Ben's Lock & Key

If your kids like to run around, or maybe they are at the age where they still like to play sports with dad, then plan a day at San Bernardino's La Plaza Park. This is an impressive play space attraction that sprawls out over two acres. It features several park benches and picnic tables as well as a picturesque gazebo where mom and dad can rest in the shade while the kids play ball, enjoy the playground rides, or just run around until they are all out of energy!

Get a taste of what life was like for the Franciscan Fathers back in 1819 when you visit the Asistencia Mission De San Gabriel. The site is commonly referred to as “Estancia,” as this Spanish mission was a beacon of hope and help to people of the area who were in need of food, water and spiritual comfort. This historic structure is now owned by the San Bernardino County Museum System and its continuous efforts allow visitors to take a fascinating look at what religious life was like alongside the San Bernardino Mountains in the 19th century. The mission has aged well, as many couples choose to get married in the meticulously maintained church that is complemented by its impressively landscaped grounds.

The bright flurry of violins and the ominous timbre of the cellos are just a few of the sounds you will hear once the conductor raises his baton over the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra. This highly accomplished group of musicians works hard to bring the best of the classics to audiences in San Bernardino year round. Some of their most notable presentations have been the Orchestral Treasures series, Tchaikovsky's Finest, as well as various seasonal favorites like The Nutcracker.

Despite the demise of his political career in the wake of the Watergate scandal, Richard Nixon had a surprisingly accomplished political career up to that point. To learn about that and also various aspects of his personal life, visit the Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace in Yorba Linda, California. Various personal items stand alongside career-oriented exhibits in this charming but unassuming home. In his later years, he contributed much to the political scene based on his experiences, and the library on the premises does an admirable job of presenting various aspects of Nixon's life before, during and after his Presidency.