Note worthy activities in Inland Empire in the winter (San Diego: rentals, casinos)

[NJ Brazen_3133]

I plan on coming back to SoCal in the winter for vacation again. I feel like I need more time down there. What are some note worthy activities in the Inland empire. Will anything big be happening, like some kind of big fair, convention, or show?

Also I imagine the Inland Empire temperatures during winter are much more mild than in summer. Is it the time people head to the outdoors to enjoy? What kinds of outdoor activities would you recommend?

I plan on staying in San Diego County again though, so I prefer more Riverside county as it is closer. How long is the commute?

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

Depending upon where you stay in SD Co. & where you want to go in the IE, commute could be 1 hr. at the least, or more than 2 hrs., & don't do it when people are commuting to/from work. Regarding places to go:

For Riverside County: Palm Springs & surrounding desert communities, Idyllwild (a mountain community), the wineries around Temecula if you like wine, Old Town Temecula (antique stores, etc.), Mission Inn in downtown Riverside

For San Bernardino County: Big Bear & Lake Arrowhead (2 mountain communities), Joshua Tree Natl. Park, part of which may be in Riverside Co., I can't remember.

Don't know if you're into casinos, but there are quite a few big tribal casinos in SD, Riverside & San Bernardino Counties.

SoCal is experiencing a major drought, so there will most likely not be snow in the mountains. Weather should be sunny & mild, possibly windy in the desert.

[NJ Brazen_3133]

Is there hiking and places to rent mountain bike or do I have to bring my own at any of those places?

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

There are forest service roads all over the mountains of the San Bernardino National Forest (where Big Bear & Lake Arrowhead are located) that you can mountain bike on, plus normal hiking trails, & Idyllwild has good hiking trails. We always used our own bikes, so I'm unsure about rentals, they may be available in Big Bear, but bringing your own bike is a better option if you can.

[mrsltd]

Originally Posted by TurquoiseOne

Depending upon where you stay in SD Co. & where you want to go in the IE, commute could be 1 hr. at the least, or more than 2 hrs., & don't do it when people are commuting to/from work. Regarding places to go:

For Riverside County: Palm Springs & surrounding desert communities, Idyllwild (a mountain community), the wineries around Temecula if you like wine, Old Town Temecula (antique stores, etc.), Mission Inn in downtown Riverside

For San Bernardino County: Big Bear & Lake Arrowhead (2 mountain communities), Joshua Tree Natl. Park, part of which may be in Riverside Co., I can't remember.

Don't know if you're into casinos, but there are quite a few big tribal casinos in SD, Riverside & San Bernardino Counties.

SoCal is experiencing a major drought, so there will most likely not be snow in the mountains. Weather should be sunny & mild, possibly windy in the desert.

There is supposed to be an El Niño event, which means we very definitely WILL have snow in the mountains.

[NJ Brazen_3133]

Are you guys getting any rain from the hurricane in Mexico?

[mrsltd]

Originally Posted by NJ Brazen_3133

Are you guys getting any rain from the hurricane in Mexico?

Not in my immediate environs; just lots of cloud cover this morning and afternoon. Supposed to have some rain late Wednesday but our rainy season starts in November.

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

Originally Posted by mrsltd

There is supposed to be an El Niño event, which means we very definitely WILL have snow in the mountains.

That would be great, but don't count on it.

[NJ Brazen_3133]

Also what is the temperatures like? What kinds of clothes do I need?

I went to Kern County in November once. I was in Tehachapi, and it did get cold at night. I think it even went to 20 or 30s F. I brought a jacket with me, and it was not enough Then I went to Bakersfield, and it was much warmer. I had to take off my jacket.

Is this something I will experience in Riverside County?

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

Probably about the same, maybe a light jacket is all you will need, if, and only if, there are el nino conditions, which would bring light snow, rain & some wind, & that is doubtful.