Between Anaheim And Palm Springs Is A Revitalized California City With Nearby Trails, Quaint Shops, And Eats

With so many worthy destinations in Southern California, it can be challenging for travelers to choose where to visit. While many opt for the Golden State's sandy shores, heading inland to the mountain and desert communities offers plenty for visitors to discover. One such option is the reinvigorated city of San Jacinto, where charming shops, delicious dining, and proximity to hiking take center stage.

With a population of around 56,000 residents, San Jacinto is about 65 miles east of Anaheim and 40 miles west of Palm Springs, sitting at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains along the San Jacinto River. The 26-square-mile city in Riverside County, approximately 45 miles away from Palm Springs International Airport, also lies within the rich agricultural lands of the surrounding San Jacinto Valley. Considered one of the oldest cities in the county, it began around 1820 as a cattle ranch for the Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside and was part of the original 1842 Rancho San Jacinto Viejo Mexican land grant prior to its founding in 1870 and incorporation in 1888.

San Jacinto's downtown, centered around Main Street and San Jacinto Avenue, has undergone several phases of revitalization since the 1980s, when the National Trust for Historic Preservation chose it as one of the first California Main Street program cities. Since then, restoration efforts have improved Main Street and restored the 1885 Estudillo Mansion, which is listed on California's Register of Historic Resources. The current Envision San Jacinto 2040 General Plan is in place to continue improvements and spur local businesses. In addition to improving the city for residents, the efforts benefit tourists who want to explore its historic downtown dining and retail scene, as well as its nearby nature. 

With a Hispanic population of 64%, the downtown San Jacinto food scene features a high concentration of Mexican-based eateries. A longtime favorite is the family-run Emilio's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina. Ranked as the city's top restaurant on Tripadvisor, it is known for its authentic flavored dishes and tasty margaritas. Ledezma's Taco Shop has a 4.9-star rating on Google, boasting handcrafted birria and quesabirria dishes, along with menudo on the weekends. For American diner-style vibes and hearty comfort food for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, J&J's Diner is another downtown staple that's also highly ranked on Tripadvisor.

Although one of the best cities is in the country for antique and vintage shopping is under an hour's drive away in Palm Springs, San Jacinto has a few local shops to enjoy. Engage in retail therapy in the downtown core along Main Street at the Rebuild Thrift Store & Boutique Center, offering vintage items, crafts, and other treasures at a discount. Main Street Coins & Jewelry is highly rated on Google for fair pricing on gold, silver, and collectible coins, and friendly and knowledgeable owners. On Thursday and Sunday mornings, the San Jacinto Certified Farmers Market takes place outside the Farmers Corner plaza along San Jacinto Avenue, featuring fresh produce, specialty food items, and artisan vendors. Head inside the building to find Cutesy by Mel Boutique, featuring accessories and knick-knacks for young girls.

You'll also want to stroll through Francisco Estudillo Heritage Park, site of the Estudillo Mansion & Water Conservation Garden and the San Jacinto Museum & Association. The mansion was the former home of the Estudillo Family, one of the original landowners, which you can tour on Saturdays. The museum exhibits feature city history, photographs, and artifacts and is open Fridays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

The scenic mountainous surroundings provide a playground for outdoor adventurers, with nearby trail action in Mount San Jacinto State Park and San Jacinto Wilderness, one of the breathtaking California park alternatives to Yosemite, approximately 24 miles away from downtown. Scenic pathways lead to the surrounding summits, including the over 10,800-foot San Jacinto Peak and 8,800-foot Tahquitz Peak, which has a fire lookout tower. You can also take a ride on the world's largest rotating tram car on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, climbing 8,500 feet. The 2.5-mile-long moderate Devil's Slide Trail is one option, with the trailhead at Humber Park in the San Bernardino National Forest. You can connect this trail with Tahquitz Peak, following sections of the Pacific Crest Trail, per The Hiking Guy. Be sure to obtain a day-use or wilderness permit at a ranger station.

The moderately rated 2.6-mile, out-and-back Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail runs through the San Jacinto Wilderness Area. Along the route, you'll see picturesque vistas of the Tahquitz and Lily Rock formations, as well as spring wildflowers and several stream crossings. Reviewers highlight its dog friendliness and ample shady sections, but watch out for bugs and parking challenges. 

A part of the Envision San Jacinto 2040 General Plan includes a series of multi-use trails that will connect the city's parks and neighborhoods to existing routes within nearby scenic areas, such as Mystic Lake and the San Jacinto Wildlife Area. The proposed pathways will feature options for cyclists, mountain bikers, hikers, and equestrian riders. For more outdoor fun, head 21 miles away to Lake Perris State Recreation Area to camp, hike, and boat in diverse landscapes.