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2 0 1 7 T R A V E L G U I D E T O C A L I F O R N I A 169 B Y L E N O R E G R E I N E R T he vast 5,000 square miles of the Inland Empire deftly capture Cal- ifornia's Spanish and Native American origins, the stagecoach era and the Golden Age of traveling Route 66. Here, the scenic land- scape and historic sites reflect Golden State extremes: snow-capped granite peaks of the San Bernardino Mountains to the north and the San Jacinto range to the east fast descend into arid high deserts and, finally, to verdant vineyards and groves. In the birthplace of California's citrus industry, discover tranquil, scenic beauty among vineyards, hiking paths or ski runs. Or partake in distinctly Californian pursuits: wine tasting, escaping to a quiet golf resort, or soaking in steamy hot springs. The crowds are fewer and the prices are lower than Lake Tahoe and Napa Valley, yet you'll find the same thrills and diversions in the Inland Empire. The Great Outdoors For year-round recreation, travelers can head into the San Bernardino Moun- tains, to two popular alpine lakes. At Big Bear Lake, outdoor enthusiasts find winter alpine sports at Big Bear Mountain and Snow Summit for excellent skiing and snowboarding. Come summertime, the lake offers watersports lovers abundant fishing, boating, kayaking and even parasailing. Lake Arrowhead offers hiking, horseback riding, biking and ice-skating. Or wander in the natural beauty and charming shops of the Swiss Chalet-style alpine village of Lake Arrowhead. Or simply stargaze, watch the autumn leaves turn or the winter snowflakes fall. INLAND EMPIRE TOP CITIES Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Temecula, Ontario, San Bernardino, Riverside INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY Ontario International Airport (ONT), 35 miles (56 km) east of downtown Los Angeles, 23 miles (37 km) west of San Bernardino, 16 miles (26 km) west of Riverside TOURISM WEBSITES bigbear.com lakearrowheadchamber.com visittemeculavalley.com riversidecvb.com POPULATION 2.3 million INLAND EMPIRE Discover quintessential California in this often-overlooked region of sand and snow, deserts and mountains plus abundant vineyards and casino action