Situated along Route 66 – one of the most iconic roads in the world – is San Bernardino, a large Inland Empire city that’s home to a variety of attractions. Living in San Bernardino gives you an access pass to the amazing activities that make the city a hub of entertainment and culture.
Here are the ones worth checking out:
Unofficial McDonald’s Museum
1398 North East Street, San Bernardino
While the first official location of this world-famous fast-food chain is in Des Plain, Illinois, this McDonald’s Museum in San Bernardino, California is a special place for McDonald’s fans all over the world.
Now, the museum is home to an extensive collection of McDonald’s memorabilia, from newspaper articles to ketchup-dispensing prototypes. You’ll also find a variety of Happy Meal toys that were given by people from all over the world. The museum’s curator, Jack, would be more than happy to answer any questions you have about the museum’s history and collections.
Entrance to the McDonald’s Museum is free and it is open seven days a week.
World’s Largest Paper Cup
800 Iowa Avenue, Riverside
Standing around 68 feet in height, it’s impossible not to miss this giant, painted white roadside attraction along Iowa Avenue. Located in the northern portion of Riverside’s Hunter Industrial Park neighborhood, the World’s Largest Paper Cup was originally part of the Lily Tulip Cup Company. After the company was acquired by the Sweetheart Cup Company, it sported the Sweetheart logo and two horizontal lines. It was then bought by the Solo Cup Company in 2004.
If you want to get a better view of the iconic World’s Largest Paper Cup, make a right on Citrus Avenue.
The Ark of Citrus
948, 900 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Riverside
Referred to as the “Noah’s Ark” of citrus, the Citrus Variety Collection at the University of California Riverside houses more than 1,000 varieties of citrus, with at least two plants of each variety. These citrus plants, which are used for research and plant breeding purposes, consist of oranges, limes, lemons, grapefruit, kumquats, mandarins, and many more.
The UC Riverside Citrus Variety Collection is only open on certain days to the public. If you plan on visiting this unique attraction, it’s best to call ahead before going.
Graffiti Waterfall
Lincoln Avenue, Riverside
Home to a large amount of art-filled rocks, Riverside’s Graffiti Waterfall makes for a unique hiking experience. Located in the southwestern portion of the city, this hidden gem has a mountain pathway that leads to a scenic waterfall. The hike is also a half-mile long and is very beginner-friendly.
The entrance to Graffiti Waterfall is on the left side of the Lake Hills Reserve sign.
Pumpkin Rock
3402 Vandermolen Drive, Norco
Another unique hiking spot is Pumpkin Rock, an uphill trail that leads to a 15-foot Jack-o-Lantern painted rock. The 1.5-mile trail is short but challenging. Once you get to the top, you’ll be greeted by sweeping views of the city. There are several trails that will bring you to Pumpkin Rock. The most popular one starts in the Norco Hills neighborhood.
Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center
7621 Granite Hill Drive, Riverside
Located in the Jurupa Valley, the Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center is a popular outdoor facility that boasts of incredible dinosaur sculptures and around 9 acres of botanical gardens. The center is also home to the Ruth and Sam Kirby Earth Science Museum, which regularly puts up a collection of unique, fascinating, and informative exhibits.
Parking and entrance to the Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center are free of charge.
Zzyzx Mineral Springs and Healing Center
Zzyzx Road, 5miles off Interstate 15
If you’re en route to Las Vegas from San Bernardino, you might as well stop by the former Zzyzx Mineral Springs and Health Spa in California’s Mojave Desert.
In 1944, self-proclaimed medical doctor and Methodist minister Curtis Springer acquired 12,000 acres of land and turned it into a utopian healing center. Due to the center’s questionable practices, Springer and his followers were removed in 1974. The area is now called Soda Springs and is mostly used by the Desert Studies Center of California State University.
Those visiting the historic site will see Lake Tuendae, an artificial pond surrounded by palm trees. A rock island floats in the middle of the lake. Walk around the area and you’ll see the bathhouse, swing set, and other old structures used by the now-defunct healing center.
Explore your San Bernardino, CA real estate options by getting touch with me, Nick Caudillo, at 626.388.6644 or nick@91740.info. I specialize in probate real estate listings in the areas of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside, California.
