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Inland Empire
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Explore California's Inland Empire for citrus heritage, mountain escapes, desert landscapes, Joshua Tree and diverse inland communities.

The Inland Empire is the broad inland region of Southern California formed principally by Riverside and San Bernardino counties. It stretches from the urbanised valleys east of Los Angeles to the San Bernardino Mountains, the high desert around Victorville and Barstow, and the Coachella Valley near the state's eastern desert. This scale is central to understanding the destination: a morning can begin among citrus groves or historic streets and end beside alpine pines, a desert boulder field or a palm-lined oasis, but journeys between these landscapes can be substantial.
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Riverside and San Bernardino are the region's historic civic centres, while Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Corona, Redlands and Pomona's neighbouring communities form a densely settled western and central corridor. Riverside retains an important legacy of the citrus industry, visible in Mission Revival architecture, former packing districts and the long civic presence of the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. Redlands combines old orange-growing wealth with tree-lined streets and carefully preserved historic houses. Farther east, the Coachella Valley has a markedly different desert character, with Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indio and surrounding communities shaped by resorts, golf, date cultivation, contemporary design and access to the San Jacinto Mountains.
The landscape changes sharply beyond the metropolitan valleys. The San Bernardino Mountains provide forest, reservoirs and winter recreation around Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake, while the high desert has wide horizons, Joshua trees and remnants of Route 66. In the south and east, Lake Perris State Recreation Area and the Santa Ana River corridor offer outdoor opportunities close to major population centres. Joshua Tree National Park lies in the eastern part of the region, where the Colorado and Mojave deserts meet in a landscape of granite, twisted trees and exceptional night skies.
The Inland Empire's cultural identity is shaped by migration, logistics, agriculture, aerospace, higher education and long-established Indigenous presence. The region is home to the Pechanga Band of Indians near Temecula, while the Cahuilla, Serrano, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and other Native peoples have deep connections across the inland valleys and mountains. Museums, universities, historic citrus landscapes, Hispanic and Asian American communities, farmers' markets and music events give the population centres a cultural life that is more varied than the region's industrial reputation suggests.
Food ranges from Mexican and Mexican American cooking to barbecue, Asian cuisines, craft beer, date products and produce grown in the remaining agricultural districts. Visitors should plan by landscape rather than attempt to cover everything from one base: the western cities, mountain resorts, high desert, Joshua Tree area and Coachella Valley each reward separate excursions. A car is often useful, although rail and bus networks connect several urban centres and make selected journeys practical without driving.

Getting to and around Inland Empire

How to get there

Ontario International Airport is the principal commercial airport within the Inland Empire and is particularly convenient for western and central communities. Palm Springs International Airport serves the Coachella Valley in eastern Riverside County. Los Angeles International Airport, Hollywood Burbank Airport and John Wayne Airport are outside the region but may offer a wider range of international or domestic connections, with onward travel dependent on traffic. Amtrak and Metrolink services connect several Inland Empire cities with Los Angeles, Orange County and other Southern California destinations, while Interstate 10, Interstate 15, Interstate 210 and Interstate 215 are the principal road approaches.

Transportation

A car is often the most practical way to combine dispersed attractions, mountain communities and desert parks, although traffic can be heavy on weekday corridors and around major interchanges. Metrolink provides rail links between selected cities including Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario and surrounding urban areas, while local bus systems serve individual counties and municipalities. Mountain roads can be winding and may require seasonal equipment or restrictions in winter. Desert distances are considerable, and cycling or walking is best suited to specific trails, urban districts and planned outdoor areas rather than cross-region travel.

Top city travel guides in Inland Empire

The cities of Inland Empire, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Inland Empire

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Inland Empire

The Inland Empire offers an unusually varied attraction base because two large counties contain urban heritage, mountain recreation and several desert environments. Riverside's Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, historic citrus landscapes and California Citrus State Historic Park introduce the region's agricultural past, while nearby museums and university spaces add art, science and local history. San Bernardino County contributes Route 66 heritage, mountain communities, Big Bear Lake and the forests around Lake Arrowhead, where hiking, boating and winter sports follow seasonal conditions. At lower elevations, Lake Perris State Recreation Area provides boating, swimming, camping and trails close to the metropolitan corridor. The eastern desert is anchored by Joshua Tree National Park, whose rock formations, Joshua trees, climbing areas and dark skies require careful preparation. The Coachella Valley adds palm oases, date-growing districts, desert gardens, museums and access to the San Jacinto Mountains. Aviation and military history can be explored at the March Field Air Museum near Riverside, while smaller historic districts, farmers' markets, galleries and community festivals reveal the region's contemporary cultural diversity.

