25 Fun Things to Do in Redlands – Ultimate Local’s Guide (2023)
Redlands is an adorable little town with a storied past, dating back to 1888. And if you’re just driving by on your way to Joshua Tree National Park or Palm Springs, it’s easy to miss. But, if you take some time to stop, you’ll realize there are all kinds of fun things to do in Redlands!
And to help you discover this town that’s often referred to as the “Jewel of the Inland Empire,” I’ve compiled a list of the top 25 things to do in Redlands!
Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, family-friendly attractions, or some good old-fashioned entertainment, I’ve got you covered 🙂
Table of Contents
- 25 Fun Things to Do in Redlands
- Places to Eat in Redlands
- Where to Stay in Redlands
- Redlands: FAQ
- Wrap-Up: Fun Things to Do in Redlands (2023)
25 Fun Things to Do in Redlands
As someone who grew up in this town, I’ve seen this little town change and develop a lot.
My friends and I used to call this town “deadlands” because we thought there was nothing to do for a while. But, over the years, I’ve witnessed this quaint city truly become a place that I’m proud to show my friends around and call my hometown!
I hope that you’ll also find something to love or appreciate about this town, whether it be the palm tree-lined streets, ridiculously sweet oranges, or any of the other things I’m about to mention!
So without further ado, here are 25 fun things to do in Redlands — or at least what I would categorize as relatively fun :’)
1. Do an Escape Room
One of my favorite activities to do with friends and family is an escape room!
For those who don’t know what an escape room is, essentially you and your friends are locked in a room. To escape, you have to solve a series of puzzles related to the room’s theme in 60 minutes or less!
Within Redlands, there are a few different companies that offer escape rooms. But, the one that I have personally done three escape rooms with and enjoy is Open Door Escape Rooms.
They offer 5 different escape rooms, that range from easy to difficult! And everything from the rooms, props, and challenges creates a pretty awesome and immersive experience. So, whether you’re a complete newbie or an escape room veteran, this is always fun to do!
If you’re interested in doing one, they cost $35 per person, and you can make a booking on their official website!
And if you’d like a lil discount, try going during the week! They have $5 off per person if you go Monday – Thursday! Just enter the code: MIDWEEK 5.
🍊 NOTE: For anyone interested in recommendations, I enjoyed Kidnapped and Lethal Injection! Lethal Injection is harder than Kidnapped, but both are great for 4 person groups. Or, if you have a group of 6 or more, try Inheritance! It’s a super challenging one that my family loved doing together 🤠
2. Rock Climbing at Flowstone
Another activity that’s great for those looking to get some exercise in, especially if you don’t mind falling on your butt as your friends laugh is rock climbing!
In Redlands, there’s a relatively new rock climbing gym called Flowstone Climbing. It opened about 6 years ago, and they have lots of bouldering routes that are great for beginners or more experienced climbers.
Unfortunately, there’s no sport climbing available (yet…), but the gym does offer yoga classes several times a week for any aspiring or current yogis.
And if you’re a complete beginner who is ready to launch your climbing journey, they offer a bouldering basics class.
For first-timers to the gym, a day pass costs $18 for adults and $13 for kids. You can find more info about what they offer and their pricing here on the official Flowstone Climbing website!
🍊 NOTE: If anyone is familiar with the Hangar 18 climbing gyms or Mesa Rim climbing gyms in San Diego, the ratings are a little bit stiffer at Flowstone.
3. Paint at Color Me Mine
For those looking for a more creative experience that doesn’t involve sore arms the following day, stop by Color Me Mine!
It’s an arts and crafts studio where you can paint ceramics with your custom designs.
What happens is you purchase the item at the studio that you want to paint. They’ll then supply you with all the brushes, paints, and tools you’ll need to customize your art project!
Afterward, they’ll put your ceramic through a firing process in a kiln that takes about 12 hours. Then you’ll come back and pick up your finished creation!
Oh! And, the studio offers lots of different items that you can paint! For example, they have everything from plates and mugs to more unique things like planters, unicorns, and gnomes!
