Hemet Travel Guide

Hemet, California is a hidden gem in Riverside County with plenty of outdoor adventures, rich history, and delicious cuisine. Discover the best places to visit, stay, and eat with our comprehensive guide.


Introduction to Hemet

Nestled in the heart of Riverside County, Hemet is a charming city in Southern California known for its rich history, outdoor adventures, and delicious cuisine. Hemet has a small-town feel with a variety of activities for locals and tourists to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend escape or an adrenaline-packed adventure, Hemet has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Hemet

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Hemet is home to several museums and historical landmarks that showcase the city’s rich history and culture.

  1. Hemet Museum - The Hemet Museum exhibits showcase the city’s history including exhibits on early settlers, Native Americans, Hemet’s citrus history, and agriculture. There is also a working blacksmith shop on-site.

  2. Western Science Center - Explore the paleontological history of the Diamond Valley Lake with a collection of over 1,750 specimens of Ice Age animals discovered at the reservoir and excavation sites in the area.

  3. Ramona Bowl - The Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre is an outdoor theatre that hosts an annual pageant that tells the story of the novel, Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, set in Southern California during the Spanish Colonial era.

Natural Attractions of Hemet: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Hemet has plenty of natural attractions that offer outdoor adventures and scenic views.

  1. Diamond Valley Lake - Diamond Valley Lake is an artificial reservoir nestled in the hills of Hemet that offers fishing, hiking, biking, and boating. The area is teeming with wildlife, including bald eagles, mountain lions, and bobcats.

  2. Soboba Springs Royal Vista Golf Course - Soboba Springs Royal Vista Golf Course is one of the most beautiful courses in Southern California, offering stunning views of the San Jacinto mountains.

  3. Santa Rosa Plateau Wildlife Reserve - The Santa Rosa Plateau Wildlife Reserve is a protected area in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains, offering nature-lovers over 9,000 acres of preserved natural habitat for hiking, birding, and horseback riding.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hemet

Hemet is surrounded by natural beauty, with many trails available for hiking and biking. Here are some of the top choices:

  1. Simpson Park - Simpson Park offers visitors several trails with stunning views of the surrounding hills, including the Farmstead Loop Trail and the Skyline Trail.

  2. Lake Hemet Trail - Lake Hemet Trail is a gentle hike that offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

  3. Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve Trail - The Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve Trail is a scenic hike that provides a glimpse into the region’s ecosystem, including endangered species and rare plant life.

Best Things to Do in Hemet: Activities and Tours

In addition to the natural attractions and museums, Hemet offers several activities and tours for visitors to explore the city and its surroundings.

  1. Helicopter Tours - Take a helicopter tour over the mountains and valleys surrounding Hemet, giving you a whole new perspective of the natural beauty they have to offer.

  2. Hot Air Balloon Rides - Take a dawn or evening hot air balloon ride over the valleys of Hemet, perfect for nature lovers and photographers looking to capture stunning views.

  3. Harvest Festival - The Harvest Festival is an annual celebration of Hemet’s agriculture history that showcases local farmers, food vendors, and artisans.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hemet

To get the most out of your trip to Hemet, try this week-long itinerary that takes you around the city and highlights Hemet’s best attractions.

Day 1 - Visit the Hemet Museum and explore the downtown area.

Day 2 - Hike the Simpson Park Trails in the morning or spend the day fishing at Diamond Valley Lake.

Day 3 - Take a hot air balloon ride in the morning and explore the Soboba Springs Royal Vista Golf Course in the afternoon.

Day 4 - Explore the Santa Rosa Plateau Wildlife Reserve in the morning and take a helicopter tour of the mountains in the afternoon.

Day 5 - Take a day trip to Palm Springs, an hour and a half drive from Hemet, to explore the shops, restaurants, and natural beauty of the area.

Day 6 - Visit the Western Science Center in the morning and enjoy a leisurely afternoon of shopping and dining in downtown Hemet.

Day 7 - Attend the annual Harvest Festival and enjoy delicious food and entertainment while learning about Hemet’s agricultural history.

Food and Drink Scene of Hemet

Hemet’s food and drink scene is a unique blend of international cuisine and traditional American dishes that are sure to please foodies and casual diners alike.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Hemet Margarita - This signature cocktail of Hemet blends tequila, lime juice, and a homemade sweet and sour mix, making for a refreshing beverage that pairs well with spicy tacos.

