Redlands: Discover Culture, Gardens, and Nature

When planning a stay in Redlands, cultural history, architecture, and nature offer different points of interest. The ways to visit vary: the gardens at Kimberly Crest are open to the public free of charge; guided tours of the Lincoln Memorial Shrine are available for groups of 12 or more by advance reservation.

Historic Architecture and Collections

Kimberly Crest House & Gardens is a 6-acre estate in Redlands. The estate includes a Victorian château and gardens in the Italian Renaissance style. Inside, the house serves as a museum offering guided tours. This means a museum visit inside the house and free public access to the gardens are two distinct ways to visit.

The Historical Glass Museum has a different focus: it displays 6,000 pieces of glass in a Victorian-style house dating from 1903. It is open Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 to 16:00; admission is by donation. Since opening hours may change, check them before your visit. Unlike Kimberly Crest, the focus here is on glass objects, while there, the house and garden together shape the architectural character.

The A.K. Smiley Public Library also offers a specific insight into architectural history. Its wing, added in 1906, was built to fit in with the original design of the Mission Revival library. The focus is on how a later addition relates to the original design.

The San Bernardino County Museum presents exhibits about the Inland Empire region, including depictions of life in Redlands and other nearby areas. Its exhibits and programs also cover history, art, anthropology, archaeology, biology, geology, and paleontology related to Inland Southern California. The regional connections differ: depictions of life in Redlands are linked to the Inland Empire, while the broader program relates to Inland Southern California.

History and Music

The Lincoln Memorial Shrine combines a specific visiting requirement with a historical exhibition: guided tours are available for groups of 12 or more by advance reservation. The exhibition “…That All Men are Created Equal: Slavery in America” offers insights into enslavement and its legacy in the United States, from precolonial times through the 20th century. Visitors can hear stories and songs of formerly enslaved people there. The exhibition thus focuses both on the long historical period and on personal voices. Exhibition details may change; check the information before your visit.

At Heritage Park, Redlands’ history meets a nature park. The park covers 18.4 acres and reflects the history of the city. A trail passes boulders and conveys this history. The trail and landscape thus complement the historical perspectives offered by buildings and collections with an outdoor experience.

The Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival is considered the oldest continuously running music festival in the United States that charges no admission. Its history began in 1923 with the founding of the Redlands Community Music Association by Grace Stewart Mullen. For your plans, check the specific festival dates for the period of your trip.

Nature and Trails

The San Timoteo Sanctuary spans about 200 acres and provides habitat for coyotes, deer, badgers, and snakes. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. For trail activities, 5 miles of trails are available to hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. Mountain biking is permitted on the single-track trail through the eucalyptus grove. Since trail rules may change, check them before your outing. This makes it possible to distinguish the nature and trail options from the historic interiors and collections without overlooking the different visiting requirements.

Discover more destinations: Ontario, Crestline, Hesperia, Big Bear Lake, Fort Irwin, Rialto, Blue Jay, Running Springs

For the main travel overview: San Bernardino.