Redlands, CA
- About the City
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks
- Transport
- Museums
- Universities and Academic Institutions
- Sport and Sporting Legends
- Healthcare and Medical Institutions
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
Redlands is a historic city in Southern California's Inland Empire, known for its 19th-century citrus baron mansions, the University of Redlands, and being the headquarters of the global mapping giant Esri.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Official Name: Redlands, California .
- Administrative Role: Redlands is a general law city incorporated on December 3, 1888. It is not a county seat but is a principal city within San Bernardino County .
- Regional Context: The city is located in the Inland Empire (often abbreviated as the I.E.), a vast metropolitan area and logistics hub east of Los Angeles. The region is one of the fastest-growing areas in the U.S. and is famously known as a major center for warehousing and distribution, serving as the "last mile" for goods entering Southern California .
Historical Names and Nicknames
- Nickname: Redlands is widely known as the "Jewel of the Inland Empire" . This nickname reflects its historical charm, tree-lined streets, and well-preserved architecture, which distinguish it from the more industrial cities in the surrounding region.
- Historic Names: The city was founded in 1881 as the Redlands Colony by Frank E. Brown and E. G. Judson. It later absorbed several older settlements, most notably Lugonia, which was established in the area in the 1870s and named after the pioneering Lugo family .
Date of Foundation and Age
- Founding and Incorporation: The Redlands Colony was founded in 1881. The city was officially incorporated on December 3, 1888, born from the merger of the communities of Redlands, Lugonia, and others .
- Age: As of 2026, Redlands is 145 years old since its founding and 138 years since its incorporation.
Geographical Position and Coordinates
- Coordinates: 34°03′17″N 117°10′57″W .
- Setting: Redlands is situated at the eastern end of the San Bernardino Valley, nestled at the base of the stunning San Bernardino Mountains. The Santa Ana River forms its northern boundary, separating the city from the mountains and the city of San Bernardino. The San Timoteo Canyon and the Crafton Hills are to the south and east .
- Elevation: The city's elevation is approximately 414 meters (1,359 feet) above sea level, though the terrain varies from the valley floor up into the hills .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Redlands has a diversified economy that blends its historic past with modern industries:
- Historic Citrus Center: Redlands was once the world's largest producer of navel oranges . This heritage is still celebrated and visible in its remaining historic groves and packing houses.
- Technology and Business Hub: It is the worldwide headquarters of Esri (Environmental Systems Research Institute) , a global leader in geographic information system (GIS) software and mapping technology .
- Distribution and Logistics: Like much of the Inland Empire, Redlands has a significant distribution sector, hosting centers for major companies like Stater Bros. and Hershey's .
- Educational and Administrative Center: The city is home to the University of Redlands, a private liberal arts university founded in 1907, and serves as a regional center for healthcare and municipal services .
Population and Demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 census, the population of Redlands was 73,168 .
- City Class: Redlands is classified as a medium-sized city and is the 10th most populous city in San Bernardino County.
- Demographic Note: It is a growing community with a diverse economy, often described as a "big town with a small-town feel" .
City's "Business Card" (In Short)
Redlands is a historic gem where the legacy of California's citrus barons lives on in Victorian-era mansions and a classic downtown. Today, it's a vibrant "college town" and a global tech hub, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the San Bernardino Mountains. Visitors come to explore its beautiful architecture, enjoy free concerts at the historic Redlands Bowl, and experience the unique charm of the "Jewel of the Inland Empire."
Geography
Mountains and Mountain Ranges
- San Bernardino Mountains (Montañas de San Bernardino): This massive mountain range towers directly above Redlands to the north. It is a defining feature of the local landscape .
- Key Peaks: Prominent peaks visible from the city include San Gorgonio Mountain (11,725 ft / 3,574 m) , the highest peak in Southern California, and San Bernardino Peak (11,600 ft / 3,535 m) .
- Activities: The mountains offer a cool escape from the valley heat, with opportunities for hiking, camping, and in the higher elevations, winter snow play. The mountain community of Oak Glen, famous for its apple orchards, is a short drive up into these mountains .
Water Objects (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)
- Santa Ana River (Río Santa Ana): This major Southern California river flows along the northern border of Redlands, separating the city from the city of San Bernardino and the foothills. It is a key regional water source .
- Mill Creek (Arroyo Mill): A vital stream that cascades down from the San Bernardino Mountains. It was historically crucial for the city's development, with a "zanja" (ditch) dug from it in 1820 to supply water to the San Bernardino Asistencia. It was also the site of an early hydroelectric power plant .
