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Dave Lauridsen
Route 66
Route 66
Get your kicks on America’s legendary highway
Back in its glory days, Route 66 began in Chicago and ended along the bluffs overlooking the Pacific, a 2,451-mile/3,945-km journey through farmlands, plains, and desert. The highway crossed the Colorado River and entered California, then after a long stretch through the Mojave (where an extensive section can still be driven) reached the Inland Empire.
In Victorville, the California Route 66 Museum tells the story of the iconic Mother Road through rare artifacts—from a vintage neon motel sign to remnants from Hulaville, a former folk art site on the road. You’ll also find historic restaurants along surviving sections of Route 66. Not far from the museum, there’s Emma Jean’s Holland Burger Cafe, home to a famous patty melt. At the top of the Cajon Pass, the Summit Inn has been a popular stop since 1952, while in San Bernardino, the Mitla Cafe opened in 1937 and still serves such classics its home-style menudo, a traditional Mexican soup. And be sure to keep your eyes open for iconic Route 66 landmarks, especially the tepee-shaped rooms at San Bernardino’s Wigwam Motel.
Mountain biking in Big Bear Lake
Southern California
Southern California
Discover the Inland Empire
With its inviting destinations and uncrowded wilderness, this region feels like an insider’s secret amid the bustling excitement of Southern California.
Mount San Gorgonio—nicknamed “Old Grayback”—is the tallest peak in Southern California, at 11,502 feet/3,506 metres.
Surprising alpine scenery around Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear beckons, with pine-scented trails in summer and winter sports when the snow flies. If you’re into action, get the adrenaline rush of seeing the world’s best NASCAR racers compete at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana. For a dreamier escape, float in a hot-air balloon above rolling Temecula Valley wine country.
SPECIAL FEATURE
There are tons of reasons why you might plan a winter trip to Big Bear. Here are some you might not have thought of
With plenty of groomed runs and terrain parks at Big Bear Lake’s two alpine resorts, Bear Mountain and Snow Summit, it’s easy to see why skiers and boarders head here when the snow flies. But this...
Courtesy of Big Bear Mountain Resorts
The bald eagle, America’s national bird, flies south from Alaska and Canada to spend winter in the San Bernardino Mountains.
Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa in Corona is home to Club Mud, California’s only therapeutic red clay mud bath.
Kodiak Greenwood
Temecula Valley Wine Country
Taste your way through Southern California's leading wine region
For many visitors, the Temecula Valley Wine Country is still a surprise. After all, a lot of people just don’t expect to see gently rolling hills...
SPECIAL FEATURE
Kid-friendly fun zones, special kids' menus & amazing wine for the grownups
Sure wine country is romantic, but now it’s a surprisingly great destination for families too, with a growing number of vineyards trading in elegant tasting rooms for kid-friendly fun zones that...
John/ Flickr
Temecula Valley is known for its variety, growing and producing over 50 different varietals of wine; from Cabernet Sauvignon to Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot to Mourvedre, Viognier to Chardonnay.
Courtesy of Big Bear Mountain Resort
Big Bear Lake
Escape to Southern California’s mountain wonderland
Just two hours from Los Angeles, the San Bernardino Mountains offer a cool, pine-scented escape. At an altitude of 2,060 metres, Big Bear...
Courtesy of Auto Club Speedway
Auto Club Speedway
Rev up for racing action at this classic track
Whether you’re into NASCAR, INDYCAR, or drag racing, Auto Club Speedway delivers all kinds of thrills for fans of powerful cars and high-speed...
March
Get into the checkered-flag spirit at this big and loud NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event. Cheer for your favourite drivers as they zoom for the front in this 5-wide race event. The action kicks off...
Courtesy of Auto Club Speedway
Start your trip in this idyllic oceanfront city, bounded by a 3.5-mi/5.6-km-long beach, and feeling more like a weekend getaway spot than a city just a few minutes west of downtown Los Angeles. Car-free options, including a shuttle to Los Angeles International Airport (8 miles/13 km south) make...
On your way to this park, you’ll pass through the little community of Borrego Springs. Stop in at the town’s visitor centre to get driving maps to an astounding collection of enormous prehistoric animals—metal sculptures made by artist Ricardo Breceda—that dot the surrounding desert landscape....
May/June
As one of Temecula Valley Wine Country's signature events, this visually stunning festival attracts 40,000 attendees over three days to enjoy dramatic evening hot air balloon glows and awe-...
Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival
The first Balloon and Wine Festival was launched in the spring of 1984 and was a monumental success for a town of only 9,000 residents. More than 4,000 people attended, as 35 balloons were launched from the Rancho California Plaza.
Harriot Manley/ Sunset Publishing
Inland Empire Outlets
Find bargains on brand names at major outlet centres
The only thing better than scoring the perfect outfit or designer shoes is to get them for a bargain price. That’s why shopping in the Inland...
SPECIAL FEATURE
Where to release your inner fashionista
Shopping is an art form in California. Whether you're in search of the perfect cocktail dress or an authentic Mexican piñata, you'll find it here. Want to sample fresh produce? Try our farmers...
South Coast Plaza
May 11 - May 20
May
America's largest and most prestigious cycling event brings many of the world’s top riders to the Golden State. The 8-stage race changes it up every year, with new courses connecting cities and...
Amgen Tour of California
Courtesy of Mission Inn
Mission Inn & Riverside
Old world romance, contemporary comforts
Lavish and elegant, Riverside’s Mission Inn Hotel & Spa combines Old World romance with the splendour of Southern California’s citrus-growing...
SPECIAL FEATURE
Where to save on Gucci, Versace, and other big-name brands
With bucket-list magnets like Rodeo Drive and Union Square, California has undeniable star power when it comes to shopping. But all those fashion finds and gifts for everyone back home don’t have...
Robert Sheie/Flickr
Brian Stevens
San Bernardino Museums
Discover local and natural history and see art from around the world at area museums
Two local museums let you experience everything from the natural side of the Inland Empire to the treasures of ancient Egypt.
The San...
Brian Stevens
Idyllwild
Nature and the arts find a perfect balance in this quaint mountain hamlet
Backed by mountain wilderness and filled with galleries, Idyllwild is a haven for both outdoor recreation and the arts.
Steep forested...
San Bernardino National Forest is the largest urban forest in the United States.
Alex Farnum
Lake Arrowhead
Escape to an exclusive mountain haven
The drive from San Bernardino to Lake Arrowhead is a quick one—just 23 miles/37 km. But as you twist and climb from the busy valley and into the...
California Welcome Centres in the Inland Empire
Uncrowded wilderness, impressive culture, heart-pumping action
Discover the Inland Empire, 90 minutes from Los Angeles, and you'll explore alpine lakes and mountains, beautiful wine country, amazing...
Discover the Inland Empire
One of the most inviting restaurants in Big Bear Lake is Himalayan Restaurant. Tables fill up fast, and little wonder: dishes like palak aaloo (silky pureed...
Discover the Inland Empire
For a lot of people, the winter scene around Big Bear Lake may be the first snow they have ever seen—and the first chance to go tubing and sledding. You’ll see every shape...
Spotlight: Pinnacles National Park
There’s nothing quite like a glass of wine to cap off a day of hiking. Fortunately, two separate wine trails lie within about an hour’s drive from both of Pinnacles’...