Your Weeklong Guide to the Inland Empire 

While Southern California usually conjures the coastal cities of Los Angeles and San Diego to mind, don’t pass up on the Inland Empire for an escape. With vast landscapes that include vineyards and deserts and gardens, too, here’s your weeklong guide to the Inland Empire. 

Pour a glass of wine or two in Temecula, California  

Start your trip in Temecula to sip and savor delicious wines. Temecula is wine country, with over 50 wineries spanning 33,000 acres. We had the pleasure of interviewing Akash Patel, owner of Akash Winery & Vineyard to learn more about one of the only family-minority-owned wineries in the area. Definitely pass by Akash Winery & Vineyard when you go on Van’N Boozy – a wine tour hosted on a VW bus! This wine tour includes discounts on wine bottles, complimentary snacks, and lots of fun.  

Book your stay at Best Western Plus Temecula Wine Country Hotel & Suites. 

Immerse yourself in cultural activities in Riverside, California  

Riverside, California is home to UCR (University of California – Riverside), and thus, has cool cultural touchpoints like the UCR Botanic Gardens, which includes 40 acres, a buttery garden, a subtropical fruit orchard, and a turtle pond. In addition, there’s The Cheech (The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture) which celebrates Chicano art and culture, and is the first cultural center of its kind, opened in 2022. Finally, grab a taco in Downtown Riverside at Tio’s Tacos. This iconic restaurant that’s been around since 1990 is surrounded by local art created by the Tio’s very own chef and artist, Martin.  

Book your stay at Best Western Moreno Hotel & Suites. 

Pass by a Route 66 landmark in Rancho Cucamonga, California  

Get your kicks off Route 66! In Rancho Cucamonga, you’ve got to stop at the historic Richfield Cucamonga gas station. The award-winning landmark has been around since 1915 – celebrate a piece of history by stopping by. In addition, you can go support the local Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, the baseball team, by watching a game at the LoanMart Field. 

Book your stay at BW Plus Heritage Inn Ontario Rancho Cucamonga. 

Play in the snow at Big Bear Lake, California  

With over 400 acres of mountainous terrain, you’ll have plenty of fun skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at Snow Sumit or Bear Mountain at Big Bear Lake. After a day of hitting the slopes, go grab a dish or two for dinner at Himalayan Restaurant. This exotic restaurant includes cuisine from both Nepal, Tibet, and India, bringing big, bold flavors to Big Bear Lake.   

Book your stay at Best Western San Bernardino Hotel.  

Soar to new heights at Palm Springs, California  

Whether it’s stopping by the towering windmills or the Cabazon Dinosaurs on I-10, on the way to Palm Springs, you will soar to new heights when you get on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tram car. The breathtaking ride ascends over 8,000 feet. If heights are not for you, skip the tram car and explore Downtown Palm Springs, where hundreds of boutiques with Midcentury Modern, retro vibes awaits you.  

Book your stay at Best Western Plus Las Brisas Hotel. 

California is always a good idea. With more than 240 Best Western Hotels® & Resorts in the Golden State, set out to adventure from north to south. Explore the redwoods, sandy beaches, and top entertainment when you book with Best Western® Hotels & Resorts California now.