Discover the Inland Empire
Welcome back… we missed you! The Inland Empire is ready to welcome visitors to discover the open spaces of the Inland Empire! With increased vaccinations and the drop in cases throughout the region, we are committed to your safety. Stay abreast to the California Public Health Travel Advisory for the latest news on how to Stay Safe when traveling.
Riverside County
Riverside is the fourth largest county in California and the 10th largest in the United States. It covers more than 7,300 square miles and is home to 2.4 million residents. What makes our county run? It’s talent, perseverance and loads of dedication from public servants, volunteers, residents and representatives serving in departments, as well as an array of commissions, committees and boards. Each one of these individuals contributes to our safety, security, convenience and welfare.
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County is located in southeastern California, with Inyo and Tulare Counties to the north, Kern and Los Angeles Counties to the west, and Orange and Riverside Counties to the south. The county’s diverse geography and extensive natural resources, as well as its proximity to major economic and population centers, provide unique opportunities for varied industry sectors to thrive, including commerce, education, tourism and recreation
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is immense, nearly 800,000 acres, and infinitely variable. Two deserts, two large ecosystems primarily determined by elevation, come together in the park.
Rim of the World Scenic Byway
On the drive through the mountains, you have to remember to make a stop on Rim of the World Scenic Byway. The mountain highways wind through the San Bernardino Mountains, taking riders along the edges of the mountains for sweeping views of Southern California. It would be almost a crime to not pull off and take a few photos
Temecula Valley
Temecula Valley Wine Country invites you to savor the hundreds of award-winning wines offered by our member wineries while enjoying the irresistible charm of our friendly tasting rooms. Rural in nature, sustainable in farming practices and including an agricultural preserve known as the Citrus/Vineyard zone, the Temecula Valley is widely recognized as the 'jewel' of Riverside County.
Ontario International Airport
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is located in the Inland Empire, approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. ONT is a full-service airport with nonstop commercial jet service to 25 major airports in the U.S., Mexico, El Salvador and Taiwan.”
Route 66
Back in its glory days, Route 66 began in Chicago and ended along the bluffs overlooking the Pacific, a 2,451-mile journey through farmlands, plains, and desert. The highway crossed the Colorado River and entered California, then after a long stretch through the Mojave (where an extensive section can still be driven) reached the Inland Empire.
Itineraries
For the ultimate guide to planning your Inland Empire vacation, view and download the recommended Inland Empire Itinerary, packed with useful information that will help you plan the perfect vacation.
Download an Itinerary For:
IE Travel Academy
Discover Inland Empire launched its first-ever online travel academy. It was created for travel professionals and consumers to become informed travelers about the Southern California region. This three-part learning experience is an opportunity that provides information detailing the story of the Inland Empire (IE), major attractions and itinerary suggestions.
@nowdiscoverie
Looking for a guide to the nightsky? Look no further than the 29 Palms Astronomy Club, near Joshua Tree National Park! They specialize in private stargazing events, telescope repairs and astrophotography.
📸: @29palmsastronomy
📍: Twenty Nine Palms, CA
On Route 66, halfway between Las Vegas and Southern California, Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner emerges from the Mojave like a retro oasis. If you miss the giant jukebox door, you can’t ignore the looming roadside dinosaur sculptures!
📸: @french.travelers
📍: Yermo, CA
"There is always an adventure waiting in the woods."- Katelyn S. Bolds
📸: @mountain.rambler.vtg
📍: Crestline, CA
This unassuming building in the middle of the Mojave Desert has a special place in the hearts of international film buffs.
The location of German filmmaker Percy Adlon’s 1987 indie cult-classic of the same name, Bagdad Cafe is now a favorite stop for visitors on Route 66.
Unique film history locations like this are all over San Bernardino County. It’s one of the perks of living adjacent to Hollywood!
📸: @dominique_vergnaud
📍: Newberry Springs, CA
Looking for a unique sweet treat? Be sure to stop by Snowy Village in Rancho Cucamonga! They specialize in Korean Bingsoo, a tower of creamy shaved ice that has the texture of fluffy snow. Crown your snowdrift-in-a-bowl with your choice of topping and enjoy!
📸: @snowyvillagerc
📍: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints. Big Morongo Preserve is a bird watcher’s paradise, built for peaceful meanderings through beautiful vistas, with plenty of photo ops.
📸: @richard_cazares
📍: Big Morongo Preserve, CA
Passing through Victorville? Be sure to stop by the Route 66 Museum! The interactive museum has plenty of exciting exhibits featuring our favorite historic highway, as well as plenty of photo opportunities - including a 1950’s diner and a VW “Love Bus” complete with wigs and sunglasses for that perfect selfie!
