San Bernardino is a city brimming with untapped potential as a tourist destination. Its rich history, diverse culture, and natural wonders make it a true hidden gem of Southern California. We invite visitors to unlock unforgettable experiences and enjoy warm hospitality in San Bernardino’s thriving local economy.
Outdoor Adventures
San Bernardino is a haven for adventure and rejuvenation. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, Running Springs, and Big Bear Lake, this region offers a plethora of activities to suit every taste. In the heart of San Bernardino, visitors will find plenty of local, family-friendly parks with picnic tables, winding trails, playgrounds, and dog-friendly spaces.
“San Bernardino lies among gorgeous outdoor havens, while still offering shopping destinations, entertainment, and dining in its bustling downtown district,” said Freddy Bi, President and CEO of Discover Inland Empire. “Tourists get the best of both worlds in San Bernardino.”
Seccombe Lake Park features a gorgeous fishing lake and more than 40 acres of recreational space.
SoCal Convenience
San Bernardino's central location makes it the perfect base for exploring the wonders of Southern California. Out-of-town visitors can land right in their destination by flying into the San Bernardino International Airport, located just 10 minutes from the city’s epicenter. Roadtrippers can reach San Bernardino via many major highways, making the city an ideal getaway for Southern Californians in need of a staycation.
“Because Southern California is such a popular destination, the commute can be quite the headache,” said Bi. “The San Bernardino International Airport allows visitors to skip the lines, avoid the crowds, and spend more time enjoying their trip.”
Flexible Accommodations
San Bernardino provides a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly motels to flexible vacation rentals, ensuring a comfortable stay for all visitors. Unlike some other tourist destinations in Southern California, San Bernardino's affordability allows visitors to make the most of their travel budget without compromising on quality.
The Doubletree by Hilton Hotel San Bernardino offers dog-friendly accommodations, decadent room service,
and a heated pool.
Diverse Dining
San Bernardino is home to several independently owned restaurants that offer diverse cuisine and stimulate the local economy. For authentic, Lone Star-style barbeque, Spirit of Texas BBQ is the go-to spot for southern eats. A trip to Southern California would not be complete without indulging in the region’s famed Mexican cuisine. Kalaveras is a new Mexican restaurant in town, serving up modern takes on classic, Mexican ingredients. Cafe Organix, one of many Black-owned eateries in San Bernardino, is the local’s favorite for vegan breakfast and brunch.
Kalaveras offers 60 different tequilas and Mezcal spirits, as well as carefully crafted cocktails.
Cafe Organix is a household name in San Bernardino, serving up healthy eats in an artsy and hip setting.
Unforgettable Events
San Bernardino is not just a personal destination; it is also a thriving hub for conferences and business events. The National Orange Show Events Center stands tall as a premier event venue, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, ample parking, and versatile indoor and outdoor spaces.
“San Bernardino is a great locale for events because the city has so many amenities for attendees to enjoy during their downtime,” said Bi. “Just a short drive from the National Orange Show Events Center lies some of the city’s most popular attractions. The San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum lets visitors explore unique artifacts and early 1900s vehicles. Offering year-long shows, plays, and acts, the California Theatre of the Performing Arts is San Bernardino’s premier venue. If visitors are lucky enough to visit during baseball season, an Inland Empire 66ers game at the San Manuel Stadium is a can’t miss event.”
The National Orange Show Event Center offers various room options for conferences, weddings, concerts, and parties.
Hidden Gems
San Bernardino’s museums are some of the best well-kept secrets in Southern California. Visitors can step back in time at the Original McDonald's Site and Museum, where the roots of an iconic fast-food empire took hold. Its museum displays memorabilia and exhibits showcasing the early days of the fast-food chain. The Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art, located in the University of California, San Bernardino campus, is a major cultural center in the city. Exhibiting global artists, the museum is best known for its Egyptian antiquities collection, the largest display of ancient Egyptian antiquities in the western United States.
This historic location showcases the original building, which was opened by Richard and Maurice McDonald in 1940.