Overview
Redlands is a mid-sized city in San Bernardino County, roughly 60 miles east of Los Angeles at the foot of the San Bernardino Mountains. It sits at an elevation of about 1,350 feet, giving it a slightly cooler climate than the surrounding lowland desert cities of the Inland Empire.
The city built its early prosperity on the citrus industry — particularly navel oranges — in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. That wealth left behind an unusually rich legacy of Victorian and Craftsman-era homes that still define many of its residential neighborhoods. Today Redlands is home to roughly 75,000 residents and functions as a quiet, livable college town anchored by the University of Redlands.
For travelers, Redlands offers a slower-paced alternative to the sprawl of greater Los Angeles. Its compact, walkable downtown has independent restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques, and the surrounding region provides easy access to Big Bear Lake, Joshua Tree National Park, and the rest of the Inland Empire. It rewards a short detour or an overnight stop far more than many similarly sized California cities.
Before You Go
Visas
Redlands is in the United States. Visa requirements depend entirely on your nationality and travel history. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official US Customs and Border Protection website (cbp.gov) for current requirements before booking.
Climate
Redlands has a semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F (35°C), and the Santa Ana winds can push temperatures even higher in autumn. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. Winter nights can be cold — occasionally near freezing — so pack layers if you visit December through February.
What to Pack
- Sunscreen and a hat are essential year-round; UV intensity is high at this inland elevation.
- Comfortable walking shoes for the historic downtown and neighborhood strolls.
- A light jacket for evenings, even in summer.
- A reusable water bottle — staying hydrated is important in this dry climate.
Health & Insurance
The United States has no public universal healthcare for visitors. Travel health insurance that covers emergency medical costs is strongly recommended. Verify your coverage before departure.
Getting There
By Air
The closest major international airports are Ontario International Airport (ONT), approximately 15 miles west, and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), roughly 65 miles west. Ontario is generally the more convenient choice for Redlands-bound travelers, with fewer crowds and a straightforward drive east on Interstate 10.
By Car
Redlands sits directly off Interstate 10, making it easily reachable by car from Los Angeles (about 60–70 miles), Palm Springs (about 40 miles), and San Diego (about 90 miles). State Route 210 connects to the north and links to Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley. Parking in downtown Redlands is generally available in street and lot options; verify current conditions locally.
By Train
Metrolink's San Bernardino Line stops at the Redlands Downtown station (formerly part of a bus connection) and the city has been expanding its Arrow passenger rail service connecting Redlands to San Bernardino. Check Metrolink and the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) for current schedules and stops, as the Arrow service has been expanding in recent years.
By Bus
Omnitrans provides regional bus service connecting Redlands to San Bernardino and other Inland Empire cities. This is a practical option for budget travelers arriving at San Bernardino's transit hub, though journey times can be lengthy.
Getting Around
Downtown Redlands is genuinely walkable — most historic sights, restaurants, and shops are within a few blocks of State Street and Orange Street. For neighborhoods further out or for trips to natural attractions, a car is essentially necessary.
Rideshare apps (Uber and Lyft) operate in Redlands and are a practical option for getting to and from the train station or for evenings when you'd prefer not to drive. Omnitrans local bus routes cover parts of the city, though frequency and coverage are limited compared to larger urban centers — verify current routes on the Omnitrans website.
Cycling is feasible within the flat historic core, though the city is not comprehensively bike-infrastructured. The University of Redlands campus is walkable from parts of the downtown area.
Things to See & Do
Historic Architecture
Redlands' Victorian-era streetscapes are the city's most distinctive attraction. The Heritage Walking Tour, self-guided via maps available from the Redlands Visitor Center, covers notable homes and civic buildings from the late 1800s citrus boom. The Kimberly Crest House & Gardens is a French château-style mansion dating to 1897 with period furnishings and formal gardens; verify current tour schedules and admission on their official site.
