Top 13 Attractions and Activities in San Jacinto, CA

San Jacinto, situated just north of Hemet, is a town celebrated for its breathtaking mountain vistas. The city is named after Christian Saint Hyacinth, sharing its title with the remarkable national park that borders it. During your visit, take the opportunity to explore the area’s stunning natural landscapes and parks, or simply enjoy the view from San Jacinto’s downtown.

If you are in search of entertainment, consider visiting the local Indian reservation, where its casinos and resorts offer a luxurious experience.

Lastly, venture downtown to Hemet for a vibrant nightlife scene complemented by interesting museums.

Here are the 13 premier activities to indulge in and around San Jacinto.

1. Visit Estudillo Mansion and Museum

This recently restored 19th-century residence was constructed by Francisco Estudillo. Numerous events, including the local agricultural festival, occur within the meticulously maintained grounds of this expansive mansion. If you visit at the opportune time, you may encounter concerts, fairs, and farmers’ markets amidst the scenic gardens.

The mansion is now a museum featuring enlightening exhibits that depict the lives of early pioneers in the San Jacinto area, detailing their interactions with local indigenous populations.

You will encounter many amiable reenactors who can share more about this fascinating chapter of California’s history.

2. Find the Hemet Maze Stone

This stone carving, located at the periphery of San Jacinto, was donated to Riverside County in 1956 and is now housed in Reinhardt Canyon.

The intricate engraving is one of the most enigmatic petroglyphs in America, believed to be at least 500 years old. Numerous theories surround its origin, with some suggesting it may have been carved as early as the late Stone Age.

The unique design on the stone bears resemblance to Asian art, leading to local myths regarding Chinese mariners making landfall in Southern California. Others argue it aligns more with traditional Hopi Indian motifs. Hike through the canyon to form your own opinion!

3. Climb the Peaks at Mount San Jacinto State Park

The snow-capped summits of San Jacinto Park tower over this small town, posing a challenging endeavor even for veteran hikers.

Reaching elevations exceeding 10,000 feet, many visitors opt for the convenient aerial tramway in nearby Palm Springs to access San Jacinto Mountain. However, various moderate hiking trails, which begin in San Jacinto town at the Idyllwild Park Picnic area, offer an alternative route into the mountains on foot.

You may choose to relax at this pleasant picnic area set amidst rugged pine forests, or pursue the ascent to the summit.

Though the climb is demanding, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views throughout the journey.

4. Play Golf and Gamble at the Soboba Springs Resort

This exceptional golf course, renowned for its stunning scenery, is located on the outskirts of San Jacinto at Soboba Springs Resort. Situated adjacent to the local Indian reservation, the course welcomes visitors eager to enjoy a few rounds.

The casino here is also an attraction worth noting. Featuring roulette tables, card games, and a variety of slot machines, the expansive gaming rooms provide ample entertainment. Afterward, visit the upscale boutique to spend your winnings.

Finally, consider dining at the Canyon Steakhouse, the resort’s excellent onsite restaurant, where you can enjoy a burger and a beer.

5. Shoot your Friends at Backyard Paintball

Set in the rugged foothills of the San Jacinto mountains, Backyard Paintball provides a thrilling experience, making it an excellent way to spend an afternoon in a group. You will be equipped with protective masks, and friendly referees will ensure fair play among participants.

Stealthily navigate this open-air battleground, which is filled with artificial obstacles, as you employ high-pressure paintball guns to engage with your fellow players.

6. Try Paragliding at Soboba Flight Park

Adventurous souls should not overlook the chance to glide smoothly through the San Jacinto foothills at the local paragliding school.

Offering both private and group lessons, you can rent equipment to learn paragliding within a safe and professional setting. Alternatively, more experienced pilots may be interested in exploring speed gliding options.

This park also functions as a campground, equipped with fire pits and numerous activities, making it an ideal location for a night under the stars for those who embrace adventure.

7. Eat your Fill at Emilio’s Mexican Restaurant

This establishment is acclaimed as the top restaurant in San Jacinto. Visitors can enjoy refreshing margaritas accompanied by delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine, with the chile relleno and shredded beef enchiladas being particularly popular selections.

For those seeking a drink, the cantina offers a wide variety of piña coladas and mai tais. Be sure to try their award-winning margarita, crafted from a proprietary recipe!

Visit on a Thursday evening to enjoy the sounds of a talented mariachi band that takes requests from the audience.

8. Visit the Victorian Bridal Museum

This charming museum is dedicated to the history of wedding attire. Exhibits showcase dresses ranging from modest 1850s styles to the more streamlined designs of the 1920s. The exquisite craftsmanship involving intricate lacework and beading is truly awe-inspiring.

In addition to dresses, the museum houses a variety of 19th-century wedding memorabilia and local antiques.

The delightful onsite shop offers vintage gowns and dresses, allowing visitors the chance to acquire a unique piece of history.

9. Explore the Western Science Center

Located downtown in Hemet, this outstanding educational museum is a vital research center housing more than one million specimens of ancient flora and fauna, along with numerous archaeological artifacts. Visitors will appreciate the fascinating displays of bones and fossils, with mammoth and giant sloth skeletons being notable highlights.

The theater regularly hosts lectures on geology, paleontology, and archaeology presented by esteemed experts, and Saturdays provide opportunities to engage with interactive exhibits.

10. Take a Trip to Joshua Tree National Park

San Jacinto lies just a few miles from one of America’s premier desert landscapes. This vast area of undulating sand and resilient shrubbery presents visitors with opportunities to connect with nature or engage in exhilarating extreme sports.

The diverse arid environments are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lizards, hawks, and coyotes.

This open expanse is characterized by minimal light pollution, making it an ideal location for pitching a tent overnight and marveling at the vast expanse of twinkling stars.

11. Bird Watch in the Mystic Lake

Located just north of San Jacinto, Mystic Lake is an expansive body of calm water, getting its name from its tendency to rapidly expand during the rainy season.

This area is a sanctuary for wildlife, attracting hundreds of ducks and diverse wading birds, alongside rare red-tailed hawks searching for prey. Local photographers frequent this location to capture images of rare birds, with over 200 species documented nesting along the water’s edge.

Observe flocks of local birds moving synchronously over the lake or simply enjoy the tranquility by the water’s edge.

12. Taste the Beers at the Mason Jar Ranch

This restaurant and bar features one of the region’s top breweries, which provides a delightful selection of beer. The venue is primarily known for its burgers, offering hearty and straightforward American fare, including superb pulled pork burgers and generous servings of French fries.

The beers are served in large mason jars, which you will surely appreciate upon tasting their exceptional quality. The rotating selection ensures that there is always something new and exciting available on tap.

Consider ordering a flight to sample their premium brews.

13. Relax by Diamond Valley Lake

As one of California’s largest lakes, Diamond Valley Lake is situated in Hemet, just south of San Jacinto. This reservoir was constructed to provide the region with a reliable drinking water supply. While swimming in the lake is prohibited due to its protected status, a nearby aquatic center offers a swimming pool accessible to local residents.

Ensure to stop by the well-curated visitor center that chronicles the valley’s history, including the stories of indigenous tribes that once inhabited the area. Additionally, the center features numerous fossils on display, as this verdant valley was bustling during prehistoric times.

The lake itself is stunning, and the lush banks are renowned throughout California for their beautiful meadows filled with wildflowers and poppies that bloom in spring.