Hiking trail through golden hills in the San Gorgonio Pass

Explore the Area

Things to Do

From local parks and trails to weekend escapes to Idyllwild, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, and Big Bear — the Pass Area is an outdoor lover's paradise and your launchpad to mountains and the Southern California desert. This summer: the 22nd Annual Lavender Festival at 123 Farm is in its final weekend through July 19, Beaumont Nights continues every Thursday through July 30 (National Night Out edition July 30), free Summer Concerts in the Park at Stewart Park on Saturdays at 7 PM (next concert this Saturday, July 18), the Forest Festival celebrates local trails tomorrow July 18, the Back-To-School Celebration at Banning High School Gym on August 1 (9 AM-12 PM), free Redlands Bowl concerts run all summer including Disney's Frozen: The Musical (July 23-26) and the Fireworks Finale (August 14), Morongo Casino hosts Midland (tomorrow July 18) and La Fiera De Ojinaga (August 7), Lavender Nights starts August 20, and Movies in the Park are on all summer long.

Right Outside Your Door

Outdoor recreation in the Pass Area

The canyons, trails, and open spaces of the Pass Area follow the same rugged terrain that once challenged stagecoach drivers through the Badlands. Today, those same landscapes offer hiking, biking, horseback riding, and family recreation — all with the San Bernardino and San Jacinto mountains as your backdrop.

Hiking & Nature

Wildwood Canyon State Park

Over 1,000 acres of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding through native canyon terrain. A local favorite for year-round outdoor recreation.

County Park

Noble Creek Regional Park

A major regional park at 390 Oak Valley Pkwy with sports fields, trails, a dog park, skate park, and community programs managed by the Beaumont-Cherry Valley Recreation and Park District.

County Park

Bogart Park

Equestrian trails, hiking, creek access, and picnic areas in a shaded canyon setting — a gateway to the San Bernardino National Forest.

Sports Complex

Beaumont Sports Park

Multi-use fields, courts, playgrounds, and community athletic programs. The site of the annual July 4th Freedom Festival.

Fishing & Picnicking

Cherry Valley Lake

A quiet lake for fishing, walking, and enjoying the natural beauty of Cherry Valley.

Walking & Biking

Pass Area Trail System

Paved and unpaved trails connecting neighborhoods, parks, and open spaces throughout the Pass Area.

Equestrian

Dysart Equestrian Facility

Dedicated equestrian center in Banning with arenas, trails, and community programs.

Family Park

Trevino Park

Family-friendly park at 11286 Tukwet Canyon Pkwy with playgrounds and open green space.

For Families

Family-friendly activities

Beaumont Nights

Thursday evening market nights (6:00–9:30 PM, through July 30) along Beaumont Avenue between 6th and 8th Streets in Downtown Beaumont — food vendors, local businesses, live entertainment (Son of a Gun — a Guns N' Roses tribute — which performed on July 16), and family activities. One of the signature summer events in the Pass Area.

Summer Concerts in the Park

Free live music every Saturday at 7:00 PM at Stewart Park (985 Maple Ave, Beaumont). Bring chairs and blankets. Food trucks and a beer/wine booth available. The July 18 concert is the next one. A beloved summer tradition for the Pass Area.

22nd Annual Lavender Festival

Final week through July 19 at 123 Farm in Cherry Valley — one of Southern California's original lavender celebrations with sprawling fields, live music nightly, artisan food, and guided experiences on a historic organic farm. Don't miss the last days!

Forest Festival

This Saturday, July 18 — The San Gorgonio Wilderness Association's annual celebration of local trails, conservation, and the stunning San Gorgonio Wilderness right in our backyard. A great opportunity to learn about outdoor stewardship and discover new hiking destinations.

Lavender Nights at 123 Farm

Starting August 20 through October 25, over half a million lights illuminate the lavender fields and olive groves at 123 Farm. A magical evening experience for families and date nights — Wednesday through Monday, weekdays 5–10 PM, weekends 3–10 PM.

Morongo Casino Summer Concerts

Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon (10 minutes west on I-10) hosts concerts throughout the summer — Midland (country, July 18), La Fiera De Ojinaga (August 7), and Asia featuring John Payne (August 21). All shows at 9 PM.

Pass Area Job Fair

Tuesday, August 4, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Noble Creek Community Center in Beaumont — a free community job fair connecting Pass Area job seekers with employers from healthcare, logistics, retail, education, and hospitality. Hosted by the City of Beaumont Economic Development department and the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce. Bring resumes!

