San Bernardino: History, Nature and Parks

History, landscapes and activities give a trip to San Bernardino different focal points. In Calico, traces lead back to the mining era, while nature parks bring trails, bodies of water and unique habitats to the fore. It is also worth looking at the specific differences when planning: some destinations offer trails or historical insights, while others combine several leisure activities in one place.

Calico: Mining History and Outdoor Activities

Calico is an Old West mining town that dates back to 1881. It was abandoned in the mid-1890s after silver lost value. Today, this past and its subsequent recognition shape the town’s distinctive character: Calico received State Historical Landmark No. 782 status and, in 2005, then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared it California’s “Silver Rush Ghost Town.”

Alongside its historical theme, Calico Ghost Town offers mountain biking trails ranging from two to thirty miles long. Those interested in the town’s history can also find a connection in its cuisine: Calico House serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Simple dishes inspired by the meals of the town’s residents in the late 19th century include stews, pot pies, shepherd’s pie, meatloaf and the Buffalo Burger. The dishes on offer may change.

Nature, Habitats and Wildlife Viewing

Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is an important wildlife corridor. Numerous trails provide access to different areas; one of them is an ADA-accessible boardwalk with limited accessibility barriers that passes through marsh and riparian habitats. Guided tours offer the chance to spot more than 247 bird species, including at least 72 resident breeding species. The boardwalk and guided tours offer different perspectives on the preserve: one takes you through the habitats, while the other focuses on its birdlife.

The landscape in Mojave National Preserve ranges from canyons and mesas to mountains and sand dunes, as well as intermittent lakes, cinder cones and a large Joshua tree forest. This variety makes the landscape a destination in its own right when planning a trip. Mojave Narrows Regional Park, by contrast, centers on an old riverbed in the high desert, with bodies of water, cottonwoods, willows and extensive meadows. Fishing at Pelican Lake and Horseshoe Lake is available year-round; the park also has an 18-hole disc golf course.

Trails, Lakes and Seasonal Recreation

Lake Gregory Regional Park combines different activities with clearly defined timeframes. Its hiking trails total 2.3 miles. Non-motorized boating and fishing are available year-round; the inflatable water park and swimming beach are used in summer. This makes it easy to distinguish between activities described as available year-round and water activities explicitly offered seasonally.

Glen Helen Regional Park’s landscape lies at the foot of the chaparral-covered hills of Cajon Pass. From there, visitors can enjoy scenic views of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains. Two lakes offer fishing. The park is also home to Glen Helen Amphitheater, an outdoor concert venue with seating for 65,000. Moabi Regional Park, on the banks of the Colorado River at the California-Arizona state line, offers a different landscape. Popular activities there include fishing, hiking, boating and off-roading. Fishing is available at three lakes in Yucaipa Regional Park.

Culture and Other Points of Interest

The Victor Valley Museum has a collection dedicated to the High Desert. It includes geological and paleontological specimens, Indigenous artifacts and historical objects. A museum visit thus complements the nature-focused attractions with insights into Earth’s history and the human past.

The trails can also be put into context with specific details: a 3.8-mile extension of the Santa Ana River Trail opened from Waterman Avenue in San Bernardino to California Street in Redlands. Wildwood Canyon State Park covers 855 acres and has welcomed day visitors since 2003. On December 17, 2025, it was officially classified and named Wildwood Canyon State Park. These details provide information about a trail and a timeline for the development of the state park.

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

For the main travel overview: California.