Honestly, most people driving past Highland Avenue just see another patch of green. They see the fences of Fiscalini Field or the familiar slope of the hill and keep driving toward the 210. But if you actually pull over and spend an hour at Perris Hill Park, you realize it’s basically a massive, 64-acre time capsule. It is weirdly quiet for being right in the middle of San Bernardino. It’s also got a view from the top that makes you forget you're standing on top of 10 million gallons of water.
Seriously. There is a giant, active reservoir buried right under the peak.
Why Perris Hill Park is still a local powerhouse
A lot of folks think this park is just a relic of the 1930s. While it definitely has that New Deal-era "stone and mortar" vibe, it’s far from a museum. The park was named after Fred T. Perris—a Santa Fe Railroad engineer who basically drew the map for early San Bernardino. Today, it’s the kind of place where you’ll see guys playing high-stakes pickleball right next to a family having a 50-person carne asada blowout.
It’s got a bit of everything:
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- Fiscalini Field: This isn't just a "baseball diamond." It’s hallowed ground. The Pittsburgh Pirates used to hold spring training here back in the 40s and 50s. Bing Crosby—yeah, the Bing Crosby—used to hang out in the stands because he was part owner of the team.
- The Roosevelt Bowl: An 1,800-seat outdoor amphitheater that looks like something out of a Greek myth, if the Greeks lived in the Inland Empire. It’s been hosting Junior University plays for decades.
- Jerry Lewis Family Swim Center: Everyone still calls it "The Plunge." It opened in 1936 and is still the go-to spot for escaping that 104-degree July heat.
The hike that everyone forgets to do
If you want the best ROI on your time, you've got to walk the trail to the top. It’s a short loop—barely a mile—and it’s rated "easy," but the payoff is massive. When you get to the crest, you get a 360-degree look at the valley. On a clear day after a rain, the San Bernardino Mountains look close enough to touch.
It’s a different vibe up there. Most of the park's "sketchy" reputation comes from the edges along the main roads, but the hilltop is usually pretty tranquil. It’s the best place in the city to watch 4th of July fireworks because you can see every backyard show from Redlands to Rialto.
Dealing with the "San Bernardino" factor
Let’s be real for a second. If you look at Reddit or Yelp, you’re going to see people complaining about the park going downhill. There have been issues with homeless encampments and "sketchy" characters near the tennis courts. It’s a city park in a struggling city; that’s the reality.
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But here’s the thing: the city has been putting in work lately. They’ve cleared out the major encampments along the wash and the storm channels. Is it perfectly safe to wander around at 2:00 AM? Probably not. But during the day? It’s full of hikers, ballplayers, and seniors at the Perris Hill Senior Center. You just have to use common sense. Don’t leave your laptop in plain sight on the backseat of your car, and stick to the populated areas.
Hidden gems you probably missed
Did you know there used to be a "Kiddieland" here? It had a miniature train and little boat rides. It’s gone now, but the nostalgia still hangs heavy for people who grew up here in the 70s.
Then there’s the Perris Hill Tennis and Pickleball Center. They recently converted some of the old tennis courts into eight dedicated pickleball courts. It’s become a massive hub for the sport in the IE. If you show up on a Saturday morning, the energy is electric. It’s a complete shift from the "quiet park" vibe you get on the hiking trail.
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How to actually enjoy your visit
If you’re planning to head out, don't just wing it. San Bernardino heat is no joke. The park has plenty of shade trees—some of those oaks around the Roosevelt Bowl are massive—but the hiking trail is exposed.
- Go early. If you’re hiking, hit the trail by 8:00 AM.
- Bring your own gear. The barbecue pits are solid, but you’ll need your own charcoal and supplies.
- Check the schedule. The Roosevelt Bowl and Fiscalini Field host events ranging from NCAA Division II baseball (CSUSB plays here) to church concerts.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the San Bernardino Parks and Recreation website for the "Plunge" summer hours before you head out, as they change seasonally. If you're into history, take a walk around the exterior of the Roosevelt Bowl to see the original 1934 stonework—it’s some of the best-preserved WPA architecture in Southern California.