Redlands Bowl Summer Concerts

Free performances at the historic Redlands Bowl (June 19 – August 14, 2026) on Tuesdays and Fridays at 8 PM. The 103rd season continues with Disney's Frozen: The Musical (Jul 23–26), TAIKOPROJECT (Jul 28), West Side Story in Concert (Jul 31), The Doo Wop Project (Aug 7), The Glenn Miller Orchestra (Aug 11), and a Fireworks Finale with the Redlands Symphony Orchestra (August 14). Just 20 minutes west of Beaumont.

Movies in the Park

Free outdoor movie nights at Beaumont Sports Park and Noble Creek Regional Park — bring blankets and enjoy family entertainment under the stars throughout the summer.

Community Recreation Center

The Albert A. Chatigny Sr. Community Recreation Center offers programs, classes, and activities for all ages.

Local Library Programs

Story times, STEM workshops, summer reading programs, and family events at Beaumont and Pass Area libraries.

National Night Out @ Beaumont Nights

Thursday, July 30 (6:00-9:30 PM) — a special Beaumont Nights edition with fire trucks, police vehicles, and first responder equipment on display. A great family-friendly way to connect with community heroes.

Back-To-School Celebration

Saturday, August 1 (9 AM-12 PM) at Banning High School Gym — a free district-wide event with school resources, community partners, health services, giveaways, and family fun to kick off the 2026-27 school year.

Banning Farmers Market

Every Saturday at 5 PM at 53 N San Gorgonio Ave in downtown Banning — fresh produce, artisan goods, and local vendors.

Youth Sports Leagues

Soccer, baseball, basketball, and flag football through the Beaumont-Cherry Valley Recreation and Park District.

Seasonal Festivals

Freedom Festival (July 4), Stagecoach Days (September 11–12), Oktoberfest (October 1–3), and holiday events provide family fun throughout the year.

Friday Food Roundup

Calimesa's monthly community evening at Summerwind Park — live music, food trucks, cold drinks, and family activities on the second Friday of each month from 6:00–9:00 PM.

Your Launchpad to the Desert

Weekend escapes from the Pass Area

Beaumont is the last stop before the climb into the desert — the place where the Inland Empire meets the Coachella Valley. Living in the Pass Area means Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, Morongo Casino & Cabazon, and the desert playground are all an easy drive east on I-10.

Palm Springs

~30 minutes east

Mid-century modern architecture, world-class resorts, spa culture, dining, shopping, and the famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The desert playground that's practically in the Pass Area's backyard.

Joshua Tree National Park

~55 miles east

Iconic desert landscape, rock formations, stargazing, and world-class climbing. A must-visit Southern California gem — and an easy day trip from the Pass Area.

Morongo Casino & Cabazon

~10 minutes west

Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, the Desert Hills Premium Outlets, and the famous Cabazon Dinosaurs — the entertainment and shopping corridor right up the road.

Palm Desert & Indian Wells

~40 minutes east

Upscale dining, world-class golf, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, and the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The heart of Coachella Valley living.

Coachella Valley

~45–70 miles east

From Indio's date festivals to La Quinta's resort villages, the Coachella Valley offers desert lifestyle, golf communities, and the world-famous music festival.

Big Bear Lake

~60 miles north

Mountain lake recreation — skiing in winter, boating and hiking in summer, and year-round mountain charm in the San Bernardino Mountains.

Idyllwild

~55 miles north

Head up to Idyllwild for cool mountain air, hiking in the San Jacinto Mountains, and a creative arts village. A charming escape from the valley heat with pine forests, galleries, live music, and the Devil's Slide Trail to Mount San Jacinto.

Mountain Escapes & Weekend Getaways

Cool mountain air, just up the road

When the valley heat climbs, the mountains are calling. Head up to Idyllwild for cool mountain air, hiking in the San Jacinto Mountains, and a creative arts village — a charming mountain village at 5,400 feet with pine forests, art galleries, live music, and a small-town vibe that feels a world away from the desert floor. For fall color and apple picking, Oak Glen is a seasonal treasure just 40 minutes north. Mentone puts you at the doorstep of Barton Flats and the San Gorgonio Wilderness via Highway 38. And Big Bear Lake offers year-round mountain lake recreation — skiing in winter, boating in summer.

~55 mi
to Idyllwild
~40 min
to Oak Glen
~20 min
to Mentone / Hwy 38
~60 mi
to Big Bear Lake
Pine trees lining the mountain village of Idyllwild in the San Jacinto Mountains

Seasonal Guide

What to do in every season

The Pass Area's location between the mountains and desert means there's always something to explore — whether you're chasing cool mountain air in summer, fall foliage up to Idyllwild and Oak Glen, or a sunny winter escape to Palm Springs.