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Best landmarks in Inland Empire

The Mission Inn in downtown Riverside is the Inland Empire's most recognisable architectural landmark, an elaborate complex whose successive additions reflect the region's early twentieth-century civic ambition and Spanish Colonial Revival taste. Riverside's nearby historic citrus districts and California Citrus State Historic Park represent the agricultural landscape that built local wealth. San Bernardino's Route 66 corridor preserves reminders of the road's importance to automobile travel, while the Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino is a notable surviving example of roadside architecture. In the mountains, Big Bear Lake is both a major geographical feature and a defining recreation landmark, set among the San Bernardino Mountains. The natural landmarks of Joshua Tree National Park, including its namesake trees, granite formations and desert passes, give the eastern region its strongest visual identity. The Coachella Valley's palm oases and the sharp escarpment of the San Jacinto Mountains provide a contrasting desert geography, while the historic Mission Inn and the citrus landscapes together explain why Riverside remains central to the region's cultural memory.

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Explore Inland Empire on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Inland Empire

Dining across the Inland Empire reflects Southern California's agricultural history and cosmopolitan population. Mexican and Mexican American cooking is especially important, with regional businesses ranging from taquerias and bakeries to sit-down restaurants, while Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Indian, Filipino and other Asian cuisines are well represented in the larger urban corridor. Citrus, dates and other produce appear in markets, drinks, desserts and seasonal menus; the Coachella Valley is particularly associated with date cultivation. Riverside, Redlands, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga and the valley cities offer independent cafés, breweries, casual restaurants and more ambitious contemporary kitchens, while mountain communities have cafés, pizzerias and rustic dining suited to visitors staying near the lakes. Farmers' markets and farm stands provide a useful way to find local fruit and vegetables, though availability changes with the season. In the desert, carry water and plan meals around long distances between settlements rather than assuming every scenic area has food nearby.

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Best bars in Inland Empire

Evening life is concentrated in the Inland Empire's larger cities rather than spread evenly through the region. Riverside has the broadest mix of historic-hotel bars, restaurants, breweries, live music and arts-oriented venues, with further choices in downtown districts around San Bernardino, Ontario, Redlands, Rancho Cucamonga and other urban centres. The Coachella Valley has a more resort-oriented scene, including hotel lounges, cocktail bars, restaurants and venues associated with its established music and entertainment culture, while mountain communities tend towards pubs, casual bars and early-closing dining rooms. Craft breweries and taprooms are part of the contemporary inland scene, but opening arrangements vary and should be checked locally. In rural, desert and mountain areas, the evening experience is more likely to mean a meal, a quiet drink, stargazing or live community entertainment than a large nightclub district.

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Best nightclubs in Inland Empire

Evening life is concentrated in the Inland Empire's larger cities rather than spread evenly through the region. Riverside has the broadest mix of historic-hotel bars, restaurants, breweries, live music and arts-oriented venues, with further choices in downtown districts around San Bernardino, Ontario, Redlands, Rancho Cucamonga and other urban centres. The Coachella Valley has a more resort-oriented scene, including hotel lounges, cocktail bars, restaurants and venues associated with its established music and entertainment culture, while mountain communities tend towards pubs, casual bars and early-closing dining rooms. Craft breweries and taprooms are part of the contemporary inland scene, but opening arrangements vary and should be checked locally. In rural, desert and mountain areas, the evening experience is more likely to mean a meal, a quiet drink, stargazing or live community entertainment than a large nightclub district.

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Best shops in Inland Empire

Shopping in the Inland Empire ranges from conventional suburban centres to independent high streets, produce markets and specialist businesses reflecting the region's diverse communities. Downtown Riverside and historic Redlands offer locally owned shops, galleries, cafés, books and antiques alongside civic architecture, while Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga provide larger retail districts and outlet-style shopping. Farmers' markets across the urban corridor are useful for California fruit, vegetables, baked goods and prepared foods, with seasonal citrus and Coachella Valley dates among the most regionally characteristic purchases. Desert communities add galleries, design-led homewares, resort clothing and locally produced food products, while mountain towns sell outdoor equipment, crafts and practical supplies rather than extensive luxury retail. Look for Native-made art and cultural products through reputable tribal or museum-linked channels, and avoid buying archaeological objects or items whose provenance is unclear. In remote areas, services are limited, so purchase fuel, water and essentials before heading into the mountains or desert.

