48 Hours in San Bernardino – A Complete Guide

From Desert Mysteries to Lakeside Charm, San Bernardino Awaits!

Where the Mojave Desert meets mountain pine, roadside Americana meets modern thrills, and every bite provides a burst of flavor, San Bernardino welcomes you.

In just 48 hours, you can explore desert attractions, enjoy lakeside retreats, taste great food, and experience stunning entertainment. The mystic sands of Kelso Dunes, the starry views from NASA's Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex, or a walk through the fairytale Lake Arrowhead Village await.

From breakfast at your favorite eatery at sunrise to late-night fun on the race track or catching a concert, San Bernardino has something for every moment.

Join us as we map out your two-day escapade of things to do in San Bernardino that can’t be missed!

At D J Coffee Shop, mornings start with sirloin steak with eggs and mouthwatering pancakes, the stars of the show, though the wafting signature waffles are impossible to resist. Omelets, French toast, and biscuits bathed in gravy round out a filling breakfast.

At Mimi’s Cafe, enjoy nostalgic comfort food with a twist: house-made meatloaf topped with red-wine shallot sauce and crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu stuffed with ham and Swiss. The crescendo of each meal is a warm Lava Cake topped with creamy vanilla ice cream.

Zzyzx Mineral Springs and Healing Center rises in the wide-open Mojave Desert. Created in 1944 by radio evangelist Curtis Howe Springer on an old mosquito-laden swamp site, the location boasts a utopian mineral spring framed by palm trees. Springer coined the unusual name ‘Zzyzx’ so it would appear at the very end of alphabetical listings, making it memorable and unique.

Visitors once drank the strange “Antediluvian Tea,” applied the even stranger “Mo-Hair” baldness cream, and lounged beside faux lakes bordered by salt flats and palm trees. Today, remnants include cracked pool tiles, deserted bathhouses, and street names like the “Boulevard of Dreams,” evoking the haunting history of this desert experiment.

Deep in the Mojave National Preserve, the Kelso Dunes rise majestically. Each footstep presses into sand carried from distant mountains over thousands of years. On and around the summit, the desert seems to sing—the sand vibrating underfoot produces a ghostly lullaby. Dunes ripple endlessly to the horizon, whispering tales of ancient lakebeds and wind-driven sand grains.

Located on U.S. Route 66 at the San Bernardino–Rialto line, Wigwam Village #7 is a roadside motel with unique concrete "tee-pee" cabins, built in 1949 by Frank A. Redford.

The site features semi-circular rows of 19 tee-pees, each 32 feet tall and 20 feet across, surrounded by palm trees and vintage cars, evoking classic cross-country travel. The cabins are roomy, with modern amenities like a fridge, TV, and air conditioning, and guests can park directly outside.

After years of decline and controversies over hourly rentals, the Patel family refurbished it in the 2000s, earning its place on the National Register of Historic Places.

Refuel at Vicky's Restaurant. Try a turkey burger piled high with vegetables, juicy patties, and savory sauce, or the steak burrito with rib-eye, eggs, and melted cheese. Don’t miss the steak sandwich on a soft French roll with mayo and lettuce.

For indulgence, the Farmer’s Burger comes with bacon and creamy avocado, while the Big Cheese is perfect for cheeseburger lovers. The Hog Heaven Burrito is stuffed with eggs, bacon, sausage, and country ham.

At Mitla Cafe, try shredded beef hard-shell tacos, oozy cheese enchiladas covered in ranchera sauce, and the giant chile relleno stuffed with veggies—long-time local favorites.

Nestled in the Mojave Desert, the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex (GDSCC) is NASA’s watchman to the stars. Massive 70-meter radio dishes track signals from planets, moons, and distant quasars. Established in 1958, the facility’s isolation prevents technological interference. Visitors can experience the scale of interstellar communications from the Barstow visitor center, making this a must-see attraction in San Bernardino.

Housed in a 1903 Victorian gem in Redlands, the Historical Glass Museum showcases over 6,000 pieces tracing America’s glassmaking history. From early 1820s pressed glass to mid-20th-century art glass, each room features opalescent vases, glowing uranium-glass, and inventive techniques. Sunlit windows and historic charm enhance the viewing experience.

