Lankershim - San Bernardino, CA Area Guide

The region that would become San Bernardino was first inhabited by Native Americans in the late 18th century. In 1819, Spanish missionaries established Rancho San Bernardino to offer spiritual help to the native people. The missionaries from Mission San Gabriel wanted to teach their new friends practical means of survival and showed them how to plant and irrigate crops and bring water down from Mill Creek.

San Bernardino was named for Saint Bernardino of Siena. In 1852, a United States deputy surveyor named Colonel Henry Washington erected a monument at the summit of Mt. San Bernardino; the city was incorporated in 1854.

A cultural shift occurred in 1851 when 500 Mormons made camp in San Bernardino. When the city was incorporated, 900 of the 1,200 residents were Mormons.

The city enjoys the Robert B. Fullerton Art Museum and proudly hosts the annual California Indian Conference to celebrate indigenous peoples.

Pick up a great meal night or day in Lankershim. Along Baseline Street, you find popular chain restaurants to satisfy cravings for burgers, fried chicken or the like. To treat your palate to fine French cuisine, follow locals to Le Rendez-Vous Restaurant .

This upscale venue draws residents to its charming decor reminiscent of a French chateau. Nestled at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains, Le Rendez-Vous serves a delectable breakfast and brunch, which includes eggs benedict with crab. Sit down at a candlelit table, and order the veal marsala or escargot baked in garlic butter.

If your tastes skew more toward the traditional, head to Bo Bo's Pizzeria on East 40th Street. Lankershim locals call Bo Bo's the best stop for more than just pizza. Try the stromboli for a change of pace and a side of cinnamon knots to satisfy your sweet tooth. For traditional fare, order the popular extreme pizza.

When nighttime falls, residents flock to Pepe's Nightclub for the hottest Latin party atmosphere. Found on West 5th Street, Pepe's attracts San Bernardino locals looking for all-night dancing. This club hosts live bands and accepts reservations for special events.

Lankershim lies conveniently close to State Routes 210 and 18, along with Interstate 215. From these highways, residents can travel to the mountains, Orange County, Nevada and beyond. In this dense urban neighborhood, most locals commute by car. Parking remains free but hard to find on busier streets.

Sidewalks clearly line the neighborhood, making foot travel safe. Cyclists can take advantage of bike lanes and bike paths around the city but should use caution in the populous region.

Taxis remain available by prior reservation. For Uber ride-sharing services, download the app for a pickup.

Mountain Transit and Omnitrans buses serve the region, and Metrolink trains run through the San Bernardino station located on West 3rd Street.

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking mountain atmosphere at San Bernardino National Forest. With more visitors than Yellowstone or Yosemite national parks, this forest provides a stunning oasis that protects the San Bernardino Mountains and the San Jacinto Range. Drive to South Commercecenter Circle, and glimpse an eagle flying through the centuries-old oak trees. Lankershim locals treasure the park for its 500 miles of hiking trails and the unique flora. Desert cacti and flowers dot the forest with simple beauty, and Big Bear Lake provides a serene escape. Whether you love horseback riding, fishing or hunting, this place has it all for the outdoor enthusiast.

Park goers must pay a fee to visit San Bernardino National Forest and may consider purchasing a pass for frequent visits. Children and pets are welcome but should be closely supervised on the rugged terrain.

For a simple park outing that exudes family fun, head to Anne Shirrells Park on North California Street. Across 12 acres, you find picnic shelters, barbecue grills and a children's playground. Hit the little league field, or play volleyball in the sand. Basketball players can shoot hoops and walk the track for a cool-down. Anne Shirrells provides free parking and restrooms for your convenience. Enjoy year-round access to both venues in lieu of annual events.

The cost of living falls lower in Lankershim compared to the nearby city of Redlands. Lankershim residents enjoy a savings of approximately 26 percent in living costs. A one-bedroom apartment averages $705 a month, whereas Redlands locals pay $1,100 for comparable quarters.

Public transportation remains affordable. Passengers can ride Omnitrans to the city center for $1.75 one-way or purchase a day pass for $5. Drivers can expect to pay about 22 percent above the national average for gas. Beer at a local pub costs roughly $4.

Grocery stores and drug stores lie along Baseline Street and Highland Avenue. You can find CVS and Rite Aid, as well as Food 4 Less for bargain shopping. Every Thursday, the city hosts 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. and provides the community with farm-fresh goods.

Lankershim does not boast any neighborhood boutiques. To satisfy the shopping bug, residents head to the neighboring city of Redlands to hit the top spots. Along East State Street, you find an eclectic mix of funky shops that cater to both men and women. For the coolest denim trends, step into denM. Inside, you discover more than just cuffed boyfriend jeans and vintage inspired acid-washed styles. Locals rave over the bohemian caftans from Free People, accessorized with leather booties. Men visit denM and hunt through the coveted Diesel wear to complement their high-end wardrobe.

While you're in Redlands, drop by Kith on East Citrus Avenue. Budget-wise fashionistas love this clothing haunt for its upmarket styles at affordable prices. Try on a flowy maxi dress, and add a linen scarf that pops with color. Follow locals' recommendations, and peruse Kith's unique pieces to make your style stand apart from the rest.