23 Fun & Best Things To Do in Ontario, California

Working in Los Angeles or San Francisco can make a person yearn to commute, and the small city of Ontario, California, offers the ideal spot. Just 35 miles east of LA, Ontario offers a small city feel and a mere 165,000 residents.

You don’t have to travel to Canada to enjoy a place named Ontario. The California location offers an amazing view since it nearly borders the Angeles National Forest. Only the communities of Upland and San Antonio Heights separate it from the forest.

According to the City of Ontario, its location lies “forty-five minutes from everywhere you want to be.” Of course, if you explore this small city, you’ll see that you might not want to go anywhere else.

Actually, some Los Angeles and San Francisco residents visit Ontario for fun things to do. It offers a few fine art museums, a sports team, a significant events center, and two shopping centers you can’t find anywhere else.

Let’s look at what makes the 50 square miles of Ontario, California, unique besides its palm tree-lined streets and amazing mountain views. Many of the best things to do in Ontario cost nothing, so you can enjoy yourself for free!

TL;DR

• Most significant landmark – Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation Home
• Best park – Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park
• Free activity – Ontario Museum of History and Art
• Activity for kids – LOL Kids Club
• Activity for adults – Toyota Arena Events
• Best food – Zeke’s Eatin’ Place
• Best nightlife – The Dinner Detective Theater Troupe
• Best all-around accommodation – Ontario Inn

Things to Do in Ontario, California

1. Graber Olive House

Address: 315 E 4th St., Ontario, California 91762

Ontario’s oldest existing business, the Graber Olive House, allows visitors to taste some of the Mediterranean’s finest olives – grown in California. Established in 1894, the famed farm has provided locals with tasty salad treats for over a century. Taste Graber Olives fresh from the farm.

The farm offers guided tours, even during harvest from October to December. The tour includes the farm, grading, curing, and canning process.

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2. Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation

Address: 5131 Carnelian St., Alta Loma, CA 91701

A deserved spot on the National Register of Historic Places, the Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation recounts the life of the famed furniture maker, who designed rocking chairs for several US presidents. He and his assistants hand-built his home, a testament to the woodworking style of Maloof and his largest project ever.

It landed on the National Register when California highway construction threatened its existence. Docents provide guided tours of the home, including Mediterranean gardens and an exhibit/learning center. You can find this terrific art museum in neighboring Alta Loma.

3. Chaffey Community Museum of Art

Address: 217 S. Lemon Ave, Ontario, CA 91761

Founded as an art association in 1941, the Chaffey Community Museum of Art (CCAA Museum of Art) offers exhibits of local artists and nationally recognized artists.

The fine art museum serves the Inland Empire area of California with exhibits and educational events on all types of art, focusing on California watercolors and regional artists, such as female artists of the Pomona Valley.

The museum offers five galleries, each featuring a different exhibition, including those featuring local art and a gallery devoted to emerging artists in the area and student artwork. Open from Thursday to Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m. The museum offers free public viewings.

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4. Ontario Museum of History and Art

Address: 225 S Euclid Ave, Ontario, CA 91762

The Ontario Museum of History and Art collects, preserves, and interprets the history of Ontario and the surrounding region through exhibitions, workshops, and events. Housed in a historic municipal building, the museum’s architecture contributes to the value of visiting this attraction.

The exhibit “Gem of the Foothills” explores the history of Ontario and its unique contributions to California. The Ontario sometimes works with the Chaffee to mount exhibits that carry over from one museum to the next, such as the tribute to Pomona Valley female artists. Also, enjoy film night at the museum, typically on Thursdays.

The museum charges no admission fee on Thursday from noon to 8 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

See Related: Things to Do in Barstow, California

5. Planes of Fame Air Museum

Address: 14998 Cal Aero Dr, Chino, CA 91710

Explore aviation history at the Planes of Fame Air Museum. This unique museum features more than 150 aircraft, with 50 still operational.

The collection spans from World War II fighter planes and carrier planes like the chunky Grumman F8F Bearcat to a replica of the 1903 Wright Flyer – the world’s first powered aircraft.

Planes of Fame hosts an air show every May and a monthly Living History Flying Day. Admission costs $6 for children and $15 for adults.