- Crafton Hills and San Timoteo Canyon: To the east and south, these rolling hills and the deep San Timoteo Canyon are formed by seasonal streams and are important ecological and geological areas .
Beaches and Coastlines
Redlands is located approximately 63 miles (101 km) east of Los Angeles and does not have its own coastline . The nearest beaches are those of the Orange County and Los Angeles County coastlines, which are about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive away.
Deserts, Canyons, and Unique Landscapes
- San Timoteo Canyon (Cañón de San Timoteo): This large and ecologically diverse canyon forms the southern boundary of Redlands. It serves as a natural corridor and separates the San Bernardino Valley from the Perris Valley and the lands leading to the Colorado Desert .
- Smiley Heights / Canyon Crest Park: A historic 300-acre park located on the bluffs overlooking the city. Developed in the late 19th century, it is a beautiful landscape of rolling hills, exotic trees, and walking paths offering panoramic views of the valley and mountains. It is not a natural wilderness but a meticulously designed cultural landscape .
National and Natural Parks
While there are no national parks within the city limits, Redlands is a gateway to several major natural areas:
- San Bernardino National Forest: The San Bernardino Mountains directly north of Redlands are part of this vast national forest, which offers hundreds of miles of trails, campgrounds, and ski resorts.
- Oak Glen Preserve: Located in the mountains above Redlands, this preserve managed by The Wildlands Conservancy offers trails through woodlands, meadows, and ponds, providing a distinctly non-desert Southern California wilderness experience .
- Crafton Hills Preserve: Located to the east, this preserve protects the unique ecology of the Crafton Hills and offers hiking trails.
Islands and Archipelagos
Redlands is an inland city and has no islands.
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
- Climate Type: Redlands has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen: Csa) , transitioning to a semi-arid climate (BSk) on its drier edges. It is characterized by very hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters .
- General Description: The city enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year. Most of the annual rainfall occurs between November and March. Summer temperatures often soar, but the low humidity makes the heat more tolerable than in more humid climates. The nearby mountains provide a dramatic backdrop and offer cooler temperatures .
Average Temperatures by Month
- General Range: Winters are mild, with daytime highs in the upper 60s°F (around 19-20°C) and nighttime lows in the low 40s°F (around 5-6°C). Summers are hot, with daytime highs frequently exceeding 95°F (35°C) and often climbing above 100°F (38°C) in July and August .
- Hottest Month: July and August, with average highs around 95-100°F (35-38°C).
- Coldest Month: December and January, with average highs near 67°F (19°C) and lows near 40°F (4°C).
Precipitation and Humidity
- Average Annual Rainfall: Approximately 13-16 inches (330-406 mm), almost entirely from winter storms.
- Wettest Month: Typically February.
- Driest Months: The summer months of June, July, August, and September are extremely dry, with virtually no rainfall.
- Snow: Snowfall in the city of Redlands itself is very rare, occurring only once every few years. However, snow is common in the winter on the nearby San Bernardino Mountains peaks .
Sunny Days and UV Index
- Sunny Days: Redlands enjoys over 280 sunny days per year on average, making it a sun-drenched location.
- UV Index: During the summer months, the UV index is typically very high (8-9) to extreme (10+) , requiring sun protection for any outdoor activities.
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March - May): This is one of the best times to visit, with mild to warm temperatures, blooming wildflowers in the hills, and green landscapes from the winter rains. Perfect for hiking in Oak Glen and exploring the city's historic neighborhoods .
- Summer (June - August): Characterized by very hot, dry weather. While the city can be scorching during the day, this is the season for the famous Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival, a beloved free outdoor concert series. Visitors can escape the heat by heading up to the mountains or enjoying air-conditioned museums and downtown shops .
- Fall (September - November): Another excellent time to visit. The weather cools down, and the fall colors (though subtle in the city) are complemented by the harvest season in nearby Oak Glen, famous for its apple picking .
- Winter (December - February): Winters are mild and wet. This is a great time to visit if you want to avoid the heat and crowds. It's also an opportunity to see snow on the mountains without having to drive too far, and to explore the city's indoor attractions like the Lincoln Memorial Shrine .
Specific Weather Phenomena
- Santa Ana Winds: In the fall and winter, Redlands can experience strong, dry Santa Ana winds blowing from the desert towards the coast. These winds can elevate fire danger significantly.
- Summer Thunderstorms: While rare, the North American Monsoon can sometimes push moisture into the area in July and August, bringing isolated afternoon thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds.
Landmarks
A. K. Smiley Public Library
- Name: A. K. Smiley Public Library.
