Page 76 - 2025-2026 Travel Guide to California

INLAND EMPIRE
Discover this often-overlooked region of deserts, 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, 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
The vast 27,000 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 west 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.
POPULATION
4,600,000
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 enthu-
siasts find winter alpine sports at Big Bear Mountain Resort 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
74 2025-26 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA
SILVERFOXZ/SHUTTERSTOCK. OPPOSITE: VISIT TEMECULA VALLEY