See Related: Things to Do in Monterey, California

6. Folk Music Center & Museum

Address: 220 Yale Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711

Originally a store founded over 60 years ago, the Folk Music Center transitioned to non-profit status in 1976. It still sells musical instruments, though. It fulfills its mission to provide the public with an interactive experience with music through classes for children and adults and a small museum.

Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. The center charges no admission fee. Before the pandemic of 2020-22, it hosted an annual folk music festival and occasional live music performances at the center.

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7. Explore Historic Euclid Avenue

Address: Euclid Avenue (start at C Street cross street)

Euclid Avenue in southern California compares to Route 66, from Chicago, Illinois, to Los Angeles, California, bisecting many states. Euclid Avenue runs north-south continuously from Prado Regional Park through Upland, then San Antonio Heights.

The area of Euclid Avenue in downtown Ontario offers a historic neighborhood of mixed architectural styles, including Art Deco, Victorian, and Googie architecture.

This walkable area also includes the town’s bandstand and town hall. The homes on the avenue offer a living museum representing various historical eras and architectural styles.

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8. Shop at Ontario Mills for Designer Duds

Address: 1 Mills Cir, Ontario, CA 91764

Shopping Ontario Mills captures you deals on designer clothes and accessories. From Guess and Michael Kors to Coach and Calvin Klein, you can shop where more than 24 million shoppers do annually. The vast Ontario Mills offers 1.5 million square feet of retail space with more than 200 shops and restaurants.

If you want accommodations nearby, try the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, adjacent to the Mills. Another option, the Ayres Hotel Ontario Mills Mall, lies within walking distance of the shops and restaurants at the Mill.

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9. Explore the Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park

Address: 800 N Archibald Ave, Ontario, CA 91764

When you need outdoor time, look no further than Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park, which offers 150 acres of recreational activities, including two lakes for boating and fishing. The park also offers paddle boats, a children’s splash area, and a water park with slides.

You can reserve a large picnic shelter for large gatherings but no snack bar. Cucamonga-Guasti also includes picnic tables and green spaces for small outdoor meals.

Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the park closes on Christmas Day. The Azure Hotel & Suites Ontario Trademark Collection by Wyndham lies less than two miles from the park.

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10. Play a Round of Golf at Whispering Lakes Golf Course

Address: 2525 E Riverside Dr., Ontario, CA 91761

Despite the name, you don’t have to whisper “fore” when playing 18 holes at this gorgeous par-72 golf course. One shouts it. That’s golf safety 101. The recently remodeled Whispering Lakes Golf Course received a new clubhouse and a refresh of its greens from Donovan Brothers Golf, LLC.

The city-owned golf course offers the same amenities as a country club, including clubhouse dining, a PGA Head Golf Professional, Gary Nicholas, who teaches at the course, and special group golfing, including the Senior Men’s Club.

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11. Explore the North Etiwanda Preserve

Address: 4890 Etiwanda Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739

Technically, you travel 13 miles north of Ontario to reach the North Etiwanda Preserve in Rancho Cucamonga. Hike the main trail, 3.3 miles of California flora and fauna that takes about two hours to cover, including some rather rocky terrain.

Etiwanda Falls is North of the main trail, about a mile and a half from the parking lot trailhead, just outside North Etiwanda Preserve.

If you keep hiking north, you’ll transition into the San Bernardino National Forest. These breathtaking locations rival any glitzy southern California beach and offer plenty of free outdoor fun!

See Related: Day Trips from San Francisco, California

12. Explore the Historic John Rains House

Address: 8810 Hemlock, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

The national historic register home, which entrepreneur John Rains constructed in 1860, uses a unique and innovative design for its cooling mechanism – the local creek water. The John Rains House Museum explores the life of the founder of the first California commercial winery.

The home, long the seat of many society parties and power broker meetings, became a museum after the murder of Rains just outside of the home. His widow gave up the home after his death.

Adult admittance costs $5, while children aged five and older cost $2.50 for entry. Children under five years of age enter free.

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13. Toyota Arena

Address: 4000 East Ontario Center Parkway, Ontario, California 91764

Whatever you love, the Toyota Arena hosts it. The Toyota Arena offers everything from bull riding to arena football, monster trucks, and music festivals! Check its website for the events schedule, such as concerts from Marc Anthony, Eslabon Armado, or Judas Priest, or comedy shows such as George Lopez.

