Visitor’s Guide to the Inland Empire
Visit the Inland Empire
The Inland Empire, often shortened to the IE, is comprised of the San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, and contains more than 120 cities. Regardless of who you are or what your interests entail, there is something here for everyone.
Whether you are into hot or cold weather outdoor activities, the Inland Empire has plenty for you to do. If you’re looking for snow, there are three major mountain resorts: Mountain High in Wrightwood, Big Bear, and Lake Arrowhead. For a warmer outing, Joshua Tree is the ever-popular desert spot for camping.
Nostalgic for days gone by? Wandering down the quaint, lazy streets of historic Downtown Redlands might be just the cure. Or perhaps a visit to the historic Mission Inn District in Riverside, incorporating Tuscan-, Spanish-, and Mediterranean-style architectural features around and within its old adobe walls. The famous Mission Inn hotel has an impressive museum and tour, and through its courtyards, you can find Market Street lined with shops and restaurants of all kinds.
Indulge the shopper in you by visiting one of the many malls and shopping centers scattered throughout. Among the largest are the Tyler Mall in Riverside, Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga, and Cabazon’s Desert Hills Premium Outlets. Or, treat yourself in Corona to a day at the Glen Ivy Hot Springs and Day Spa, complete with a hydrotherapy and mud treatment center at your disposal.
The Inland Empire is also home to established four-year universities and colleges, such as University of Redlands, California State University San Bernardino, and University of California Riverside. Both CSU San Bernardino and UC Riverside are large, state-run schools while the U of R is a small, private liberal arts and sciences school.
For sports fans, the IE dabbles in activities of all kinds. With weather conducive to playing year-round and boasting more courses than anywhere else in the country, it’s no wonder that golf has become such a staple sport in the Inland Empire. There are more than 130 golf courses listed in just Riverside County alone. Also, Minor league baseball team the Quakes takes root in Rancho Cucamonga, while San Bernardino houses the 66ers. Probably the most famous sports venue in the Inland Empire is the California Speedway in Fontana.
And for those who enjoy ‘the finer things in life’, Temecula boasts almost 30 wineries and tasting rooms. Some of the more well-known grower names include Hart, Maurice Car’rie, Miramonte, and Van Roekel. New wineries are always taking a chance here as well. One of the newest members of Temecula’s Wine Country is the Longshadow Ranch, with a very innovative style and comfortable, down-home ambience.
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