SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, California. The largest county in the contiguous United States brings together Mojave landscapes, mountain lakes, Route 66 and desert communities. Our California58 selection is designed both for first-time visitors and for residents discovering what makes their home region distinctive.

About this list: The initial order reflects editorial travel planning, not reader vote totals. Attractions cannot buy their place. Before traveling, confirm opening hours, admission policies, local road and weather conditions.

16 places to explore in San Bernardino County

  1. Joshua Tree National Park north entrances

    Explore iconic desert rock formations and Joshua tree landscapes.

  2. Mojave National Preserve

    Discover immense desert wilderness and historic railroad landmarks.

  3. Big Bear Lake

    Enjoy San Bernardino Mountains lake and forest recreation.

  4. Lake Arrowhead

    Visit a mountain resort community and nearby public recreation.

  5. Calico Ghost Town

    See a preserved tourist interpretation of the mining era.

  6. Route 66 in Amboy

    Explore highway history on a remote desert stretch.

  7. Amboy Crater

    View a volcanic cinder cone and desert landscape with extreme-heat precautions.

  8. Kelso Dunes

    See large dunes in Mojave National Preserve, checking trail advisories.

  9. Trona Pinnacles

    Explore remarkable tufa towers on public land in Searles Valley.

  10. Rainbow Basin Natural Area

    Look at folded colorful desert geology near Barstow.

  11. Redlands historic downtown

    Visit well-preserved architecture and citrus-belt heritage.

  12. San Bernardino County Museum

    Learn about natural and cultural regional history.

  13. Zzyzx

    View historic desert buildings and landscape from permitted areas.

  14. Mountain High, Wrightwood

    Consider winter sports in the San Gabriel Mountains.

  15. Mitchell Caverns area

    Explore the eastern Mojave state recreation area only when official guided tours operate.

  16. California Route 66 Museum, Victorville

    Learn about road-trip culture and desert communities.

How to organize the trip

Crossing the county may require hours. Desert trails are dangerous in heat; mountains can be icy while the valley is warm. Start with Joshua Tree National Park north entrances and select one nearby experience; don’t rush every stop into a single afternoon. To explore the county more deeply, make time for Trona Pinnacles and another part of the region.

Resources for county residents

Our San Bernardino County reference profile connects incorporated cities, public agencies, property records and government pathways. Find public reports and permits, emergency information, and travel conditions.

Readers will shape the community ranking

These destinations are an editorial guide. Our community rankings let registered California58 users vote in existing statewide polls, and county voting is being expanded. Reader rankings will be labeled separately; paid advertisements never affect their order.

Travel beyond the headlines. Build an itinerary with OptionTrip; see Travel California, and advertise in California58 to reach regional readers.

Official resources and travel conditions

For public destinations consult California State Parks, National Park Service, and the site’s operating agency. Visit California offers additional statewide travel inspiration. This guide does not replace current local closures or safety advisories.

San Bernardino County seasonal events and Halloween 2026

Looking for things to do with children this October? Explore our San Bernardino County Halloween 2026 family guide, or browse the statewide Halloween-by-county collection. Event dates and admission can change; verify details with the organizer before traveling. These 2026 listings are time-specific and remain labeled by year.

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