The roots of the Inland Empire are in agriculture, primarily citrus and wine-making. Documented In 1914 by the Riverside Enterprise newspaper; “Inland Empire” due to the acres of citrus groves that once extended from Pasadena to Redlands, which was originally called the Orange Empire.   

The Inland Empire is not a stand-alone metropolitan area, it’s integrated in the heart of SoCal as part of the Greater Los Angeles Area. In one day you can see the Stars in Hollywood to hiking in the mountains and enjoy the starlit skies of Joshua Tree or a glass of wine in the SoCal wine region of Temecula. 

The I.E. (as it is sometimes referred) is home to many worthwhile attractions.  

Shop Till You Drop

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An incredibly diverse shopping experience awaits in the Inland Empire. Travelers can take their pick of quaint mountain villages, bustling city malls, and desert premium outlets. Favorites include Ontario Mills, Big Bear Village, The Outlets at Barstow, Lake Arrowhead Village, and Downtown Joshua Tree.

Route 66: The Mother Road

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The Inland Empire has a long and rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The county boasts many historic landmarks that are worth a visit. While local history buffs will suggest you hit them all, we have narrowed down a list of places to visit on our blog.

Outdoor Recreation

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Dirt roads, hiking trails, year-round fishing, snow-covered mountains, spectacular deserts, mountain biking, wildlife viewing and camping in amazing regional and national parks make the Inland Empire a hub for outdoor enthusiasts in Southern California.

National and Regional Parks

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Luckily for the Inland Empire, we have it in spades. We are fortunate enough to have two National Parks and nine regional parks! Visitors and residents alike can create memories with family and friends. Click here for a list of our regional and national parks.

Sports

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The Inland Empire offers a variety of venues for live entertainment including: music festivals, concerts, stand up shows, musicals and sporting events. Examples of legends that have performed in the IE include Van Halen, Elton John, Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond, and the Rolling Stones, to name a few.

Art & Culture

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The Inland Empire has a rich and thriving creative culture, complete with an award-winning symphony, popular boutique galleries, exceptional regional museums, and wildly-popular community events.

Live Entertainment

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From Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace to Redlands Bowl to The San Manuel Amphitheater, a 65,000 seat outdoor concert venue, the Inland Empire offers a unique variety of exciting venues for live entertainment, outdoor music festivals, top concerts, and stand-up comedy shows.

Wine Region

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Immerse yourself in Southern California’s Temecula Valley Wine Country, located just 85 miles from LA. Stay in historic inns, winery resorts, and boutique hotels, or dine at an award- winning restaurant.

A Day of Adventure in the Mojave Desert

For those looking for an adventure, the desert often seems like an uncharted playground.

The Mojave Desert has a mystique that is hard to define and is a challenge for visitors to unriddle. There are iconic landmarks lining Interstate 15, expansive sandy landscapes highlighting desert dunes in Kelso, and mountain ranges in Big Morongo Valley Preserve.

Secrets of 66 Revealed

In this new San Bernardino County blog series, we’ll interview our favorite local folks who will share their top tips for visitors who want to make the most out of their trip.

Introducing one of our San Bernardino County insiders:  Lynne Miller, California Historic Route 66 Association!