Inland Empire Travel Guide
Plan your visit to Inland Empire with this comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, must-try local dishes, best places to stay, and more.
- Comprehensive Tour Guide for Inland Empire
- List of Places to Visit in Inland Empire
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Inland Empire
- Best Things to Do in Inland Empire: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Inland Empire
- Food and Drink Scene of Inland Empire
- Where to Stay in Inland Empire: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Inland Empire: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Inland Empire
- Best Time to Visit Inland Empire
- Do’s and Don’ts of Inland Empire
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Inland Empire: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How To Get Around in Inland Empire
- Where to Go Next from Inland Empire: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Comprehensive Tour Guide for Inland Empire
Located in Southern California, Inland Empire is a region that boasts of a quirky mix of rugged natural landscapes and bustling city life. From historical museums to outdoor adventures, this place has everything that you can ask for while planning a vacation. This comprehensive tour guide outlines the list of places to explore in Inland Empire, culture and customs, must-try dishes, and more to make your trip memorable.
List of Places to Visit in Inland Empire
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- March Field Air Museum
- Water Resources Institute at California State University, San Bernardino
- San Bernardino County Museum
- Riverside Metropolitan Museum
- Rialto Historical Society
Natural Attractions of Inland Empire: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Lake Arrowhead
- San Bernardino National Forest
- Mojave National Preserve
- Mount Baldy
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Hiking/Biking Routes of Inland Empire
Inland Empire is a paradise for hikers thanks to its stunning natural landscapes. These are some of the top routes that are worth exploring.
- Sierra Vista Trail
- The Pacific Crest Trail
- Mount San Bernardino Trail
- Icehouse Canyon Trail
- San Jacinto Peak Trail
Best Things to Do in Inland Empire: Activities and Tours
- Tour the famous Route 66
- Visit the California Citrus State Historic Park
- Enjoy the view at the Big Bear Lake
- Explore the historic Mission Inn Hotel and Spa
- Go on a hot air balloon ride
Week-Long Itinerary for Inland Empire
Day 1 - Visit the Riverside Metropolitan Museum, March Field Air Museum, and enjoy the view of the city from the top of Mount Rubidoux. Day 2 - Take a hot air balloon ride or go on a horseback tour in Temecula Valley. Day 3 - Explore the natural beauty of Lake Arrowhead, hike the famous Trail of the Arrowheads, and visit the Skypark at Santa’s Village. Day 4 - Take a day trip to Palm Springs and visit the famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Day 5 - Take a scenic drive along the Route 66 and visit the California Citrus State Historic Park. Day 6 - Visit the San Bernardino County Museum, Rialto Historical Society, and take a bike ride along the Santa Ana River Trail. Day 7 - Explore the historic Mission Inn Hotel and Spa, and shop for souvenirs at the Riverside Plaza.
Food and Drink Scene of Inland Empire
Must-Try Dishes
- Carne Asada Fries
- California-style pizza
- Carne Asada Burrito
- Riverside’s famous seedy Casino Mule Fry
- Hamburger at The Mug
Local Beverages
- San Bernardino’s Hangar 24 Craft Brewery
- Drunken Donkey Craft Beer Bar
- Temecula wine country
Where to Stay in Inland Empire: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Ayres Hotel & Spa Moreno Valley
- Hotel XOLA Trademark Collection by Wyndham
- Best Western Plus
- Four Points by Sheraton Ontario-Rancho Cucamonga
What to Buy in Inland Empire: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local citrus fruits and jams
- Hand-crafted pottery
- Mugs of Local Restaurants
- Riverside’s famous Graffiti Coffee Mug
Local Culture and Customs of Inland Empire
The region is known for its iconic Route 66, citrus agriculture, and historically rich landmarks. The local people are friendly and welcoming towards visitors.
Best Time to Visit Inland Empire
The best time to visit Inland Empire is from March to May and from September to November, when the weather is pleasant, and tourism is relatively low.
Do’s and Don’ts of Inland Empire
Do:
- Drive along Route 66.
- Visit the California Citrus State Historic Park.
- Explore the natural beauty of Lake Arrowhead.
Don’t:
- Litter at any of the natural attractions.
- Park vehicles in the ‘No Parking’ Zones.
- Try to climb rocks which have the sign of ‘No Climbing.’
Safety and Health
Safety in Inland Empire
The region is generally safe for travelers. However, it is always advisable to stay aware of your surroundings and be cautious late at night in certain areas.
Health in Inland Empire
The Inland Empire has access to quality medical care, including urgent care clinics and hospitals.
Getting to Inland Empire: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Inland Empire
- Ontario International Airport
- San Bernardino International Airport
Bus Stations Near Inland Empire
- Greyhound Bus Station in San Bernardino
- Riverside Transit Agency
Other Options
- Amtrak
- Car rentals
How To Get Around in Inland Empire
Getting around in Inland Empire is fairly easy with plenty of rental car and taxi options. Uber and Lyft are also popular choices.
Where to Go Next from Inland Empire: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- Santa Barbara
- Las Vegas
Conclusion
Inland Empire is a perfect destination for people who want to explore the scenic beauty of Southern California. Whether you are interested in hiking, history, or culture, Inland Empire has something for everyone. This tour guide features everything you need to know while planning a trip to Inland Empire. So pack your bags and head to this picturesque destination for an unforgettable vacation.