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mountain-view-imageCUSM is nestled between the stately mountains and active cities of the Inland Empire, with Palm Springs, Los Angeles, and beautiful Southern California beaches less than an hour away. Whether it's culture, music, performing arts, sports, world-class restaurants, and more, the area is overflowing with activities for everyone.

Our students embrace the rich cultural environment of Southern California by attending events at many of our local museums and theaters. Alongside nearby gardens and hiking hotspots, the natural and cultural centers of the Inland Empire are affordable, nearby, and accessible.
The Inland Empire, comprised of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, offers world-class recreational activities. You can spend an afternoon sipping wine at a vineyard in Temecula or hiking through the beautiful San Bernardino National Forest. Or spend the weekend camping around Big Bear Lake or fishing at Lake Arrowhead. In the winter, you're just a short drive to Southern California's best ski resorts.
The Inland Empire also has a thriving music scene, headlined by the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival – one of the country's largest and most celebrated festivals. Prominent name artists regularly visit the Inland Empire, performing at venues like the Glass House in Pomona and the San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino.

Music & Performance Distance from Campus
National Orange Show Events 10 minutes
California Theatre of Performing Arts 12 minutes
Redlands Bowl 15 minutes
Citizens Bank Arena 30 minutes
Fox Performing Arts Center 20 minutes
Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival 60 minutes

 

For sports fans, the Inland Empire offers several options for watching a game of Baseball, Basketball, or race car driving.

Sports Distance from Campus
The Inland Empire 66ers (MILB) 15 minutes
Auto Club Speedway 22 minutes
Ontario Reign (AHL) 25 minutes
Ontario Fury (MASL) 30 minutes
Agua Caliente Clippers (NBA G League) 25 minutes
The Lake Elsinore Storm (MILB) 50 minutes

 


Los Angeles' theme parks are just over an hour's drive and offer options from Disney to Universal Studios. Locally the Splash Kingdom Waterpark offers three premium entertainment destinations just 10 minutes away.

Theme Parks and Recreation Distance from Campus
Universal Studios 90 minutes
Disneyland 60 minutes

 

Just over an hour from San Bernardino are beaches that offer blends of city sophistication and the tranquil atmosphere of a beachside community.

Beaches Distance from Campus
Newport Beach 60 minutes
Laguna Beach 65 minutes
Long Beach 80 minutes

 

CUSM is near several natural getaways, including Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead! These spots are preservations of the natural beauty of Southern California's Inland Empire, offering hiking spots, skiing, and even dining opportunities.
Big Bear Lake, less than an hour's drive from CUSM's doorstep, is a city and a lake in Southern California. Famed for its fishing resources and ski terrains, the destination is a hotspot and emblem of the natural beauty in the Inland Empire.
Lake Arrowhead, itself only a 45-minute drive away, is another icon of the Inland Empire. The lake is a quaint mountain jewel hidden in the San Bernardino National Forests. Considered the 'Alps’ of Southern California, it is a destination for hikers, bikers, casual walkers, and all kinds of folks who love the outdoors.
The San Bernardino National Forest is a vast, sprawling wilderness of mountains and nature. Featuring thirty miles of the world-famous Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, the area is a favorite for camping, hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing.

San Bernardino National Forest Distance from Campus
National Forest 25 minutes
Lake Arrowhead 45 minutes
Big Bear Lake 55 minutes

CUSM does not offer student dormitory facilities. Several rental properties are available within a 5-mile radius of the campus (20+ apartment complexes), ranging from $900 ‐ $1,600 per month for one- to two-bedroom apartments. Most rentals cost an average of $1,400 per month and can be found here. Note that CUSM assumes no responsibility to find or assist students in obtaining housing.

Rental prices vary. You can check for the most up-to-date information and available property listings at

A few local options are noted below but are subject to availability, and CUSM is not responsible for any aspect of the rental process.

Broadstone Serrano Apartments
1930 W College Ave
San Bernardino, CA 92407
909-474-7956

Rent Range $1,095 - $1,600

 

Ascot Parks
1422 E 9th Street
San Bernardino, CA 92410
909-252-7019

Rent Range $1,000 - $1,400

 

Additional information can be obtained at the links below:

Public transportation is limited in the area and primarily consists of a local bus service (OminTrans).
On-campus parking will be available to all students and staff on a first-come, first-served basis. Designated parking spaces are open to disabled persons with Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) permits.

Transportation Distance from Campus
OmniTrans (Bus) 15 minutes
Metrolink (Train) 10 minutes
Ontario International Airport (ONT) 30 minutes
John Wayne Airport (SNA) 50 minutes
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) 54 minutes

The Inland Empire has a Mediterranean-like climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The average daily high-temperature hovers on the coast around 70 degrees, and summer can reach over 100 degrees. There is an average of 277/365 sunny days out of the year. January's average low is 40 degrees, and July's average high is 92 degrees.