Top 10 Things You Need to Try at the Inland Empire

Whether you are visiting California for the first time or are a seasoned local, you may have come across the phrase “Inland Empire.” This eclectic destination is a highly trafficked metropolitan area and is home to countless outdoor, performance, and shopping attractions. Its colorful culture makes it an excellent vacation hotspot, and each year thousands of visitors flock to the Inland Empire every year to enjoy hidden gastronomy gems and attend music festivals. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the sheer variety of activities at your fingertips, check out this list of the top 10 things you must try at the Inland Empire.

Top 10 Things You Need to Try at the Inland Empire

1. Hart Winery

Kick off your Inland Empire adventures with a visit to this hidden gem. This family-owned vineyard is nestled deep in Temecula and boasts a delightful tasting room. Take a break from the chaos of everyday life and take a sip (or two) of Hart Winery’s signature 2021 Arneis. 

2. California Citrus State Historic Park

The California Citrus State Historic Park is a space designated to preserve the outdoors and promote the variety of wildlife and plant species within California. This 250-acre historical park is known for its array of orange trees. Bask in the shade of these increasingly rare orange orchids and let its lovely scent whisk you away.

3. Unity Escape Rooms

Promoting teamwork, problem-solving, and observational skills, Unity Escape Rooms will both challenge and engage your entire group. With multiple locations and an array of adventures, your group is sure to stay on its toes time and time again. This Southern California attraction is known for its five-star reviews and puzzling good times. Unity Escape Rooms has locations in both Redlands and Rancho Cucamonga. 

4. Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa

Sit back and relax your soul at the Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa. This Inland Empire oasis offers everything you need to refresh and rejuvenate. Bathe in a spring water mud pool to slather your skin in wet California red clay and visit the mineral baths to soak in 104-degree, geothermal waters.

5. The Cove Waterpark

Your aquatic adventure awaits at the Cove Waterpark! This summer attraction is fun for the whole family. Visit regularly for swimming lessons, junior lifeguard training, or Aqua ZUMBA. Its wide variety of wade pools, tidal waves, racing slides, and fan favorite Adventure River makes for an excellent weekend activity. 

6. Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center

Speaking of family fun, the Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center is a nature-focused educational hotspot. Here, you can explore the Museum of Discoveries to learn about fossils and prehistoric happenings. Be sure to stop by the Granite Hill Nursery on your way out to peruse its wide selection of cacti and plants. 

7. Redlands Bowl

Brighten up any evening in the Inland Empire at the Redlands Bowl. Founded in 1924, this venue hosts a variety of musical and theatrical performances that are free to the public. Stop in to participate in “America’s longest continuously running summer music festival,” where thousands enjoy world-class performances all summer long.

8. Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden

Located at 1,350 feet on the outwash plain of the San Gabriel Mountains, the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden was created to preserve native California plant species. Here, you can enjoy the visual feast of 86 acres of ponds and greenery, California wild lilacs, and numerous bird species. The peak flowering season is March and April and visitors can marvel at a large collection of Manzanitas which flower from late November to early March. Take a guided tram tour to see the eclectic scenery within this park. 

9. Old Town Temecula Community Theater

This contemporary proscenium theater residing in the heart of Old Town is a cherished part of the Inland Empire’s performing arts scene. With not one but two performance venues, the Old Town Temecula Community Theater is home to the Temecula Valley Players, who offer multi-award-winning broadway musicals through June. 

10. Asistencia Mission de San Gabriel

Built in 1819, this historic site functioned first as a mission until becoming part of a rancho in 1834. The Asistencia Mission de San Gabriel later served as a school and factory. Explore this window into 19th-century California culture as you check out the old Spanish mission bell and the small on-site museum.

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