Explore Hemet
It's nice here :)
Hemet, CA, is a city in Riverside County's San Jacinto Valley, known for the long-running Ramona Pageant, the Diamond Valley Lake, and a tranquil, suburban atmosphere near the San Jacinto Mountains. With a population of nearly 90,000 as of the 2020 census, Hemet offers residents access to outdoor activities, community events, and a range of local services, including the Hemet Valley Medical Center.
🌼 Hike at Diamond Valley Lake
Every spring, the hills around Diamond Valley Lake erupt in spectacular wildflower blooms — one of Southern California’s best displays. Trails here offer wide-open skies, lake views, and endless photo ops
🦣 Explore the Western Science Center
The Western Science Center brings Hemet’s deep history to life with Native American artifacts and incredible Ice Age fossils — including “Max,” a Columbian mammoth found during the creation of Diamond Valley Lake.
🎭 See the Ramona Pageant
Since 1923, Hemet has hosted the Ramona Pageant, California’s longest-running outdoor play. This cultural tradition blends history, romance, and community pride in a dramatic natural amphitheater.
🪨 Visit the Hemet Maze Stone
Tucked away in the hills is the mysterious Hemet Maze Stone, a 5,000–7,000-year-old carving that still inspires curiosity. Known as the “Chinese Mystery of the Inland Empire,” it’s a must-see for history buffs and adventurers alike.
🎶 Catch a Show at the Hemet Theatre
Step back in time at the historic Hemet Theatre, a local treasure where concerts, film screenings, and community events keep the city’s cultural heartbeat alive.
🍝 Have Lunch at Dattilo Ristorante
Stop in at Dattilo’s, a family-owned Italian spot with red-checked tablecloths, hearty pasta, and an old-school charm that feels straight out of a movie. It’s quirky, cozy, and definitely Only in Hemet.
🥐 Grab a Pastry at Harvard Street Bakery
Love at first bite. Whether you're starting your morning or satisfying a sweet craving, Harvard Street Bakery & Café delivers buttery baked goods, hot coffee, and that cozy local bakery vibe you won’t find anywhere else.
🌲 Escape to Simpson Park
Just minutes from downtown, Simpson Park offers trails winding through oak groves, granite outcroppings, and sweeping views of the San Jacinto Valley — a local favorite for hiking, biking, and picnics.