Summer

Beat the heat with a drive up to Idyllwild's pine forests at 5,400 feet, swim at Big Bear Lake, or enjoy the free Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival — now in its 103rd season with Disney's Frozen: The Musical (Jul 23–26), TAIKOPROJECT (Jul 28), West Side Story in Concert (Jul 31), The Doo Wop Project (Aug 7), The Glenn Miller Orchestra (Aug 11), and a Fireworks Finale with the Redlands Symphony Orchestra (August 14). Thursday nights mean Beaumont Nights market at the Towncenter through July 30 (National Night Out on July 30), and Movies in the Park at Beaumont Sports Park. The 22nd Annual Lavender Festival at 123 Farm in Cherry Valley runs through July 19, and Lavender Nights light up the fields from August 20 through October 25. Morongo Casino Resort & Cabazon offers concerts and entertainment just minutes up I-10 — Midland (country, this Saturday, July 18), La Fiera De Ojinaga (August 7), and Asia featuring John Payne (August 21). Palm Springs pools and resort culture are in their element — it's the perfect time for a midweek desert getaway.

Fall

Fall foliage in Idyllwild and apple-picking season in Oak Glen are Southern California autumn traditions. Cool mountain air, golden light, and seasonal festivals throughout the Pass Area.

Winter

Ski and snowboard at Big Bear's Snow Summit, stroll the holiday lights at the Mission Inn in Riverside, or head to Palm Springs for spa season. Beaumont stays mild while the mountains get snow.

Spring

Wildflower season transforms the Badlands and mountain trails. Cherry Festival kicks off summer, Joshua Tree blooms, and hiking conditions are ideal across all elevations.

The Inland Empire & Beyond

More adventures from the Pass Area

As the western gateway to the Inland Empire, the Pass Area puts you within easy reach of Yucaipa's foothill parks and growing suburban amenities just 10 minutes west, mountain gateways like Mentone and Highland, the pine forests and art galleries of Idyllwild, apple orchards in Oak Glen, the Blue Zone wellness community of Loma Linda, mountain lakes, and the historic heart of Riverside County. These are the day trips that make Riverside County living so special.

Yucaipa

~10 miles west

A growing family community in the San Bernardino foothills with Crafton Hills College, over a dozen parks, and the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District — a quick I-10 drive from Beaumont.

Redlands

~20 miles west

Historic downtown, University of Redlands, and the free Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival — now in its 103rd season featuring The Hutchins Consort (July 17), Disney's Frozen: The Musical (July 23–26), and a Fireworks Finale (August 14). The "Jewel of the Inland Empire" with one of the best-preserved downtowns in Riverside County.

Riverside

~40 miles west

The county seat and cultural heart of Riverside County — the landmark Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, UC Riverside, the Riverside Art Museum, and a growing downtown arts district.

Mentone

~20 miles east

A quiet foothills community and the gateway to Barton Flats, Mountain Home Village, and the San Gorgonio Wilderness via the scenic Highway 38.

Highland

~30 miles north

A peaceful mountain-foothill community with immediate access to the San Bernardino National Forest — over 300 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails.

Loma Linda

~30 miles north

America's only Blue Zone — a wellness-focused community anchored by Loma Linda University Medical Center, where residents live measurably longer and healthier lives.

Oak Glen

~25 miles north

Famous apple orchards in the San Bernardino Mountains — U-pick season from Labor Day through November, mountain dining, and a cool-weather escape from the valley heat.

Hemet

~25 miles south

Gateway to the San Jacinto Mountains, the iconic Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre, and Diamond Valley Lake — a regional recreation anchor for fishing and hiking.

Moreno Valley

~30 miles west

A growing Inland Empire metro hub with March Air Reserve Base, Lake Perris State Recreation Area, and major retail and employment infrastructure.

San Bernardino Mountains

~45 miles north

Endless outdoor recreation including hiking, camping, mountain biking, and scenic drives through the San Bernardino National Forest.

Idyllwild

~55 miles north

A charming mountain village in the San Jacinto Mountains at 5,400 feet — hiking the Devil's Slide Trail to Mount San Jacinto, browsing art galleries, catching live music, and cooling off in pine forests. A favorite weekend escape from the Pass Area.

Lake Arrowhead

~65 miles north

A premier mountain resort community with lake activities, dining, shopping, and alpine recreation.

Eat & Drink

Dining in the Pass Area

The Pass Area dining scene is growing. Beaumont's downtown revival has brought new restaurants and cafés, while the broader area offers a surprisingly diverse range of cuisines. And with Morongo Casino's upscale options just minutes away and Palm Springs dining scene a short drive east, you're never far from a great meal.

