25 Best Things to Do in San Bernardino (By a Local)

There are endless fun things to do in San Bernardino, one of the largest counties in California. San Bernardino is an entertainment hub with both incredible hiking trails and amazing concert venues.

As a San Bernardino local, I know the very best cities to visit, mountains to summit, and stuff to do in the county! I’ll overview everything there is to do here and throw in a few off-the-beaten-path gems only locals know about. 

Before reading, bookmark my guide to where to stay in San Bernardino. After filling your itinerary with things to do, you’ll need to make sure you book the best accommodation for your stay.

All right, let’s dive in!

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25 Best Things to Do in San Bernardino

San Bernardino National Forest

Explore beautiful San Bernardino trails and pine forests.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Parking: $5 per day, $30 annual pass

San Bernardino National Forest is one of the county’s main attractions. It encompasses a diverse environment of both arid desert and alpine mountain landscapes.

This Southern California national forest has hundreds of hiking trails and allows backcountry camping throughout almost the entire forest. Some places, like San Bernardino Peak, require an overnight permit that you can acquire at the ranger station.

You must visit San Bernardino Peak, Anderson Peak, Jepson Peak, and San Gorgonio if you’re a California hiking enthusiast! All are above 10,000 feet and can even be combined into one long day hike.

Big Bear Lake

Kayak, water ski, or lounge on one of the best-known lakes in California.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 424-4232 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily

Big Bear Lake is one of the most beloved lakes in California. Millions of tourists visit it every year because there are endless things to do in this cool mountain town.

Big Bear is a favored hiking destination — you can even stop here while trekking along the famous Pacific Crest Trail. Take a short yet scenic walk around the Big Bear Lake Boardwalk for something easy. Or tackle the 7.5-mile Bertha Peak, which has incredible views of the lake from the summit.

Summers in Big Bear are ideal for cruising on Big Bear Lake. Kayaking, fishing, and swimming are some of the most refreshing summertime lake activities. 

Original McDonald’s Site

Visit the first-ever McDonald’s restaurant site.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 515-0044 | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free 

Many people don’t know that San Bernardino is home to the original McDonald’s site. It’s true – this internationally-famous restaurant chain is a big part of San Bernardino history.

The first McDonald’s was founded in 1948 and has since been turned into a museum. This museum should be on your list if you are looking for free things to do in San Bernardino.

The Original McDonald’s Site Museum is full of memorabilia from the first days of the fast food restaurant and takes visitors down memory lane.  

San Bernardino Peak

Hike to the top of one of the highest peaks in the San Bernardino mountains.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Parking: $5 per day, $30 annual pass

San Bernardino Peak is one of my personal favorite hikes in the area and stands 10,656 feet tall. This hike is less traveled and offers a quieter and more pleasant experience than some of the other hikes on this list.

The total distance is 16 miles, meaning this hike is not for the faint of heart. You’ll need to bring the proper hiking gear and snag a permit to hike it. You can get the latter online or at the Mill Creek Visitor Center.

Many hikers choose to camp at the scenic Manzanita Flats or Limber Pine campground 5.7-miles into the hike. 

San Bernardino Peak suffered badly during a 2020 wildfire and will be recovering for a long time. The parts that were not impacted by the fire still make this hike a beautiful destination and one of the best things to do in San Bernardino.

Deep Creek Hot Springs

Soak in natural hot springs nestled between the San Bernardino mountains for ultimate relaxation. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 382-2600 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 1 pm & 2 pm – 4:30 pm Monday to Friday, Closed Weekends | Entrance: $10

Deep Creek Hot Springs is a bit of a local secret. It’s one of the best hot springs in California, but most tourists are unaware of this oasis, making it a must-see. 

The hike to the springs is 2.5 miles one-way from the Bonita Ranch parking area. You will need to cross the Colorado River just before the hot springs, so be prepared to get your hiking shoes wet.

Many Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers soak at Deep Creek. The area is busy from April-June when they typically pass through so keep this in mind when planning your trip. I recommend going early in the morning and during the weekdays because there are only 5-6 pools to soak. They can fill up fast if you get there too late.

Mt. San Gorgonio

Climb to the top of the highest peak in the San Bernardino mountains. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Parking: $5 per day, $30 annual pass

Mt. San Gorgonio is the highest mountain in Southern California at 11,503 feet. Two main trails lead to the summit: the 19-mile Vivian Creek trail and the 21.3-mile South Fork trail.