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Inland Empire essentials

Currency and Payment
The region uses the United States dollar (USD), as does California and the rest of the United States. Debit and credit cards, mobile wallets and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, fuel stations and larger shops. Carry some cash for small vendors, rural stops, parking machines and occasional market purchases, especially when travelling beyond the main urban corridors. Tipping is customary in full-service restaurants, bars and for several personal services; the expected amount is generally calculated before tax according to the quality of service.
Safety
Use ordinary urban precautions in busy districts and do not leave valuables visible in parked vehicles. Heat is a serious consideration in the low desert, particularly from late spring through early autumn, while mountain weather can change rapidly and winter roads may be icy or snowy. Carry water on every desert or mountain outing, remain on suitable routes and check conditions before entering remote areas. Wildfire risk can affect forests and foothills, and poor air quality may occur during hot weather, fires or high-pollution periods. Respect posted warnings around lakes, steep terrain and fast-moving traffic.
Emergency Situations
Dial 911 anywhere in the Inland Empire for police, fire or ambulance emergencies; the number is part of the United States national emergency system rather than a regional service. For non-emergency matters, use the relevant local police or sheriff's department number. In the mountains and desert, tell emergency services your trail, road, landmark or GPS location and do not rely solely on mobile coverage. Call or text 988 for the United States Suicide & Crisis Lifeline when urgent mental-health support is needed. Check official alerts for wildfire, flash-flood and severe-weather information before outdoor travel.
Do's and Don'ts
Do allow extra time for Southern California traffic, queue politely and follow posted rules at parks, museums and historic properties. Do observe water restrictions and leave desert plants, rocks and archaeological material in place. At tribal lands and cultural venues, follow photography and access policies rather than assuming every area is public. Do not enter closed trails, climb unprotected structures or approach wildlife. In restaurants and bars, tipping is customary for table service, while self-service venues may use different arrangements. American public etiquette is generally informal, but ask before photographing people or private property.
Local Tips
Choose a base according to your main interest: Riverside and Redlands suit citrus heritage and civic architecture, the mountain communities suit forest recreation, and the Coachella Valley suits desert resorts and winter sunshine. Start exposed desert walks early, especially in warmer months, and keep a paper or offline map for remote areas. Look for locally grown dates and citrus products in the eastern and agricultural districts, and explore independent food businesses in the larger inland cities. If visiting Joshua Tree National Park, obtain supplies before entering the park area and plan around sunrise, sunset and limited services.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHey[Hey]
GoodbyeSee ya[See ya]
YesYeah[Yeah]
NoNah[Nah]
Please/You're welcomeNo prob[No prob]
Thank youThanks[Thanks]
Excuse me/SorryMy bad[My bad]
How are you?How’s it going?[How's it going?]
Fine. And you?Good. You?[Good. You?]
Do you speak English?You speak English?[You speak English?]
I don't understandI don’t get it[I don’t get it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?[Can I see the menu?]
I don't eat meatI’m vegetarian[I’m vegetarian]
Cheers!Cheers![Cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the check?[Can I get the check?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![Help!]
Go away!Leave me alone![Leave me alone!]
Call the Police!Call 911![Call 911!]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![Get a doctor!]
I'm lostI’m lost[I’m lost]
I'm illI’m sick[I’m sick]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...[I wanna buy...]
I'm just lookingJust browsing[Just browsing]
How much is it?How much?[How much?]
That's too expensiveThat’s pricey[That’s pricey]
Can you lower the price?Can you cut me a deal?[Can you cut me a deal?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[What time is it?]
It's one o'clockIt's 1 o'clock[It's 1 o'clock]
Half past (10)Half past 10[Half past 10]
MorningMorning[Morning]
AfternoonAfternoon[Afternoon]
EveningEvening[Evening]
YesterdayYesterday[Yesterday]
TodayToday[Today]
TomorrowTomorrow[Tomorrow]
1One[One]
2Two[Two]
3Three[Three]
4Four[Four]
5Five[Five]
6Six[Six]
7Seven[Seven]
8Eight[Eight]
9Nine[Nine]
10Ten[Ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...?[Where's the...?]
What's the address?What’s the address?[What’s the address?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me on the map?[Can you show me on the map?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[When's the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to ...[A ticket to ...]

