San Bernardino County: A Frequently Overlooked Destination in the Heart of Southern California

East of Los Angeles lies the largest county in the United States - San Bernardino County. Named after Saint Bernardino of Siena (Italy), San Bernardino is an overlooked gem near many famous vacation destinations.

San Bernardino County was and is inhabited by Native American people groups including the Mojave and the San Manuel band. The Spanish were the first Europeans to settle there in the 1600's. A restored mission can be seen at the Asistencia in Redlands.

Mormons, Mexican immigrants, and those fleeing the Dust Bowl (as detailed in the Grapes of Wrath) came later. Much of the early development of the county can be attributed to the Mormons who arrived there in the mid-1800's.

So what is there to see in S.B. County? First, mountains - lots of them. Four peaks over 10,000 feet are visible from the San Bernardino Valley: Mt. Baldy, San Jacinto, San Bernardino and the largest - San Gorgonio (San G.). Mt. San Bernardino and Mt. San Gorgonio lie in the San Bernardino Mountain Range and in S.B. County. These mountains are home to a variety of flora and fauna. Grizzly bears, like the kind on the California State flag, used to be found in those mountains.

One can do all the typical mountain activities like hiking, skiing, and biking. The cities of Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead are definitely worth seeing. Both have colorful shops and both are located near beautiful lakes that bear there respective names.

From Cajon Pass, or any number of spots in the mountains, one can get a grand view of the S.B. Valley below (when it is not smoggy). Near Cajon Pass lie "Mormon Rocks". These rocks formations are famous as several old Westerns were filmed there. Due to its proximity to Hollywood, several movies (too many to count) have been filmed in San Bernardino County.

The desert portions of S.B. County are note worthy for several reasons including Joshua Trees. This weird, spiny tree is only located in the southwest portions of the United States. Joshua Trees can be found all over the S.B. desert, which stretches all the way to the Nevada and Arizona (Colorado River). Parts of Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park are found in S.B. County. Historic Route 66 ran through large portions of S.B. County including its desert. Also, along I-15 lies Calico Ghost Town. It is an abandoned mining town that is now a tourist attraction.

Edwards Air Force Base, at least part of it - the thing is huge, is located in S.B. County. It is known for being a test base for experimental aircraft and a landing spot for the Space Shuttle.

The city of San Bernardino is the county seat, and largest city, of San Bernardino County. It is famous for several things, not the least of which being the birthplace of the McDonald's chain. In fact, there is a museum on the site of the first McDonalds.

Arrowhead Springs is located just north of San Bernardino. For some unknown reason a naturally occurring formation of bushes makes a large arrowhead on a hill overlooking San Bernardino. Below the arrowhead are natural hot springs. This is the source for Arrowhead Spring bottled water. The area has a hotel/conference center on it. It was formerly owned by Campus Crusade for Christ and Conrad Hilton before that. During the 30's, it was a retreat spot for some of Hollywood's A-list stars. During the prohibition era, it had a casino and a bar. During WWII, it served as a Naval Hospital.

The afore mentioned San Manuel Indians have their reservation north and east of San Bernardino. There is an ever-growing casino there today.

While you are on your way to Palm Springs, L.A., or Las Vegas, check out some of the most overlooked portions of California's history and geography. Visit San Bernardino County.