Inland Empire

• 🌍 Riverside is the county seat of Riverside County, about 55 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
• 🌍 San Bernardino is the county seat of San Bernardino County, about 60 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
• 🌍 Ontario is the commercial center of the region and home to the area's international airport and main shopping areas.

Some of the cities of the Inland Empire include Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Highland, Rialto, and Fontana, among many others. These cities all lie in San Bernardino or Riverside counties. The Palm Springs area, which also lies in Riverside County in "the low desert", is farther east and is considered part of Coachella Valley. Similarly, the communities of Victorville and Hesperia lie north of the San Bernardino Mountains in the "high desert." The desert communities are generally not considered part of the IE.

Native Americans called the Inland Empire home for thousands of years before the arrival of European explorers in the 18th century. Residents would spend winters in the warmer valleys and move into the cooler mountains during summer months.

Throughout much of the 19th and 20th century, agriculture was the dominant industry for the region. In the post-World War II decades, there was an explosion of residents and industry as developers turned to cheap land east of Los Angeles. Although the area is often criticized for its sprawling developments that are incredibly automobile-dependent, many cities have made an effort to encourage denser housing developments centered around commercial and office-park developments. Today, the region's growth continues as housing prices remain incredibly affordable and residents from Orange and Los Angeles counties swell the area's population.

The Inland Empire is densely populated, with 4.2 million residents. However, the area isn't as totally self-sufficient in the regard that many residents still commute to their jobs in the adjacent Los Angeles metropolitan area of Los Angeles and Orange counties. Inland Empire residents also tend to travel to Los Angeles and its immediate environs for activities such as zoos, aquariums, theme parks, planetariums, higher-rated museums, and such. This isn't to say the Inland Empire is without its own attractions as it has some good theatres, nearby mountains, lakes, and enjoyable restaurants and malls. But it does show that the Inland Empire is not just a stand-alone metropolitan area, but also an integrated part of the Greater Los Angeles area.

Like the rest of California and the nation, English is the main language spoken. But like many American regions that border Mexico, Spanish is widely spoken by some residents as well as some employees at restaurants, stores, and businesses. That being said, there are certainly many parts of the region where knowing some basic Spanish will go a long way in helping you receive better service at restaurants and businesses. Some residents, however, advocate the opposite, feeling that those who speak only Spanish can give and receive better service by learning some basic English.

The Inland Empire is incredibly car-dependent. However, there are still ways to enjoy the region without having a car if you are willing to be flexible and patient. Nonetheless, it is worth it to rent a car to save time and if you wish to visit more remote areas, such as the High Desert and the mountains.

• Victoria Gardens, 12505 North Mainstreet, Rancho Cucamonga (NEC Foothill Blvd/Day Creek Blvd). A large outdoor mall designed to resemble America's "Main Street," Victoria Gardens contains many upscale stores and restaurants. 

• Route 66. Historic Route 66 ("Foothill Blvd" or "5th Street") passes through many Inland Empire cities. Local agencies have invested heavily in improvements to commercial services and infrastructure along the corridor. Still, many historic relics survive. A trip east from La Verne to San Bernardino will take several hours but is worth it. 
• San Bernardino Nat'l Forest. The Inland Empire contains much of the San Bernardino National Forest, whose territory covers parts of the San Gabriel, San Bernardino, and San Jacinto mountains. Recreation opportunities are numerous and include hiking, skiing, and boating. 
• Santa Ana River Trail. The Santa Ana River Trail runs through the cities of Riverside, Colton, and San Bernardino, and is under construction through Redlands and Highland. When complete, the trail will connect Orange County beaches with the San Bernardino Mountains. 

The Inland Empire hosts a large diverse immigrant population and is home to a multitude of ethnic cuisines, ranging from Persian to Peruvian. Also, because much of the region developed after World War II, excellent diner-style establishments are found in almost every city.

• Bulldog Pub, 1667 N Mountain Ave Upland (NWC Mountain Ave/16th St), ☏ +1 909 946-6614. Bulldog Pub in northern Upland is a great place to catch live music and drinks at very reasonable prices. 

Throughout the years, for a variety of social and economic reasons, parts of the Inland Empire have become home to dozens of gangs and a haven for at-home drug operations. Residents often jokingly refer to Moreno Valley as "Murder Valley," for example. Increased outreach and tougher anti-drug operations have made some progress, but there are still some areas in many cities that should be avoided, especially at night.

Not all low-income areas are crime-ridden and drug-infested. In fact, many low-income neighborhoods are often host to the best and oldest restaurants in the area. Use a combination of street smarts, do your research, and know your area when choosing a destination.

San Bernardino County is broken up into many different smaller cities and towns with their own unique way of enforcing the laws. For example, in the city of Loma Linda smoking a cigarette and walking down a public sidewalk will get you a ticketed fine, but in the city of Redlands no big deal. The markings from where one city begins and another ends aren't easily spotted.