Take a Road Trip from Chino Hills to San Bernardino CA: Discover the Best Stops Along the Way
Every now and then, it’s great to embark on a road trip. Whether you do it solo or with friends, road trips appeal to everyone who loves long drives and great views. Starting from Chino Hills, California, there are countless things to see and do before reaching San Bernardino. It's worth mentioning that the halfway point is Ontario, CA. So, buckle up and enjoy the ride before exploring the following exciting attractions!
1. Route 66 Museum
Located in Victorville, the Route 66 Museum is a must-see stop for anyone who loves the nostalgia of classic motels, roadside diners, and retro gas stations that were the staples of road trips in the past. From the artifacts to the photos, everything in the museum focuses on the routes’ history and the cultures it went through. Visitors can also admire vintage vehicles like muscle cars and historic bikes, making it a haven for history and automobile buffs alike. It’s an excellent spot to stretch your legs and relive the good old times.
Fact: Did you know that the first official Route 66 road signs went up in 1926?
2. Mojave Narrows Regional Park
Mojave Narrows Regional Park is a hidden gem that's sure to delight everyone in the family. The park covers 1,000 acres, with two lakes and facilities that accommodate camping, picnicking, and fishing. Visitors can hike nature trails, learn about the park’s ecology, and see some wildlife while there. It's an ideal stopping point before heading to your San Bernardino.
Fact: Mojave Narrows showcases an evolution of indigenous cultures, including the Serrano and Mojave tribes.
3. The California Route 66 Museum
Just like the Route 66 Museum in Victorville, the California Route 66 Museum in Devore focuses on the Mother Road's history in the Golden State. The museum features vintage cars and artifacts with a particular emphasis on the region's local importance. Visitors can see murals of Route 66 scenes, neon signs, and memorabilia of the famous road. There's also an on-site gift shop where one can snag classic souvenirs.
Fact: The highway’s original course through the region inspired some famous writers like John Steinbeck and Jack Kerouac.
4. San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum
If you're passionate about American history and railroading, the San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum is a perfect stop. A compact museum, it has exhibits that focus on the city's history, including natural history, railroading, and aviation history. The museum's pride is a replica of the Southern Pacific Huntington Railroad Depot, complete with vintage train cars resting on the tracks outside. The museum also offers educational programs and guided tours designed to take visitors back in time.
Fact: The museum’s historic image collection consists of over 300,000 negatives and prints from the San Bernardino area dating back to 1851.
5. San Bernardino National Forest
With towering pine trees and mountainsides, the San Bernardino National Forest is a serene sanctuary for mountain lovers. Spanning over 660,000 acres, it provides ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, skiing, and other recreational activities. There are small towns and villages in the forests — visitors can spend their time strolling through nature trails or enjoying campfires and picnics by the stream.
Fact: In 1925, the San Bernardino National Forest had the honor to host the first endurance flight from California to New York.
Now that you know some exciting stops along the road, put on some music and embark on a journey through history and peaceful scenery.
The trip from Chino Hills to San Bernardino and back takes approximately four hours; however, travelers that choose to visit all the destinations we’ve recommended may spend their entire day discovering something new. So, pack your bags and head on a road trip you won't forget!