The topography of Rancho Bernardo consists of canyons and rolling hills. It is a sprawling community, with shopping malls, golf courses and office parks typical of San Diego development.
The community is located about 20 miles (32 km) north-north-east of downtown San Diego, immediately east of 4S Ranch, north of Carmel Mountain Ranch, northwest of the city of Poway and south of Escondido.