
Original McDonald's Site & Museum
San Bernardino, CA
By Simir Shah
★★★★★4.5(2,899 Google reviews)
On the site of the world's first McDonald's (1940) — a quirky free memorabilia museum and fun Route 66 photo stop.
Good for
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
Happening near here
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1398 N E St, San Bernardino, CA 92405, USA
Free (donations)
Map
What visitors say
- NuCreation★★★★★
We arrived at the museum and immediately felt a sense of unease. The free parking and the opportunity to take photos outside were pleasant, but the staff member at the entrance demanded a donation right away. This unexpected and intrusive behavior made us feel compelled and embarrassed. If you’re reading this, please be aware of the donation obligation. We almost left the museum after hearing this at the door. It is a very small and tight museum. On our way out there’s no donation box. You have to hand it over to the guy. While we did enjoy seeing the outside exhibits and my son was fascinated by the colorful toys and statues, the overall experience was disappointing. The museum is located in a less desirable neighborhood, so be mindful of your surroundings. Additionally, if you have allergies like mine, the museum is very dusty and can be quite irritating. My nose kept running throughout the visit. Despite these drawbacks, there were some interesting exhibits to see, especially those from the past. If you’re traveling in a large group, there is free overflow parking available when the gate is open.
3 weeks ago
- Yeismel Grandal★★★★★
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A must visit for anyone who loves history or is a McDonald’s fan! Although it’s a small museum, it’s packed with fascinating memorabilia, vintage collectibles, and the story behind one of the world’s most iconic brands. You can really appreciate the passion and dedication that went into preserving this historic landmark. Admission is free, and it’s definitely worth the stop if you’re visiting San Bernardino. A fun and nostalgic experience for the whole family!
3 weeks ago
- Nancy Hayssen★★★★★
My dad and I absolutely loved visiting the Historic Original McDonald’s Museum! It’s such a fun, quirky roadside attraction. Walking through the exhibits brought back so many memories for both of us—my dad is 75 and I’m 48—and seeing the eras of Happy Meals, memorabilia, and all the goofy fun stuff was a real nostalgia trip. We also loved the statues out front and the little details tucked into every nook and cranny. There’s something to discover around every corner. A perfect stop for anyone who loves history, pop culture, or just a fun, memorable experience with family and loved ones! 💕
5 months ago
- Heather★★★★★
Cool place. Awesome to see all the old happy meal toys of my youth. A lot of homeless around the area. It could be made up better. Fun pit stop off the 215. Worker is knowledgeable.
a month ago
- Olya Minasian★★★★★
This museum was such a pleasant surprise. It’s absolutely free, which is amazing considering how much history is packed inside. You truly feel like you’re diving into the past from the moment you walk in. The collection of memorabilia is incredible, and the atmosphere is just super nostalgic. It’s a must-visit for anyone who wants to see where it all began! We visited on the weekend and were happy to find plenty of free parking available. The atmosphere is super nostalgic and the place is very well-maintained. It’s a must-stop in San Bernardino for a quick and fascinating trip down memory lane!
5 months ago
Reviews from Google · See more on Google Maps
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