Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Highland, California

Highland is a city with a population of around 55,000 residents located in San Bernardino County, California. Historically, it was recognized for its lumber industry and for cultivating some of the finest navel oranges in the region.

Currently, this suburb of San Bernardino is renowned for its pleasant weather and plentiful outdoor recreational activities. Its central location provides convenient access to Riverside, Palm Springs, and the natural areas of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains.

Highland boasts numerous parks, hiking trails, restaurants, and shopping venues, including Highland Village Plaza and Stoney Creek Retail Center.

The city hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, such as the San Bernardino County Fair and the Highland Citrus Harvest Festival.

Below are 15 of the top attractions in and around Highland, California.

1. Find Your Bearings in Highland Community Park

Visiting a community park is an excellent method to familiarize yourself with a new location. The park serves as a space to encounter local residents, observe the scenery, and gain insights into the city’s culture.

Highland Community Park is a spacious area featuring open fields for relaxation and socializing and is ideal for picnics. Additionally, it includes several baseball fields and a playground.

2. Learn about Local History at the San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum

Highland and its neighboring communities, including San Bernardino, have a rich and engaging history, particularly regarding the region’s railroad legacy. The San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum offers an informative and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages, taking them on a journey into the past.

Located within the historic 1918 San Bernardino Amtrak Station, the museum features various exhibits that display memorabilia, historical photographs, and life-size artifacts.

Among the items showcased are an antique traffic control device, 19th-century horse-drawn buggies, a 1910 centennial buggy, and a replica of an early 1900s railroad station, complete with period equipment.

3. Satisfy a Craving for Italian Fare at Two Guys Pasta and Pizza

Few culinary experiences are as gratifying as indulging in a hearty plate of pasta or a custom-loaded pizza. At Two Guys Pasta and Pizza, a diverse array of options is available.

All dough and sauces are prepared fresh daily, utilizing only premium ingredients for every dish.

The menu features an extensive selection of items, including appetizers, homemade soups, salads, specialty pizzas, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.

4. Explore the San Bernardino National Forest

Spanning 680,000 acres, the San Bernardino National Forest is a haven for nature enthusiasts. This well-known wilderness area encompasses the San Bernardino, San Gabriel, Santa Rosa, and San Jacinto Mountain ranges.

Numerous hiking trails wind through the park, while fishing and horseback riding are also extremely popular. As visitors discover the park, interpretive panels detailing the area’s geography and history are abundant.

Picnic areas are available throughout the park, and for those wishing to explore for multiple days, several campgrounds are offered.

5. Take a Road Trip Along the Rim of the World Highway

The Highland area offers numerous opportunities for day trips. If you are seeking a scenic adventure without traveling too far, the Rim of the World Highway presents an excellent option.

This highway can be accessed approximately half an hour from Highland, allowing for an exhilarating road trip along this beautiful route known as Highway 18.

The 110-mile scenic byway provides breathtaking views of the San Bernardino Mountains, cliffs, rolling landscapes, and charming towns. Notable landmarks include San Gorgonio Mountain, Big Bear Lake, and the Lucerne Valley.

6. Attend a Concert at the Glen Helen Amphitheatre

Since the early 1980s, the Glen Helen Amphitheatre has been a prominent venue for large-scale concerts and festivals featuring internationally acclaimed musical artists. This outdoor venue, capable of accommodating approximately 65,000 guests, is the largest of its kind in the nation.

Even if you do not attend a concert at the amphitheatre, it remains worthwhile to explore the adjacent Glen Helen Regional Park.

7. Visit the Original McDonald’s Site and Museum

While many are familiar with the globally recognized McDonald’s restaurants, few may know that the first McDonald’s Restaurant opened in San Bernardino.

Currently, this historic restaurant site serves as a museum dedicated to the history of the illustrious restaurant chain.

Inside, exhibits feature memorabilia including advertising campaigns, vintage Happy Meal toys, and photographs. The grounds are adorned with a collection of Ronald McDonald statues.

8. Take in the Excitement of the Glen Helen Raceway

Throughout the year, numerous prestigious events take place at the Glen Helen Raceway. If you are fortunate, one of these events may coincide with your visit to the Highland region.

Located in neighboring San Bernardino, this impressive raceway spans over 250 acres and has been delighting spectators since the mid-1980s.

Prominent events held here include the United States World Championship Motocross and the Off-Road Winter Series.

9. Play a Round of Golf at the Shandin Hills Golf Course

Shandin Hills Golf Course ranks among the premier golf courses in the region, offering all essential amenities for an enjoyable day on the greens.

This 18-hole, par-72 championship course in San Bernardino accommodates players of all skill levels.

Course facilities include a driving range, putting green, chipping green, and practice bunker. Lessons are available, and a professional golf shop is on-site.

The Shandin Grill serves breakfast and lunch, providing a dining experience with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

10. Go on an Adventure to Deep Creek Hot Springs

Reaching paradise is not always straightforward; in the case of Deep Creek Hot Springs, a bit of adventure is required.

Located in the San Bernardino foothills, the only access to the springs is via a rigorous two-mile hike into Deep Creek. The trail is challenging and steep in certain areas, necessitating suitable hiking footwear.

The reward for conquering this hike is a soothing soak in the revitalizing waters of the hot springs.

11. Take a Tour of the Norton Air Force Base Museum

The Norton Air Force Base Museum has been presenting engaging historical exhibits related to the base since 2013.

The displays encompass a range of artifacts and photographs representing former military and civilian personnel who served at the base.

Visitors may tour the museum independently or join a guided tour led by a veteran who was stationed there.

12. Dine on Classic Mexican Cuisine at Mi Cocina Restaurant

Mi Cocina Restaurant offers something for everyone with its extensive menu. This family-oriented establishment serves a variety of delicious, traditional Mexican dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all within a classic Hacienda-style setting.

The menu features appetizers, salads, soups, enchiladas, tostadas, and fajitas among its extensive offerings. On pleasant evenings, patrons can enjoy their meals on the patio, and occasionally, live music enhances the atmosphere.

13. Take a Hike Along the Santa Ana River Trail

The Santa Ana River Trail is a versatile trail covering 50 miles from San Bernardino to the Pacific coast.

This pathway meanders alongside the picturesque Santa Ana River, traversing a mix of urban environments and untouched wilderness areas. The trail is also suitable for cyclists.

14. Admire Beautiful Art at the Robert Frances Fullerton Museum of Art

As one of the premier cultural institutions in the region, the Robert Frances Fullerton Museum of Art features World Ceramics, Ancient Art, and the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in the area.

Throughout the year, various educational events, including workshops, special exhibitions, and lectures, take place at the museum.

15. Go Racing at SB Raceway Indoor Karting

Individuals of all ages will enjoy the thrilling experience at SB Raceway Indoor Karting, where you can race down the track in modern go-karts.

After expending energy on the track, unwind in the Raceway Lobby, complete with snacks and beverages.

This lounge area also features several pool tables, air hockey tables, and a variety of arcade games.