📸: @route66california
📍: Victorville, CA
One of the best parts about life in San Bernardino county? Views like this from your backyard!
📸: @mojavedesertlandtrust
📍: Joshua Tree, CA
Have you seen Ontario's latest public art piece? 👀
This bright and colorful mural at the Anthony Muñoz Community Center was created by local artist Luis “Rick” Caughman. Titled “Ontario Living," it showcases the various hobbies and activities that local community members enjoy. Stop by and view this gorgeous mural for yourself! 🖌️
📸: @gocvb
📍: Ontario, CA
Handcrafted pizza inspired by female country music stars? It tastes even better than it sounds! The inspiration behind I Fall to Pizzas are the crooning ladies of country. You’ll find this unique slice of heaven at the @outtherebar in Twentynine Palms, but you can also book them for a private party of your own!
📸: @i_fall_to_pizzas
📍: 29 Palms, CA
We are forever in love with chilly mountain mornings at Lake Gregory Regional Park. Where’s your favorite place to enjoy winter in San Bernardino county?
📸: @crestlinechamber
📍: Lake Gregory Regional Park, CA
Spring is already starting to make it’s way through southern California. After all of the rain this winter, we can’t wait to see what this year’s super bloom is going to look like!
📸: @luisramirezphotos
📍: Chino Hills, CA
It’s hard to beat camping at Joshua Tree National Park when there are views like this! Be sure to visit the National Park website before you go, they have lots of tips to plan the best trip.
📸: @thedowdrones
📍: Joshua Tree, CA
The Lincoln Memorial Shrine in Redlands, CA is a museum and memorial that seeks to deepen the understanding of President Abraham Lincoln and the American Civil War and its impacts on generations of Americans through education, interaction, exhibition, and research.
If you’re a history buff, we can’t recommend this stop enough.
📸: @lincolnshrine
📍: Redlands, CA
Planning for the weekend? Come hit the slopes at Snow Valley Mountain Resort!
📸: @snowvalleymtnresort
📍: Running Springs, CA
Bristol Lake is a strange, but beautiful landscape of glistening minerals and volcanic mud. The crystals you see in this photo are formed by salt that’s up to five feet deep in places! What is your favorite unique Route 66 landscape?
📸: @joce612
📍: Bristol Lake, CA
Have you moseyed over to the brand new Spaghetti Western Saloon in Morongo Valley yet?
The building features two bars, a pool room full of tables, a rambling dining room with a fireplace and a stage with live music. The menu is inspired by the owner’s Italian roots and the decors is inspired by their love of Western movies. You’ll know you’ve found it when you see the pastel buffalo on the roof.
📸: @spaghettiwesternmorongovalley
📍: Morongo Valley, CA
It’s never too early to start visiting museums! The San Bernardino County Museum has tons of family-friendly activities for you and your little ones to enjoy.
Keep an eye on their social media for information about new exhibits and upcoming events.
📸: @coumbaloves
📍: San Bernardino, CA
Romance is in the air in Upland! Spaggi’s is one of our favorite places to enjoy a romantic dinner. If you’re still looking for a great place to take your honey out this Valentine’s day, we highly recommend making a reservation!
📸: @spaggis_chefhenry
📍: Upland, CA
Wide open spaces and storm clouds on the horizon. Views like this are part of why we love where we live!
📸: @photogalena_
📍: Trona Pinnacles, CA
It’s almost time for @corksnhops “Mardi Gras on the Mountain,” presented by the Crestline Chamber of Commerce at the San Moritz Lodge on Saturday, February 18th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Guests will enjoy a Mardi Gras themed soirée with live music, dancing, craft beer and wine, New Orleans fare, pop up vendors and lots more! Tickets are limited, so don’t wait to reserve your spot.
📸: @jennajanellerose
📍: @thesanmoritzlodge in Crestline, CA
San Bernardino county is peppered with unique hidden gems, and the Outpost Cafe in Oak Hills is no exception!
We were so happy to see this classic roadside diner featured in Eater LA last month because we agree, if you’re on Route 66 headed to or from Las Vegas this is a must stop for classic American diner food done right!
📸: Lynn Yu for @eater_LA
📍: @outpostcafe395 in Oak Hills, CA
Car lovers, start your engines and head over the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana! Passes are available now for their upcoming series of NASCAR racing experiences.
📸: @autoclubspeedway
📍: Fontana, CA
It’s almost time for Lifted Snow Fest at Mountain High Resort!
Fat Tire beer is bringing the party to the mountain on Saturday, February 11th with beer, music, vendors, a snowboard contest, and more! There will be tons of free prizes and giveaways.
📸: @mthighsnow
📍: Wrightwood, CA