In addition to awesome events, three different sports teams play their games here: the hockey team, the Ontario Reign; the basketball team, the Ontario Clippers; and the soccer team, the Ontario Fury.

This arena was previously used by Citizens Business Bank Arena and State Farm Arena. Ticket prices for the various events vary. Check the website for prices and event details.

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14. Take a Selfie with the Madonna of the Trail

Address: 1010 N Euclid Ave, Upland, CA 91786-3201

Drive further down Euclid Avenue into Upland to nab a selfie with The Madonna of the Trail statue. One of the 12 US monuments to pioneer women, this statue comprises the final of the 12. The first and furthest away stands in Maryland!

Each statue marks a point on the National Old Trails Road. Placed in the 1920s, each locality that hosts a figure cares for it, maintaining the monument to honor the legacy of the women who helped form the country’s towns.

See Related: Things to Do in Fresno, California

15. K1 Speed Ontario

Address: 5350 Ontario Mills Pkwy, Bldg. E, Ontario, Ca 91764

You don’t need to own a racecar to unleash your inner Mario Andretti. Just visit K1 Speed Ontario and drive a go-kart on its indoor track. The immense facility offers multiple options so novice, intermediate, and experienced drivers can enjoy an authentic race experience.

The indoor go-kart racing track also includes an on-site restaurant, the Paddock Lounge, and an arcade offering billiards and air hockey, making this ideal for a family outing. The facility also offers two A/V wired meeting rooms.

The raceway sells tickets for one, two, or three races or a Speedpass, ranging from $25.95 to $64.95. Junior racing carries a height requirement for safety reasons of 48 inches, while adult racing carries a height of 58 inches. You can also try out the iFLY gravity-defying experience to add to your fun.

See Related: Things to Do in Merced, California

16. Attend a Tasting at the San Antonio Winery

Address: 2802 S. Milliken Avenue, Ontario, CA 91761

California is home to some of the world’s premier wine destinations, and Ontario is certainly on the rise!

Originally located in Los Angeles, the San Antonio Winery now offers three locations, one in Ontario. The winery was founded in 1917 and offers eleven Riboli family wines from grapes grown in the Napa Valley, Paso Robles, and Monterey.

For over 40 years, the Ontario tasting room has hosted wine tastings, workshops, brunches, and entertainment events, such as comedy nights. The winery includes a gift shop. You can reserve the winery for private events.

See Related: Things to Do in Three Rivers, California

17. Explore and Tour Amy’s Farm

Address: 7698 Eucalyptus Avenue, Ontario, CA 91762

This urban farm offers tours of its agricultural operations and educational programs. It includes a half-acre garden, humane ranching of bovines and hogs, and humane chicken keeping for eggs. Children and adults can pet tame farm animals.

The farm offers a garden walk, gardening master classes, educational courses, and volunteer opportunities for scouting troops. Amy’s Farm includes a petting zoo and the opportunity to milk a cow.

If you visit during the fall, you can pick a pumpkin to take home from the pumpkin patch. The public can explore the farm from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays. The produce stand on the farm also opens on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

18. Take the Kids to the LOL Kids Club

Address: 735 N Milliken Ave, Unit A, Ontario, CA 91764

Never fear rainy days in Ontario because you can take your family to the LOL Kids Club, a huge indoor playground with games and attractions for all ages.

On Fridays, the playground hosts Nerf wars, and every day, kids can enjoy the bounce room, jungle gym, and giant slides. The Club also offers arts and crafts, holiday-themed events, and an on-site gourmet restaurant.

Open every day of the week from 11 am to 7 pm, tickets for children cost $12.95 Monday through Thursday and $16.95 Friday through Sunday. Babies up to nine months of age and the first adult in a party get in free. Additional adult tickets cost $7.

Due to sanitation regulations, each individual must wear socks inside the facility. If you forget your socks, LOL Kids Club sells them for $3 per pair. In addition to socks, the facility offers party packages. What a place!

See Related: Things to Do in Santa Rosa, California

19. The Dinner Detective Murder-Mystery Dinner

Address: 555 W Foothill Blvd., Claremont, CA 91711

Looking for great food and a show? Drive the five miles to nearby Claremont, California, where every Saturday night, The Dinner Detective theater troupe holds a show. Catered by a delicious gourmet chef, the evening includes a dinner theater interactive mystery. Every attendee becomes a suspect in the murder most foul!

