San Bernardino, CA

The Serranoos and Chuilla Indians were the San Bernardino Valley's early inhabitants. Evidence exists that Indians have been there for over 4,000 years.

Between 1819 to 1821 San Bernardino went through a missionary period and was an outpost of the San Gabriel Mission.

In the 1860s, San Bernardino was the site of one of California's biggest strikes.

Depending on who you talk to, the Hells Angels were founded in San Berdoo (if the person you talk to is Sonny Barger, he might tell you it was Oakland!).  

It's the home of Screeming Sally's Saloon, which used to be the Screaming Chicken Saloon. This a hard core biker bar, but it only has ber and wine; No Whiskey! Their philosophy is that mixing hard alcohol with hard core bikers is not a great idea. But they make up for no whiskey with the stripper poles that the biker chicks dance on.

San Bernardino along Route 66 is not near the current business or night life areas of town. It follows Mt Vernon St down one long strip. There are lots of Route 66 relics along here as well as many motels that are still open. There is a Holiday Inn that obviously is not part of the chain.

The 1937 Milta Cafe' at the West end of town serves pretty good Mexican food.

The 1928 California Theater still operates. Will Rogers made his last public appearance here.

McDonalds originated in San Bernardino, and there is a McDonalds Museum, but it is not on Route 66.

As you leave San Bernardino, you will almost be in LA in terms of mileage, but not in terms of time. You will pass through about a dozen towns that all run together. There are lots of Route 66 sites, but lots of traffic and stop lights too. Be patient. You're almost there!