Things To Do
in Highland
Highland, California sits at the western edge of the Inland Empire with the San Bernardino Mountains rising immediately to the north, giving the town an accessible gateway to mountain trails while remaining within Southern California's suburban corridor. The community balances suburban neighborhoods, pockets of historic downtown and small-business corridors, and remnants of citrus groves that hint at the area's agricultural past. Visitors find convenient access to regional parks, scenic viewpoints, and day-trip options to larger attractions in nearby San Bernardino, Redlands and Ontario.
Highland is a practical base for outdoor activities, casual dining with a strong Mexican and Californian influence, and quick drives to bigger-city amenities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through Highland's Historic Center, where charming architecture and local shops await. Enjoy a breakfast at a quaint café, savoring freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries. As you wander, take in the rich history that permeates the area, with informative plaques detailing the stories behind the buildings.
After lunch, visit the Highland Museum of History, where fascinating exhibits bring the town's past to life. Spend some time in the surrounding park, enjoying a picnic or simply basking in the lush greenery. Conclude the afternoon with a visit to unique local boutiques, where you can find handcrafted goods and souvenirs.
As the sun sets, dine at a popular local restaurant renowned for its farm-to-table offerings. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as live music often accompanies dinner, creating a lively ambiance. After your meal, take a leisurely walk down Main Street, where twinkling lights and friendly faces create a welcoming evening scene.
Begin your morning with a guided nature walk at Highland Park, where a knowledgeable guide shares insights into local flora and fauna. The fresh air and beautiful trails provide a perfect backdrop for this immersive experience. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
Continue your day with a picnic lunch at the park, enjoying the tranquility of nature. Afterward, head to the observation deck for panoramic views of the Highland valley, where you can spot local wildlife. Spend the afternoon leisurely hiking the nearby trails, each turn revealing more of Highland’s natural beauty.
As evening approaches, return to the park for a sunset yoga session, allowing you to unwind and connect with nature. Afterward, treat yourself to a cozy dinner at a nearby tavern, where hearty meals and local brews await. Conclude the evening by stargazing in the park, where the clear skies provide a breathtaking celestial view.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi / rideshare (3–5 miles) | $10-20 |
| 🥩Dinner at mid-range restaurant (two people) | $50-80 |
| 🎟️Local attraction or museum entrance | $8-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close access to mountain trails and outdoor recreation
- Affordable base for exploring the Inland Empire and nearby cities
- Casual, friendly community with authentic local dining options
- Summers can be very hot and air quality affected by wildfires
- Limited nightlife and major tourist attractions within the town itself
- Public transit options are modest—a car is useful for getting around
Places to Visit in Highland
Visit one of these nice places.
Elevated overlooks and foothill roads offer sweeping valley views, mountain ridgelines and dramatic sunsets—ideal for wide-angle landscape shots and golden-hour photography.
If visiting during late winter to spring, blooming citrus trees and fruit-laden groves provide colorful, fragrant photo opportunities and pastoral compositions.
Capture small-town Americana with vintage storefronts, murals and community parks—great for candid and documentary-style photos.
Trail vistas, native chaparral, and wildflower displays (in spring) produce excellent nature and macro photography scenes.
Food in Highland
Highland Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try street-style taco with grilled beef, cilantro, onion and salsa; available at taquerías and food trucks across Highland and neighboring towns.
Must-Try!
Inland adaptations of coastal favorites—look for local versions with fresh salsa, avocado and grilled fish at Mexican restaurants and beach-style taquerías.
A popular grab-and-go choice featuring eggs, potatoes, cheese and choice of meat; ideal for fueling hikes or long drives.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal stands and weekend markets sell citrus, produce and homemade goods—great places to sample fresh fruit, salsas and pastries when available.
Scattered around town and parking lots in nearby cities; prime spots for authentic tacos, quesadillas and other quick eats popular with locals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People are generally informal and friendly—greetings are relaxed; a simple 'hello' or 'good morning' is appreciated.
Many scenic spots are near private land and working properties—obey signs, stay on trails and ask permission before entering private property or photographing people closely.
Be on time for guided activities or scheduled reservations; businesses often run on tight schedules.
Safety
Tipping in Highland
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary in the U.S.: around 15–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, $2–5 for food delivery or takeout (more for large orders), and $1–2 per bag for hotel porters. Tip taxi and rideshare drivers 10–20% if service is good.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Carry some cash for small vendors, farmers' stands or tips. Check for card minimums at smaller establishments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Summers are hot and dry—daytime highs often reach the 80s–100s°F (27–38°C) depending on heat waves. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening, carry water, use sun protection, and be mindful of wildfire smoke during dry spells.
Fall brings milder temperatures and clearer skies; it's a great time for hiking and scenic drives. Some evenings cool down noticeably, so pack layers.
Winters are generally mild in the valley with occasional rain; nearby mountains can get snow, enabling quick trips for winter recreation. Bring a jacket for cooler nights and check road conditions if driving into higher elevations.
Spring offers comfortable temperatures and wildflower blooms after wet winters—ideal for hiking and photography. Pollen can spike in early spring, affecting allergy sufferers.
Highland at Night
Hiking in Highland
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Local loop trails with panoramic views of the valley and occasional wildflower displays—good for short hikes and trail runs.
Access to a wide variety of trails from easy walks to strenuous mountain routes; allows day trips for alpine scenery and higher-elevation hiking.
A popular challenging hike with steep climbs and rewarding summit views; best for experienced hikers and cooler seasons.
Riverside and creekside trails offering shaded walking routes and water features in sections—good for more relaxed nature outings.
Airports
How to reach Highland by plane.
Approximately 20–30 minutes west by car; the most convenient major airport for domestic flights and many international options—good ground transportation and car rental services.
About 60–90 minutes by car depending on traffic; offers the widest range of international and domestic flights but can be significantly farther in peak traffic.
Around 60–90 minutes southeast by car; useful for some seasonal flights and a convenient option if combining a trip to desert areas.
Close in distance but with limited commercial service—primarily used for cargo, some charter and general aviation; useful if services match your itinerary.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population with vibrant cultural influences on food, festivals and everyday life.
Many residents commute to jobs across the Inland Empire and Greater Los Angeles—family-oriented neighborhoods and community services are common.
Established neighborhoods with multi-generational families and retirees who contribute to local civic life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local high school sports are community focal points in fall and spring—attending a game is a popular local activity.
Soccer is widely played across youth leagues and adult recreational leagues, reflecting the area's diverse community.
Outdoor endurance sports are popular thanks to nearby hills and mountain trails that challenge runners and cyclists.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Highland.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available at cafés and Mexican restaurants (cheese, beans, grilled veggies, nopales). Ask for dishes without meat or request substitutions—many places will accommodate vegetarian modifications.
Vegan choices exist but can be more limited; seek out health-focused cafés, larger chain restaurants or nearby cities for specialized vegan dining and plant-based burger options.
Gluten-free requests are commonly accepted; corn tortillas are a safe choice for grain-free tacos—confirm preparation methods at smaller kitchens to avoid cross-contamination.