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Moreno Valley spreads across a broad valley east of Riverside, ringed by the Box Springs Mountains to the north and rocky hills to the south and east. For most of its history the area was farmland and ranches around the small communities of Moreno, Sunnymead and Edgemont, close to March Field, one of the oldest military airfields in the West, founded in 1918.
As Southern California grew, new neighborhoods spread across the valley, and in 1984 the three communities joined to form the city of Moreno Valley. It grew quickly into one of the largest cities in the Inland Empire, a young and diverse community with large logistics and medical centers, and views of snowy peaks on clear winter days.
Moreno Valley is a good base for the outdoors. Lake Perris State Recreation Area on its southern edge offers swimming, boating, fishing and camping below rocky hills, and the Box Springs Mountain Reserve has hiking trails with views over the valley. Next door, the March Field Air Museum displays historic aircraft, and the nearby Southern California Railway Museum in Perris offers rides on vintage trains.
A large reservoir at the southern edge of Moreno Valley with sandy beaches, swimming areas, boat rentals, fishing, campsites and trails in rocky hills. Alessandro Island sits in the middle of the lake. Summers are very hot, so arrive early, bring shade and check water quality notices.
A state wildlife area southeast of Moreno Valley with wetlands, ponds and grasslands that attract thousands of waterfowl, raptors and shorebirds, especially in winter. Dirt roads and short walks lead to viewing spots. Bring binoculars and check access rules, as hunting is allowed in season.
A county reserve in the rocky hills between Moreno Valley and Riverside with trails to the summit and views over the Inland Empire. Trails are steep and mostly unshaded, popular with hikers and mountain bikers. Go early in the morning, carry plenty of water and watch for rattlesnakes.
A network of dirt trails across Moreno Valley used by horse riders, hikers and cyclists, linking neighborhoods, parks and the open hills around the city. They are a good way to see the rural side of town. Yield to horses, carry water and avoid hot summer afternoons.
A large national cemetery just west of Moreno Valley, the resting place of many veterans, with notable memorials such as the Medal of Honor Memorial, the POW-MIA Memorial and the Veterans Memorial Amphitheater. Visitors are welcome to walk quietly and pay respects during open hours.
A public golf course designed by Pete Dye, set among rolling hills with lakes, rock outcrops and mountain views in the east of the city. It offers 27 holes and a driving range. Book tee times online, and play early in the morning in summer, when afternoons get very hot.
The main shopping center of the city, an enclosed mall with department stores, fashion shops, restaurants and a movie theater near the 60 freeway. It is a convenient place for errands, a meal or a film on a hot day. Parking is free and plentiful, and weekends are the busiest time.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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Photo: MissionInn.Jim, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: MissionInn.Jim, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain