Visiting California's Inland Empire

California’s Inland Empire, an hour east of Los Angeles begins with Riverside and San Bernardino, the largest cities in the region. Travelers along Interstate 215 and Interstate 10 know they are getting close to Los Angeles, as they reach this Metro Region of the Inland Empire. Newbies to the state of California are welcomed at San Bernardino California's Welcome Center, featuring a historic Route 66 theme. Riverside, 15-miles south of San Bernardino, welcomes visitors with the California Citrus State Historic Park, with nearly 400 acres of preserve dedicated to honoring California’s citrus industry. Rich in history, industry and California culture, the Inland Empire makes a wonderful destination.

The Town of Yucca Valley, in the east of the Inland Empire is ideal in fall. As days cool, bring a sweater to enjoy the incredible clear night sky. Centrally located, with easy access to the Palm Springs, the Colorado River and Big Bear Mountain, Yucca Valley is a great for outdoor recreation. The town is located on State Route 62 or the “Twentynine Palms Highway, just north of Joshua Tree National Park.

Fall is prime season for visitors to Joshua Tree National Park, as daytime heat subsides. Visitors take to the many trails for hiking, Park Rangers provide guided walking tours for the curious and mountain bikers enjoy an extensive network of dirt roads for cycling. Rock-climbing is popular in Joshua Tree and fun to watch even if you don’t participate. Bring plenty of water, even in fall, and have a fun visit to the park.

Northwest of Yucca Valley in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake offers fall visitors brilliant fall foliage, crisp cool weather and some Indian summer days. Take advantage for the last of season hiking, biking and fishing. Take the Zipline or Alpine Slide through the red and gold laced forests surrounding Big Bear or relax with a game of golf at Bear Mountain Golf Course. Fall is a wonderful time in the California Mountains.

Following the Big Bear International Film Festival mid-September, the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center hosts Big Bear Horro-Fi Film Festival September 30th through October 2nd. Join fans, filmmakers and celebrities with a passion for horror and sci-fi genre films for this grizzly film festival. An international selection of films includes a juried selection of feature and short films from across the globe. Come enjoy the screenings, or rub shoulders with the best in the business.

On the west end of the Inland Empire region, Ontario serves as a gateway to the area. This Inland Empire suburb is a hub for commerce, with the Ontario International Airport serving as one of the largest cargo airports in the US and location of the city at the apex of the largest freeways in the area. At the crossroads of Interstate 10, Interstate 15 and the Pomona Freeway visitors will find it easy to access all of Southern California’s attractions and destinations.

California's Inland Empire Hotel Map