Page 185 - 2015 Travel Guide to California

INLAND EMPIRE
This often-overlooked region offers the best of
California, from high deserts to soaring mountain
ranges and abundant vineyards and orchards
B Y L E N O R E G R E I N E R
TOP CITIES
Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Temecula, Ontario,
San Bernardino, Riverside
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
lakearrowhead.net
temeculacvb.com
riversidecvb.com
Within the Inland Empire’s vast 5,000 square miles, the scenery
and historic sites deftly capture quintessential California, from
Spanish and Native American history to the era of stagecoaches
and silver strikes to the Golden Age of traveling Route 66. The diverse land-
scape reflects Golden State extremes: snow-capped 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.
There’s tranquil, scenic beauty to savor along the 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. And with fewer crowds
and lower prices than Lake Tahoe and Napa Valley, the Inland Empire offers
the same thrills and diversions with less fuss.
POPULATION
4.2 million
INLAND
EMPIRE
The Great Outdoors
In the fresh alpine air of the San Bernardino Mountains, vacationers head to
two popular lakes. At Big Bear Lake, outdoor enthusiasts enjoy year-round
recreation, from summer watersports to winter’s alpine sports at Big Bear
Mountain and Snow Summit for excellent skiing and snowboarding. Summer-
time watersports lovers will find abundant fishing, boating, kayaking and even
parasailing on Big Bear Lake. Lake Arrowhead offers hiking, horseback riding,
biking and stream fishing. Or wander in the natural beauty of the Swiss Chalet-
style alpine village of Lake Arrowhead with charming shops and year-round
ice skating. Or simply stargaze, watch the autumn leaves turn or the falling
snowflakes in winter.
2015 T R AV E L G U I D E TO C A L I F O R N I A 183