It is known for its master-planned communities, active adult (over 55) communities, such as Oaks North, and numerous golf courses, including the Rancho Bernardo Inn golf course and the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo golf course. Founded in 1889, the Bernardo Winery, in the Oaks North community, is the oldest continuously operating winery in Southern California.

Rancho Bernardo has a 685 acre business park that is home to many high-tech companies, including Sony US, Hewlett-Packard and Eastman Kodak, employing approximately 50,000 workers. Real estate in Rancho Bernardo ranges from condos and small starter homes to large, upscale estate homes.