Splash-And-Play Family Getaway

From high-country hikes to high-speed racing, get ready for a lively circle tour.

Trip length: 3-4 days
Total distance: 258mi/413km

DAY 1
Riverside See vintage aircraft and watch military planes zoom overhead at March Field Air Museum . Let the kids feel grownup at pretty Las Campanas Mexican Cuisine & Cantina at the elegant Mission Inn . INFO 951/222-4700

Perris (18mi/28km; 24min).
For a hint of Southern California’s history, ride trains and trolley (weekends and holidays) at Orange Empire Railway Museum . Order burgers, fries, and creamy shakes at 1950s-diner-style Jenny’s Family Restaurant . INFO 909/891-1874

Hemet (16mi/26km; 24min).
Go boating on Diamond Valley Lake . Learn about mastodons and mammoths found in nearby digs at the Western Science Center , then dig into house-smoked ribs at Sweet Baby Jane’s . INFO 909/891-1874

DAY 2
Idyllwild (23mi/36km; 30min). Take an easy 5-mile round-trip hike on the ponderosa–pine–shaded Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail . Relax on the outdoor deck at Cafe Aroma . INFO 951/659-3259

Oak Glen (41mi/66km; 1hr9min). Visit berry farms and apple orchards to pick your own super-fresh fruit. Then gorge on double-crust apple pie from the Colonial Chesterfield Bakery at Riley’s Farm . INFO 909/797-6833

Big Bear Lake (54mi/87km; 1hr19min). Take a naturalist-led hike or canoe tour with Big Bear Discovery Center . Fuel up for mountain adventures with awesome grilled cheeses and burgers at local favorite Grizzly Manor Café (41268 Big Bear Blvd.; 909/866-6226). INFO 909/866-7000

DAY 3
Lake Arrowhead (26mi/41km; 39min). Get directions to Running Springs to explore the National Children’s Forest , with self-guided nature walks and plenty of space for hide-and-seek. INFO 909/337-3715

Fontana (37mi/60km; 56min). Thrill to car racing at Auto Club Speedway , where grown-ups can buckle up for a ride-along in a real stock car. Feast on innovative fusion dishes featuring farmers’ market produce at J&M Cafe . INFO 909/891-1874

Rancho Cucamonga (20mi/33km; 27min). Get lessons for the kids or play a round on your own at Empire Lakes Golf Course . Batter up with a Rancho Cucamonga Quakeshttp://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t526 game, Class A affiliate of the L.A. Dodgers. INFO 909/891-1874

Corona (23mi/36km; 29min). Rock out with guitar gallery tours and exhibits at the Fender Museum of Music and the Arts . Enjoy sophisticated fare at Luna Modern Mexican Kitchen . INFO 909/891-1874