Redlands.
- WHAT TO DO
- WHAT TO SEE
- WHAT TO EAT
Redlands sits sixty miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the Inland Empire, roughly a seventy-minute drive down Interstate 10 depending on morning traffic. The town is built on late-nineteenth-century Washington naval orange wealth and Victorian residential architecture, anchored by a brick-paved historic core. Redlands is worth visiting if you want to walk leafy residential streets lined with turn-of-the-century estates and tour working heritage citrus groves. Look elsewhere if you want fast-paced nightlife or coastal beach culture.
Last updated 18 Sept 2026
Field notes
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What to do in Redlands California United States
Days in Redlands centre on its historic core along State Street and the quiet, tree-lined residential streets to the south. You spend mornings admiring turn-of-the-century timber estates and the Lincoln Shrine in Smiley Park, afternoons between craft taprooms and shady orange groves, and evenings out at downtown tables. It suits travellers who appreciate architectural history, agricultural heritage, and a steady, walkable pace.
24 hours in Redlands California United States
Begin with coffee and warm sourdough toast on Citrus Avenue, then take a ninety-minute walking circuit along Cajon Street to view Morey Mansion. Tour Kimberly Crest before lunch on State Street. Spend your late afternoon browsing the Lincoln Memorial Shrine, followed by pints of orange-blossom wheat ale at Hangar 24 near the airfield. Select 1 Day above to see it.
2 days in Redlands California United States
A second day takes you into the University of Redlands campus for an easy morning walk around Memorial Chapel. Head east to the 1830 Asistencia outpost on Barton Road for early adobe history, followed by an afternoon hike along the Herngt 'Aki' trails in the craft-lined foothills, ending with a flatbread dinner downtown. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.
3 days in Redlands California United States
With three full days, take a forty-minute drive up Highway 38 into the San Bernardino National Forest for mountain hiking around Forest Falls. Return in the afternoon for a slow walk through Prospect Park's heritage groves and an open-air evening symphony at the historic 1924 Redlands Bowl amphitheatre.
Redlands California United States itineraries by interest
Historic Homes in Redlands California United States
Walk Cajon Street and Olive Avenue to inspect Queen Anne woodwork, or tour the 1897 Kimberly Crest French chateau and the 1890 Morey Mansion.
Citrus Heritage in Redlands California United States
Walk the working Washington navel groves at Prospect Park and learn the packing-house era history at the 1898 packing sheds.
Local Brewing in Redlands California United States
Sample citrus-infused ales and West Coast IPAs on tap at Hangar 24 near the airfield or Ritual Brewing along Research Drive.
American History in Redlands California United States
Visit the 1932 Lincoln Memorial Shrine in Smiley Park to examine Civil War battle maps, Abraham Lincoln manuscripts, and Dean Cornwell murals.
Casual Dining in Redlands California United States
Order house-ground burgers at Eureka! on Pearl Street or wood-fired flatbreads and seasonal farm vegetables at The State on East State Street.
Classic Bakeries in Redlands California United States
Pick up glazed old-fashioned doughnuts from Dough'Lectibles or morning croissants from Sugarbee Cafe on Citrus Avenue.
Independent Bookstores in Redlands California United States
Browse regional natural history volumes and California fiction on the timber shelves of The Frugal Frigate and A Shop of Books.
Public Parks in Redlands California United States
Climb through 11.4 acres of carriage paths, bamboo trails, and orange trees at Prospect Park, or sit under the pines in Smiley Park.
Live Music in Redlands California United States
Bring a blanket for summer orchestral performances at the 1924 Redlands Bowl amphitheatre, which charges no admission fees.
Farm Produce in Redlands California United States
Buy Hass avocados, citrus, and wildflower honey at the Thursday night downtown farm market set along wooden brick pavers on State Street.
Campus Architecture in Redlands California United States
Stroll across the University of Redlands to view the 1909 Memorial Chapel and neoclassical brick halls under canopies of mature palms.
Foothill Trails in Redlands California United States
Hike the ridge trails of San Timoteo Canyon or climb the panoramic scrub overlooks at the 1,000-acre Herngt 'Aki' Preserve.