Inland Empire & Southern California Mountains

Historic Route 66, Alpine Lakes, and Outdoor Adventures

Just east of Los Angeles, the Inland Empire and Southern California Mountains offer a striking contrast of landscapes, from sun-drenched valleys to the towering 11,503-foot summit of Mount San Gorgonio. Historic roadside landmarks and vibrant cities give way to pine-covered mountains, alpine lakes, and year-round outdoor adventures.

Foothill Cities

Historic Route 66 runs through the Inland Empire on the final stretch of the Mother Road toward Los Angeles. Follow the highway past retro landmarks like the restored Cucamonga Service Station in Rancho Cucamonga. Nearby Victoria Gardens offers open-air shopping and dining, while the trail to Etiwanda Falls climbs into the scenic foothills. In Riverside, the landmark Mission Inn Hotel & Spa showcases extraordinary architecture and more than a century of hospitality history. Neighboring Redlands is known for its beautifully preserved Victorian homes and historic downtown.

San Bernardino Mountains

The scenic Rim of the World Highway winds through the San Bernardino Mountains, revealing dramatic vistas and forested communities such as Crestline, Twin Peaks, and Lake Arrowhead. Surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest, the region offers hiking, rock climbing, and off-road adventures. In Lake Arrowhead, stroll the waterfront village for lakeside dining and shopping, or take a scenic boat tour across the lake. Farther east, Big Bear Lake offers four seasons of recreation, from summer hiking and boating to winter skiing and snowboarding.

Southern California’s remarkable geography makes it possible to ski in the mountains in the morning and reach the Pacific coast by sunset.