INLAND EMPIRE
Discover this often-overlooked region of deserts, soaring mountain ranges and abundant vineyards and orchards
TOP CITIES
Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Temecula, Ontario, San Bernardino, Riverside, Redlands, Claremont, Menifee
INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY
Ontario International Airport (ONT), 35 miles (56 km) east of downtown Los Angeles, 23 miles (37 km) west of San Bernardino, 16 miles (26 km) west of Riverside
TOURISM WEBSITES bigbear.com lakearrowheadchamber.com visittemeculavalley.com riversidecvb.com Gocvb.org discoverclaremont.com exploremenifee.com
POPULATION 4,600,000
The vast 27,000 square miles of the Inland Empire deftly capture California’s Spanish and Native American origins, the stagecoach era and the Golden Age of traveling Route 66. The perennially sunny, scenic landscape and historic sites here reflect Golden State extremes: snowcapped granite peaks of the San Bernardino Mountains to the north and the San Jacinto range to the east fast descend into arid high deserts and, finally, to verdant vineyards and groves.
In the birthplace of California’s citrus industry, discover tranquil, scenic beauty among vineyards, hiking paths or ski runs. Or partake in distinctly Californian pursuits: wine tasting, escaping to a quiet golf resort, or soaking in steamy hot springs. The crowds are fewer and the prices are lower than Lake Tahoe and Napa Valley, yet you’ll find the same thrills and diversions in the Inland Empire.
The Great Outdoors
For year-round recreation, travelers can head into the San Bernardino Mountains, to two popular alpine lakes. At Big Bear Lake, outdoor enthusiasts find winter alpine sports at Big Bear Mountain and Snow Summit for excellent skiing and snowboarding. Come summertime, the lake offers watersport lovers abundant fishing, boating, kayaking and even parasailing. Lake Arrowhead offers hiking, lake tours on the Lake Arrowhead
Queen, biking and ice-skating. Wander in the natural beauty and charming shops of the Swiss chalet-style alpine village of Lake Arrowhead. Or simply stargaze, watch the autumn leaves turn or the winter snowflakes fall.
City & Town
Foodies and oenophiles should explore Old Town Temecula’s historic district of 1880s buildings for wine tasting and sampling local fare in a friendly, Old West ambience. Or visit Redlands, the “City of
Beautiful Homes,” and its opulent Victorians and Arts and Crafts-style homes of yesteryear.
North of Temecula, play in the mud or soak in the soothing mineral waters of the 160-year-old Glen Ivy Hot Springs, dating from early stagecoach days. Get in on the action of the gaming tables at the Pechanga Resort Casino. Or soar in a hot air balloon over Temecula Valley’s 35,000-acre wine country, dotted with B&BS and luxury resorts amid vines and citrus groves. Afterwards, relax with a glass of local wine on a winery portico or play golf in this quiet oasis.
Heritage & Culture
Riverside harbors a wealth of California history. On Magnolia Avenue, the state’s first and oldest navel orange tree, planted in 1873, stands on the spot where California’s multi-million-dollar citrus industry began. Since 1880, the iconic Mission Inn has hosted U.S. presidents and delighted travelers with a Hearst Castle-like eclectic mix
of Spanish and Moorish architecture, adorned with priceless Italian and Spanish treasures.
The San Bernardino County Museum in the Hall of History explores local history by exhibiting a covered wagon that crossed the Mojave Desert from Salt Lake City. Other halls include biodiversity, earth sciences as well as desert gardens and native plant gardens.
Family Fun
The fun begins with rides on the locomotives and trolleys of the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris. At Tom’s Farms in Corona, kids can mine for emeralds and rubies, ride a pony, or board the 1800s steam train. In the summertime heat, take cool water rides on the Alpine Slide’s twisting curves at the Magic Mountain Recreation Area in Big Bear Lake.