discuss investment and land-buying opportunities in this popular California county!