Redlands
Inland Empire citrus heritage city beneath San Bernardino peaks—Victorian downtown, University of Redlands campus, orange-grove state park, and easy access to mountain trails.
Interactive map loading… View on OpenStreetMap
34.0600, -117.1800 · OSM
- Type
- city
- Region
- Inland Empire
- Season
- Best March, April, May
- Access
- Near ONT
About Redlands
Inland Empire citrus heritage city beneath San Bernardino peaks—Victorian downtown, University of Redlands campus, orange-grove state park, and easy access to mountain trails.
Working groves and exhibits on Southern California’s orange industry—ranger tours when scheduled. State Street shops, Smiley Library exterior, and walkable blocks of preserved commercial architecture. 1920s movie palace now hosting live music and film—anchor for evening plans. Regional natural and cultural history with family exhibits—good midday heat escape.
Know before you go
- Heat: Inland summers exceed 100°F—carry water on grove tours.
- Mountain roads: Highway 38 can ice after winter storms—verify Caltrans status.
- Citrus samples: Park tastings depend on harvest—confirm availability before visiting.
- Event nights: Fox Theatre shows fill restaurants—reserve dinner early on concert dates.
- Smog: Basin air quality varies—check AQI on hot windless days.
How to get to Redlands
Redlands nestles at the foot of the San Bernardino Mountains in the eastern Inland Empire, about 60 miles east of Los Angeles on Interstate 10. Ontario International (ONT) is the nearest major airport; San Bernardino and LA airports are alternatives for broader flight schedules.
- Fly into Ontario (ONT) ONT is typically 25–35 minutes west—straightforward for citrus park and mountain day trips.
- Use I-10 and Highway 210 connectors Freeways link Redlands to LA, Palm Springs, and mountain communities via Highway 38 toward Big Bear.
- Walk State Street and Orange Street Historic downtown packs museums, cafes, and the Fox Theatre—garage parking feeds pedestrian loops.
- Drive to citrus park or canyon trails California Citrus State Historic Park and Oak Glen apple country sit minutes away—cluster east-side outings separately from downtown.
Plan your visit
Best months
March, April, May, October
Typically the most comfortable months for weather and crowds.
Nearest airport
Ontario International Airport (ONT)
About 38 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
Highlight
Inland Empire · Historic downtown · Universities
Inland Empire citrus heritage city beneath San Bernardino peaks—Victorian downtown, University of Redlands campus, orange-grove state park, and easy access to mountain trails.
Plan a day for downtown architecture, citrus park tastings, and sunset views toward the mountains, or two days if you add Oak Glen pies, San Bernardino National Forest hikes, and Mission Inn side trips in Riverside.
Citrus story: Redlands branded itself as an orange empire in the late 1800s—grafted groves and packing houses built Victorian fortunes still visible in mansion districts. The state historic park interprets picking, packing, and irrigation with seasonal fruit samples when available.
Downtown rhythm: Restored Fox Theatre hosts concerts; Lincoln Memorial Shrine and San Bernardino County Museum anchor history buff itineraries. Smiley Library’s Tudor architecture surprises first-time visitors.
University town: University of Redlands adds performing arts, chapel concerts, and leafy campus strolls at the edge of residential neighborhoods.
Who it’s for: Architecture photographers, families teaching California agriculture history, and travelers splitting time between desert resorts and mountain snow without downtown LA stress. Summer heat is real—schedule grove walks for morning.
Mountain pairing: Highway 38 climbs toward forest trails and winter play areas—check chain requirements after storms.
Redlands: FAQ
What is Redlands known for?
Citrus heritage, Victorian downtown, university life, and San Bernardino Mountain views.
How far is Redlands from Los Angeles?
About 60 miles east on I-10—often 70–90 minutes depending on traffic.
Can you taste oranges in Redlands?
California Citrus State Historic Park offers seasonal sampling on tours when fruit is available—confirm schedules.
What airport is closest?
Ontario International (ONT) is the usual gateway.
When is the best time to visit Redlands?
March–May and October for milder walking weather; Oak Glen shines in autumn apple season.
Is Redlands a good base for Big Bear?
Highway 38 provides a mountain route—compare drive times with more direct desert-side approaches.
How many days do you need?
One day covers downtown and citrus park; two days add Oak Glen and Riverside missions.
Is downtown walkable?
Yes—State Street core is compact; groves and apple country require short drives.
What is there to do with kids?
Museum exhibits, grove tours, and apple picking seasons keep younger visitors engaged outdoors.
What should visitors expect in Redlands this fall?
September is outside the peak comfort months often listed for Redlands (March, April, May, October). Early fall can still feel hot at midday—shift grove walks to morning and watch for Santa Ana winds. October apple season in nearby Oak Glen is a highlight; check the live National Weather Service forecast on this page before mountain drives.
More places near Inland Empire
Nearest beaches
Photo: Wikimedia Commons