Welcome to San Bernardino! Prepare to discover the historic heart of California’s Inland Empire, a city known for Route 66 nostalgia, world-class motorsports, citrus groves, and sweeping views framed by the San Bernardino Mountains. Every year, millions visit to drive the iconic Mother Road, attend major concerts and festivals, and experience the birthplace of fast-food history.
☑️ San Bernardino Checklist
- Book your Flight: Fly into Ontario International Airport (ONT), just 20 minutes from downtown San Bernardino
- Reserve your Hotel: Stay near Hospitality Lane for easy freeway access, dining, and shopping
- Join your Tour: Time your visit with Route 66 Rendezvous or a big show at the NOS Events Center
🚗 Day 1: Route 66 Icons
- Original McDonald’s Museum: Start your day at the exact site of the world’s first McDonald’s, packed with memorabilia from decades of fast-food history
- Route 66 Sign Snap: Take your photo with the city’s official Route 66 marker — proof you’ve cruised the Mother Road
- San Bernardino History & Railroad Museum: Step inside the restored Santa Fe Depot to see model trains, vintage uniforms, and rail history that built the city
- Lunch at a Classic Diner: Sit in a red vinyl booth and order a burger, fries, and shake — the all-American Route 66 lunch experience
- California Theatre of the Performing Arts: Tour the Spanish Revival landmark where Will Rogers once performed and where Hollywood premieres were screened
- Downtown Murals Walk: Wander streets filled with large-scale murals celebrating culture, railroads, and Route 66 heritage
- Evening Car Cruise: If you’re here during Route 66 Rendezvous, watch hundreds of classic cars rumble through downtown under neon lights
🎶 Day 2: Music & Mountains
- NOS Events Center Grounds: Walk the site of massive concerts and festivals — from EDM weekends to rock legends, it’s one of SoCal’s biggest music stages
- San Manuel Stadium: Catch a daytime baseball game with the Inland Empire 66ers, complete with hot dogs, peanuts, and a lively minor-league crowd
- Lunch at a Local Taquería: Order carne asada tacos or burritos the size of your forearm — San Bernardino is known for its Mexican food
- National Orange Show Event Center: Explore the grounds of California’s longest-running citrus fair, home to food festivals, swap meets, and rodeos throughout the year
- Robert V. Fullerton Art Museum: See ancient Egyptian artifacts and modern art on the campus of Cal State San Bernardino
- Arrowhead Springs Hotel (exterior view): Glimpse the historic resort once frequented by Hollywood stars, now closed but still a towering landmark at the base of the mountains
- Evening Concert or Festival: End the night at a live show — from EDM to hip hop, San Bernardino hosts some of the region’s biggest music events
🏍️ Day 3: Motorsports & Farewell
- Glen Helen Raceway: Watch motocross riders tackle legendary dirt tracks — the site of international races that draw thousands each season
- California State University Botanical Gardens: Walk trails lined with desert plants, native flowers, and shady paths at the foot of the mountains
- San Bernardino County Museum: See exhibits on regional history, Native culture, and giant mastodon fossils found in the valley
- Afternoon Brewery Stop: Sample craft beers brewed in the Inland Empire — IPAs and lagers poured in warehouse taprooms filled with locals
- Souvenir Shopping: Pick up Route 66 license plates, San Bernardino logo caps, or bags of local citrus to take home
- Perris Hill Park: Relax at the city’s central park — stroll past historic Depression-era structures and catch views of the valley below
- Farewell Dinner Feast: End your trip with a family-style Mexican dinner — sizzling fajita platters, piles of warm tortillas, and margaritas served to mariachi music as the night turns into a celebration
📅 San Bernardino Calendar
- Route 66 Rendezvous (Sept): Thousands of classic cars and hot rods roll through downtown for parades, cruises, and live music
- National Orange Show Fair (Spring): A century-old citrus festival with rides, rodeos, and citrus-inspired treats
- San Manuel Pow Wow (Sept): Native dancing, drumming, and food hosted by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
- NOS Summer Concerts (May–Sept): Major touring acts fill the NOS Center with multi-day festivals
- Inland Empire 66ers Season (April–Sept): Affordable baseball games with fireworks nights and community events
- Christmas on Route 66 (Dec): Holiday parades, lights, and family events in the historic downtown core
- Glen Helen Raceway Season (Spring–Fall): International motocross competitions and off-road racing bring motorsport fans from around the world
💡 San Bernardino Tips
- Stay Hydrated: Summers are hot and dry — always carry water
- Plan for Traffic: Freeways connect everything, but rush hour can double travel time
- Bring Cash for Events: Fairs and swap meets often have cash-only vendors
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Historic downtown and event venues require a lot of walking
- Check Event Calendars: The biggest draws are timed festivals — plan your trip to match
- Sun Protection Is Essential: Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are non-negotiable in summer
- Parking Can Be Limited: Arrive early for big events at NOS Center or Route 66 Rendezvous
🌮 San Bernardino Menu
- Carne Asada Tacos: Char-grilled beef, fresh cilantro, onion, and salsa — the city’s signature street food
- California Burrito: A massive tortilla stuffed with carne asada, fries, cheese, and guacamole — pure SoCal invention
- Tamales: Masa steamed in corn husks, filled with pork, chicken, or cheese, and sold at holiday markets and fairs
- Elote (Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime
- Chili Cheeseburger: A messy Inland Empire specialty that locals swear by late at night
- Citrus Desserts: From orange ice cream at the Orange Show to lemon bars at bakeries, citrus is everywhere
- Margaritas: Strong, salty, and poured generously at nearly every Mexican restaurant in town