Where to Stay in San Bernardino (An Area Local’s Top Places)

3 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in San Bernardino

San Bernardino is a huge California county. There are many great places to stay, whether you want to be close to the San Bernardino City Center or prefer its surrounding areas.

The city of Redlands, for example, is close to entertainment venues and shopping centers. Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake are two cities in the San Bernardino Forest that are also sought-after for their peaceful and quiet environments.

To keep this list simple, I’ll focus on the top three areas to stay.

San Bernardino City Center

👉 Best Area For Families & Entertainment | ✨ Best San Bernardino City Center Hotels: Staybridge Suites San Bernardino Loma Linda • Wigwan Teepee Motel • Hospitality Inn

The San Bernardino City Center is a great place to stay since it’s close to many of the attractions, event centers, and popular hotels in the area.

The Staybridge Suites San Bernardino Loma Linda is a particularly convenient choice since it’s walking distance from the popular Santa Ana Trail, close to Mexican, Indian, and seafood restaurants, and kid-friendly.

The city center is home to 33 recreational parks as well as the San Bernardino National Orange Show Event Center. Visiting the area for a show? It’s just a short drive from the city center to the Glen Helen Amphitheater.

Learn about San Bernardino’s history at the San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum or catch a minor league baseball game at the San Manuel Stadium. There are plenty of family-friendly activities in this area!

Pros of Staying in the San Bernardino City Center:

• Close to all of the events and attractions
• Hotel deals and inexpensive accommodation options per night
• Bars and restaurants are within walking distance
• Many hotels have an outdoor pool and free parking

Cons of Staying in the San Bernardino City Center:

• Not many luxury hotels
• Can be noisy at night
• There can be traffic going in and out of downtown

Redlands

👉 Best Area For Shopping & Entertainment | ✨ Best Redlands Hotels: Ayres Hotel Redlands • Springhill Suites by Marriott Redlands • Dynasty Suites Redlands

Redlands sits at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains. The city’s iconic Spanish-style buildings date back to the early 1800s, adding to the charm of this small city.

Redlands is the area to stay in for great shopping and entertainment. The Redlands Bowl Amphitheater was built in the1920s and is one of the best free things to do in San Bernardino. Visit it in May to see the Redlands Shakespeare Festival, a fun local event held annually.

Head to historic downtown Redlands to check out cute gift shops, charming boutiques, and grab food and drinks at some of the best restaurants and bars in San Bernardino. I recommend checking out Caprice Cafe for the best salad and seafood.

Book a stay at Ayres Hotel Redlands for a simple, yet clean and cozy choice that’s close to all the best Redlands spots.

Pros of Staying in Redlands:

• Close to shopping, entertainment, and other attractions
• Access to multiple farmers markets
• Many highly-rated hotels to choose from
• Historic downtown center with local shops and museums

Cons of Staying in Redlands:

• There may be a lot of city traffic on the weekends
• The hotels are more expensive & fill up fast on weekends
• There is a lot of noise
• Food and drinks can be pricey

San Bernardino National Forest

👉 Best Area For Hiking & Camping | ✨ Best San Bernardino National Forest Hotels: The North Shore Inn • Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa • Hampton Inn Suites San Bernardino

The San Bernardino National Forest is the best place to stay in San Bernardino for a quiet vacation in the heart of nature. You will be far away from the noise and pollution of the major surrounding cities and able to get a better night’s rest.

The area is also home to some of the best hikes in California. Two of my personal favorites are the San Gorgonio Mountain Summit and the Pine Knot Trail in Big Bear. After hiking, head to Deep Creek Hot Springs to ease your sore muscles.

My top hotel pick, The North Shore Inn, is another perk to staying in the San Bernardino National Forest. The rooms are quaint and romantic, and the hotel is steps from Lake Gregory where you can maximize your relaxation.

Pros of Staying in San Bernardino National Forest:

• Access to hundreds of hiking trails
• The best location in San Bernardino for camping
• Less traffic than downtown
• Beautiful sunrises and sunsets
• Affordable lodging options

Cons of Staying in San Bernardino National Forest:

• Farther away from the main attractions
• Most hotels offer fewer amenities than in the city center 
• Many hotels don’t offer free cancellation

Tips for Staying in San Bernardino

Hike Early to Catch a Gorgeous Sunrise

Witness some of the most beautiful sunrises in the San Bernardino Mountains. You are guaranteed to run into fewer crowds on your sunrise hike than on a sunset hike and you will get to hear the birds waking up.

Stay at one of many hotels near the national forest to get to the trail in time for the sunrise.

Be Careful When Exploring the San Bernardino City Center

San Bernardino is one of the most populated counties in California. Like any major city, take extra precautions when traveling in the city center. Stay aware of your surroundings, don’t wear anything too flashy, and keep an eye on your bag at all times.

Check Out Free Things to Do in San Bernardino 

Before you pay big money for attractions in San Bernardino, check out free activities first. The Original McDonald’s Site and Museum is a free attraction close to many hotels. There are also plenty of parks and other green spaces for budget-friendly outings.

The Rim of the World Scenic Byway is another free activity in San Bernardino that takes drivers through windy mountain roads with incredible views.

Apply for National Forest Permits in Advance

You will need a permit to hike and camp in many places in the San Bernardino National Forest. Shorter day hikes typically don’t require a permit but longer summit hikes do.

San Gorgonio Peak and San Bernardino Peak are the major mountain climbs in the area that require a permit. You can apply for permits ahead of time at sgwa.org.

Consider Staying Near San Bernardino National Forest for a Quiet Vacation

Many hotels in San Bernardino are close to the beautiful national forest. Staying closer to the San Bernardino National Forest allows you to have a quieter stay away from the noise and pollution of the big city.

👉 Read Next: Best Places to Stay in the Inland Empire

Check Out Day Trips From San Bernardino

Some of the best beaches in Los Angeles are a short day trip from San Bernardino and well worth the drive.

Check out Huntington Beach or Laguna Beach if you have extra time in San Bernardino. You are pretty much guaranteed to see amazing sunsets at these iconic Southern California beaches.

FAQs for Where to Stay in San Bernardino

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I hope you learned all you need to know about where to stay in San Bernardino and the surrounding areas. Considering a trip to the City of Angels too? Check out this guide to where to stay in Los Angeles to help plan your trip!