Surrounded by picturesque lakes and densely wooded forests, San Bernardino is a vibrant city to the east of Los Angeles. It was here that the first McDonald’s famously opened its doors and today features family-friendly attractions and a historic community college to explore.

Things to do

Want to see where the first McDonald’s hamburger stand opened in 1940? Visit the museum that now stands at the site where brothers Dick and Maurice McDonald founded "McDonald's Bar-B-Q”. Artefacts and vintage items relating to the fast-food giant are on display, together with a sign advertising the 15 cent hamburgers that were once sold here.

If you’re travelling with kids, let them cool off in the family-friendly pools and water slides of Splash Kingdom Waterpark. It lies adjacent to the Big Air Trampoline Park, which boasts indoor trampolines for all ages, as well as foam pits, ball courts and challenging climbing walls.

Stroll through the San Bernardino Valley College, one of the oldest community colleges in California. It’s home to the Noble Asa Richardson Observatory, where vintage astronomical equipment is on display, as well as the George F. Beattie Planetarium.

San Bernardino makes a good base for visiting the ski resort town of Big Bear Lake, set within the rugged landscapes of San Bernardino National Forest. During the winter months, there are snow trails and terrain parks catering to all levels of ability, while in summer the mountain trails offer spectacular hiking opportunities.

Getting around

LA/Ontario International Airport is 25 minutes’ drive from San Bernardino and there are long-distance trains to Chicago and LA’s Union Station. Buses travel throughout the city, but having your own vehicle is best for accessing Big Bear Lake and the surrounding national park.