So, whether you decide to make a mug for yourself or make something special for a loved one, this is a great activity to do with little ones, your significant other, and friends!
4. Shopping Citrus Plaza & Mountain Grove
Right across the street from the Color Me Mine Studio is the Citrus Plaza and Mountain Grove. These are two massive shopping centers that are positioned back to back and filled with all kinds of shops and eateries.
You’ll find everything from Nike, Target, and Barnes and Noble to fast food restaurants, beauty stores, and arts and crafts places.
So, if you’re looking to do some retail therapy or grab a quick bite to eat, this is the go-to spot in the Redlands area!
Click to view the Citrus Plaza store directory or Mountain Grove store directory.
5. See a Movie
Another activity that’s a bit more generic but fun to do is seeing a movie. In Redlands, there are two main movie theaters: Harkins Theatres and LOOK Cinemas.
Harkins Theatres is located in Mountain Grove, while LOOK Cinemas is right next to downtown Redlands. Both offer comfortable reclining chairs and provide you with food options that can be delivered during the movie.
When comparing the two, Harkins Theatres is a bit nicer, but this also means the ticket prices are a little more expensive. Meanwhile, LOOK Cinemas offers tickets as low as $6…
Either way, if there’s a new movie that you’ve been waiting to see, watching it with friends or family is a relatively cheap activity to do.
Plus, the movies is a great place to retreat to for some free AC during the hot summers!
6. San Bernardino County Museum
For anyone history lovers or those interested in learning more about the local culture, the San Bernardino County Museum is a must-see.
It’s a pretty large educational center with exhibits on natural science, geography, animals, Mesoamerican culture, and more! Everything is displayed nicely, and the staff is super friendly and willing to answer any questions you may have.
I would recommend this place even if you’re traveling with little ones as it can be quite an engaging place for visitors of all ages!
For those interested in visiting, tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids, so it’s definitely on the affordable side. But, for the most up-to-date information on what the museum has to offer, be sure to check their official website.
🍊 PRO TIP: Bring water, snacks, and some hand sanitizer if you think you’ll get hungry. They don’t have a food court available, so you’ll want to plan accordingly
7. Run through Redlands
This next one is more of an annual event rather than something that you can do anytime, but I wanted to include it since it’s a wildly popular event for us locals 😅
Every year, the first weekend of March, the city hosts the scenic Run Through Redlands! Participants have the option of running a 5k, 10k, or half marathon around Redlands!
My family and thousands of locals love participating in it as it helps raise money to upkeep and improve the city — a worthy cause in my opinion!
And even if you aren’t into the whole running thing (because I know it can be a bit of a controversial topic), you can always opt to walk it. Many participants like to just walk their dogs along the 5k route just to partake in the event!
Plus, after the race, you’ll get to feast on the most delicious orange slices!
Seriously, I’m telling you the oranges we grow in Redlands are superior to all the other oranges across the globe. They are so juicy and sweet — it’s pure heaven when you’re sweaty, dehydrated, and ready to eat anything!
This year the event is on March 3th, 2024. You can find registration info here if you are interested in joining! I’ll be doing the 10k this year 🙂
✅🏃🏽♀️💨 There’s also the epic Revel Big Bear Marathon and half marathon held in November. They are super quick downhill races and finish in Redlands!
8. Bike Classic
Another annual event that brings out even more people than the Run Through Redlands is the annual Redlands Bicycle Classic.
This is an elite-level event that is typically hosted across three days in April! The event dates back to Memorial Day weekend in 1985, which makes it the longest, continuously running invitational stage race in the country!
Many competitors have gone on to participate in the Olympics, Tour de France, and other major cycling events. As such, the event is globally known and even has the right tagline, “Where Legends Are Born!”
So, even if you aren’t a competitive cyclist, this is still quite the spectacle to watch! Again, I decided to mention it since it’s one of the huge events that puts Redlands on the map 🙂
And if you’re a cycling enthusiast or something who just wants to help out, consider volunteering. They are always looking for more help, and it’s a cool way to get close to all the action!
