San Bernardino is the county seat of San Bernardino County, the largest county by area in the lower 48, which is why “things to do” here splits into two very different places: the inland city itself (railroad history, the original McDonald’s, a regional museum) and the mountains and lakes an hour up the 330 or the 18 (Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, the National Forest). The honest way to use this list is to pick the city or the mountains, because they are not the same trip.
In and around the city
- Original McDonald’s Site & Museum. The replica of the 1940s McDonald’s at E Street and the 210, with the original arches and memorabilia. Free, small, a 20-minute stop.
- San Bernardino History & Railroad Museum. In the 1918 rebuilt Santa Fe depot, focused on the rail line that built the city.
- California Theatre of the Performing Arts. The restored 1928 movie palace downtown, still hosting shows.
- San Bernardino County Museum. Regional natural history and culture in Redlands (just south), the county’s main museum.
- Inland Empire Military Museum. Veteran-run collection of militaria in the city.
- Perris Hill Park and SB Raceway Indoor Karting. The family/outdoor and the indoor-race options.
The mountains and lakes
- San Bernardino National Forest. Over 800,000 acres covering the San Bernardino and San Jacinto mountains; the gateway to the alpine stuff below. A National Adventure Pass is required for some parking.
- Big Bear Lake. The resort lake at 6,700 ft, with boating, fishing, snow play in winter, and the village. The 330 from the city climbs to it.
- Lake Arrowhead. The private-ish resort lake in the San Bernardinos, with a village and hiking; note much of the shoreline is private.
- Santa Ana River Trail. The paved rail-to-trail that runs from the mountains down through the city; good for a flat bike or walk.
Planning tips
- Two trips, not one. The city museums are a half-day; the mountains are a full day or an overnighter.
- Season. The mountains get snow and ice Nov-March; chains are sometimes required on the 330 and 18. Summer is the busy lake season.
- Passes. Forest and some lake parking need an Adventure Pass; buy at a ranger station or sporting-goods store.
- Heat. The city itself is hot in summer (high desert-valley), so the mountains are the escape.
Final Thoughts
San Bernardino is best treated as a base for the San Bernardino Mountains and Big Bear, with the city’s own stops (the McDonald’s museum, the California Theatre, the county museum) as a half-day if you are passing through. Go up the mountain early in winter with chains available, get the forest pass before you park, and check the lake conditions. The city and the peaks are different climates a few miles apart, so dress for the one you are actually visiting.