A.K. Smiley Public Library
This Moorish Revival library, opened in 1898, is one of the most architecturally remarkable public libraries in California. It remains an active library and is open to the public; hours should be verified locally.
Morey Mansion
A striking private Victorian home (occasionally open for events) frequently cited as one of the finest examples of the era in Southern California. Even from the street it is worth a photograph.
San Bernardino County Museum
Located in Redlands, this natural history and cultural museum covers the region's geology, Native American history, and plant and animal life. Admission fees and hours should be confirmed on the museum's official website.
Outdoor Recreation
- Big Bear Lake is roughly 35 miles north via Highway 18/38, offering skiing in winter and hiking, kayaking, and cycling in warmer months.
- Crafton Hills Open Space Conservancy on the city's eastern edge offers hiking trails with views across the San Bernardino Valley.
- San Timoteo Canyon provides a quieter nature corridor nearby.
University of Redlands Campus
The small, attractive campus hosts music performances, lectures, and cultural events open to the public. The Memorial Chapel is an architectural standout. Check the university's events calendar for current programming.
Food & Drink
Redlands' downtown dining scene has grown meaningfully over the past decade and punches above the city's size. State Street and nearby blocks hold a mix of independent restaurants, cafés, and bars rather than a purely chain-dominated strip.
What to Expect
- Independent coffee roasters and cafés are a genuine strength of the downtown; this reflects the city's college-town character.
- Farm-to-table and California-cuisine influences appear on several menus, with citrus naturally featuring as an ingredient and motif given local heritage.
- The Hangar, a food hall concept that has occupied the historic former Santa Fe Depot, has been a community anchor — verify its current status and tenants locally, as food halls evolve.
- Craft beer is well-represented; several taprooms operate in or near downtown.
Practical Tips
- Downtown restaurants tend to be busiest Thursday through Saturday evenings; reservations are advisable for popular spots on weekends.
- State Street is the main spine for dining; walking it and reading menus is a viable way to choose.
- Grocery and market options are plentiful for self-catering, including a local farmers market (verify current schedule with the city).
Shopping
Shopping in Redlands centers on the downtown district, which has a reasonable concentration of independent boutiques, antique dealers, and specialty retailers. This is not a major retail destination, but it offers a more characterful alternative to the large malls of nearby cities.
Antique and vintage shops are a particular strength — the city's age and the preservation-minded community have supported a cluster of dealers in the downtown core. Browse along State Street and the immediate surrounding blocks.
The Citrus Plaza shopping center, located near the I-10 freeway, provides national chain retail and big-box options for everyday needs. For high-end or specialized retail, visitors typically travel to the broader Inland Empire or to Los Angeles.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In any emergency in the United States, dial 911. This connects to police, fire, and medical services.
Money
ATMs are widely available in downtown and at major retailers. Credit cards are accepted almost universally. Tipping is customary in restaurants (typically 18–20% of the pre-tax bill) and for personal services.
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is available at the Smiley Public Library and many cafés. Mobile coverage from major US carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) is generally strong in the urban area; it can thin out in mountain and canyon areas nearby.
Visitor Information
The Redlands Chamber of Commerce and city website (cityofredlands.org) are good starting points for current event listings, maps, and local business directories. Verify hours and admission for attractions on official sources before visiting.
Safety
Redlands is generally considered a safe city by California standards, and the downtown and historic residential areas are comfortable for visitors at most hours. Standard urban precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, secure valuables in your vehicle (car break-ins occur across Southern California), and keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded spaces.
Summer heat is a genuine safety consideration. Temperatures above 100°F (38°C) occur regularly in July and August. Stay hydrated, avoid prolonged outdoor exertion during peak afternoon heat, and know the signs of heat exhaustion. If you are hiking in Crafton Hills or nearby areas in summer, start early and carry more water than you think you need.
Wildfire smoke can occasionally affect air quality in summer and autumn, particularly when fires burn in the San Bernardino Mountains or elsewhere in Southern California. Check AirNow.gov for current air quality index readings if you have respiratory concerns.
