Give downtown time to unfold
State Street is a natural place to begin exploring central Redlands. The city describes downtown as a place for shopping, dining, historic architecture, and a stroll beneath tree-lined streets. Rather than treating it as a quick stop between attractions, leave time to browse, pause for a meal, and notice the older buildings and citrus-era character. Check the city’s current event information before you go, since street fairs, markets, and other activities can affect parking, crowds, or the feel of a particular day.
Visit Kimberly Crest for gardens and local history
Kimberly Crest House & Gardens is a historic estate with Italian-style gardens and a French chateau built in 1897. Its grounds and house tours have different schedules and access arrangements, so check the official visit page before planning around a tour. The property notes stairs, inclines, and uneven terrain in some areas; contact the staff ahead of time if someone in your group needs an accommodation. Comfortable shoes and a little unhurried time make it easier to appreciate the landscape as well as the house.
Explore the San Bernardino County Museum
The San Bernardino County Museum connects regional natural history, earth science, cultural history, and changing exhibitions. Its galleries include local biodiversity and earth science, with displays that explore the area’s landscapes, wildlife, Indigenous heritage, and citrus industry. Families can use the museum map to choose a few galleries that suit their interests instead of trying to see everything in one pass. Exhibitions, events, admission details, and operating information can change, so check the museum’s current visitor page before setting out.
Add a civic or cultural landmark
The City of Redlands highlights the Lincoln Memorial Shrine and Redlands Bowl among the city’s notable destinations. They offer a different perspective from a garden visit or museum galleries: one connects visitors with a focused historical collection, while the other is an outdoor cultural venue with events that depend on the calendar. Check each organization’s own schedule, access, and visitor guidance before making it the anchor of your day. If an event is part of your plan, confirm its date and arrival instructions directly with the organizer.
Put the day together at a comfortable pace
Choose one main attraction, then add downtown for a meal or a relaxed walk. Kimberly Crest and the county museum have their own schedules and visitor logistics, so avoid assuming that every stop will fit into a fixed sequence. Check opening information on the day you plan to visit, and leave time for parking, breaks, and an unexpected favorite shop. If the weather or an event changes your plan, downtown dining and indoor exhibits can offer alternatives; confirm current hours before you leave.
Plan with official information
- City of Redlands Tourism
- Kimberly Crest House & Gardens: Plan Your Visit
- San Bernardino County Museum: Museum Map
- San Bernardino County Museum: Plan Your Visit
Sources checked October 9, 2026. Check current hours, routes and conditions before traveling.
Written for RedlandsHotels.com, operated by Dynasty Suites Redlands. No destination endorsement or partnership is implied.