- Architect and Year: Designed by architect T.R. Griffith and opened in 1898. It was a gift from Albert K. Smiley, a philanthropist and Redlands winter resident .
- Description: This stunning red-brick structure with a distinctive bell tower is a masterpiece of Moorish and Victorian architecture. It is not just a working public library but also a cultural landmark. It features a beautiful domed reading room and is surrounded by the lush Smiley Park.
- Significance: It is the cornerstone of Redlands' cultural identity and is located right in the heart of the city's historic civic center .
Lincoln Memorial Shrine
- Name: Lincoln Memorial Shrine.
- Architect and Year: Dedicated in 1932, it was the vision of local philanthropist Robert Watchorn as a memorial to Abraham Lincoln .
- Description: Located behind the A.K. Smiley Public Library, this unique octagonal marble building is the only museum and research library west of the Mississippi River devoted entirely to Abraham Lincoln and the American Civil War. It features a stunning collection of artifacts, manuscripts, and art, including a bronze bust of Lincoln by sculptor George Grey Barnard .
Kimberly Crest House & Gardens
- Name: Kimberly Crest House & Gardens.
- Architect and Year: Built in 1897 as a private home. It was purchased in 1905 by John Alfred Kimberly, a co-founder of the Kimberly-Clark Corporation (famous for Kleenex) .
- Description: A beautiful 7,000-square-foot, three-story, French château-style château perched on a hill overlooking Redlands. It is a stunning example of Victorian-era opulence and has been featured on the PBS series "America's Castles" .
- Present Day: It operates as a house museum, complete with seven acres of beautifully manicured Italian Renaissance-style gardens, open to the public for tours .
The Redlands Bowl
- Name: The Redlands Bowl.
- Year: Built in 1930, but the summer concert series it hosts began in 1924 .
- Description: An open-air amphitheater located in Smiley Park, directly across from the library and shrine. It is the home of the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival, which claims to be the oldest continuously free outdoor concert series in the United States . It is a cherished community gathering place.
Morey Mansion
- Name: Morey Mansion.
- Architect and Year: Built in 1890 by David Morey, a retired shipbuilder and carpenter .
- Description: This vibrant, brightly-painted Victorian house on Terracina Boulevard is often called "America's Favorite Victorian House." Morey used his shipbuilding skills to create intricate woodwork, giving the home a unique, nautical-inspired interior and exterior. It is a private residence but is a favorite subject for photographers and passersby .
University of Redlands
- Name: University of Redlands.
- Year: Founded in 1907 .
- Description: The university's campus is itself a landmark, featuring beautiful Collegiate Gothic-style buildings set among well-manicured lawns and towering trees. The campus provides a scenic, scholarly atmosphere and is integral to the city's character as a "college town" .
Transport
Main Airports in the City and Region
Redlands is not served by a major commercial airport within its own city limits. However, it is within a reasonable drive of several major airports:
- Ontario International Airport (ONT): Located approximately 20 miles (32 km) west of Redlands, this is the closest and most convenient commercial airport for most travelers. It is a medium-sized hub with flights throughout the U.S. and Mexico. It can be reached via I-10 west.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): Approximately 70 miles (113 km) west, this is a major international gateway with flights from all over the world. It is a significantly longer drive, usually 1.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic.
- John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County and San Diego International Airport (SAN) are also options, but they are further away.
Other Airports (Alternative)
- San Bernardino International Airport (SBD): Located just north of Redlands, across the Santa Ana River in the city of San Bernardino. It primarily handles cargo, general aviation, and some charter flights. It is not currently served by major commercial airlines .
Main Train Stations
- Redlands Passenger Rail Project (Arrow): After decades without passenger service, rail returned to Redlands in 2022. The Arrow service is a diesel multiple unit (DMU) train operated by Metrolink. It runs between the Redlands–Downtown station and the Redlands–University station, connecting to the Metrolink San Bernardino Line at the San Bernardino–Downtown station for commuter service to Los Angeles .
Marine and River Ports
Redlands is an inland city and has no ports. The nearest major seaports are the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, approximately 70 miles to the southwest.
Public Transport System (Bus)
- Omnitrans: The public transport needs of Redlands are served by Omnitrans, the bus transit agency for the San Bernardino Valley. Multiple Omnitrans bus routes connect Redlands to neighboring cities like San Bernardino, Loma Linda, and Yucaipa, as well as to major shopping centers and the University of Redlands .
Main Highways
- Interstate 10 (I-10): This major transcontinental highway is the city's main arterial road. It runs east-west through the heart of Redlands, connecting it to Los Angeles to the west and Palm Springs, Phoenix, and points east .