Things to Do in Downtown Redlands
Alrighty, moving on from general things to do in the Redlands area…let’s discuss some of the things you can do if you want to spend time in the heart of the city, Downtown Redlands!
9. Admire the Colorful Umbrellas
One place that is always fun to visit whether you live in the city or it’s your first time in Redlands is Orange Street Alley!
This alley is an explosion of colors that has hundreds of vibrant umbrellas hanging from above. You’ll often see photoshoots taking place because it’s such a photogenic area. There are also lots of murals that are impressive and fun to take pictures with to document the experience.
However, the 50m alley isn’t just good for taking pictures. It also is the entrance to a few eateries, such as the Hate Burger and Cheesewalla.
I haven’t tried the Hate Burger yet since I normally eat plant-based burgers. But, I can testify that Cheesewalla is worth trying!
It’s a small family-owned operation by a brother and sister, and the idea for the sandwich shop was centered around the perfect grilled cheese! So, that should be an indication of what you can expect, but feel free to check out their menu to see the full spread.
Either way, definitely try and make an effort to walk through this alley. It’s one of my favorite spots around town and even after walking through probably 50+ times, I still smile and feel a rush of dopamine haha.
10. Shop Downtown
On the other side of Orange Street Alley is State Street, the main road that passes through Downtown Redlands.
Along both sides of State Street, you’ll find tons of local businesses that have been around for a while as well as a couple of newer small businesses.
Some of the local brick-and-mortar storefronts include clothing shops, antique stores, game stores, cafés, and a few proper sit-down restaurants!
I highly suggest taking your time to stroll along both sides of the street. Walk into a few shops, see if anything catches your eye and hopefully you’ll be able to support a small business or two 😉
Additionally, you’ll likely notice there are lots of little orange figurines placed around the area, which if you couldn’t tell is a huge symbol of the city!
11. Indulge in the Best Ice Cream
As you explore the downtown area, I HIGHLY recommend indulging in ice cream at À la minute.
This is the one place I make sure to take my friends anytime they are visiting or want ice cream because the ice cream here is life-changing.
What makes it life-changing you ask?! Well, aside from it just being straight-up delicious and them utilizing liquid nitrogen to produce their ice cream on the spot…
They offer some super unique flavors that you probably won’t find anywhere else. For example, they have chocolate lavender, olive oil vanilla bean, lemon custard, strawberry balsamic, and so many more.
Plus, their ingredients are locally sourced — some of the ingredients come straight from other small shops in downtown Redlands! And if you’re lactose intolerant like me, they even have a limited selection of sorbets and vegan ice creams.
Although I will admit that I willingly choose to suffer the consequences because the 15 minutes of pure joy this ice cream brings me is worth it lol.
Seriously though, these are some of the best ice creams you’ll taste and I can say that as someone who considers herself to be an ice cream connoisseur since I’ve made it my mission to try ice cream in every country I’ve visited.
So, if you’re in the area, make sure to try it some!
🍊 NOTE: And in case you’re wondering what my favorite flavors are: I’m a big fan of the Fresh Mint Chip, Avocado, and Lemon Custard 😋
12. Attend the Farmer’s Market on Saturday
The final thing to do in Redlands in the downtown area is to check out the farmer’s market. This is a weekly event that runs every Saturday morning beginning at about 8 AM.
It is a smaller market than the farmer’s markets you’d likely see in San Diego or Santa Cruz, but it’s still a lovely place to shop locally and pick up some farm fresh vegetables and produce.
You also see some homemade breads, oils, teas, clothes, and other homemade goods 🙂
And for anyone who is from the Redlands area who might be reading this, there have been rumblings that the iconic Thursday Market night may be returning as an addition to the Saturday Morning Farmer’s market.
It won’t be the same as it once was, but hopefully, it will help bring out more people and restore some of that good energy!