Hosted in the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, the troupe includes professional actors from TV, film, and theater who improvise script parts. Every diner becomes a detective if they so choose. The dinner theater even awards a prize for Top Sleuth!

The admission ticket costs $74.95 and includes a full gourmet dinner and the theater performance. The theater enforces a minimum attendance age of 15 years old. Babies and young children may not attend.

20. Rock Climb Every Day

Address: 645 W Francis St., Ontario, CA 91762

You can learn to rock climb in Ontario, California, at Rock Climb Every Day, which offers beginner and advanced classes in multi-pitch, anchor building, traditional climbing, sport climbing, rappelling, and self-rescue. The organization also offers sightseeing tours, adventure tours, and team-building events.

Teachers and guides speak both English and Spanish. This business operates multiple California locations, and each location offers equipment rental. Participants can book private instruction or family climbing packages. Open year-round, Monday through Sunday, from 9 am to 9 pm.

See Related: Things to Do in Bakersfield, California

21. Zeke’s Eatin’ Place

Address: Zeke’s Eatin’ Place, 1855 E 4th St, Ontario, CA 91764

Hungry yet? You can find home food in southern California with an awesome down-home vibe. Stop by Zeke’s Eatin’ Place, which has been serving up all-day breakfast and lunch for four decades. The family-style restaurant focuses on the delicious food the friendly, attentive waitstaff serves.

Zeke’s will feed you if you yearn for biscuits and gravy or a piled-high stack of pancakes, also called hotcakes in these parts, during your vacation. You can also find that here if you want chicken fried steak, a juicy medium-rare steak, or a baby steak.

The restaurant believes in hearty portions and keeps the coffee mugs and tea glasses full. Open from 6:30 a.m. to 3 pm daily. You can count on this local favorite during your daily commute.

22. Mama T Parenti’s Delicatessen

Address: 1037 W Philadelphia St., Ontario, CA 91762

Ontario offers a plethora of eateries, but Mama T’s earns five stars from the locals who dine there!

On menu site after menu site, diners provide this deli with the highest ratings possible for its amazing made-from-scratch Italian food. Try the subs – the Italian and the meatballs prove most popular. The pastrami and the muffuletta with homemade tapenade earned many fans, too. Most folks choose macaroni salad as their side dish.

Wednesday nights, the deli hosts pasta night, serving spaghetti and meatballs. Leave room for dessert since this restaurant offers delicious cannoli and tiramisu. Open Tuesday through Sunday. The hours vary by day.

You can dine from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday, but the deli closes an hour earlier, at 6 p.m. on Saturdays. On Sundays, Mama T Parenti’s only serves lunch, opening from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

See Related: Best Things to Do in Solvang, California

23. Glen Ivy Hot Springs

Address: 25000 Glen Ivy Rd, Corona, CA 92883

Need a way to chill out after exploring Ontario? Head south on a 45-minute drive to nearby Corona and spend a cheeky weekend break at Glen Ivy Hot Springs Resort and Spa.

This stunning, world-class retreat is known for its 17 swimming pools, heavenly healthy meals, and luxurious spa treatments, all furnished by a friendly and dedicated staff. The Glen Ivy Hot Springs experience is ideal for couples on a romantic retreat!

Places to Stay in Ontario

How to Get Around Ontario

You’ll need to rent one if you don’t own a vehicle. Hertz, Enterprise, and National car rental companies, including the Ontario International Airport, serve the city with multiple pick-ups and drop-off locations. Alternatively, you can sort out car rentals ahead of time with someone like Kayak. You might enjoy biking the town’s downtown streets on foot or by bicycle.

You can also take Uber and Lyft in Ontario, California. These two services let riders book transportation to a specific local address. Both require payment through PayPal.

This southern California city also participates in ridesharing, which lets riders find drivers making the same daily commute or planning a long-distance trip to the same location. Payment goes directly from the rider to the driver.

Most individuals who visit from out-of-town fly into Ontario International Airport or Los Angeles International Airport or take the train via Amtrak or Metrolink.

FAQ

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