Things To Do
in Mentone
Mentone is a small unincorporated foothill community in the Inland Empire of Southern California tucked at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains. It sits along the I-10 corridor and serves as a quiet residential area with access to nearby outdoor recreation, especially Wildwood Canyon and local trails. The town has a laid-back, small‑town feel with a mix of older homes, citrus groves remnants, and a modest commercial strip along Mentone Boulevard.
Visitors come for easy access to hiking, nearby Redlands’ historic downtown, and a calmer base for exploring the San Bernardino foothills.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Mentone and settle into your accommodation, soaking in the peaceful mountain views. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries. Take a stroll around the quaint town, getting your bearings and admiring the charming architecture.
After lunch, explore the scenic hiking trails in the nearby Cheaha State Park where breathtaking vistas await. Spend time reconnecting with nature, listening to the soothing sounds of the forest and wildlife. Capture the stunning landscapes with your camera to cherish these moments later.
As dusk approaches, dine at one of Mentone’s cozy restaurants, enjoying regional specialties. Afterwards, find a comfortable spot outdoors to gaze up at the stars, with minimal light pollution offering a magnificent view of the night sky. Toast to the end of a perfect day with a nightcap gathered around a fire pit.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to Little River Canyon National Preserve for a morning of exploration. Hike the trails, where you can witness stunning waterfalls and varied wildlife. Capture memories with photos at scenic viewpoints along the route.
Return to Mentone for a relaxing lunch, followed by a visit to local art galleries showcasing the work of talented artists. Engage with the art community and perhaps find a unique piece to take home. Spend the remaining afternoon at the Mentone Farmer's Market, mingling with locals and sampling fresh produce and homemade goods.
Enjoy an evening of live music at a local venue, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Mentone. Delight in meals prepared by food trucks serving diverse culinary delights while you tap your feet to the rhythm of the tunes. End the night with dessert from a nearby bakery, savoring every last bite as the day winds down.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-160 |
| 🚕Local taxi / short rideshare | $10-30 |
| ⛽Gas (per gallon) | $4-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to foothill hiking, nature and mountain views.
- Quieter, small-town base with proximity to Redlands and other Inland Empire amenities.
- Lower visitor density than major Southern California tourist hubs.
- Good spring wildflowers and accessible outdoor recreation.
- Limited dining, nightlife and tourist infrastructure within Mentone itself.
- Hot, dry summers and wildfire risk during certain seasons.
- Car-dependent — public transport options are limited compared with major metro areas.
- Services and attractions often require driving to nearby towns.
Places to Visit in Mentone
Visit one of these nice places.
Canyon vistas, seasonal wildflowers in spring, rugged rock formations and oak woodland — great for landscape and nature photography at golden hour.
Capture small-town California streetscapes, local businesses, murals, and neighborhood character in soft morning light.
From foothill vantage points around Mentone you get sweeping views of the San Bernardino Mountains, excellent at sunrise or sunset.
Victorian architecture, tree-lined streets and classical storefronts make for charming urban photography just a short drive away.
Remnants of the region’s citrus-farming past provide seasonal textures and color, especially during harvest and bloom seasons.
Food in Mentone
Mentone Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly made tacos featuring carne asada, al pastor, or grilled fish with local produce and salsas — find these at family-run taquerías and food trucks along Mentone Boulevard or in nearby towns.
Must-Try!
Classic American breakfast plates (eggs, hash browns, pancakes) at local diners; great for starting a day of hiking or sightseeing.
Lemons and oranges are part of the region’s agricultural past; look for citrus pies, marmalades, and pastries at bakeries and markets in Redlands.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A regional farmers market (seasonal days) with fresh produce, local baked goods, coffee, and occasional prepared-food vendors — a good place to sample local flavors.
Small clusters of food trucks or family-run taco shops provide affordable street-style eats, especially popular for quick lunches and late-night tacos.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People are generally casual and friendly — greet with a simple 'hello' and respect personal space. Casual dress is normal.
Mentone is largely residential; keep noise down in neighborhoods, especially at night.
Yield to uphill hikers, hitch up dogs on short leashes, pack out trash, and follow posted fire and trail regulations.
Be mindful of drought-conscious practices — conserve water when staying with locals and respect landscaping rules.
Safety
Tipping in Mentone
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard U.S. tipping applies: 15–20% in full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink for bar service or $3–5 for exceptional service, and $2–5 for hotel housekeeping per night. Tip taxi or rideshare drivers around 10–15% or rounded up as convenient.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Smaller cash-only vendors or food trucks may exist, so carry some cash. ATMs are available in neighboring towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry — daytime highs frequently reach the 80s–100s°F (27–38°C); carry water, sun protection and plan outdoor activities early or late in the day. Be aware of elevated wildfire risk and possible smoke during regional fires.
Warm, pleasant days and cooler evenings; this is a good time for hiking and outdoor photography. Fire season can extend into autumn during dry years.
Mild days and cool nights with occasional rain; snow is rare in Mentone itself but common in the higher San Bernardino Mountains within a short drive. Layers are advisable.
Comfortable temperatures and wildflower season in many local canyons and hills — one of the best times for hiking and photography. Expect variable weather and fallow green hills early in the season.
Mentone at Night
Hiking in Mentone
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Local canyon park with a network of trails through oak woodlands and rocky outcrops; good for short hikes and wildflower viewing in spring.
Rolling hill trails offering panoramic views of the valley and mountains; popular for hiking, trail running and mountain biking.
Access to longer trail systems and river corridors near Glen Helen, with options for longer day hikes and varied terrain.
A scenic canyon area with quieter trails, native vegetation and historical sites; good for moderate hikes and nature walks.
A short drive away, offering lakeside trails, picnic spots and access to higher-elevation trails in the San Bernardino foothills.
Airports
How to reach Mentone by plane.
About 20–30 miles west of Mentone, Ontario offers domestic flights and some international connections; it’s the most convenient major commercial airport for the area with car rental and ride‑share options.
A regional airport nearer than ONT with limited commercial service; useful for some regional flights and general aviation.
Roughly 45–60 miles southeast, Palm Springs provides seasonal and year-round flights and can be convenient if visiting desert and mountain destinations to the east.
About 60–80 miles west depending on traffic; offers the widest range of international and domestic flights but longer drive or transfer time during peak traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents are families and commuters who work across the Inland Empire and in nearby cities; suburban lifestyle is common.
The area has a significant Hispanic/Latino population that shapes local culture, cuisine and businesses.
Mentone includes older, established households and retirees who appreciate the quiet residential setting close to nature.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local high school sports draw community interest, especially football in the fall and soccer year-round.
Outdoor sports are popular due to nearby trails and varied terrain in foothills and mountains.
Youth and adult recreational leagues are common in parks around the Inland Empire.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mentone.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in cafés and many Mexican restaurants (veggie tacos, grilled veggies, salads). Nearby Redlands has restaurants with explicit vegetarian/vegan menus.
Vegan choices are increasingly available but may be limited in Mentone proper; head to Redlands or nearby larger towns for dedicated vegan cafés and expanded menus.
Many cafés and restaurants accommodate gluten-free diets with substitutions (GF bread, corn tortillas). Always inform staff about allergies; bakeries with gluten-free items are more common in neighboring towns.