Things to Do in Redlands at Night
In a small town like Redlands, there’s not exactly a fantastic nightlife scene like there is in Paris, Milan, Barcelona, or Stockholm… Yeah, I think it’s safe to say any major city has better nightlife than Redlands lol
Even so, there are a few things to do in Redlands at night and places you can hit up that I haven’t mentioned.
13. Hangout at Escape Craft Brewery
The first place I recommend checking out is Escape Craft Brewery!
This is a microbrewery that has two locations in Redlands and offers a pretty decent selection of beers made with the freshest local ingredients. They are locally known for their excellent ales, lagers, IPAs, and Stouts with unique flavor profiles!
And what I love about going to Escape is their friendly and lighthearted atmosphere. At both locations, you’ll find a very open space adorned with aesthetic decorations that makes the brewery very inviting, even for families.
Plus, they are known to invite food trucks to serve up food at their Nevada Street location, which always is a nice addition. See the food truck schedule here.
Alternatively, if you don’t like beer but everyone else in your group does, you are welcome to bring your own food or order food directly from them. They also offer house-made artisan soda that doesn’t contain alcohol.
It’s just a great place to hang out, play some games, taste some locally made beers, and soak up the good vibes.
Oh! And both venues are very dog-friendly! If you’re lucky you be graced with the immaculate presence of the owners’ adorable dogs. 🤠
14. Grab a Drink at Hangar 24
Similar to Escape Craft Brewery, you can hang out and grab a tasty craft beer at Hangar 24.
Again, the atmosphere here is great and there’s always something new to try. On any given day you can find creative craft beer varieties and more often than not, a food truck on the premises to grab some food to complement your beers.
And on weekend nights, there’s often a band playing in the patio area, making it a great spot to hang out and listen to awesome live music. The location also offers a great view of the surrounding mountains, so you can take in some beautiful scenery while you enjoy your drinks.
Plus, if you’re feeling adventurous, there’s even karaoke on Tuesday!
Personally speaking, I know my strengths and singing is not one of them lol — but if you’re bold and visiting on Tuesday, this just may be the place for you!
15. Attend a Show at the Redlands Bowl
If you happen to be visiting during the summer months, one thing to do in Redlands at Night that you’ll want to experience at least once is attending a show at the Redlands Bowl!
From late June until Mid-August, the Redlands Bowl Performing Arts puts together a Summer Music Festival. The festival consists of about 18 different performances that range from music concerts (jazz, grassroots, orchestras, etc) to dances and plays.
It’s the oldest continuous music festival in the country that offers free admission, with its 100th anniversary being celebrated this upcoming summer!
The shows take place at an outdoor amphitheater that has a bowl shape, which is centrally located close to downtown Redlands!
So, if you’re thinking of visiting during the summer, definitely try to plan your visit so it falls on a Tuesday or Friday so you can partake in this staple of Redlands heritage!
Fun Fact: This is also the location of the all the graduations for all the highschools in Redlands
Things to Do in Redlands for Free
You’ll notice some of the previously mentioned activities were free, but in case you were looking for more things to do in Redlands for Free… here ya go 🙂
16. Wander Around Prospect Park
One of the top activities to do in Redlands for free is to wander around Prospect Park. This is the city’s most popular and (in my opinion) scenic park.
You’ll find a few short trails that make for a great morning or afternoon hike. You’ll also find plenty of benches to relax on as well as observation decks with gorgeous views overlooking the blossoming orange groves and historic homes.
Personally, I like running here most days to squeeze in a morning run before it gets hot or crowded with the local cross-country teams.
But again, I know running can be taboo… so if you just want to stroll around and chat with your friends, this is a nice place to do it surrounded by nature.
This is also a nice spot to host a picnic since there are several picnic tables located at the top of the hill.
17. Admire Kimberly Crest House & Gardens
Another great free and nice activity you can do in Redlands is to walk around Kimberly Crest House and Gardens. This is a beautiful Victorian mansion that’s technically part of Prospect Park and was originally built in 1897 for one of the pioneers of Redlands.
