Redlands is one of those towns that quietly charms you. Tucked between citrus groves and mountain views, it’s filled with historic landmarks, leafy neighborhoods, and cultural gems that make you slow down and explore. Whether you're catching a summer concert at the Bowl or admiring century-old glassware in a cozy museum, Redlands offers simple pleasures with surprising depth. It’s the kind of place where every stop feels personal, and every path leads somewhere unexpectedly lovely.
Best Things to Do in Redlands, CA
Summer nights under the stars at Redlands Bowl
There’s something timeless about the Redlands Bowl. Families brought lawn chairs and picnic baskets, kids ran barefoot on the grass, and the stage glowed gently under the setting sun. As the orchestra warmed up, a quiet settled over the crowd—anticipation wrapped in warm evening air. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of community moment that stays with you, long after the music ends.”
What I Loved Most: Sharing a blanket with my family while the music carried across the lawn—free, open, and deeply beautiful. We didn’t speak much during the concert. We didn’t need to.
My highlights? We picked up sandwiches and lemonades from Olive Avenue Market beforehand—mine was a roasted turkey with fig spread and brie, packed up neatly and eaten on the grass. It felt casual and special at the same time.
Plan your visit:
- Location: 25 Grant St, Redlands, CA 92373
- Vibe: Community-centered, musical, open-air
- Best For: Music lovers, families, summer night seekers
- Don’t Miss: The annual summer music festival and classical concert nights
- Hours: Seasonal evening performances (typically summer, 8pm)
- Cost: Free admission
Stepping through history at the Lincoln Memorial Shrine
Tucked in a quiet corner of town, the Lincoln Memorial Shrine surprised me. It was calm, beautifully designed, and deeply focused—more emotional than I expected. Inside, exhibits told the story of Lincoln, the Civil War, and the pursuit of unity, and it made me slow down. I remember thinking, “You don’t need a huge museum to feel something powerful—you just need intention.”
What I Loved Most: The quiet hush of the main chamber, with its bronze busts and redwood-paneled walls. It felt like a space made for thinking—and remembering.
My highlights? Afterward, we stopped at à la Minute for handcrafted ice cream made with liquid nitrogen. I had the orange honey flavor, made with local Redlands oranges. It was light, silky, and just quirky enough to be perfect.
Plan your visit:
- Location: 125 W Vine St, Redlands, CA 92373
- Vibe: Thoughtful, historic, quietly powerful
- Best For: History buffs, reflective travelers, small group visits
- Don’t Miss: Civil War artifacts, Lincoln quotes etched in stone, nearby library grounds
- Hours: Tues–Sun, 1pm–5pm
- Cost: Free admission
Wandering through elegance at Kimberly Crest House & Gardens
From the moment we arrived, the Kimberly Crest House felt like stepping into a different century. The stately French château-style home, surrounded by Italian-style gardens and koi ponds, was peaceful and grand. I wandered the grounds with my family, imagining life here in another era. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place where you slow your pace, on purpose.”
What I Loved Most: Exploring the terraced gardens and watching the kids try to spot turtles in the reflecting pool. There was a sense of quiet charm and history in every corner.
My highlights? After our garden stroll, we headed to Corner Bakery Café for a relaxed brunch. I had the avocado and spinach power flat with a side of fruit, and the kids split pancakes with maple syrup. We sat outside, still talking about the stained glass windows and castle-like towers.
Plan your visit:
- Location: 1325 Prospect Dr, Redlands, CA 92373
- Vibe: Romantic, historic, serene
- Best For: Garden lovers, architecture enthusiasts, couples or families
- Don’t Miss: Guided interior tours, koi pond, spring and holiday events
- Hours: Tours available by appointment (typically Sat/Sun afternoons)
- Cost: ~$10 adults, ~$5 children under 12 (subject to change)
Exploring curiosity at San Bernardino County Museum
The San Bernardino County Museum turned out to be a total surprise. What looked like a small museum opened up into a multi-level space filled with natural history, cultural exhibits, and kid-friendly discovery areas. There were fossils, birds, old trains—it was unexpectedly fascinating. I remember thinking, “We came for the kids, but I think I’m learning just as much.”
What I Loved Most: The interactive stations, especially the Hall of Geological Wonders. The kids were hands-on, curious, and completely engaged.
My highlights? We stopped at Bricks and Birch afterward for wood-fired pizza and lavender lemonade. I had the mushroom and arugula pie—crispy crust, local ingredients, and so satisfying after a few hours of exploring.
Plan your visit:
- Location: 2024 Orange Tree Ln, Redlands, CA 92374
- Vibe: Interactive, educational, family-focused
- Best For: Curious kids, hands-on learners, museum fans
- Don’t Miss: Hall of Birds, fossil exhibits, rotating cultural displays
- Hours: Tues–Sat, 9am–5pm; Sun 12pm–5pm
- Cost: ~$10 adults, ~$5 children (ages 5–12), under 5 free
Unearthing hidden beauty at the Historical Glass Museum
The Historical Glass Museum was like stepping into a forgotten jewel box—room after room filled with delicate, shimmering glass pieces from every era. At first, the kids weren’t sure what to expect, but soon we were pointing out colors and patterns, imagining the lives behind the glass. I remember thinking, “There’s something beautiful about taking time to notice the quiet details.”
What I Loved Most: The volunteers were passionate and kind, walking us through the stories behind their favorite pieces. It felt like being welcomed into someone’s cherished collection.
My highlights? No café onsite, so we made it a sweet day by visiting Happy Camper Creamery afterward. I had the honey lavender ice cream in a waffle cone—subtle, fragrant, and the perfect way to end our museum stroll.
Plan your visit:
- Location: 1157 N Orange St, Redlands, CA 92374
- Vibe: Vintage, peaceful, lovingly curated
- Best For: Antique lovers, quiet afternoons, curious travelers
- Don’t Miss: Depression glass collection, intricate lamps, volunteer-led tours
- Hours: Sat–Sun, 12pm–4pm
- Cost: ~$5 suggested donation per adult
Redlands: Where History and Heart Meet
From sunset performances to tucked-away gardens and curated museums, Redlands gave us a different rhythm—a slower, sweeter way to experience Southern California. It’s not flashy, and that’s what makes it feel so welcoming. If you're craving a destination with warmth, beauty, and plenty of local charm, Redlands will greet you like an old friend.
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