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San Bernardino County, California | The Largest County in the U.S. with Diverse Attractions
San Bernardino County, in Southern California, is the United States’ largest county by area. It encompasses a huge area of deserts, mountains, woods, and towns, as well as a diverse spectrum of natural features. From the vibrant city of San Bernardino to the breathtaking vistas of the Mojave Desert and the alpine peaks of the San Bernardino Mountains, this county has something for everyone. In this post, we’ll look at San Bernardino County’s top attractions and famous cities.
Cities in San Bernardino County
Main Attractions in San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County offers a wide range of outdoor recreation possibilities, cultural sites, and natural wonders. Here are a some of the prominent attractions:
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park, located in Riverside County, is a world-renowned attraction known for its unique Joshua trees, harsh rock formations, and desert vistas. Outdoor enthusiasts come to the park to go hiking, rock climbing, camping, and stargazing under the dark, beautiful skies. Popular attractions include Hidden Valley, Skull Rock, and the Cholla Cactus Garden. The park provides an extraordinary experience in the center of the desert.
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake, located in the San Bernardino Mountains, is a year-round resort destination that offers outdoor activities like boating, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking in the summer, as well as skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Snow Summit and Bear Mountain ski slopes are popular destinations for winter sports lovers. Big Bear, a lovely community with stores, restaurants, and warm cabins, is a great mountain vacation.
San Bernardino National Forest
This vast forest encompasses much of the county’s rugged terrain, providing chances for hiking, camping, and environmental exploration. The forest has several scenic paths, including the Pacific Crest Trail, which travels across the mountains. This natural retreat offers visitors breathtaking views, alpine lakes, and opportunities to observe wildlife.
Route 66
San Bernardino County is home to one of the most famous sections of Historic Route 66, commonly known as the “Mother Road.” Travelers can travel this renowned highway and see attractions such as the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville. Driving down Route 66 is a nostalgic excursion through little desert villages and vestiges of midcentury Americana.
Mojave National Preserve
The Mojave National Preserve, which covers more than 1.6 million acres of desert, provides a remote and tranquil getaway into one of California’s most stunning desert environments. The preserve is noted for its massive sand dunes, volcanic cinder cones, Joshua plants, and steep mountains. Kelso Dunes, Hole-in-the-Wall rock formations, and the historic Kelso Depot are all must-see attractions.
Calico Ghost Town
Calico Ghost Town, near Barstow, is a former mining town that has been converted into a tourist attraction, providing visitors with a glimpse into the Old West. Calico, formerly a thriving silver mining town in the 1880s, has been restored and now offers historic buildings, mine tours, and Western-themed reenactments. It’s an entertaining and educational place for families and history aficionados.
Ontario Mills
For people who enjoy shopping, Ontario Mills is one of the largest malls in Southern California. The outlet mall houses over 200 shops, eateries, and entertainment venues. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking for discounts and a diverse selection of brands.
Victor Valley Museum
The Victor Valley Museum, located near Apple Valley, displays the natural and cultural history of San Bernardino County’s High Desert. The exhibits cover Native American history, paleontology, geology, and the evolution of the Victor Valley.
Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead, also known as the “Alps of Southern California,” is a scenic mountain resort town nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains. The lake provides chances for boating, fishing, and hiking, while the surrounding area includes elegant resorts, lovely cabins, and the picturesque Lake Arrowhead Village, a quaint shopping and dining center.
Famous Cities in San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County is home to several well-known cities, each with its own distinct attractions and characteristics:
San Bernardino
San Bernardino, the county seat and one of the Inland Empire’s largest cities, has a rich history and culture. Notable attractions include the San Bernardino History & Railroad Museum, the National Orange Show Event Center, and California State University, San Bernardino. The city also houses the original McDonald’s restaurant, which is now known as the First Original McDonald’s Museum and chronicles the fast-food giant’s early beginnings.
Ontario
Ontario is a vibrant metropolis that serves as a significant transportation and commercial hub for the region. Ontario International Airport connects Southern California, and Ontario Mills is a popular retail and entertainment area. The city is also recognized for hosting events at the Toyota Arena and has a thriving arts culture that includes places such as the Ontario Museum of History and Art.
Rancho Cucamonga
Rancho Cucamonga, known for its suburban appeal and proximity to the San Gabriel Mountains, offers a variety of recreational activities, as well as shopping and dining. The city is home to the Victoria Gardens shopping center as well as the Pacific Electric Inland Empire Trail, a scenic bike and walking path. It’s a family-friendly city with great schools and parks.
Victorville
Victorville, located along Historic Route 66, serves as the entryway to the High Desert region. The California Route 66 Museum, located in the city, commemorates the history of the iconic highway. Victorville also acts as a starting point for visitors to the surrounding Mojave Desert and Mojave National Preserve.
Barstow
Barstow is a historic desert town that serves as a major stop on Route 66 and the Interstate 15 corridor between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The town is well-known for Calico Ghost Town and its position as a railroad and travel center. Barstow also has the Western America Railroad Museum and the Outlets at Barstow, a major shopping destination.
Big Bear Lake
As previously stated, Big Bear Lake is a popular resort town in the San Bernardino Mountains. Its alpine backdrop, outdoor sports, and ski resorts make it a popular tourist destination all year long. In addition to skiing and snowboarding in the winter, Big Bear Lake offers hiking, fishing, and boating throughout the summer months.
Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead, a picturesque mountain community, is famous for its beautiful lake, luxurious resorts, and outdoor activities. The hamlet surrounding Lake Arrowhead offers a charming shopping and dining experience with spectacular views of the lake and neighboring mountains.
Twentynine Palms
Twentynine Palms, a desert city near the northern entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, is well-known for its closeness to the park and the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center. Twentynine Palms provides access to Joshua Tree’s gorgeous treks and iconic landscapes, as well as a dynamic art scene featuring various murals depicting local history and culture.
