Introduction
One of the best things about Ontario is that it’s located in Southern California, so it’s close to a lot of different attractions. But you don’t have to wait until you’re traveling somewhere else to experience fun things in this city! There are plenty of activities nearby that will keep you entertained for days on end.
Ontario Mills Mall
Ontario Mills Mall, also known as the “Outlet Capital of the World,” is a 1.4 million square foot shopping mall located in Ontario, California. It is the largest outlet mall in the United States and features over 300 stores (including Forever 21 and Nordstrom Rack).
With more than 20 dining options and over 1,000 parking spaces, you’ll find everything you need at this expansive retail mecca—and then some! In addition to its many shops and restaurants, Ontario Mills offers a shuttle service to and from John Wayne Airport every 15 minutes with free WiFi onboard.
Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park
Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park is located in Ontario and is known for its hiking trails, picnic areas, and dog park. The park is open year-round and contains a variety of wildlife including coyotes, red-tailed hawks, and bobcats.
Visitors can enjoy several activities in the park such as biking or horseback riding along the paved trails or taking advantage of their off-leash dog area which includes bathrooms. There are also picnic tables available for those who want to bring a meal with them.
Graber Olive House
Graber Olive House is a historic house in Ontario, California. The house was built in 1887 by George W. Graber, a German immigrant who became a successful farmer and businessman. The home is an excellent example of Queen Anne Victorian architecture with elaborate woodwork and stained glass windows.
It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as “Second Hill Ranch” because it sits high on Second Hill above downtown Ontario and offers views over much of the city below. The gardens surrounding this historic home have been lovingly restored to their former glory with native plants that would have been typical for Southern California at that time.
Chaffey Community Museum of Art
Things to See: Artifacts from the early days of Chaffey College as well as art exhibits by local artists. The museum also hosts an annual art exhibition called Spring Into Art for its members. There is a gift shop in the museum where you can buy unique items created by local artists!
Activities: You can attend special events such as lectures or classes offered by professional artists who teach art techniques such as how to make your stained glass window. The museum also has workshops where kids can learn how to draw their favorite cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse or Pikachu!
Day Trip To Catalina Island
Catalina Island is a great place to visit for many reasons. The ferry ride over is fun, and there are lots of things to do on the island once you arrive. There’s also plenty of history to learn about, including the story behind Catalina’s famous red berry juice!
Indian Hill Mesa Preserve
Indian Hill Mesa Preserve is owned by the city of Ontario and it’s open to the public. You can hike, bike, and walk your dog here.
The preserve has several parking lots that are accessible from different roads in the area. The preserve itself is located on the northwestern edge of the city, so you aren’t far from some great restaurants when you’re done exploring nature!
David Largaespada Gallery
The David Largaespada Gallery is a great place to see art. Located in Ontario, the gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and features paintings by resident artist David Largaespada as well as work from other notable artists.
The gallery also houses an artist’s studio that you can tour for a small fee. You’ll learn about the techniques and methods of painters, sculptors, and photographers who have been featured at the gallery over the years.
Ronald Reagan Sports Park
Located in the Ontario Airport, the Ronald Reagan Sports Park is a great place to spend a weekend. It features an Olympic-sized pool, baseball fields, and soccer fields for both adults and kids. The park also offers rental equipment such as bikes and skateboards, so you can get active while having fun! They offer classes on various sports every day of the week at different times of day—so there’s always something new to try out!
The hours are Monday through Friday from 6:30 am – 9 pm; Saturdays from 8 am – 7 pm; Sundays from 8 am – 7 pm; and closed on holidays (including Labor Day). The cost is $2 per person per visit ($6 maximum family admission), or $5 per carload of up to 10 people at one time (maximum fee $50).
The West End Marketplace & Event Center
The West End Marketplace & Event Center is a great place to visit. The Marketplace features a variety of shops and restaurants, including the newly opened Auntie Em’s Breakfast Café. The Event Center is the perfect venue for hosting events such as weddings, birthdays, and corporate parties. The Event Center has a large ballroom, two smaller meeting rooms, and an outdoor patio that can accommodate up to 400 people comfortably.
Ontario Museum of History and Art
Located in the heart of downtown Ontario, this museum offers an opportunity to explore the area’s past. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and admission is free. There is no cost to enter but donations are accepted to help offset costs. If you have time, visit the gift shop or check out some of their exhibits before heading out.
If you have limited time you may want to focus on some of their special events such as “The Magic of Disneyland” (showcases Disneyland history) or “Explore Your Senses: A Journey Through Time” (explores how humans interact with our environment). Both these events will give you a great overview of what life was like in Ontario during different periods in history.
If you are looking for something more hands-on, then try one of their programs such as “There’s No Place Like Home: Victorian Family Life Through Artifacts & Objects from the Collection” where participants can see authentic artifacts from Ontario residents at home around 1900; or “Discovering Our Collections: An Introduction To Art History Through People And Their Stories.”
Takeaway:
You’ve made it to the end. You’ve learned all about the Ontario area, and now you’re ready to go. But before you go, there’s one more thing: how can we best help you?
We hope this guide has been useful and informative for your trip-planning needs. If there are other things we should have included on our list of “best things,” please let us know in the comments below!
Conclusion
In the end, Ontario is a great city to visit! There are so many things to do here, and they’re all within easy reach of downtown San Bernardino. Whether you’re looking for something fun with your family or just want an excuse to get out of the house and explore some new places, Ontario has got exactly what you need.
