Why Perris
Perris is an historic railway city situated in Riverside County, California, within the Inland Empire and the broader Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. Encompassing roughly 31.6 square miles, the community sits approximately 71 miles east-southeast of Los Angeles and 81 miles north of San Diego. Known for its sunny, dry weather and rich regional attractions, the city provides a welcoming destination defined by its surrounding landscape and transportation heritage.
Long before its official settlement, Native American populations lived in the nearby hills, and Spanish and Mexican miners later searched the land after discovering gold deposits. The town's modern origin began with the arrival of the California Southern Railroad, which established a route connecting Barstow and San Diego. Following a land title disagreement in neighboring Pinacate, residents relocated two miles north along the tracks to found Perris in 1885. Named after chief rail engineer Fred T. Perris, the community was originally part of San Diego County before joining Riverside County in 1892, eventually incorporating as a city in 1911.
Visitors interested in history and culture can explore several local landmarks, including the historic Perris Depot, which is recorded in the Historic American Buildings Survey. The Southern California Railway Museum stands as the West Coast's largest operating facility of its kind, offering a deep look into rail history. On a hill above town sits the notable Rock Castle house, while the National Archives at Riverside serves as a regional branch housing federal documents from the Pacific region. Additionally, the Lake Perris Fairgrounds has hosted the annual Southern California Fair since 1987.
Outdoor recreation and aviation are central to the appeal of Perris. Lake Perris provides a scenic setting for outdoor leisure, while the privately owned Perris Valley Airport, featuring a 5,100-foot runway, draws aviation enthusiasts from all over. The airport is home to Perris Valley Skydiving, attracting both amateur and professional parachutists and earning the area its reputation as the skydiving capital of America.
The area experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by long, hot summers and short, mild winters, bringing abundant sunshine throughout the year. Perris is easily accessed by road via Interstate 215, which connects Murrieta to San Bernardino, and State Route 74, which extends west toward Orange County and east into the San Jacinto and Coachella valleys. Travelers can also reach the city by train using the Metrolink 91/Perris Valley Line, which links two local stations directly to downtown Los Angeles.
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