Page 112 - 2020 Travel Guide to California

INLAND EMPIRE
An often-overlooked region of mountains, deserts,
vineyards and casino action
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, Redlands, Claremont
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
POPULATION
2.4 million
The vast 5,000 square miles of the Inland Empire deftly capture Cal-
ifornia’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: 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.
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.
INLAND
EMPIRE
The Great Outdoors
For year-round recreation, travelers can head into the San Bernardino Moun-
tains, 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 watersports
lovers abundant fishing, boating, kayaking and even parasailing. Lake
Arrowhead offers hiking, lake tours on the Lake Arrowhead Queen, biking and
VISIT TEMECULA VALLEY. OPPOSITE: EDDIE J. RODRIQUEZ/SHUTTERSTOCK
110 2020 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA