Between LA And Temecula Is California's Vibrant City With Family Fun, Craft Brews, And Scenic Trails

Southern California is home to plenty of lively destinations for travelers to explore, whether they desire big cities, sandy beaches, or inland communities. Covering roughly 27,000 square miles, the Inland Empire (or I.E.) is one of the state's most diverse regions, known for natural beauty and fast-growing suburban communities. One stand-out destination is Corona, where picturesque hikes, family-friendly activities, and the local beer scene are major attractions.

With a population of over 160,000 (according to the City of Corona), Corona is located roughly 46 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles and 39 miles north of Temecula in Riverside County, in the Santa Ana Canyon near the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains, with the expansive Cleveland National Forest along its southwestern edge. Originally established primarily as an agricultural community in the citrus-rich farmland of the I.E., Corona was incorporated in 1896. The name, which means "crown" in Spanish, pays homage to the circular Grand Boulevard running through the city. In the early 1950s, it became known as the "Lemon Capital of the World," due to heavy production of the fruit, a status that lasted until the late 1980s, when residential and commercial development took over.

Today, Corona is a growing suburban area and industrial center with a strong economy. The city is located less than 20 miles south of Ontario International Airport (ONT), and its ideal location — it borders both Orange and San Bernardino Counties — makes it a convenient base for exploring all that Southern California has to offer. Corona's appeal lies in its multicultural community, family-friendly attractions, and access to outdoor recreation. Its comfortable Mediterranean climate brings mild winters and hot summers, giving plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoor beauty surrounding the city.

Start your visit at the Corona Heritage Park and Museum, housed on the former Foothill Lemon Company's grounds. Exhibits cover local history and citrus growing, while the model railroad display and scenic gardens add a family-friendly dimension. Admission is free, and the museum and gardens are open Tuesday through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The model railroad exhibit is open on Saturdays only. A further 8 miles southeast, Tom's Farms, a 46-acre property established in 1971, features family fun with arcade games, a carousel and other carnival rides, a petting zoo, a candy shop, and live music. Another short drive brings visitors to Skull Canyon Zipline, where visitors can choose between guided zipline tours for varying ages and skill levels, the Sky Gym Adventure Park, and the Canyon Climber rock wall. The Canyon Climber is particularly inviting (there is a weight minimum of 45 pounds), but do check the park's current rules before booking with children.

Craft beer is also a part of Corona's appeal. Family-run Storytellers Brewery and Meet House features a rotating selection of its craft ales, lagers, hard teas, and seltzers. The casual taproom welcomes families and dogs, and rotating food trucks to keep you going. It also holds a 4.8 rating on Google Maps, and reviewers praise the welcoming atmosphere, delicious beers, and friendly staff, with one review calling it "a place you must visit if you're in Corona."

Skyland Ale Works is another local option, serving its own beers alongside a calendar of events that includes trivia, open mic nights, live music, and food trucks on Fridays and Saturdays. Reviewers highlight the large outdoor patio space, visiting food vendors, and friendly bartenders. For another family outing with craft brews and family fun, head to the Shops at Dos Lagos, a gorgeous mall built on an abandoned mine about 8 miles from downtown Corona.

Corona's 2024 Trails Master Plan is part of an effort to improve trail connections between the city's parks and Cleveland National Forest. One of the city's main hiking areas is the Skyline Trail, accessed from Foothill Parkway. For a serious challenge, try the 11.4-mile out-and-back (as per AllTrails) Skyline Drive to Beek's Place route, which gains 2,162 feet in elevation and rewards those who attempt it with stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. For something a little shorter and more family-friendly, the Lower Skyline Loop is just under 3 miles in length, and is noted by AllTrails reviewers for beautiful views and minimal elevation gain, though some report bugs, wildlife, and sections with overgrowth.

The Tin Mine Canyon Trail is a 4.5-mile out-and-back route that Explore Corona rates as moderately difficult, and wanders through a shady, tree-filled canyon before passing a historic mine shaft. The Hiking Guy features the trail in a YouTube guide, describing it as a lush, family-friendly escape from the Los Angeles suburbs with a unique history. However, because the trail isn't routinely maintained, it's recommended to wear long pants while hiking, according to both the Hiking Guy and AllTrails reviewers.

Corona offers downloadable maps of the city's trail system and the Skyline Area, so visitors can choose the route that suits them best. Portions of the roughly 60-mile-long multiuse Santa Ana River Trail also pass through Corona and connect with neighboring Norco, a unique California spot known as Horsetown USA that has an additional system of equestrian trails. After a hike, unwind with a soak in the healing waters of Glen Ivy, California's renowned hot springs resort, just 12 miles away from downtown Corona.