About Loma Linda

And the Surrounding Areas

Loma Linda University Medical Center is located in a vast metropolitan area east of Los Angeles known as the Inland Empire. The IE ranks as the 13th largest metropolitan area in the US with a population of 3.5 million and is the second fastest growing area in the nation. It is considered to be the crossroads of Southern California. The beaches of Newport, Laguna, and Malibu are only 60 to 90 minutes to the west, with superb swimming, surfing, and sailing. Also 60 minutes to the west is downtown Los Angeles, with its world-class restaurants, museums, theater, and other cultural opportunities.

Those who enjoy snow skiing have easy access to the San Bernardino Mountains, only 45 to 60 minutes to the north. During the spring, summer, and fall seasons, these forested mountains also provide first-rate hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, fishing, and rock climbing. Water-skiing and sailing are also an option at nearby Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear Lake, and Lake Perris.

The golf courses, shopping, and spas of Palm Springs are a 60-minute drive to the east. World-class Mammoth Mountain resort is a six-hour drive to the north.

The area around Loma Linda is a mountain biker's paradise. Miles of challenging trails are found in the unpopulated hills above the city of Loma Linda, within five minutes of the Medical Center. Other excellent mountain bike-riding areas can be found throughout the San Bernardino Mountain range a few miles to the north.

The Inland Empire also provides distinctive cultural opportunities. The town of Redlands, founded as a winter resort during the Gilded Age, turns its Main Street into an outdoor market once a week. The Redlands Theatre Festival puts on performances ranging from Shakespearean plays to musicals to contemporary drama. The Redlands Bowl provides a free concert series with musical, dance, and dramatic performances each summer. Traditionally, members of the audience bring blankets to sit on and a light dinner to enjoy before the Bowl performances begin. The Redlands and Inland Symphonies perform within a 15-minute drive of the Loma Linda campus.

Winters are clear and cool with spectacular views of snow-covered Mt. Baldy, Mt. San Bernardino, Mt. San Gorgonio, and Mt. San Jacinto. Temperatures remain above 60^o F for the high for most winter days. Summers are hot and dry. From July to September, daily temperatures can reach 104^o F but cools rapidly each evening.

Loma Linda University Medical Center is located in a quiet suburban neighborhood. Typically, LLUMC residents live in attractive, family-oriented, and relatively crime-free neighborhoods in or around Loma Linda. Housing costs in the area remain among the lowest in Southern California but have increased recently. Many residents still choose to invest in a home.