Why Hemet, California Is Worth a Stop on Your SoCal Road Trip

The Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre is an open-air arts center that was established in 1923 and is now a historic landmark and California treasure that is enjoyed by both visitors and locals.

It is a popular attraction in Hemet as it is home to the longest continuously running play in North America, the historical Ramona Outdoor Play.

Much of the community comes together for its annual production, which has been staged since the amphitheater opened, and is declared as California’s official State Outdoor Play.

Much of the cast comprises local residents and volunteers, some of whom have had generations of their family take part in the play over the years. Hemet is about 2 hours from Los Angeles.

27400 Ramona Bowl Rd, Hemet, CA 92544, Phone: 951-658-3111

The Western Science Center is a state-of-the-art museum complex that has a fascinating array of fossils and archaeological artifacts which were unearthed at Diamond Valley Lake.

Younger visitors love meeting ‘Max’, the largest mastodon in the western hemisphere, or ‘Xena’, a large teenage Columbian mammoth.

It’s a wonderful place to let your imagination run wild as they have a ton of exhibits such as their path made of tempered glass or the replication of a mastodon dig site.

Their hands-on activities are extremely popular, especially their “make your own fossil” station.

Check out their calendar before you head over as you may be able to participate in one of their many events such as ‘Science Under the Stars’.

2345 Searl Pkwy, Hemet, CA 92543, Phone: 951-791-0033

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

One of the largest reservoirs in Southern California, the man-made Diamond Valley Lake in Hemet spans over 4,500 acres.

It is a prominent attraction in the city and is often filled with residents and visitors on a warm, sunny days.

There are several recreational activities you can participate in such as boating or picnicking.

Diamond Valley is recognized as one of the best fishing sites in the state and is renowned for its monster-sized fishes; the lake has several freshwater fish such as bluegill, channel catfish, shad, crappie, rainbow trout, striped bass, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass.

2615 Angler Avenue, Hemet, CA 92545, Phone: 951-926-7201

The Hemet Museum is dedicated to preserving the area’s past so that visitors and future generations of residents will be able to better understand Hemet’s history. The current collection includes an array of items from Hemet’s past, whether it be in the form of memorabilia, photographs, or artifacts, from the people and events that shaped the historic town. Visitors will be able to see displays and exhibits on archaeology, Native Americans that once resided there, early Americana, the post office, national guard and military, and paraphernalia from the local railroad. In alliance with several other museums across the United States, the Hemet Museum also has an exciting number of rotating exhibits on display throughout the year.

100 W Florida Ave, Hemet, CA 92543, Phone: 951-929-4409

Attractions for Couples

Situated beside the lake of the same name, the Diamond Valley Lake Aquatic Center is a fun place for the entire family to cool off and relax. The center’s 25-yard outdoor swimming pool is the main attraction and is suitable for everyone in the family; little one’s love playing in the water fountain sprayers or with the water activity toys while older kids enjoy zooming down the exciting water slide. Additional facilities that are available for use include pickleball courts, designated picnic areas, restrooms, and fitness trails that will take you through some of Hemet’s stunning flora and fauna.

1801 Angler Ave, Hemet, CA 92545, Phone: 951-929-0047

Found in the heart of Hemet’s downtown district is their renowned community arts center, the Historic Hemet Theater. The current theater which you see today was built in 1921; the original theater was built in 1913 across the street but was damaged five years later in a terrible earthquake. You’ll experience the nostalgic charm of the theater from the minute you walk in; be sure to take in the stunning architecture and decor of the place. There are many events hosted at the theater throughout the year including live theater productions, concerts, films, and community programs. You can catch a classic film such as ‘Charlie Chan at the Circus’ or a live concert tribute to Neil Diamond or Creedence Clearwater Revival.

216 E Florida Ave, Hemet, CA 92543, Phone: 951-658-5950

Family owned and operated for over sixty years, Reed Valley Ranch is renowned for breeding quality Angus cattle and for being one of the most breathtaking locations in the area. Just a short drive from San Diego and Los Angeles, the 835-acre ranch comprises rugged hills, lush valleys, and an endless expanse of oak groves. You’ll be able to take in so much of the natural beauty that surrounds it, while also being able to explore the ranch’s original Spanish-style ranch house, the many historic barns, bunkhouse, ponds, and much more. You’ll be able to meet the ranchers, learn about ranching, explore nature, and walk on their amazing trails during a trip to Reed Valley Ranch.

36521 Reed Valley Rd, Hemet, CA 92544, Phone: 951-767-0524

Hemet Maze Stone is a mysterious maze-like petroglyph design that was discovered on a boulder by a rancher in 1914. The swastika-like symbol was determined to be over 500 years old, if not older, by archaeologists at the time. Though it was never identified who made the carving, or why, the intricate work is similar to only fifty other carvings that have turned up since then - all of which are 150 miles within each other. The swastika is commonly found in Buddhist symbolism and the story is that the all of the carvings are the works of Chinese sailors that shipwrecked in California around 500 C.E. Though we will never know, it’s still an interesting site to see. The California state landmark is now protected by a pair of chain-link fences but is still open for curious visitors to see.

3519 California Avenue, Hemet, CA 92545, Phone: 951-765-3712