Redlands Ca Travel Guide

Redlands is a mid-sized city of roughly 75,000 people situated in San Bernardino County, about 60 miles east of Los Angeles and 10 miles east of San Bernardino. It sits at the foot of the San Bernardino Mountains at an elevation that gives it slightly cooler temperatures than the surrounding flatlands of the Inland Empire.

The city built its early prosperity on Navel orange cultivation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a history that shaped its handsome streetscapes of Victorian and Craftsman-era homes. That architectural legacy is unusually well-preserved for Southern California, and the historic downtown — centered on State Street — remains a walkable, locally owned commercial corridor.

The University of Redlands lends the city a lively, collegiate character and supports a notable arts scene, including the on-campus Peppers Art Center and a busy calendar of public performances. Redlands is not a major tourist hub, which works in a visitor's favor: it is authentic, affordable relative to coastal Southern California, and easy to explore without crowds.

Redlands is in Southern California's desert-influenced interior, so temperatures can exceed 100 °F (38 °C) in July and August. Pack sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and lightweight clothing for summer visits. Spring and autumn are considerably more comfortable.

Visas: Entry requirements for the United States depend on your nationality and circumstances. Do not rely on general summaries. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section for current guidance and always consult the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection or ESTA portals before travel.

The city is car-dependent outside the immediate downtown area. If you plan to explore Redlands and surrounding areas, renting a vehicle will significantly expand your options. A valid driver's license recognized in California is required to drive; international visitors should verify whether their license is accepted or whether an International Driving Permit is advisable.

By Air

The closest major airport is Ontario International Airport (ONT), approximately 20 miles west of Redlands. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is roughly 70 miles west but typically involves heavier traffic. Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is about 35 miles east and may suit travelers arriving from certain routes.

By Train

Amtrak's Sunset Limited and Southwest Chief routes stop at the San Bernardino depot. From there, Omnitrans bus service or a rideshare can carry you the remaining distance to Redlands. Additionally, the Metrolink commuter rail system connects San Bernardino to Los Angeles Union Station, which is useful for visitors combining Redlands with an LA stay.

By Car

Interstate 10 (the San Bernardino Freeway) passes directly through Redlands and is the primary highway arrival route from both Los Angeles to the west and Palm Springs or the Arizona border to the east. Highway 38 heads northeast from town into the mountains toward Big Bear Lake.

Downtown Redlands is compact and walkable. State Street and the adjacent blocks can be covered on foot comfortably, and much of the historic residential district is pleasant for walking or cycling.

Beyond downtown, a personal vehicle or rideshare is the practical choice. Omnitrans operates public bus routes in the region; schedules and route maps are available on the Omnitrans website — verify current service before relying on it for time-sensitive travel.

Parking is generally available and not a significant challenge in most parts of the city, including downtown, where street parking and small lots are common.

Redlands does not have a large inventory of hotels, but several mid-range and chain properties are located along the main corridors. Verify availability and current listings on booking platforms such as Booking.com or Hotels.com at the time of your trip, as the market is relatively small.

Some visitors choose to stay in nearby San Bernardino or Riverside, both of which have larger hotel selections and are within 20–30 minutes by car. Others use Redlands as a base for Big Bear Lake trips and find it more convenient and affordable than mountain lodging.

Short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo) offer options in Redlands' residential neighborhoods, which can provide a more local feel, particularly in the historic districts.

History and Architecture

• Kimberly Crest House & Gardens — A 1897 French château-style mansion with formal gardens and guided tours. Verify current tour hours and admission on the official Kimberly Crest website before visiting.
• Asistencia Mission de San Gabriel — A historic 1830s outpost of the San Gabriel Mission, now preserved as a San Bernardino County museum. Confirm opening days locally.
• Historic Downtown Walking — The Victorian and Craftsman homes along Cajon, Eureka, and Highland avenues are worth an unhurried walk. The Redlands Community Music Association building and the historic A.K. Smiley Public Library (1898) are architectural highlights.

Culture and Arts

• A.K. Smiley Public Library — One of the finest Carnegie-era library buildings in California, still operating as a public library. Free to enter.
• University of Redlands — The tree-lined campus is open to visitors; check the schedule for public lectures and Peppers Art Center exhibitions.
• Lincoln Memorial Shrine — A small but notable research library and museum dedicated to Abraham Lincoln, located beside the Smiley Library. Admission is free; verify current hours.

Outdoors

• The San Bernardino National Forest begins effectively at the city's edge. Highway 38 provides access to hiking trails, particularly around Crafton Hills and the Mentone area.
• Prospect Park, situated on a hill above downtown, offers city views and is a popular spot for a morning walk.

Redlands has a genuine local dining scene anchored in downtown, with independent restaurants, cafés, and bars rather than an exclusively chain-dominated strip. State Street is the main corridor.

What to Expect

• Casual American, Mexican, and internationally influenced restaurants characterize the main dining options. Several wine bars and craft beer spots have opened in recent years, reflecting the broader Inland Empire trend toward artisan food and drink.
• The city's citrus heritage occasionally shows up on menus and in local products — look for locally sourced citrus items at farmers markets and specialty shops.
• The Redlands Farmers Market operates periodically and offers a direct connection to regional produce; confirm current schedule and location locally before planning around it.

For reliable current recommendations, check recent reviews on Google Maps or Yelp filtered to the downtown Redlands area, as the independent restaurant landscape can shift.

Emergency Services: Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in the United States.

Hospitals: Redlands Community Hospital is the primary acute-care facility in the city. Verify its location and services on its official website before travel.

Tipping: Standard U.S. tipping norms apply — typically 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and a few dollars per night for hotel housekeeping.

Connectivity: Cell coverage and public Wi-Fi in downtown is generally reliable. Most cafés offer free Wi-Fi for patrons.

Accessibility: Downtown Redlands is relatively flat and walkable; however, some historic sidewalks are uneven. Verify accessibility specifics for attractions like Kimberly Crest directly with the venue.

Redlands is generally considered a safe, family-friendly city with relatively low violent crime compared to larger Inland Empire cities. Standard urban awareness applies: keep an eye on personal belongings in public areas, do not leave valuables visible in parked vehicles, and stay aware of surroundings after dark in less-trafficked areas.

In summer, heat is the most significant safety consideration. Temperatures can become genuinely dangerous during heat waves; stay hydrated, avoid extended midday outdoor exertion, and know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Wildfire smoke can affect air quality during fire season, typically late summer and fall. Check air quality index (AQI) readings through AirNow.gov if visiting during this period, particularly if you have respiratory conditions.