Redlands, CA

Redlands still feels deeply tied to its citrus heritage. In the late 19th century, vast groves of sweet Washington navel oranges put the town on the global map, filling the valley with sweet citrus blossoms every spring. While modern neighborhoods have grown over the decades, the city still owns and maintains over 180 acres of working orange and grapefruit groves. Revenue from the harvests goes right back into preserving them. Wandering through town, you will spot historic Victorian homes, preserved packing houses, and lush fruit trees standing right alongside quiet residential streets.

Right next to downtown sits Smiley Park, a beloved gathering spot and cultural hub. The park is home to the Moorish-style A.K. Smiley Public Library, built in 1898 with distinctive red-brick arches and stained glass. Just steps away, you will find the Lincoln Memorial Shrine and the historic Redlands Bowl. Every summer, locals pack picnic dinners and lawn chairs for free evening concerts under the stars. Running since 1924, it is the country's oldest continuously operated free outdoor music festival, making it a favorite summer tradition for families and newcomers.

Education and tech give modern Redlands a dynamic edge. The University of Redlands sits on a leafy campus on the east side of town, bringing lectures, collegiate sports, and arts performances to the community. Closer to downtown is the global headquarters of Esri, the mapping software giant, which draws researchers, software developers, and professionals from around the world. Between them lies a vibrant core along State Street and Orange Street, where historic brick buildings house independent coffee shops, craft breweries, and popular local restaurants.

Getting around is straightforward thanks to the Arrow passenger train, which connects the university, downtown, and the Esri campus with regional Metrolink service toward Los Angeles. The downtown station drops you right into the historic depot area. On Saturday mornings, the weekly Downtown Morning Market fills the surrounding streets with fresh citrus, local honey, baked goods, and live music. It all adds up to a welcoming Inland Empire city with deep roots, easy rail connections, and plenty of character.