San Bernardino County Travel Guide
Plan your trip to San Bernardino County with this comprehensive travel guide, featuring top attractions, activities, food, and lodging options, along with cultural insights and safety tips.
- Introduction to San Bernardino County
- List of Places to Visit in San Bernardino County
- Hiking/Biking Routes of San Bernardino County
- Best Things to Do in San Bernardino County: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for San Bernardino County
- Food and Drink Scene of San Bernardino County
- Where to Stay in San Bernardino County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in San Bernardino County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of San Bernardino County
- Best Time to Visit San Bernardino County
- Do’s and Don’ts of San Bernardino County
- Safety and Health
- Getting to San Bernardino County: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in San Bernardino County
- Where to Go Next from San Bernardino County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
San Bernardino County, located in the heart of California’s desert region, is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Home to a diverse range of attractions, from rugged mountains and sprawling deserts to man-made marvels, the county offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive tour guide to San Bernardino County, including top things to do, places to visit, and tips to make the most of your trip.
Introduction to San Bernardino County
Spanning over 20,000 square miles, San Bernardino County is the largest county in the United States and home to over 2 million residents. The county is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from the high peaks of the San Bernardino Mountains to the vastness of the Mojave Desert. The cities of San Bernardino, Fontana, Ontario, and Rancho Cucamonga are among the most populous in the county, offering visitors plenty of options for dining, shopping, and entertainment.
List of Places to Visit in San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County is home to numerous attractions, both natural and man-made, that cater to various interests and preferences. Here is a list of must-visit attractions in the county:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- San Bernardino County Museum
- Calico Ghost Town
- Route 66 Museum
- The Mohahve Historical Society
- Barstow Harvey House Museum
Natural Attractions of San Bernardino County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Mount San Gorgonio
- Kelso Dunes
- Big Bear Lake
- Lake Arrowhead
Hiking/Biking Routes of San Bernardino County
For hikers and mountain bikers, San Bernardino County offers a plethora of trails that cater to various skill levels. Here are some of the most popular routes:
- Pacific Crest Trail
- San Bernardino Peak Trail
- Big Bear Lake Trail
- Castle Rock Trail
- South Fork Trail
Best Things to Do in San Bernardino County: Activities and Tours
In addition to hiking and biking, San Bernardino County offers numerous other activities and tours that cater to various interests and preferences. Here are some top things to do:
- Visit the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville
- Drive along Rim of the World Scenic Byway
- Go wine tasting in Rancho Cucamonga
- Explore old mining towns in the Mojave Desert
- Go off-roading in Johnson Valley
Week-Long Itinerary for San Bernardino County
For those planning a week-long trip to San Bernardino County, here is a sample itinerary that covers the highlights of the county:
Day 1: Explore San Bernardino County Museum and surrounding parks Day 2: Visit historic Route 66 and the California Route 66 Museum Day 3: Explore the high peaks of Mount San Gorgonio Day 4: Go off-roading in Johnson Valley or Mojave Preserve Day 5: Take a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park Day 6: Visit Big Bear Lake and nearby attractions Day 7: Drive along Rim of the World Scenic Byway and explore Lake Arrowhead
Food and Drink Scene of San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County offers a diverse range of food and drink options that cater to various tastes and preferences. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- In-N-Out Burger
- California Burrito
- Olive Burger from Farmer Boys
- Fried Chicken from Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
- Tacos from Los Taquitos
Local Beverages
- Craft beer from Hangar 24 Craft Brewery
- Wine from Rancho Cucamonga wineries
- Apple cider from Snow-Line Orchard in Oak Glen
Where to Stay in San Bernardino County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
San Bernardino County offers a variety of lodging options that cater to various budgets and preferences. Here are some top picks:
- Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa
- The Lodge at Big Bear Lake
- Glen Tavern Inn in Santa Paula
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Barstow
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hesperia
What to Buy in San Bernardino County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
San Bernardino County offers a unique blend of souvenirs and local products that are perfect for taking home as a reminder of your trip. Here are some top picks:
- California Route 66 memorabilia
- Native American jewelry and pottery
- Apple cider from Snow-Line Orchard in Oak Glen
- Craft beer from Hangar 24 Craft Brewery
- County-made hot sauce
Local Culture and Customs of San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County has a rich cultural heritage that is celebrated in various museums, festivals, and events throughout the year. Some annual events and festivals to check out include:
- Joshua Tree Music Festival
- National Orange Show Festival in San Bernardino
- Rendezvous Back to Route 66 in San Bernardino
- Oak Glen Apple Butter Festival
Best Time to Visit San Bernardino County
The ideal time to visit San Bernardino County is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and outdoor activities are at their peak. Summers can be very hot, and winters can bring snow and difficult driving conditions in some areas.
Do’s and Don’ts of San Bernardino County
Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting San Bernardino County:
Do:
- Check weather and road conditions before hitting the road
- Bring plenty of water and sun protection when hiking or biking
- Observe local culture and customs when visiting museums and historical sites
Don’t:
- Trespass on private property
- Leave valuable items in your car when parked in remote areas
- Litter or damage natural areas
Safety and Health
San Bernardino County is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be mindful of some safety and health concerns when exploring the county.
Safety in San Bernardino County
- Be aware of local wildlife, especially in remote areas
- Use caution when hiking, biking, or driving in areas prone to wildfires
- Be vigilant when parking in remote areas, and avoid leaving valuables in your car
Health in San Bernardino County
- Visitors should be aware of the risks of dehydration and heatstroke when exploring the desert areas.
- Visitors should also be mindful of carrying enough medications if required during their stay.
Getting to San Bernardino County: Transportation Options and Logistics
San Bernardino County is easily accessible by various modes of transportation, including air, bus, and car.
Airports Near San Bernardino County
- Ontario International Airport
- Palm Springs International Airport
- Los Angeles International Airport
Bus Stations Near San Bernardino County
- Greyhound Bus Station in Barstow
- Victorville Transportation Center
- Omnitrans Bus Station in San Bernardino
Other Options
The Metrolink rail system also offers regular service to San Bernardino and several other cities in the county. Car rentals are available at many airports and throughout the county.
How to Get Around in San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County offers several options for getting around the county, including car rentals, ride-sharing services, and public transportation. Many of the popular attractions in the county are served by local bus services, while ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are also available in most cities.
Where to Go Next from San Bernardino County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
San Bernardino County is surrounded by several other notable destinations and excursions, including:
- Disneyland in Anaheim
- Palm Springs in Coachella Valley
- Las Vegas in Nevada
- Death Valley National Park to the east of San Bernardino County
Conclusion
San Bernardino County is a unique destination that offers a diverse range of attractions, from rugged mountains and sweeping deserts to historic landmarks and cultural festivals. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, this county has something for everyone. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip.