Many hikers choose to camp on the mountain with a permit because both trails are long. Camping is well-worth it too — the view of the stars at the summit is one of the most vibrant in all of San Bernardino. 

The towering San Gorgonio Mountain is also a great winter mountaineer climb and backcountry ski spot. That said, you will need technical gear to climb this mountain in the winter, so please only attempt it if you are experienced.

Joshua Tree National Park

Rock climb or hike scenic trails at this California desert gem.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 367-5500 | Website | Hours: Park open 24 hours | Entrance: $30 per vehicle, $55 annual pass

Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most popular California national parks and it’s located right in San Bernardino County. Joshua Tree is full of activities, and avid rock climbers travel to Joshua Tree from all over the United States to climb some of the park’s famous routes.

Is hiking more your forte? Joshua Tree National Park offers plenty of hiking trails suitable for any level. It has easy desert plant loop trails and harder mountain summit hikes. You will also witness the most magnificent sky colors in many areas of Joshua Tree. 

The wildlife sightings and the sunsets in Joshua Tree National Park are the highlights of a trip. Look for coyotes, road runners, mountain lions, bobcats, jackrabbits, and rattlesnakes. 

Mount San Antonio (Mt. Baldy)

Hike the tallest mountain in Los Angeles County.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Parking: $5 per day, $30 annual pass

Mount San Antonio, also known as Mt. Baldy, is located in San Bernardino but borders east Los Angeles County. It’s one of the most popular California hikes, drawing thousands of hikers to its trails each year.

Hike to the 10,064-foot summit in a grueling 4,000-foot climb. The mountain is a hot spot for bighorn sheep, deer, and black bears so look out for wildlife along the way.

When you’re done hiking, stop by the Mount Baldy Lodge for an ice-cold beer in the summer or a hot chocolate by the fireplace in the winter. You can also tent camp at the Manker Flats Campground or stay at one of two mountain lodges in the area. 

Mt. Baldy is also a popular climb in winter. Technical climbing gear is required, however, so only attempt a winter climb if you are experienced. Mt. Baldy is considered one of the deadliest mountains in the United States because many inexperienced people attempt the winter climb without the right gear.

Mountain Biking in Angeles National Forest

Bike through scenic national forests on singletrack trails.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (747) 322-6574 | Website | Hours: Open 24 hours

Angeles National Forest offers many great mountain biking trails. It’s just a short drive from San Bernardino and this national forest attracts true mountain biking lovers.

Mt. Wilson is a popular singletrack route that has 5,000 feet of descent. El Prieto is another top mountain biking route. It is a mixed singletrack and switchback route that is mostly descent through a canyon bottom.

Bikes aren’t allowed on all Southern California hiking trails, so do your research before you start biking.

Silverwood Lake 

Wakeboard or water ski on a popular recreation lake.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 389-2281 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 9 pm daily (April to September), 7 am – 7 pm daily (October to March) | Entrance: $10 per vehicle

Silverwood Lake is a day-use recreation area. It is mostly used for boating and water sports but plenty of visitors love to fish and camp at the lake as well.

Silverwood Lake is located just off the I-15 freeway and receives many local visitors a year. The lake usually fills to capacity from April to October, so get there early if you want a spot on the lake.

Depending on what time of year you visit California, this could be a great place to cool off. San Bernardino and Los Angeles locals often escape the summer heat with a trip to Lake Silverwood.

Lake Arrowhead

Enjoy the quaint Lake Arrowhead Village shops and restaurants.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Lake Arrowhead is a charming residential and tourist town in the San Bernardino National Forest. When planning an itinerary around fun things to do in San Bernardino, many visitors find a lot of great Lake Arrowhead activities.

Arrowhead Village is a short trip from Los Angeles and is a great place to stop for lunch and shopping. There is even an outside stage concert venue that hosts concerts year-round. 

Rent a boat or take The Queen Boat Tour around Lake Arrowhead on a sunny day. Lake Arrowhead Brewing Company is a must-visit after a long day on the lake.

🛎️ Need a Hotel? The Lodge in Lake Arrowhead vacation home is the perfect getaway accommodation. The cozy mountain home has a balcony and a fireplace to make you feel right at home.

