Overview
Perris is in Riverside County. It is known for Lake Perris, an artificial lake, skydiving, Southern California Railway Museum, and its sunny dry climate.
4 sights · 4 things to do · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Perris
Southern California Railway Museum
A prominent railroad museum featuring the largest collection of Pacific Electric Railway stock around, along with cabooses and steam locomotives. Some of these are incorporated into a train offering rides on a 1/2 mile t…
Motte Historical Car Museum
Vintage cars housed in an old barn for old car buffs.
Perris Valley Historical Museum
Providing background exhibits on Perris history.
Ya'i Heki' Regional Indian Museum
Lake Perris State Recreation Area
A man-made lake surrounded by rocky escarpment with various boating and other recreational amenities.
Skydive Perris
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–May. Summer highs reach about 98°F; winter lows dip to about 40°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jan and Feb. (climate data from nearby Lake Elsinore)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- SBD San Bernardino International Airport, San Bernardino — 21 mi away (major hub). Directions
- ONT Ontario International Airport, Ontario — 28 mi away (major hub). Directions
Perris is 71 miles (114 km) east-southeast of Los Angeles and 81 miles (130 km) north of San Diego.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Southern California Railway Museum, Perris Valley Historical Museum
- Afternoon Lake Perris State Recreation Area, Regency Perris
Day 2
- Morning Motte Historical Car Museum, Ya'i Heki' Regional Indian Museum
- Afternoon Skydive Perris, Perris Raceway
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Understand
Perris came into existence with the emergence of the California Southern Railroad, where a depot was established between Barstow and San Diego. It was founded in 1911.
Get in
Perris is 71 miles (114 km) east-southeast of Los Angeles and 81 miles (130 km) north of San Diego.
For drivers, Perris is readily connected to the rest of metro LA area by I-215. But there is also the 91/Perris Valley Line of the Metrolink for those utilizing public transportation.
Get around
Riverside Transit Agency offers some routes through the municipality and into adjacent areas. More practically though, a car is probably advisable.
See
Do
Events
- Southern California Fair, 18700 Lake Perris Dr. Held annually in October, featuring food, carnival rides, shows, crafts, and agriculture. The fairgrounds are also open year round with various activities.
Sleep
Perris is not a cornucopia of hotels, but a couple of basic options exist.
Or you could try camping at Lake Perris State Recreation Area.
Nearby
Moreno Valley
City / town · 3 listings · 10 mi away
Lake Elsinore
City / town · 7 listings · 11 mi away
Hemet
City / town · 8 listings · 14 mi away
Riverside
City / town · 37 listings · 15 mi away
Beaumont
City / town · 3 listings · 17 mi away
Loma Linda
City / town · 5 listings · 18 mi away
Jurupa Valley
City / town · 3 listings · 18 mi away
Redlands
City / town · 23 listings · 18 mi away
My experience
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