However, less than a decade later, the house was purchased by John Alfred Kimberly, the family that the house received its name after.
What makes this house one of the most prominent ones in Redlands is its romantic French-Chateau style architecture. It stands out apart from the rest of the Victorian homes that can be found in Redlands.
Around the well-maintained property, you’ll find picturesque Italian gardens, a giant koi pond, and grand staircases.
There are also a few statues and sculptures located around the estate. It’s a sight to behold and worth spending a few moments admiring the beauty.
Furthermore, the house is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and registered as a California Historic Landmark.
And if you’re interested in learning more about the traditions of the Kimberly family or observing the inside of the house, you can pay for a tour.
These are offered Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays at various times, and the tour lasts 45 minutes. If this interests you, feel free to grab a ticket for the tour here.
18. See the Smiley Library
Okay, this next one won’t be for everyone… but if you like interesting architecture, history, or being in old spaces as I do haha, stop by to see the Smiley Library.
It was built in 1898 and donated to Redlands by philanthropist Albert K. Smiley, hence the statue of him and his identical twin brother out front.
The library doesn’t have one particular architectural style, but it has often been described as Mission Revival or Moorish Revival.
You’ll notice the tile roof, parapets, intricate arches in the arcade, as well as the rose windows which are very typical of Gothic-style architecture.
And even if you don’t plan on checking out a book or studying…feel free to explore the library.
It’s a neat space that has that distinct old books smell. You know what I’m talking about lol — just make sure to be respectful of those who may be working or studying.
19. Check out the Lincoln Memorial Shrine
Directly behind the Smiley Library is the Lincoln Memorial Shrine, the only museum dedicated to President Abraham Lincoln west of the Mississippi.
The museum is small but contains a fairly sizable collection of genuine artifacts from that period. For example, you’ll see many rifles used during the Civil War and surgeon kits that were common on battlefields.
It’s a cool place to check out if you’re already at the Smiley Library and learn about Lincoln’s incredible life. And like everything else mentioned in this section, it’s free to enter.
Depending on how much you choose to read, visitors can expect to spend about 10-30 minutes walking around the inside.
20. Play Pickleball
It’s no secret that the popularity of playing Pickleball has skyrocketed over the past year or two. And so, if you’re looking to play some matches or get some practice in, you’ll find 8 new Pickleball courts available at Ford Park.
Click here for information on specific times the Pickleball courts are free to play on.
There are also proper tennis courts if tennis is more your speed. My friends and I will normally play here or at the local university as both places have well-maintained courts.
Just remember to bring your own gear as there’s no equipment supplied.
21. Go Hiking at Oakmont Park
For those who want to get away from the noise or just spend some time hiking around, consider hiking through Oakmont Park.
This is a 14.6-acre park that contains a few hiking trails that vary in difficulty, so no worries if you aren’t an avid hiker.
The views overlooking San Timoteo Canyon are breathtaking and you might even see some wildlife like coyotes or bunnies.
I will say that you should try and go during late winter/spring as this is when the area is most green and beautiful!
22. Bike Around Hulda Crooks Park
Sticking to the nature theme, which I’m sure you’ve probably noticed by now, another park that you can visit is Hulda Crooks Park.
This 19.6-acre park features a small playground, volleyball courts, tennis courts, picnic tables, and grassy areas. Thus, it’s great for meeting up with friends to chill or play a few games.
What sets this park apart from the rest is that the trails are quite hilly, and there are more of them. One time I tried to do my normal morning run here… and let’s just say it turned into more of a swift walk haha.
So based on that experience, I would say this makes for a great place to go hiking or mountain biking, as my brother spent a ton of time here doing just that and loved it!
Just note that there is limited parking available. Thus, if you visit on the weekends, you might have to park on the nearby residential streets.
23. Picnic at Caroline’s Park
Another park that offers some easy trails to hike, run, or walk along is Caroline Park.
And while it’s similar to the other Parks, what makes Caroline Park unique is that it has a big grass hill that’s ideal for watching the sunset or holding a picnic in the grass.
