San Bernardino: Desert, Lakes and Regional Discoveries

San Bernardino opens up a journey through high desert, lakes, river landscapes and historic sites.

Mining History and Unique Cultural Experiences

A prominent point of interest is Calico, a mining town of the Old West. It has existed since 1881 and was abandoned in the mid-1890s after silver lost its value. Calico was designated a State Historical Landmark, number 782. In 2005, then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared the town California’s “Silver Rush Ghost Town.” Calico therefore combines historical insights with a very distinctive atmosphere.

This connection is also reflected in the local cuisine. Calico House serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with simple dishes inspired by the meals of the town’s residents in the late 19th century. These include stews, pot pies, shepherd’s pie, meatloaf and the Buffalo Burger. For a trip planned around culture and food, this visit can easily be scheduled as a standalone activity.

Those who want to combine history with physical activity will find mountain biking trails at Calico Ghost Town ranging from two to thirty miles in length. This broad range offers different options for planning the day, without every route having to share the same character.

Desert Landscapes, Birds and Unique Trails

Mojave National Preserve showcases the diversity of the desert landscape: The protected area includes canyons, mesas, mountains, sand dunes, lakes that hold water intermittently, cinder cones and a large Joshua tree forest. This combination makes the area interesting for travelers who want to experience nature from more than a single perspective.

At Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, by contrast, the focus is on the connection between wetland habitats and wildlife observation. The preserve is an important wildlife corridor and has numerous trails. These include an accessible, ADA-compliant boardwalk through marsh and riparian habitats. Guided tours offer the opportunity to observe more than 247 bird species, including at least 72 resident breeding species. Those interested in birds, changing landscapes and peaceful nature experiences can take these options into account when choosing their travel itinerary.

Wildwood Canyon State Park covers 855 acres and has welcomed day visitors since 2003. For a different way to get around, the Santa Ana River Trail offers a 3.8-mile extension from Waterman Avenue in San Bernardino to California Street in Redlands.

Lakes, Riverbanks and Outdoor Activities

Several regional parks add water and recreational opportunities to the landscape. Mojave Narrows Regional Park is located along an old riverbed in the high desert. The surroundings are characterized by bodies of water, cottonwood trees, willows and extensive meadows. Year-round fishing is available at Pelican Lake and Horseshoe Lake; there is also an 18-hole disc golf course.

Lake Gregory Regional Park offers 2.3 miles of hiking trails. Non-motorized boating and fishing are available there year-round. In summer, an inflatable water park and a swimming beach are added. Glen Helen Regional Park lies at the foot of the chaparral-covered hills of Cajon Pass and offers scenic views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the San Bernardino Mountains. Two lakes invite visitors to fish. The park is also home to Glen Helen Amphitheater, an outdoor concert venue with 65,000 seats.

On the Colorado River, Moabi Regional Park lies on the state border between California and Arizona. Popular activities include fishing, hiking, boating and off-road driving. Yucaipa Regional Park offers fishing at three lakes. These different options help you plan your trip according to your preferred pace: with water activities, trails, concerts or landscape exploration.

The Right Base for Your Vacation Rental

When looking for accommodation in San Bernardino, it is worthwhile to first determine the most important experiences. Calico and the Victor Valley Museum are the main attractions for historical impressions. The museum maintains a collection on the High Desert featuring geological and paleontological specimens, Indigenous artifacts and historical objects. For days spent in nature, the different landscapes of Mojave National Preserve, Big Morongo Canyon Preserve and the regional parks provide useful points of reference.

Those who want to combine several interests can view a vacation rental as a base for varied planning, without trying to fit every destination into a single day. Water activities, birdwatching, mountain biking, historical sightseeing and concerts each offer their own focus.

Other Places for Your Regional Search

For further orientation, you can also consider the following places individually: Victorville, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Apple Valley, Barstow, Big Bear Lake, Hesperia, Lake Arrowhead, Loma Linda, Redlands, San Bernardino, Fontana, Yucca Valley, Needles, Twentynine Palms, Highland, Colton, Chino Hills, Rialto, Montclair, Chino, Running Springs, Upland, Parker Dam, Crestline, Joshua Tree, Wrightwood, Adelanto, Fort Irwin, Cajon Junction, Searles Valley, Big Bear City, Pioneertown, Helendale, Yermo, Phelan, Fawnskin, Blue Jay and Twin Peaks.

For the broader travel overview: California.