Inland Empire

Ontario, Riverside and San Bernardino are thriving urban centers in one of the fastest-growing areas of California.

However, the area’s agricultural roots are still alive in the surrounding small communities where you’ll find many farms, and the underrated Temecula wine region. You’ll also find summer fun at Big Bear Lake, winter sports in the San Jacinto Mountains, and a lot of both in the San Bernardino National Forest.

About the Region

The Inland Empire region, sprinkled with numerous lakes, offers the classic California combination – lush oranges highlighted by snow-capped mountains. With its conveniently located international airport, Ontario is the main gateway to the region where recreation reigns supreme. The skyline is dominated by the San Bernardino Mountains, which feature 7,000-ft.-high Big Bear Lake and mile-high Lake Arrowhead, both four-season alpine resort areas.

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On the Western side of the mountains the cities of Ontario, Redlands, Riverside, San Bernardino and others grew along with the orange tree orchards that once flourished in this sunny region. These cities offer cultural activities and historical attractions such as the California Citrus State Historic Park in Riverside and the lavish Riverside Mission Inn, where presidents have slept. Grapes have supplanted the citrus industry, and vineyards and wineries now abound in the Temecula Valley area. Follow historic Route 66 to sample this rich region.

Activities

	Riverside and San Bernardino are the major cities of the Inland Empire, and it’s here you’ll find the area’s orchestras, dance and theatre companies, museums and galleries. San Bernardino also hosts an annual festival of classic cars on historic Route 66. When visiting the area, nearby Green Valley Lake is a little-known gem of a community that should not be missed when local artists open their studios on Memorial Day, Labour Day and Thanksgiving.
	Surrounded by three of the most popular golf destinations in California, the Inland Empire doesn’t just hold its own, it rocks! In the Inland Empire golf is king. You’ll find the quality of courses you’d expect in Orange County, the comfortable winters you cherish in the desert, and the laid-back, reasonably priced courses found in San Diego.
	The San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains and the lakes nestled in between provide the basis for lots of recreation opportunities year-round. In the summer, it’s all about mountain biking, hiking, camping, fishing and bird watching, as well as ATV and motorcycle riding. Angelinos escape the city to get a taste of winter at ski resorts on Big Bear Mountain and Mt. Baldy.
	At the southern end of this region lies Temecula Valley, a premier Southern California wine region. Several wineries have their own upscale restaurants to feature their wines.

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