The grassy hill is also nice for playing games that require a bit of running space… like throwing a frisbee! Just beware that it is far from flat, so you’ll probably get winded faster than you would expect…
24. Walk at San Timoteo Natural Sanctuary
Another free thing to do in Redlands is visit the San Timoteo Natural Sanctuary. This 200-acre sanctuary includes three distinct habitats – grassland, hillside chaparral, and riparian, with the only year-round stream in the area.
The trails that wind through these natural habitats range from easy to moderate and are 4 miles or less in length.
And compared to the other nature spots, you can go horseback riding along these trails! Well, that is if you happen to know someone with access to horses lol.
But even if you can’t take these trails via horseback, the natural sanctuary is still a peaceful spot to ride a bike, do a chill hike, or enjoy the great outdoors!
25. Enjoy the View at Panorama Point
Finally, to sit and enjoy a good view, consider heading up to Panorama Point.
This is a popular overlook spot located at one of the highest points in Redlands. It offers visitors a lovely, almost panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, Redlands, Loma Linda, and San Bernardino area.
As such, the viewpoint is quite popular for viewing colorful sunsets in the evening and seeing all the lights across the city at night.
The only downsides are the smog, which dampens the colors and clarity of the sunset, and the overlook is right next to a busy highway.
That said, you shouldn’t hear a lot of noise from the cars passing by since you’re fairly high up, so it’s still worth coming up here to sit on the stone wall and enjoy the view.
Oh, and you can stop by here during the day or at night. If you want to avoid crowds, I recommend trying to visit during the week and during the day. On weekends and at night, the spot becomes more popular with high school and college students!
Things to Do Near Redlands
Alrighty, so now that you have a solid idea of what’s available to do in Redlands… here are a few other things to do near Redlands if you’re looking for a change in scenery!
- Hike in the San Gorgonio Wilderness: The San Gorgonio Wilderness is known for having the tallest mountain top in Southern California and offering some of the most breathtaking mountain views.
With loads of trails that range from beginner-friendly routes to more challenging ones, this is a great place to spend a day or multiple days hiking!
- Day Trip to Palm Springs: Just an hour away from Redlands lies the desert oasis of Palm Springs. Known for hosting one of the largest sporting events in all of California, the beloved Indian Wells Tennis Tournament, it’s a great destination to enjoy some rest and relaxation! Plus, there are tons of things to do here and sights to see.
- Day Trip to San Diego: San Diego is a great spot for a day trip from Redlands. It’s only an hour and a half drive away, but the city offers so much to do! From beautiful beaches with world-class surfing, exciting nightlife, and amazing food, there’s something for everyone in San Diego. Plus, you can even try out some unique things here like goat yoga!
Places to Eat in Redlands
It would be a shame to give you this ultimate list of things to do in Redlands without providing a decent list of recommendations on places to eat… We all judge places on the type of food the area offers right?? — or maybe that’s just a ‘me’ thing lol
Either way, here’s a short list of some of my favorite places to eat.
Best Breakfast in Redlands
- Carolyn’s Cafe: Amongst most locals, this is the go-to spot that offers hearty American-style breakfast dishes (see the full menu here). They are famous for their mouthwatering coffee cake and always have a line out the door. Their hours of operation are every day from 7 AM – 1 PM.
- Olive Avenue Market: A small café that offers affordable and delicious fresh coffees, teas, pastries, and a vast selection of sandwiches (see the full menu here). It’s a local favorite, and they are open every day from 7 AM – 2:30 PM.
🍊 PRO TIP: Click the names of the places to eat for their location on Google Maps.
Best Lunch in Redlands
- Cuca’s Mexican Food: This is a local family-run chain that serves lots of tasty Mexican food for very affordable prices! They recently re-opened after undergoing renovations… So, if you’re looking to grab a bite to go (because there’s no outdoor table seating), check out Cuca’s! See the Cuca’s menu here.
