CUSM is nestled in 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 positively 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 a wide range of 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 largest and most celebrated festivals in the country. Big 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 & Performances | 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 |
| Splash Kingdom Waterpark | 10 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 very 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 here in the Inland Empire.
Lake Arrowhead, itself only a 45-minute drive away, is another icon of the Inland Empire. Hidden away in the San Bernardino National Forests, the lake is a quaint mountain jewel. 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-SOM does not offer student dormitory facilities. There are several rental properties 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-SOM 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 subject to availability and CUSM-SOM is not responsible for any aspect of the rental process.
1930 W College Ave
San Bernardino, CA 92407
909-474-7956
Rent Range $1,095 - $1,600
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 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 available to disabled persons who have 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. On the coast, the average daily high temperature hovers around 70 degrees and summer can reach over 100 degrees. There is an average of 277/365 sunny days out of the year and January’s average low is 40 degrees and July’s average high is 92 degrees.