Heritage Trails & Destinations
Explore self-guided driving routes, historic towns, pioneer trails, and natural landmarks across the largest county in the United States.
DISCOVER THE INLAND EMPIRE
Journeys Through Time, Terrain, and Tradition
San Bernardino County offers travelers an extraordinary landscape of contrasts. From the sun-baked stretches of the Mojave Desert and the neon nostalgia of historic Route 66 to the cool, pine-shaded ridges of the San Bernardino Mountains, every route tells a distinct story of California’s growth.
Use our curated travel itineraries and landmark guides to plan your next historical excursion, weekend scenic drive, or deep archival field trip.
Historic Route
THE MOTHER ROAD
Trace the legendary highway through desert ghost towns, retro motels, and vintage roadside landmarks.
Alpine Trail
THE RIM OF THE WORLD
Ascend into high-altitude pine forests, historic resort communities, and sweeping scenic lookouts.
Desert Legacy
THE MOJAVE EXPANSE
Explore remote mining ruins, pioneer waystations, and vast protected heritage landscapes across the ancient desert floor.
Local Business
Historic Landmarks & Heritage Sites
Explore verified archival centers, historic trails, and cultural landmarks across the vast landscape of San Bernardino County. Each destination offers a unique window into the region’s diverse history.
San Bernardino County Museum
Location: 2024 Orange Tree Lane, Redlands, CA 92374
Offerings: Regional history exhibitions, anthropological archives, natural history collections, and cultural research resources.
Route 66 “Mother Road” Museum
Location: 11710 Overland Trail, Barstow, CA 92311
Offerings: Historic transportation exhibits, vintage memorabilia, photographs, and archival documents detailing the legacy of Route 66.
Asistencia Mission San Gabriel
Location: 30740 Redlands Blvd, Loma Linda, CA 92354
Offerings: Self-guided historical tours, early Spanish rancho history, and preserved regional architectural displays.
Mojave River Valley Museum
Location: 270 E Virginia Way, Barstow, CA 92311
Offerings: Desert anthropology, local pioneer history, mining artifacts, and curated regional trail guides.
Big Bear Historical Museum
Location: 800 Arrowhead Dr, Big Bear City, CA 92314
Offerings: High-altitude logging history, early homestead exhibits, blacksmith displays, and alpine heritage artifacts.
Calico Ghost Town Regional Park
Location: 36600 Ghost Town Rd, Yermo, CA 92398
Offerings: Preserved 1880s silver mining camp, historic site walking tours, underground mine explorations, and heritage photography.