Beaumont's downtown revival continues along the 2nd Street and E 6th Street corridor — try Frijoles Restaurant & Cantina (652 E 6th St) for Mexican, Tuscano's Pizza & Pasta (762 Beaumont Ave) for Italian, Kasama Restaurant & The Boba Babe (383 E 6th St) for Filipino cuisine with boba, and New York Pizzeria (846 E 6th St) for classic New York-style pizza. El Mariachi Taco Shop (1561 E 2nd St) is a solid pick for quick, authentic Mexican street tacos.

The new <strong>Beaumont Food District</strong> opened in early 2026 with a food court-style concept featuring a rotating cast of vendors and diverse food options — a great way to sample multiple cuisines in one stop.

<strong>Good Intentions Bar & Restaurant</strong> (410 E 6th St) opened in February 2026, bringing American-themed dishes and wings to the downtown corridor — already earning strong reviews on Yelp. A welcome addition to Beaumont's growing food scene. For a sports bar vibe, <strong>The Sand Trap Sports Bar & Grill</strong> (892 Oak Valley Pkwy) near Noble Creek is a local favorite for game days, craft beer, and pub fare.

Coffee lovers should check out Cafe Agape (381 E 6th St) and Ziggi's Coffee (311 E 1st St) in downtown Beaumont, plus Dutch Bros Coffee (1675 E 8th St) for a quick drive-through option. In Banning, <strong>Farm 2 Fork Café & Bakery</strong> (42 W Ramsey St) opened in late 2025 as a farm-to-table café with artisanal pastries, locally sourced ingredients, and a coffee program — a welcome addition to the Ramsey Street corridor.

For breakfast and comfort food, Beaumont Cafe Country Kitchen (986 Beaumont Ave) is a local institution, and La Casita (1668 E 2nd St) serves up hearty Mexican breakfast and lunch.

In Banning, Johnny Russo's Italian Restaurant (1335 W Ramsey St, rated 4.6 stars with 400+ reviews) and Consuelo's Home Style Mexican Food (1046 E Ramsey St, rated 4.5 stars) are beloved local institutions. <strong>Farm's House Restaurant</strong> (6261 Joshua Palmer Wy) brings a fresh dining option to the Banning corridor with a focus on hearty, home-style cooking. Surin Thai (300 S Highland Springs Ave) serves up fresh curries and pad thai. <strong>Ramsey Burger</strong> (1901 W Ramsey St) is a solid pick for burgers on the Ramsey Street corridor, and <strong>Charmer's Fresh Burgers</strong> (2271 W Ramsey St) is another go-to for handcrafted burgers and shakes.

Fire Rock Burgers & Brews (1040 Cherry Valley Blvd) in Calimesa is a go-to for burgers and craft beer, while <strong>21 Sushi House</strong> (530 Myrtlewood Dr) brings fresh sushi to the Calimesa corridor. Cornerstone BBQ (249 W 6th St, grand opening March 2026) has become a Beaumont favorite for smoked meats and classic BBQ. The HAUS Bistro (534 Myrtlewood Dr) in Calimesa brings a European-inspired bistro experience to the Pass Area with seasonal menus and craft cocktails. Flo's Country Cafe (10140 Beaumont Ave) in Cherry Valley serves up classic country breakfasts. And if you're willing to drive about 30 minutes to Yucca Valley, <strong>La Copine</strong> — a farm-fresh desert restaurant — made Yelp's 2025 Top 100 list for its creative, locally sourced menu.

Morongo Casino Resort & Cabazon dining corridor, just minutes up the road, adds upscale options including The Marketplace by Fabio Viviani. And the <strong>Desert Hills Premium Outlets</strong> area features quick-service options for a shopping-and-dining combo.

The Beaumont Farmers Market is a great way to discover fresh produce, artisan foods, and community vendors. 123 Farm at Highland Springs Ranch & Inn offers organic lavender fields and seasonal farm festivals — including the 22nd Annual Lavender Festival (through July 19) and Lavender Nights (August 20 – October 25).

"People are always surprised when I tell them that from the Pass Area you can be hiking in Idyllwild at 5,400 feet in the morning, sitting poolside in Palm Springs by lunch, and watching the sunset over Joshua Tree by evening. That's the magic of living in Beaumont — the mountains, the desert, and the coast are all within reach."

— Sam Silver, U.S. Army Veteran & Community Advocate

Ready to make the Pass Area your home?

All of this is waiting for you. Sam Silver can help you find the perfect place to enjoy everything the Pass Area and the Inland Empire has to offer — from parks and trails to schools and community events.

Talk to Sam