San Bernardino, California Vacation Rentals
Explore 571 rental homes and villas in San Bernardino, California for your next vacation or business travel. With private vacation home rentals, enjoy a more personalized stay and a wide range of amenities such as Best Affordable Homes, Great for Groups and Homes with Parking. With a wide range of homes to offer, pricing can start as low as $65 per night with homes containing as many as 9 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. However you're looking to experience your stay, Homes and Villas by Marriott has your next vacation home waiting.
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San Bernardino Overview
Discover the allure of San Bernardino, California, where the charm of mountain vistas meets the comfort of a home away from home. This picturesque city, cradled by the majestic San Bernardino Mountains, is not just a gateway to outdoor adventures but also a treasure trove of cultural and historical gems.
Imagine waking up in your own private rental, a cozy retreat that's all yours, complete with a sparkling swimming pool to dip into on those warm California days. Many of these homes offer not just privacy and luxury but also welcome your furry friends, ensuring that your entire family can enjoy the vacation together.
Venture out to the San Bernardino National Forest, a paradise for those who love the great outdoors. Here, hiking trails wind through the wilderness, inviting you to explore the natural splendor. For the water enthusiasts, the nearby Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead serve as hubs for boating and water sports, offering a refreshing escape with their pristine waters and scenic shorelines.
Step back in time with a visit to the San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum, where the city's vibrant past comes to life. Learn about the indigenous cultures, pioneering spirits, and the pivotal role of railroads in shaping this community. And for a taste of Americana, the original McDonald’s site stands as a historic landmark, now a museum that pays homage to the fast-food revolution.
Cultural aficionados will revel in the performances at the California Theatre of Performing Arts, a venue that hosts an eclectic mix of concerts, comedy, and community events. Meanwhile, the San Manuel Amphitheater boasts the title of one of the largest outdoor music venues in the United States, perfect for catching a show under the stars.
San Bernardino's calendar is dotted with vibrant festivals, such as the Route 66 Rendezvous, celebrating the iconic highway, and the National Orange Show Festival, which honors the region's rich agricultural heritage.
Culinary adventures await as well, with local eateries serving up everything from authentic Mexican fare to creative fusion dishes. The city's dining scene is a reflection of its diverse culture, offering flavors to satisfy every palate.
San Bernardino is a destination that promises a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and the comforts of a private oasis. Whether you're lounging by your pool or exploring the mountain trails, this city invites you to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Cultural Attractions in San Bernardino
San Bernardino, California, is a city that provides a range of cultural experiences for those interested in arts, history, and local customs. The Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art (RAFFMA) at California State University, San Bernardino is a notable attraction with its collection of nearly 1,200 objects including Egyptian antiquities, ceramics and contemporary art.
While the San Bernardino History & Railroad Museum was previously a popular destination showcasing the city's rich history through various exhibits, it may no longer be operational. It would be advisable to check its current status before planning a visit.
The city does have some art galleries such as the National Orange Show Art Gallery which hosts occasional art exhibitions throughout the year. While there are venues for live music across the city, it's worth noting that downtown San Bernardino has faced economic challenges which may impact the scale and vibrancy of its arts/entertainment district.
San Bernardino's local customs can be experienced through annual events like the National Orange Show Festival celebrating the region's citrus industry with parades, concerts and carnival rides. The Route 66 Rendezvous car show is another event that pays tribute to America's "Mother Road".
Regarding transportation within San Bernardino; buses operated by Omnitrans do serve most areas within the city while Metrolink trains provide connections to other Southern California cities. However, due to certain limitations in public transportation coverage and frequency compared to larger cities, having access to a car could enhance mobility around town.
As for walkability; while certain parts of downtown are walkable with restaurants and attractions within close proximity; it should be noted that large portions of San Bernardino are not very pedestrian friendly due to its size and layout. Therefore overall walkability may vary depending on specific areas within the city.
Family friendly activities in San Bernardino
San Bernardino, California, serves as a gateway to a variety of fun and educational experiences for children. While the city itself is largely urban, it offers access to numerous outdoor activities in the surrounding areas that are sure to keep young ones entertained.
Begin your adventure at the San Bernardino County Museum located within the city. Here, kids can learn about regional history, art, and culture through engaging exhibits. The Exploration Station is a live animal discovery center with reptiles and insects that will captivate young nature enthusiasts.
A short drive away from the city is the San Bernardino National Forest. This expansive wilderness offers numerous family-friendly hiking trails where kids can explore nature. Big Bear Lake, located within this forest, provides water-based fun like fishing or boating.
For a unique experience outside of San Bernardino city limits, head to Riley's Farm in Oak Glen. This working apple orchard offers historical reenactments from colonial times and the Civil War era, along with apple picking during harvest season.
