Oak Glen, CA

Tucked up at nearly 5,000 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains, Oak Glen is a quiet rural community just east of San Bernardino. Life here centers on a scenic five-mile loop lined with historic apple orchards, family ranches, and cozy homesteads. With only around 600 full-time residents, it offers a peaceful, small-town atmosphere rooted in a farming tradition that dates back to the late 1800s. While the area is best known for its autumn apple harvests, locals also enjoy fresh-pressed cider, homemade bakery treats, and heirloom produce throughout the year.

ATTRJessie Terwilliger from Beaumont, CA, USA / CC BY 2.0

Living at this higher elevation comes with four distinct seasons, bringing cooler summer weather and the occasional winter snowfall. Outdoor recreation is part of daily life, with hiking trails, picnic spots, and scenic views weaving through the Oak Glen Preserve and historic ranches like Los Rios. For anyone looking for wide-open space, mountain air, and a slower pace of life, Oak Glen provides a charming countryside escape within easy reach of the Inland Empire.