One tank trips from San Bernardino could include many around the Los Angeles and San Diego areas. Here are some trips to choose from for excellent day (or overnight) trips nearby.
Pacific Beach:
Pacific Beach is a neighborhood in northern San Diego that lies about two hours southwest of San Bernardino. The wide beach of soft white sand that stretches the full length of the neighborhood is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, sand castle building, Frisbee throwing, and playing beach volleyball. Pacific Surf offers lessons to adults and children on how to ride the waves on a surfboard at this iconic beach. Walk, cycle, or skateboard along the 3-mile Pacific Beach Boardwalk to enjoy breathtaking ocean views. Fishing off the end of Crystal Pier is a popular pastime. You can enjoy a rib-sticking breakfast on the outdoor terrace of the famous Kona Café or amazing fish tacos at Fish Taco, City Tacos or Baja Beach Cafe. Pacific Beach offers convenient access to family-friendly Sea World San Diego in nearby Mission Bay. When the sun sets, head for Garnet Avenue, renowned for its many nightclubs, bars, and other entertainment venues.
Palm Desert:
The resort city of Palm Desert lies in the warm, beautiful Coachella Valley, less than an hour and a half southeast of San Bernardino. Known as the World’s Golf Capital, the city hosts numerous renowned courses, including the Desert Willow Golf Resort and the Desert Falls Country Club. Take the family to the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, which features flora and fauna from desert ecosystems all over the world. When you need to cool off, head for the Palm Desert Aquatic Center, which features water slides, a splash park for young children, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Desert Adventure Red Jeep Tours takes you out for a look at the surrounding scenic wilderness. For a bird’s eye view of the lovely Coachella Valley, enjoy a ride in a hot air balloon with Fantasy Balloon Flights.
Lake Havasu City, Arizona:
For a bit of a longer trek, but well worth the time, check out Lake Havasu City, AZ. It is less than five hours east of San Bernardino on the Arizona side of the Colorado River. Lake Havasu City is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a range of water sports. The city’s defining landmark is London Bridge, which was bought from the city of London, shipped to Arizona, and reassembled piece by piece over a channel in the river. The Lake Havasu City Visitor Center conducts fascinating walking tours of the bridge. Near the bridge is London Bridge Beach, which features a swimming area, playgrounds, picnic sites, and sand volleyball courts. Desert Sun Watersports rents power boats, pontoon boats, and jet skis to help you have fun on the lake. Around the lake are over a dozen replicas of lighthouses from around the world, and Sunset Charter and Tour Company takes you on an excursion aboard the Kon Tiki Canyon Cruiser to view them.
Carlsbad:
Carlsbad is a coastal city between Los Angeles and San Diego that’s less than two hours from San Bernardino. The shoreline features wide beaches with soft, white sand that’s perfect for relaxation and recreation. The surrounding wetlands of Agua Hedionda Lagoon, Batiquitos Lagoon, and Buena Vista Lagoon all offer hiking trails, waterways for kayaking, and unique bird watching opportunities. Carlsbad hosts Legoland California, a vast amusement park for all ages that includes themed carnival rides, a water park, and an aquarium. Don’t miss viewing the extensive 50-acre Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch for an amazing flamboyant display of riotous color.