.png)
San Bernardino, California | City Guide for Travel Healthcare Pros
- noordinarypath
- Aug 11
- 3 min read
Welcome to San Bernardino, CA
Set against the backdrop of the San Bernardino Mountains, this Southern California city offers a mix of urban convenience, cultural diversity, and access to outdoor adventure. With proximity to Los Angeles, desert parks, and ski slopes, San Bernardino is a great base for travel nurses looking for California sunshine without the LA price tag.
💼 Job
San Bernardino and its surrounding areas host multiple medical facilities that frequently work with travel nurses:
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) – A large county hospital and trauma center
Dignity Health – Community Hospital of San Bernardino – Acute care with frequent needs in ER, MedSurg, ICU, and OR
Loma Linda University Medical Center (just 10 minutes away) – Major teaching hospital with traveler opportunities in specialty units like CVICU, NICU, and ED
💰 Cost of Living
Cost of Living Index: Around 120, which is lower than many other parts of Southern California.
Average Rent: ~$1,600–$2,100/month for a one-bedroom
Utilities: ~$180/month, with A/C needed in the summer
🌤️ Weather by Month
San Bernardino has a warm Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. It’s sunny nearly year-round, with brief rainy periods in winter.
🛏️ Furnished Housing Options
🛋 1-Bedroom Options
Modern 1BR Near Arrowhead Regional – Gated complex, utilities included, pet-friendly
Private Guesthouse with Kitchenette – Great for solo travelers, includes washer/dryer
🛏 2-Bedroom Options
Fully Furnished 2BR Near Loma Linda – Quiet area, ideal for travel pairs or families
Zillow Rentals – Filter for furnished homes in San Bernardino, Redlands, and Highland
🏨 Extended Stay Hotels
Homewood Suites by Hilton San Bernardino – All-suite hotel with kitchens and free breakfast
Extended Stay America – San Bernardino – North – Affordable, basic, with kitchenettes
Residence Inn by Marriott San Bernardino – Upscale option near the hospital corridor
🚐 RV Parks
🎉 Fun Things to Do in San Bernardino
San Bernardino National Forest – Endless hiking, camping, and scenic drives
Route 66 Museum – Local history and Americana vibes
Glen Helen Raceway & Amphitheater – Concerts, motocross, and events
Downtown Arts & Culture District – Galleries, markets, and murals
Lake Arrowhead (~45 min) – A perfect day trip for boating, shopping, and mountain air
🧳 Nearby Weekend Trips
Palm Springs (~1 hr): Desert spas, retro charm, and sunshine
Big Bear Lake (~1.5 hrs): Skiing in winter, hiking in summer
Los Angeles (~1 hr): Beaches, concerts, shopping, and nightlife
Joshua Tree National Park (~1.5 hrs): Unique landscapes and stargazing
🕒 Summary
San Bernardino offers big healthcare opportunities in a sunny SoCal setting. With nearby outdoor escapes, strong hospitals, and plenty of affordable housing options, it’s a smart choice for travel nurses who want to explore Southern California on their days off.
✅ High traveler demand in multiple nearby hospitals
✅ Lower cost of living than coastal California
✅ Year-round sunshine and outdoor fun
✅ Central hub for SoCal weekend getaways
Ready to work near mountains, deserts, and beaches? San Bernardino is your SoCal home base. 🌴🏥🩺
Disclosure: The information provided in this guide is what I use to send my travelers and is obtained through ChatGPT, utilizing prompts I frequently use as a travel nurse recruiter. The content is designed to help travelers make informed decisions about potential destinations.
Comments