Glen Helen Regional Park in Devore is another great outdoor destination for families reachable from San Bernardino. It features a water park with slides and splash pads perfect for hot days. There's also a fishing lake and picnic areas for a relaxing family day out.
Back within San Bernardino's boundaries is Fiesta Village Family Fun Park for indoor enjoyment. It offers mini-golf, go-karts, roller skating, batting cages, an arcade and more - plenty to keep children of all ages entertained.
While there are many festivals throughout the year in San Bernardino like the National Orange Show Festival or Route 66 Rendezvous car show; their appeal to children may vary as they are not specifically catered towards them.
In conclusion, while not all attractions are within its city limits; San Bernardino serves as an excellent base for families traveling with children due to its proximity to various activities that blend learning with fun-filled experiences.
Outdoor activities in San Bernardino
San Bernardino, California, is a city rich in natural beauty and outdoor activities. Situated near the San Bernardino Mountains in the Inland Empire valley area, this city serves as a gateway to numerous nature adventures.
The San Bernardino National Forest is a vast expanse covering over 800,000 acres. It features numerous hiking trails that meander through dense forests, alongside sparkling streams and waterfalls, leading up to panoramic viewpoints. The forest also offers ample camping opportunities.
Big Bear Lake is an excellent destination for those who enjoy water-based activities. This stunning alpine lake provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming during the summer months. In winter, the surrounding area becomes a snowy playground with skiing and snowboarding options.
Deep Creek Hot Springs is another popular spot located in Apple Valley within the San Bernardino Mountains. These naturally heated pools offer visitors a chance to unwind amidst beautiful natural scenery.
For wildlife enthusiasts or bird watchers, the San Jacinto Wildlife Area is an excellent choice. This 19,000-acre reserve houses hundreds of bird species along with various mammals and reptiles.
The Rim of the World Scenic Byway offers breathtaking views as it snakes through the mountains. There are numerous pullouts along this route where you can pause to take photos or simply soak in the view.
Lastly, Joshua Tree National Park is accessible from San Bernardino but it's worth noting that it's about 85 miles east of the city. The park's unique rock formations provide challenges for climbers of all skill levels.
In summary, whether you're an avid hiker seeking your next challenge or someone who simply appreciates nature's beauty, there's plenty to explore near San Bernardino.
Weather in San Bernardino
San Bernardino, California, is characterized by a semi-arid climate, with hot, dry summers and winters that are drier than those found in Mediterranean climates. The city enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine per year, making it a popular destination for those seeking sunny weather.
During the summer months from June to August, temperatures can reach into the high 90s Fahrenheit during the day and drop to the mid-60s at night. These months are marked by low humidity levels and a modest amount of rainfall due to monsoonal moisture, providing conditions suitable for outdoor activities such as hiking or visiting the city's numerous parks.
The winter months from December to February are cooler compared to many parts of the U.S., with daytime temperatures typically ranging from the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures dropping into the low 40s. Rainfall is more frequent during this time of year but is generally light and infrequent.
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) serve as transitional seasons in San Bernardino with temperatures ranging from the high 70s to low 80s during the day and falling into the 50s at night. Contrary to what one might expect, these periods experience very little precipitation.
The most favorable weather conditions in San Bernardino - warm temperatures with little rain - occur from late spring through early fall. However, many find that late spring (April-May) offers particularly enjoyable weather with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds than peak summer months.
Transportation in San Bernardino
Visitors planning a trip to San Bernardino, California, can expect a variety of transportation options. While the San Bernardino International Airport serves the region, it's important to note that it is technically located in the neighboring city of Highland, approximately 3 miles from downtown San Bernardino.
For those who prefer traveling by land, both Amtrak and Greyhound have stations in San Bernardino, ensuring easy access from different parts of the country.
Upon arrival in San Bernardino, guests can take advantage of the Omnitrans public transit system. This bus service operates throughout the city and its surrounding areas offering an affordable and convenient way to explore. For visitors seeking more flexibility or privacy, car rentals are available at several locations across the city. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft also operate in San Bernardino.
San Bernardino is welcoming to cyclists with its numerous bike lanes and trails. Bike rentals can be found at various spots around the city for those who prefer this active mode of transportation.
Regarding walkability, downtown San Bernardino is quite pedestrian-friendly with many attractions, restaurants, and shops within walking distance. However, given its size and some attractions being spread out beyond downtown - such as national forests or parks - having access to a car or using public transit could be beneficial for these explorations.
In summary, whether arriving by air or land transport and looking to navigate by bus, car or bike; San Bernardino provides a range of options that cater to every traveler's needs.