- Interstate 210 (I-210): This freeway terminates at I-10 in western Redlands, providing a direct route to Pasadena and the San Fernando Valley without going through downtown Los Angeles .
- Historic U.S. Route 99: Before the interstate system, U.S. 99 was the main highway through the area. It was replaced by I-10 in the 1950s .
Museums
Redlands is home to a unique specialty museum and is also the location of the county's main historical museum.
The San Bernardino County Museum
Located at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, the San Bernardino County Museum is the region's premier institution for cultural and natural history . While it is a county museum, it is physically located in Redlands and serves as a major cultural attraction for the city. The museum features exhibits of regional, cultural, and natural history . Its collections and exhibitions focus on the stories and art of the Inland Empire and Southern California. For example, a recent exhibition titled "Black Renaissance" showcased works by local Black artists, inspired by the Harlem Renaissance and featuring powerful pictorial references to historical figures like Malcolm X and the Buffalo Soldiers . The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. .
Historical Glass Museum
For those seeking a more specialized experience, the Historical Glass Museum is a hidden gem. Housed in a century-old Victorian home at 1157 Orange Street, this museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing American-made glass art . It boasts the largest collection of its kind west of the Rocky Mountains, with over 7,000 pieces dating from the 1800s to the present day . Visitors can explore a vast array of glass items, including a notable collection of "glowing" (uranium) glass, all displayed within the charming rooms of the historic home . The museum is open on weekends, Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and entry is by donation .
Universities and Academic Institutions
Higher education is a defining feature of Redlands, centered around its namesake university.
University of Redlands
The University of Redlands is a private institution founded in 1907 and is the heart of the city's academic life . The campus is located in the small city setting of Redlands, between Los Angeles and Palm Springs . It is a master's-level university with a strong focus on undergraduate education, characterized by a low student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1 or 12:1, which allows for small class sizes and personalized attention .
The university comprises the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as the schools of business and education . It offers over 40 fields of study, with notable strengths in business management, mathematics, GIS (geographic information systems), and musicology . A unique feature is its "3+2" dual-degree engineering program, in partnership with prestigious universities like Columbia University and Washington University in St. Louis, allowing students to earn two bachelor's degrees . The university mascot is the Bulldog, and the athletic teams compete in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) .
Notable alumni include U.S. Congressman Pete Aguilar and Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald, and high-profile lawyer David Boies . The university is also known for its high rate of study abroad participation and for providing scholarships to a large percentage of its international students .
Sport and Sporting Legends
Sports in Redlands are centered around the University of Redlands, with no major professional teams located in the city itself.
University of Redlands Athletics
The Redlands Bulldogs represent the University of Redlands in NCAA Division III athletics, competing primarily in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) . The university fields teams in a variety of sports. The football team plays its home games at Ted Runner Stadium, which has a capacity of 6,750 and a natural grass surface . The Bulldogs have historic rivalries with other SCIAC schools such as Pomona-Pitzer, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, and Cal Lutheran . For a city of its size, the college sports scene is a significant part of the local community's sporting identity.
Healthcare and Medical Institutions
Redlands has several healthcare facilities that serve the local community.
Kaiser Permanente Redlands Healthcare Center
The Kaiser Permanente Redlands Healthcare Center, located at 1620 W Fern Ave, is an affiliated skilled nursing facility that provides long-term care services to Kaiser Permanente members, particularly those with Medi-Cal Managed Care plans . As part of the larger Kaiser Permanente network, this center offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation services in a clinical setting.
Brookside Healthcare Center
Brookside Healthcare Center at 105 Terracina Blvd is another significant healthcare facility in the city . It functions as an outpatient clinic, a geriatric residence, and a rehabilitation center . The facility offers 24-hour care, with a focus on rehabilitation, and is equipped with accessibility features for individuals with disabilities .
For more specialized medical needs, residents of Redlands often have access to a wider range of hospitals and medical centers in the larger surrounding cities of the Inland Empire, such as San Bernardino and Loma Linda, which is home to the world-renowned Loma Linda University Medical Center.
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
The search results did not yield specific information on a unique local cuisine, signature dishes, or famous restaurants within Redlands. Given its location in Southern California, the city's dining scene is likely reflective of broader regional trends. This includes a strong presence of Mexican-American cuisine, classic American fare, and a variety of casual dining and chain restaurants common to mid-sized American cities. The proximity to larger, more diverse culinary hubs like Los Angeles means that while Redlands may have local favorites, it does not have a singular, internationally recognized dish. Further research into local food blogs or the websites of Redlands' many historic downtown restaurants would be needed to identify city-specific culinary specialties.