Santa Ana River Trail

Bike from San Bernardino California to Huntington Beach and back.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 7 am – 9 pm daily | Free

Love cycling? Biking enthusiasts of the Inland Empire Region love cycling all 50.3 miles of the Santa Ana River Trail. Section cycling the trail is do-able if you aren’t yet ready to tackle all 50 miles in one day.

The Santa Ana River Trail goes through San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange counties and ends at Huntington Beach. You will need to pre-arrange transportation if you only want to bike the trail one-way.

The Santa Ana River Trail is wheelchair accessible and offers one of the best ways to exercise in San Bernardino. 

World Scenic Byway

Enjoy breathtaking views of San Bernardino CA on an incredibly curvy road.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Open 24 hours | Entrance: Free

The Rim of the World Scenic Byway traverses the San Bernardino Mountains along highway SR-18. The drive offers stunning panoramic views of the valley below, surrounded by towering peaks over 8,000 feet high.

Drive the World Scenic Byway with a friend so you can look out at the beautiful scenery as they navigate the winding road. The byway is open year-round, but chains may be required in the winter months.

Glen Helen Amphitheater

Rock and roll the night away with some of your favorite artists.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 880-6500 | Website

The Glen Helen Theater is an outdoor concert venue in San Bernardino, California. It’s the perfect summertime activity. Big name performers at the Glen Helen Amphitheater have included the Stone Temple Pilots, Chris Stapleton, and Kid Rock. 

There are assigned seat options close to the stage and general admission standing areas at the back. You can bring your own chair or blanket to have a picnic in the back grass while listening to some of your favorite artists.

San Gabriel Mountains

Hike iconic Southern California mountain peaks.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Open 24 hours | Parking: $5 per day, $30 annual pass

The San Gabriel Mountains are a famous Southern California mountain range shared by northern Los Angeles County and western San Bernardino County. The highest mountain is Mt. Baldy at 10,064 feet followed by Pine Mountain at 9,648 feet.

There are 9 San Gabriel peaks in the Mt. Baldy area alone and a large majority is also accessible from Wrightwood. You can follow maintained trails to the San Gabriel summits or create your own traverse with the close connecting mountains.

The higher San Gabriels receive snow in the wintertime so if you aren’t accustomed to snowy hikes, stick to the lower elevation mountains like Potato Mountain (3,422 feet) and Mount Lowe (5,703 feet).

California State University, San Bernardino

Visit the most popular university in San Bernardino California and enjoy the free museums.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 537-5000 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 10 pm daily, Closed Sunday | Entrance: Free

San Bernardino State University is the top college in San Bernardino, CA. Most students at this school are from the Inland Empire but CSUSB receives its fair share of out-of-state and international students as well.

Campus tours are available during the school year for prospective students. However, it’s also open to the public if you only want to visit the campus. Non-students can enjoy California State University San Bernardino’s picnic areas and the public Museum of Anthropology.

Victoria Gardens Mall

Shop from a diverse selection of stores at this outdoor mall. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 463-2830 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm Monday to Thursday, 10 am – 9 pm Friday & Saturday, 11 am – 7 pm Sundays | Entrance: Free

This Rancho Cucamonga shopping center was one of the first outdoor malls in the Inland Empire. Victoria Gardens is one of the best things to do in San Bernardino if you like shopping. 

There is a huge selection of restaurants at the mall including the Cheesecake Factory and the fancy The State restaurant for drinks. After you’re done shopping, take a break and grab snacks at the sit-down food court or enjoy an air-conditioned AMC movie. 

Lytle Creek

Cool off from the hot Southern California summer heat with a dip in Lytle Creek. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Open 24 hours | Entrance: Free

Lytle Creek is one of the best things to do in San Bernardino for the whole family. Bring your bathing suit to the creek in the summer and cool off from the California desert heat.

Many locals visit Lytle Creek to have a barbeque with the family and relax in the water. Not many tourists visit this San Bernardino gem, so you can plan to experience it with the locals. 

👉 Pro Tip: Parking is limited and fills up fast on the weekends. Visit Lytle Creek during the weekdays for a less crowded experience.

Toyota Arena (Formerly Citizens Bank Arena)

Enjoy the best live entertainment in San Bernardino.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 244-5500 | Website

A live performance at the Toyota Arena is one of the most entertaining things to do in San Bernardino. Just off of the I-10 freeway in Ontario, the Toyota Arena can hold 10,000 fans. 

