Arrowhead - San Bernardino, CA

The arrowhead etched in the San Bernardino Mountains foothills remains a famous Inland Empire landmark. A phenomenon measuring 1,375 by 449 feet, the arrowhead's face consists of light quartz with a white sage growth. This intriguing landmark has been a San Bernardino Valley symbol for centuries, first to Native American inhabitants, then to pioneers who settled in the area.

Mission San Gabriel established Rancho San Bernardino in 1819. Missionaries provided spiritual help to the Indians and taught them how to plant and irrigate crops. After surviving horse- and cattle-stealing raids, the region began to thrive. San Bernardino was incorporated in 1854.

Home to the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra, the California Theatre of the Performing Arts celebrates musical arts. The orchestra highlights the nation's most prolific composers by hosting the Musical Genius in America concert during Black History Month.

Lake Arrowhead's Rotary Club sponsors the chilling PolaRotary Bear Plunge each February.

You'll find popular fast-food restaurants along 40th Street hawking burgers and pizza, among other choices. For something different, check out the dining options locals favor for a great meal.

The Castaway Restaurant and Special Events Center holds a proud spot in Arrowhead as the best steakhouse with incredible city views. Located on Kendall Drive in the San Bernardino hills, the Castaway overlooks the San Bernardino basin in breathtaking panorama. Request an outdoor table on the patio and discover why this place was voted Best Fine Dining Restaurant by the Inland Empire Hotlist. Locals recommend the prime rib dinner and filet mignon for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Known to attract patrons from miles away, La Fuente Mexican Bakery on North Sierra Way remains a popular stop. The tasty tamales bring crowds in droves and the chili verde is particularly notable. La Fuente sells fresh salsa to take home, along with yummy side dishes. After you sample the Menudo, grab a few happy face Mexican pastries to satisfy your sweet tooth.

For a taste of nightlife, check out Trevor's Rustic Inn on Kendall Drive. Locals rave about this neighborhood sports bar for its great food at unbeatable prices. Order a rustic burger with fries and a beer for $5 to whet your appetite. Trevor's skips the elegant decor and instead provides a pared down ambiance to complement its rowdy crowd. Get ready for a long night of karaoke and loud music in true Arrowhead style.

Most residents drive personal vehicles to get around the city. Winters can bring snow and ice, so drivers must be prepared to navigate these conditions. Three main highways serve the Arrowhead region: state Routes 18, 206 and 210. You'll find plentiful free parking around the neighborhood.

Mountain Transit bus service provides public transportation. Locals may also access Metrolink trains at the San Bernardino Station located on West Third Street downtown.

The scenic neighborhood is fairly safe for foot travel. Cyclists also enjoy biking through the region, but must use caution as there are few bike lanes in the area.

Several taxi companies service Arrowhead by reservation; you can also use the Uber smartphone app to set up a ride.

Locals love baseball in San Bernardino. Arrowhead residents gather at Newmark Field, nestled on 30th and Pershing, for its three baseball diamonds spread across 5 acres. Little League teams play energetic games, while senior leagues engage in friendly competition. Leashed pets are welcome on the grounds.

To give your pooch the best play-date, head to Wildwood Dog Park on East 40th Street. Residents hail Wildwood for providing their beloved pets with a community of canine friends. Larger, more energetic dogs have their own section at Wildwood, and smaller pups can play amongst themselves.

For the best in recreation, explore Wildwood Park's 24 acres. Play volleyball or run along the fitness trail in the mountain breeze. During summer, pack a picnic and put some meat on the grill under the covered shelters. Wildwood also features four baseball diamonds and a children's playground for family enjoyment.

These neighborhood parks don't hold any official annual events, but visitors may park for free and enjoy activities year-round.

Arrowhead residents enjoy a considerable cost savings for housing. A one-bedroom averages $732 compared to $1,152 for similar quarters in nearby Riverside. This vast difference contributes to Arrowhead's lower cost of living, which hovers around 24 percent less than Riverside.

Locals also take advantage of inexpensive public transportation. A Mountain Transit bus ride to San Bernardino's city center averages $2, and residents can travel to Big Bear Mountain for around $7.50.

Drivers pay approximately 21 percent above the national average for gas. A beer at an Arrowhead pub costs roughly $4.

Along Kendall Drive and 40th Street, you'll find several options for groceries and drug stores. Stater Bros. Markets has a location on East 40th Street and one on Kendall. Rite Aid and 99 Cents Only Store also stand nearby. For a Latin supermarket, visit Cardenas Market on West 40th.

For farm-fresh goods, locals head to the San Bernardino Downtown Farmshare and Market. Located at Court Street Square, the market runs year-round from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Thursday.

Arrowhead's modest neighborhood doesn't contain any boutiques, so locals travel to the heart of San Bernardino for clothing. Fashion-minded shoppers scour the stores at the Inland Center found on Inland Center Drive. Trendy teens flood Joppa for the latest in leggings and theme T-shirts. Girly-girls like the array of sparkly jewelry to accessorize Joppa's dresses.

To peruse a local gem, check out Honey Fashion on University Parkway. Arrowhead locals head here for the inexpensive selection of clothes, jewelry and purses. Skip the big department stores and shop at Honey's to express your individuality on a dime.