Though technically in Valencia, Six Flags Magic Mountain spans 260 acres and is perfect for thrill-seekers. Home to over 100 rides, including the newest single-rail coaster (2022), it lives up to its “Thrill Capital of the World” nickname. A six-acre interactive play area caters to younger adventurers.

Wrap up the day at Texas BBQ, savoring smoked ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and pork-belly burnt ends.

For plant-based options, Cafe Organix offers avocado toast on garlic-buttered banh mi, the Hot Damn burger with a Beyond Patty, caramelized onion jam, serranos, and the Farmhouse Hash bowl with seasoned potatoes, mushrooms, and vegan cheese.

San Manuel Yaamava' Resort & Casino, perched in the foothills, features a 17-story hotel, over 7,200 slot machines, restaurants, and mountain views. “Yaamava’” means “spring” in the Serrano language. The $760 million renovation in 2021 transformed the resort into a blend of luxury and entertainment.

Located in Redlands, the San Bernardino County Museum explores the history and culture of the Inland Empire. The "Petrified Garden" features ancient trees turned to stone. Inside, exhibits include one of the world’s largest collections of bird eggs, as well as minerals, mammals, and displays honoring the Maara’yam people and their connection to the land.

Start day two at Molly’s Cafe with the Paul Bunyan Breakfast, stuffed French toast with cream cheese and boysenberries, or the Hobo Omelette with sausage, bacon, ground beef, mushrooms, and tomatoes.

Alternatively, IHOP offers cloud-like buttermilk pancakes, sirloin steak tips & eggs, and indulgent strawberry-banana pancakes.

Covering over 800,000 acres across the San Bernardino and San Jacinto ranges, San Bernardino National Forest offers granite switchbacks, alpine lakes, babbling creeks, and ridges with patches of snow. Trails lead past wildflower meadows, grazing cattle, and into remote wilderness where eagles soar and bears roam.

The National Orange Show Event Center in San Bernardino spans 120 acres, with 150,000 square feet of indoor space, a quarter-mile speedway, and flexible venues for weddings, festivals, and concerts. The site reflects its historic connection to the Orange Fair.

Grab a bite at Amapola Rico Taco with carne asada tacos, spicy birria burritos, and crunchy chicharrón tacos.

Across town, Denny’s serves the Berry Waffle Slam, T-Bone Steak & Eggs, and Country Fried Steak & Eggs, offering a hearty meal for travelers.

Set in a pine forest with a fairytale alpine feel, Lake Arrowhead Village dates to the 1920s as a Norman resort. Stroll along the water, browse over 50 boutiques and restaurants, admire artisan crafts, and watch the paddle-wheel Arrowhead Queen glide across the lake.

Located on San Bernardino Avenue in Redlands, Harkins Mountain Grove 16 offers 16 auditoriums with blockbusters and indie films in luxurious reclining chairs. Patrons can enjoy wine during the movie. Facilities include assistive listening and closed captions, with free self-parking and nearby dining options.

End day two at Baja King Fish Tacos, featuring crisp-battered fish tacos with slaw and crema, shrimp tacos, and a seafood torta piled high with toppings.

Black Angus Steakhouse offers expertly grilled steaks including prime rib, filet mignon, and steakhouse bacon cheeseburgers.

118 E. Hospitality Ln is a lively Mexican hideaway with table-side sizzling fajitas, carnitas, and cheese-and-chicken sour-cream enchiladas served with fresh-made guacamole.

Salt-N-Pepa Concert

At Yaamava’ Theater in Highland, SaltNPepa deliver a high-energy ‘90s hip-hop show. Hits like “Push It,” “Whatta Man,” and “Shoop” fill the venue with music, lights, confetti, and a lively crowd.

SB Raceway

Located off the I-10/I-215 interchange, SB Raceway is a high-speed go-kart facility. Gas-powered karts race narrow, winding lanes, and on weekend "Cosmic Karting" nights, neon lights flood the track.

Book Your Stay Now!
Stay close to all the action at Downtown Motel 7 and make the most of your San Bernardino adventure. Reserve your room today!