History of Inland Empire

Indigenous homelands before American settlement

Long before the arrival of the United States, the inland valleys, mountains and deserts were home to Native peoples including the Cahuilla, Serrano, Luiseño and Chemehuevi, among others. Communities developed detailed knowledge of seasonal water, native plants, trade routes and mountain environments. Their cultural presence continues through tribal governments, cultural institutions and protected sites. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Pechanga Band of Indians and other tribes remain important contemporary institutions, while place names, archaeological evidence and living traditions show that the region's history did not begin with Spanish missions or later urban development.

Spanish missions and Mexican California

Spanish expeditions and mission authorities entered the inland valleys in the late eighteenth century, bringing new political and religious structures, livestock and crops while profoundly disrupting Native communities. Mission San Gabriel Arcángel, outside the Inland Empire, influenced routes and settlement patterns leading eastward, and the San Bernardino Valley later acquired its name from a Mexican-era land grant. After Mexican independence in 1821, ranchos and cattle operations expanded across parts of the region. The surviving mission-era and rancho landscape is fragmentary, but its influence remains visible in place names, land patterns and the region's Hispanic heritage.

American conquest and the rise of San Bernardino

Following the Mexican-American War, California became part of the United States in 1848, and San Bernardino County was established in 1853. Mormon settlers founded San Bernardino in the early 1850s, developing irrigation and agriculture before the settlement changed hands and expanded under American commercial interests. Surveying, wagon roads and later railways connected the inland valleys with coastal ports and markets. The creation of Riverside County in 1893 reflected the growing economic and civic importance of communities south and east of San Bernardino.

Citrus, irrigation and planned communities

From the late nineteenth century, irrigation and the expansion of rail transport transformed the Inland Empire into a major citrus-growing district. Riverside became especially associated with navel oranges, while Redlands, San Bernardino, Ontario and surrounding settlements developed packing houses, groves and influential civic institutions. The industry attracted investment, labour and technological experimentation, and it shaped distinctive streetscapes of broad avenues, mature trees and Mission Revival buildings. Although housing and logistics have replaced many orchards, citrus heritage survives at sites such as California Citrus State Historic Park and in the region's historic neighbourhoods.

Railways, Route 66 and industrial expansion

Rail connections and the later construction of roads made the region a crucial corridor between Southern California and the interior West. Route 66 passed through San Bernardino County and helped create a visual culture of motor courts, roadside businesses and automobile travel. After the Second World War, suburban development accelerated across Riverside and San Bernardino counties, accompanied by manufacturing, warehouses and distribution centres. The same geographical position that once served citrus rail freight now supports one of the country's largest logistics networks, bringing employment and environmental debates alongside continued growth.

Aerospace, migration and metropolitan transformation

Military aviation and aerospace became major forces in the twentieth century, particularly around March Field, now March Air Reserve Base, and related facilities in Riverside County. The Inland Empire also became a destination for migrants from across the United States and from Latin America, Asia and elsewhere, producing diverse towns, businesses and cultural institutions. Universities including the University of California, Riverside and California State University, San Bernardino have contributed to research and civic life. Today the region combines rapidly expanding urban centres with agricultural remnants, mountain recreation and desert communities.

Inland Empire in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Inland Empire

Discover Inland Empire with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Plan and explore with ease.

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Unlock the wonders of Inland Empire, California with Evendo, a comprehensive travel guide app offering detailed insights into attractions, dining, and local experiences. Free forever.

  • Local tips and travel essentials for maximizing your visit.
  • 'Near Me' feature for discovering nearby points of interest.
  • User-friendly navigation and itinerary planning.

Welcome to Evendo, the ultimate travel companion for your journey to Inland Empire, California. As you plan your trip, let Evendo guide you through the region's most enticing attractions, from the historic Mission Inn Museum to the breathtaking landscapes of Big Bear Lake. Whether you're exploring the vibrant streets of Riverside or the serene trails of San Bernardino National Forest, Evendo ensures you don't miss a beat.

Dive into the rich cultural tapestry of Inland Empire with curated local tips and insider information that help you experience the region like a local. Discover the culinary delights at renowned spots like The Salted Pig in Riverside or indulge in a fine dining experience at Sycamore Inn Prime Steakhouse. The app's 'Near Me' feature helps you navigate the city effortlessly, showcasing nearby landmarks, shops, bars, and nightclubs, ensuring every moment is filled with adventure.

Evendo is designed to simplify your travel planning with detailed information on hotels, tours, and experiences. Easily book your accommodations, tickets, and more directly through the app, eliminating the hassle of separate bookings. Whether you're seeking thrilling activities or leisurely tours, Evendo has you covered with all the essentials to make your visit unforgettable. And the best part? It’s completely free with no hidden costs, allowing you to explore with peace of mind.

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