Trip Time: 2 to 3 days

Begin in Riverside where the fine Riverside Art Museum showcases the works of Southland artists. Continue south, taking a slight detour to stretch your legs and picnic at the Lake Perris State Recreation Area. Farther south, near Murrieta, explore the 8,300-acre Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve; in spring the poppies are blooming and the vernal pools are home to fairy shrimp.

Head north to Lake Elsinore and satisfy your sweet tooth by making a purchase at the Ortega Country Cottage Candy Store. Enjoy your chosen delicacy beside Lake Elsinore, Southern California’s largest natural freshwater lake.

Stop in Corona at the Fender Museum of Music and the Arts, where the history of the famed Fender electric guitar comes to life. Continue north to Ontario and try the meaty golden olives at Graber Olive House. Head for the Ontario Mills mall, where, faced with more than 200 retailers, most shoppers will meet their match.

Should you prove the exception, head to Pasadena and stroll along Colorado Boulevard and neighboring Green Street; few places offer more fine shopping and dining per footfall.

The Route: From Riverside, head south on I-215 (detour to the Lake Perris State Recreation Area by taking a short drive along the Romona Expressway). Go north on I-15 then west on State Highways 91 and 71. In a short distance, head north on State 83 to Ontario. From Ontario take I-10W, CA 57N, and I-210W to Pasadena.