Besides live concerts and comedy entertainers, the Toyota Arena is also home to the Ontario Reign professional hockey team. There have also been monster truck events at the stadium as well as boxing events and indoor soccer games.

Make sure to check the upcoming schedule at the Toyota Arena before visiting San Bernardino so you won’t miss out on any of your favorite performers.

Hortencia’s Restaurant

Dine at a fancy mountain restaurant overlooking all of San Bernardino California. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 338-4466 | Hours: 9 am – 9 pm daily, 8 am – 9 pm Saturday & Sunday

Plan your next date night at Hortencia’s at the Cliffhanger restaurant. I recommend getting some the popular chili rellenos and fish tacos. 

This fine dining Mexican restaurant sits on a cliff and overlooks all of San Bernardino below. Many proposals happen at Hortencia’s because the atmosphere is intimate and romantic.

Pioneertown

Visit an old ghost town in the heart of the San Bernardino desert mountains. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – sunset daily | Entrance: Free

Pioneertown is a rejuvenated ghost town near Yucca Valley and 20 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park.

Channel your inner cowboy in Pioneertown at Pappy and Harriets, the on-site biker bar with nightly live music. Southern-inspired dishes like catfish sandwiches and slow-cooked tri-tip complement the Wild West mood at Pappy’s. Behind the restaurant are the up-and-running ghost town shops and attractions open for business. 

The old Film Museum has movie posters from films shot in Pioneertown. Western-style boutiques line the “foot and hoof-only” ghost town promenade where you can find vintage knick knacks like belt buckles and leather fringe jackets. 

The Red Dog Saloon toward the end of the main street is usually less crowded than Pappy’s. Order food at the bar and pick it up at the casual side window. A cowboy show, the “Mane Street Stampede,” takes place every 2nd and 4th Saturday at 1 pm on Pioneertown’s main street.

🛎️ Where to Stay: The Pioneertown Motel and Pioneertown Corrals Campground are the only two accommodations in the area. The campground accepts both tent campers and RV-ers. The motel is best suited for tourists without their own camping gear. 

Flo’s Airport Cafe, Chino

Eat a delicious diner breakfast on an airport strip. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 597-3416 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 3 pm daily, Closed Mondays

Flo’s Airport Cafe in Chino is one of the most underrated things to do in San Bernardino. Eat a delicious breakfast at Flo’s while watching small planes take off from the nearby landing strip at the Chino Airport.

Flo’s Airport Cafe’s famous menu items include biscuits and gravy and mouth-watering omelets. Many of the customers at Flo’s are Inland Empire regulars who have been eating at Flo’s for decades.

You must stop by Flo’s to experience some of the most authentic American breakfast foods if you find yourself in the Chino area.

San Manuel Stadium 

Cheer on the local San Bernardino minor league baseball team.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 888-9922 | Website

San Manuel Stadium is home to the Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino. Attending a baseball game is a fun thing to do for the whole family, especially on themed nights like $2 Tuesdays and Thirsty Thursdays. Traveling with your dog? Pets are allowed at the games every Waggin’ Wednesday.

Glen Helen Regional Park

Relax at the biggest park in San Bernardino CA.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 887-7540 | Website | Hours: 7:30 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $8 per vehicle on weekdays, $10 per vehicle on weekends, $3 per person for pedestrians

Glen Helen Regional Park comprises 1,340 acres of land with a multitude of activities. There are also scenic views of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains from the whole park.

Go for a bike ride, stroll around the park, or play soccer in the large fields. You will never run out of things to do in Glen Helen Regional Park.

Facilities at Glen Helen Regional Park include two lakes, a swimming pool, water slides, picnic tables, the Glen Helen Raceway, and the Glen Helen Amphitheater.

San Bernardino County Museum

Learn about San Bernardino history. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 798-8608 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily, Closed Mondays | Entrance: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $7 students, $5 ages 5-12, Free under 5

The San Bernardino County Museum is one of the best things to do in San Bernardino in your free time. There are exhibits on local California culture and natural science and there is also a live animal center and a cactus garden.

Founded in 1957, the museum is devoted to showcasing its appreciation for local regional identity. Stop by this Redlands museum on your trip to learn more about San Bernardino history. 

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Now that you know all about things to do in San Bernardino, it’s time to explore! Be sure to check out this guide to the best things to do in the Inland Empire for more things to do in this awesome region!

I hope I helped you find some fun things to do in San Bernardino!