San Bernardino Travel Guide, California

Amazing San Bernardino CA US - overview

San Bernardino is no longer the ‘sleepy bedroom community’ some 60 mile east of LA and 110 miles northeast of San Deigo, as knowledgeable travelers are discovering. Magnificent mountain peaks and the bright lights of Vegas are all within driving distance and everything from the Rodeo Drive to Sunset Strip to Palm Springs and Disneyland are all close at hand.

California’s Inland Empire was developed as an area which includes San Bernardino to provide a distinctive identity to its settlers. The area boasts of several popular winter retreats like the Rim Nordic Ski area, Snow Summit, Bear Mountain, Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead which are equally popular with visitors during the spring and summer. Though this may seem an anachronism in sunny California, the fact remains that the Mountains of California soar high in the sky and weather permitting all winter sports are possible. Outdoor activities

Hiking, camping, golfing, nature walks; visitors to San Bernardino can take full advantage of the ample opportunities provided to visitors in the outdoors. The county also boasts of many national parks which are ideal for soft picnics or strenuous hikes and walks.

The Arrowhead landmark which is an unusual formation due to the natural event of the continuous uplifting of soil on the side of the mountain is simply the best known attraction of San Bernardino and has even left geologists puzzled as to exactly what it is. There are many myths surrounding this landmark amongst which are that it may be an arrowhead or an ace of spades or local tribes may have marked that as a signpost to their fabled hot springs!

The Lake Arrowhead Resort is supposedly California’s best mountain resort and is set against the magnificent backdrop of the San Bernardino National Forest. Many Hollywood films have been shot here to take advantage of the breathtaking beauty of the place.

Car Lovers

The ‘Mother Road’ or Route 66 sees a confluence of thousands of vintage cars and car enthusiasts for the four-day Route66 Rendezvous, an event which takes place in September. San Bernardino County also sees the extremely popular NASCAR race on the California Speedway. It is a two-mile track and has a 90,000-seat grandstand. The adrenaline-pumping excitement of NASCAR occurs six times a season and the most notable are the Auto Club500 and the Nextel Club 500 which is held ‘under the lights’.

San Bernardino also has many theaters, shops, restaurants and other sightseeing attractions to keep the calendar of the visitor full.