As spring returns to The Inlands, the region is transforming into a premier destination for road-trippers, nature lovers and culture seekers. From the historic 100th anniversary of Route 66 to the vibrant peaks of the San Bernardino Mountains, spring 2026 offers a rare blend of nostalgia and adventure.
100 Years on the Mother Road
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66. As the heart of the “Mother Road,” The Inlands invites travelers to cruise iconic stretches, dine at vintage roadside eateries and attend special centennial events honoring a century of American car culture. Any Route 66 journey must begin in Needles, recognized as the first California city travelers reach when crossing the Colorado River from the east. Visitors can explore the historic El Garces Harvey House, a neoclassical landmark that once catered to early transcontinental travelers or visit the Needles Regional Museum to see artifacts from the road’s golden era. Continue the journey to the Route 66 Museum in Victorville to learn more about the iconic route’s rich history and cultural significance or snag a selfie with the VW Love Bus.
Nature’s Greatest Show: The Superbloom
With mild weather fueling the landscape, the region is bracing for a spectacular wildflower season. Top spots for “bloom-chasing” include:
- Chino Hills State Park & Walker Canyon: Famous for rolling hills of gold and orange.
- Diamond Valley Lake: Known for diverse wildflower carpets and lakeside hiking.
- High-Altitude Blooms: Oak Glen Preserve and Big Bear’s North Baldwin Lake offer late-spring alpine floral displays.
A Season of Can’t-Miss Events
The Inlands’ spring calendar is packed with outdoor activity and community celebrations:
- ONT Field Baseball: Spring 2026 marks the highly-anticipated opening of the brand-new ONT Field Stadium in Ontario. Catch the Ontario Tower Buzzers (the Single-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers) as they take the field for their inaugural season beginning in early April.
- Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival: Watch the skies fill with color over wine country in June (early morning launches and evening “glows”).
- Local Arts & Culture: Riverside Art Market (April 11), Redlands Festival of Arts (May 23-24) and Riverside’s Inland Empire Pride Festival (May 30).
From mountains to valleys, vineyards to historic highways, The Inlands offers a springtime playground for explorers of all ages. With events like the Temecula Hot Air Balloon Festival and the Route 66 Centennial, this season is the perfect time to discover the vibrant spirit of the region.
For more information and to stay up to date on upcoming events and attractions, visit theinlands.com and follow @theinlands on Instagram.
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