California's 'Friendly' City Is Actually One Of Its Most Dangerous

Many US cities have nicknames. It might seem like a quaint detail, but tagging a metropolis with a casual moniker provides benefits such as creating a sense of civic pride and giving potential visitors the vibe of the place. Some are evocative descriptions ("Mile-High City"), some are inspiring ("The City of Brotherly Love"), and some promise an alluring lifestyle ("The Big Easy"). On the flip side, Las Vegas's notorious "Sin City" plays up to a seamy aspect that nevertheless draws millions of visitors each year. Some nicknames even become unintentionally ironic, which can be said when you look at the crime stats for "The Friendly City" of San Bernardino, California.

San Berdoo (to use another of its nicknames) is a city of around 225,000 people lying in the San Bernardino Valley less than a two-hour drive from downtown Los Angeles. Once a key stop on America's great lost highway, Route 66, there is a strain of pure Americana running through the city.

It seems like the natural location for the original McDonald's, opened in 1948 selling 15-cent burgers, and won the All-American City Awardin 1977. It also notably became enshrined in Hell's Angel lore thanks to Hunter S. Thompson's "Hell's Angels: A Strange and Terrible Saga," and that association with the infamous biker gang hints at a darker side. The Friendly City is now regarded as one of the most dangerous places in California. But why exactly, and should that completely deter you from visiting?

San Bernardino has found itself struggling in recent decades with high levels of poverty, unemployment, gang activity, and drug-related issues. In 2012, the local government filed for bankruptcy when debts of around $1 billion became insurmountable. Its difficulties since then have contributed to The Friendly City's unwanted reputation as one of the most dangerous places in California.

Various sources work out their figures differently — How Stuff Works ranks San Berdoo 3rd due to violent crime while Best Diplomats.org has it placed 4th. Numbers published in 2025 by Safe and Sound Security also have the city in 4th place, based on 14.91 violent incidents per 1000 residents. This figure is substantially higher than the average violent crime rate in the state. Notably, not all violent crime is equal, and San Bernardino skews very high for motor vehicle theft: A rate of 99.67 incidents per 1000 residents places it among the highest in the United States.

This may sound very alarming, but it is important to keep things in perspective. Overall, violent crime in California has declined in recent years, and San Bernardino isn't as hair-raising as Oakland, the most dangerous city in the state. You can reduce the risk by taking the same precautions as you would in any large city. Staying aware of your surroundings and avoiding unfamiliar neighborhoods at night are good practices everywhere. For extra protection, you might want to carry pepper spray as a little insurance.

San Bernardino isn't huge on major sights, but it does make for an interesting stop-off during a road trip through California. Not only does it have plenty of nostalgic relics from its Route 66 days (like the kitschy Wigwam Motel), it also serves as a gateway to the natural splendor of the San Bernardino Mountains, National Forest, and Big Bear Lake, one of the most filmed lakes in the world.

In town, you can learn about Berdoo's pioneer heritage at the San Bernardino History and Railroad Museumand find out more about those 15-cent burgers at the Unofficial McDonald's Museum.If you're in the mood for a night out, catch a show at the California Theater of Performing Arts or some classical music at the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra.

Visitors shouldn't expect many fine-dining experiences in San Bernardino, but there are still plenty of spots for a tasty bite to eat. Mexican food is well-represented; check out Baja King Fresh Tacos for their namesake dish or El Torito for their speciality fresh guacamole and happy hour cocktails. Elsewhere, you will find Texas BBQ, pizza, burgers, and Indian cuisine. Don't miss Mitla Cafe, a local favorite since 1937. If you're planning a longer stay, the hot months are the cheapest time to snag a hotel room at an average of $110 per night. The cost of living is pretty reasonable compared to Los Angeles, with a meal in a regular restaurant costing around $20 per head.