The city of San Bernardino takes its name from the surrounding valley, which was discovered and named by Father Francisco Dumetz in 1810 on the feast day of Saint Bernardino of Siena. The land was used for ranching until 1851, when it was sold to members of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints. The Mormons designed and built the city, basing their plan on the layout of Salt Lake City. The Mormon settlers were recalled by Brigham Young in 1857 due to the Utah War, but the city continued to thrive as a commercial center in their absence. Today, with an emphasis on residential development, San Bernardino is often referred to as a "bedroom community."

San Bernardino hosts the National Orange Show, an annual festival that marks the completion of the winter citrus crop harvest. Car enthusiasts from all over the country gather each year to "get their kicks" at the Route 66 Rendezvous. Historical landmarks in San Bernardino include the California Theater, where Will Rogers made his final public appearance, and the McDonald's Museum, built on the site of the first McDonald's restaurant.