- Bricks and Birch: A smaller yet fantastic pizza restaurant located in Downtown Redlands. They make their gourmet pizzas with a wood fire oven, which helps heat the quaint restaurant. This is an excellent sit-down spot, where you can read a book, hang out with friends, or indulge in fresh pastries and craft coffee. See the Bricks and Birch menu here.
Best Dinner in Redlands
- Aroi Mak Mak: This is a fun and trendy Thai food place in downtown Redlands! You likely wouldn’t notice it passing by, but it’s a real hidden gem. The space is cozy with lots of fun local artwork and unique Asian decor and the staff is great. Check out their menu here.
🍊 NOTE: When I ate there, it was quite loud, so if you’re craving Thai food in a quieter space, head to Eastern Classic Thai Restaurant. The owner is awesome!
- The State: A Gastropub located in the heart of downtown Redlands. They serve a wide array of unique cocktails, whiskies, and bourbon drinks. The general atmosphere is pretty relaxed and the staff is friendly. Technically they serve most of the day, but it’s better as a dinner spot in my opinion! View their menus here.
Where to Stay in Redlands
Alrighty, if you happen to be traveling from out of town, you’ll probably need a place to stay unless you know someone locally.
I won’t lie — the hotel options are limited in this small city, but you do have a few options.
- Dynasty Suites Redlands — 3-star hotel | ⭐️ Rating: 8.4 / 10
- Comfort Suites Redlands — 3-star hotel | ⭐️ Rating: 8.6 / 10
- Ayres Hotel Redlands — 3-star hotel | ⭐️ Rating: 9 /10
Alternatively, feel free to scroll around on the map below and explore other options across different booking platforms. You can even input your travel dates for the most up-to-date prices 🙂
Redlands: FAQ
Redlands is a small town famous for palm tree-lined streets and a once booming economy that was driven by abundant citrus groves. Today, many of the groves have been cleared for residential housing, but you can still find some around town, namely at Prospect Park.
And as mentioned earlier, Redlands is famous for hosting the Run Through Redlands, Redlands Bicycle Classic, its Summer Music Festival, and its abundance of beautiful historic buildings!
Despite Redlands being located in Sunny Southern California, it gets pretty chilly! Temperatures during the wintertime are known to dip to the low 30°F!
This is because the city is part of the desert region so the air lacks moisture. And when there’s low humidity, it means it’s pretty common to see huge temperature swings in a single day — as in 30 – 40°F swings!
Fun fact: It recently snowed in my little hometown just this February 23, 2023! The last time I remember waking up to snow on the ground was back in 2007!
This depends on who you talk to, but I think the top attractions to visit in Redlands are Prospect Park, Kimberly Crest, and the downtown Redlands area!
The best outdoor activities in Redlands are hiking trails and visiting the many parks. Most mornings, you’ll see quite a few runners and people walking their dogs at the parks, especially Prospect Park.
Other outdoor activities include hiking through San Timoteo Canyon, biking around Hulda Crooks, and of course, playing pickleball or tennis at Ford Park!
Wrap-Up: Fun Things to Do in Redlands (2023)
So, despite being a small town in the middle of the Inland Empire, there are actually quite a few things different things to do around the city, especially if it’s your first time here.
From local eateries and historic landmarks to outdoor activities like hiking or bike rides, Redlands certainly has more to offer than what may meet the eye!
And even if you run out of things to do, Redlands is lucky enough to be positioned in such a central location. You can be in the mountains, at the beach, or climbing around the towering granite rocks of Joshua Tree National Park in less than 2 hours!
Regardless of how you choose to spend your time in my beloved hometown, I hope you learned something new and wish you the best in exploring the city.
📸 Appreciation Note: You’ll notice that a few of the pictures in this post were taken by my friend good friend Sol! You can see more of his amazing photography here!
Read More About California
- Thinking of making your way over to Palm Springs? Read about some of the excursions to embark on in this desert oasis!
- Ready to try surfing in San Diego? Here’s my guide to surfing as a complete beginner or amateur after living in sunny San Diego for 4 years!