  2. French Toast Tacos - This breakfast item is a delicious combination of fluffy French toast and savory eggs wrapped in a warm tortilla, sprinkled with a bit of cheese.

  3. Lu Lu’s Soup - A delicious homemade soup with a variety of traditional Mexican ingredients that is known to cure the common cold and other ailments.

Local Beverages

  1. Hemet Brew - Hemet Brewery is a local brewery that offers a variety of craft beer, ranging from light pilsners to dark stouts.

  2. Lavender Lemonade - This refreshing drink is perfect for a hot summer day, made with fresh lavender flowers and homemade lemonade.

  3. White Peach Lemonade - A delicious cocktail made with crisp white wine and fresh peach puree perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon.

Where to Stay in Hemet: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hemet offers a range of accommodations to suit every budget and need. Here are a few of the best options.

  1. Best Western Plus Diamond Valley Inn - Offers comfortable rooms and an outdoor pool at an affordable price.

  2. Vagabond Inn Hemet - A budget-friendly hotel with amenities that include free parking and complimentary breakfast buffet.

  3. Hampton Inn and Suites Hemet - A spacious and comfortable option with amenities like an outdoor pool, hot tub, and a fitness center.

What to Buy in Hemet: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When visiting Hemet, take a piece of the city with you by bringing home some locally made products and souvenirs.

  1. Orange Blossom Honey - Hemet was once known for its citrus industry, making Orange Blossom Honey a locally sourced and great tasting souvenir.

  2. Temecula Olive Oil Company Products - Located just a short drive from Hemet, this local company offers products ranging from olive oil to natural hand-made soaps.

  3. Hemet Museum’s Blacksmith Shop - Take home unique and memorable ironwork pieces made right in Hemet Museum’s Blacksmith Shop.

Local Culture and Customs of Hemet

Hemet has a strong Hispanic heritage, with many of the city’s traditions and customs reflecting this influence. Visitors should be aware of the area’s cultural norms, such as showing respect to elders and being mindful of traditional dress.

Best Time to Visit Hemet

Hemet’s mild climate makes it a suitable destination year-round, but the best time to visit is from March to May or September to November when temperatures are comfortable and the crowds are smaller.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hemet

Do:

  1. Visit the local museums to learn about Hemet’s rich history and culture.

  2. Explore the hiking trails and natural attractions around the area.

  3. Try Hemet’s local cuisine from the many international and American restaurants in the city.

Don’t:

  1. Ignore the area’s cultural norms and customs.

  2. Leave trash or damage the natural surroundings.

  3. Disrupt local wildlife or disturb nature reserves.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hemet

Hemet is generally a safe place to visit. However, visitors should practice basic safety precautions such as keeping valuables out of sight and locking their vehicles when parked in downtown Hemet.

Health in Hemet

Hemet has many hospitals and medical facilities that can cater to the health and medical needs of visitors. However, visitors should ensure they have comprehensive medical insurance to cover any unexpected medical expenses.

Getting to Hemet: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hemet

Hemet is a 1.5-hour drive from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and 1-hour drive from San Diego International Airport (SAN).

Bus Stations Near Hemet

Visitors can take Greyhound buses to Hemet from several major cities in Southern California, with the Hemet Greyhound station located at 3246 W Florida Ave.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car to explore the area, or use ride-hailing services such as Uber or Lyft.

How to Get Around in Hemet

It’s relatively easy to navigate around Hemet, with transportation options that include car rental companies, on-demand ride-hailing services, and public transportation.

Where to Go Next from Hemet: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Hemet is located in a prime location for exploring the surrounding areas of Southern California. Here are some nearby destinations to consider:

  1. Palm Springs - Head to the desert town of Palm Springs and enjoy scenic beauty, great restaurants, and fantastic shopping.

  2. Joshua Tree National Park - Take a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park and explore the unique geological formations and stunning landscapes.

  3. San Diego - Make your way down to San Diego, a vibrant city with a bustling downtown scene, beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and bars.

Conclusion

Hemet is a hidden gem in Southern California, offering great outdoor adventures, rich history, and delicious cuisine. Visitors can choose from a variety of fun activities, including hiking, biking, hot air balloon rides, and visiting the local museums. With this comprehensive travel guide, you are now ready to plan your trip to Hemet and explore everything this charming city has to offer.