San Bernardino

Spanning nearly 680,000 acres, the San Bernardino National Forest is one of the most visited outdoor spaces in the area.

It was established in 1907 and encompasses parts of the San Bernardino Mountains, the San Gabriel Mountains, the Santa Rosa Mountains, and the San Jacinto Mountains.

The year-round recreation destination offers several activities for visitors to participate in such as hiking, fishing, camping, picnicking, and horseback riding.

There are several trails to choose from, both paved and unpaved, as well as numerous campgrounds for you to stay in overnight. As you explore the forest, keep an eye open for one of the many interpretive panels which tell you about the area’s history.

There is no doubt that McDonald’s is one of the largest fast-food franchises in the world and is famed for their burgers and fries. What many don’t know is that it started out as a barbecue restaurant with the very first one opening right in the heart of San Bernardino, California. You can visit the establishment, which has now been converted to a museum and is full of historic memorabilia like old Happy Meal toys, pictures of McDonald’s around the world, and old advertisements. The outside of the museum is just as fun and gives you the opportunity to take pictures with Ronald statues, standing in front of the old, massive sign, and in a Hamburglar jail.

Original McDonald's Site and Museum, 1398 N E St, San Bernardino, CA 92405, Phone: 909-885-6324

Attractions for Couples

Situated in the bustling downtown area, the San Manuel Stadium is the home of the city’s Minor League Baseball team - the Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino. The stadium opened to the public in 1996 and replaced the team’s former home at Fiscalini Field. Over 8,000 people can be housed in the stunning stadium, which also boasts of one of the largest scoreboards in the California League. If you happen to be there during baseball season, don’t hesitate to stop by for a game. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, the exhilarating atmosphere is enough to really have a good time with friends and family.

280 S E St, San Bernardino, CA 92401

Standing on California’s Highway 18, popularly known as the Rim of the World Highway, you really will feel as if you were riding at the rim of the world. You’ll be looking out at picturesque views of San Bernardino’s gridded towns and rolling hills, all of which create a postcard-like scenery that is incomparable to anything else you’ll see in the area. Be on the lookout for views of the towering San Gorgonio Mountain, Big Bear Dam, Big Bear Lake, Lucerne Valley, and Running Springs. One of the best times to take a drive down this road with amazing views is during sunset, when everything as far as you can see will be enveloped in a lovely golden hue.

Located in the heart of the San Bernardino National Forest, shadowed in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, are the rejuvenating, natural Deep Creek Hot Springs. The springs are located right beside Deep Creek and provide visitors with the opportunity to bath in varying temperatures of refreshing water. Getting to and from the springs includes an approximately two-mile-long hike which can drop over 900 feet in altitude so be sure to come prepared with sturdy hiking boots and plenty of drinking water. Once you get to the springs, you can spend hours relaxing and having fun with friends in the revitalizing waters.

Pacific Crest Trail, Apple Valley, CA 92308, Phone: 909-382-2600

Feel the speed at San Bernardino’s Glen Helen Raceway which hosts some of the most exciting racing events in Southern California. The world-class facility spans over 256 acres and has a friendly, top-notch atmosphere that will ensure you have the most amazing time. The raceway has been around since 1985 and hosted several Sand Drag and Motocross events before it really shot to fame by hosting the United States World Championship Motocross in the early 1990s. It soon became a nationally-known track and started hosting other events such as the Off Road Winter Series and the AMA 125/250 MC Nationals. There are several exciting events throughout the year, but if you happen to miss all of them, gather a few friends and rent out the entire track for yourselves.

18585 Verdemont Ranch Rd, San Bernardino, CA 92407, Phone: 909-880-3090

Recommended Activities for Families

Running alongside Southern California’s Santa Ana River, the Santa Ana River Trail stretches for over thirty miles all the way from the Pacific Ocean to the Orange/ Riverside county line. The multi-use trail complex is an extremely popular place and you’ll often see people jogging or biking alongside the scenic path. The designated National Recreational Trail is also used for several events throughout the year, including the extremely popular ‘Riverside to Surfside’ bicycling event. There are plans for the trail to be extended all the way to Big Bear Lake, and when this is complete, the trail will span over 100 miles making it the longest multi-use trail in Southern California.

The Norton Air Force Base Museum opened in 2013 as a means of preserving, honoring, and promoting the rich history of the Norton Air Force Base. The non-profit museum is filled with photographs and memorabilia from past personnel, military, and civilians. The artifacts all come together to tell the intricate story of Norton AFB and its history. There’s even a chance that you get a guided tour by a former veteran who themselves were stationed at Norton AFB. It’s a wonderful place for visitors of all ages to learn about the historic base, the people who came through there, and much more.

San Bernardino International Airport: 1601 E 3rd St, San Bernardino, CA 92408, Phone: 909-382-7307

With over 1,340 acres of lush, green space, Glen Helen Regional Park is a popular place to spend the day outdoors with family and friends. No matter if you’re looking to relax or be rugged, you will find an array of things to do at the park. Many enjoy picnicking on the lush grass or in one of the many designated picnic areas and taking in the surrounding views of the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains. Others choose to spend their time at the park hanging out at the swimming pool, playing in the zero-depth water play park, or rushing down the thrilling water slides. Several other amenities and features of the park include fishing on the lake, playing the playground, taking in a concert or play at the Glen Helen Amphitheater, or participating in an event at the Glen Helen Raceway.

2555 Glen Helen Pkwy, San Bernardino, CA 92407, Phone: 909-887-7540