15 Best Things to Do in Ontario, California

By VI Staff on April 9, 2019

Located in the southwestern area of California’s San Bernadino County, Ontario is just 35 miles east of Los Angeles. The city is home to the Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park and boasts of lovely lakes and recreational areas as well as cultural attractions like the Graber Olive House.

1.Graber Olive House

Known for producing world-class tree-ripened olives since 1894, the Graber Olive House is a cultural and historical attraction all in one, and is arguably one of the most popular places to visit in Ontario, California. Comprised of a couple of historic shops and a cannery, the Graber Olive House offers tours of its facilities, which are located in a quiet and pleasant residential neighborhood. Tours take place weekly throughout the year but the best times to visit for grading of olives is around mid-October while the best time to come to see the canning process is during the months of November and December.

315 E 4th Street, Ontario, California 91762, Phone: 800-996-5483

2.Citizens Business Bank Arena

Built and owned by the City of Ontario, the Citizens Business Bank Arena features two floors of facilities, 26 luxury suites and a concourse, all of which come together in 225,000 square feet of space. The arena was opened in 2008 and is undoubtedly the biggest and most modern arena in the entire Inland Empire. Capable of accommodating 11,000 guests, the arena hosts over 125 events yearly such as concerts, sporting competitions and family shows. Additionally, the Citizens Business Bank Arena is the home court of several great sports teams like the Ontario Fury, the Ontario Reign, the LA Temptation, and the Agua Caliente Clippers of Ontario.

4000 East Ontario Center Parkway, Ontario, California 91764, Phone: 909-244-5500

3.Rock Climb Every Day

The team at Rock Climb Every Day does things a bit differently, and that’s exactly the way they like it! Staffed with professional and certified instructors, Rock Climb Every Day is family owned and operates out of Southern California. As some of the top in the climbing field, you can rest assured that you’ll learn fantastic rock climbing skills easily, while also getting to know other like-minded adventurers in Ontario. Rock Climb Every Day takes pride in their educational programs, all of which they hold in unique outdoor settings. They also offer extended course options that exercise not just the body’s strength and flexibility, but the mind’s focus and perseverance as well.

Phone: 818-570-0481

4.Ontario Convention Center

Meet, explore and connect with other people and connect with like-minded individuals at the world-class event venue that is the Ontario Convention Center. This state-of-the-art venue offers over 225,000 square feet of flexible exhibit, meeting and function space, and has been the home of amazing trade shows, conventions, and exhibits since it was first established. Apart from event space, the Ontario Convention Center is also located within walking distance to great hotel and dining options for those coming from out of the city. Bright and clean, the Ontario Convention Center also features some great architectural designs as well as amazing service from professional and friendly staff.

2000 E Convention Center Way, Ontario, California 91764, Phone: 909-937-3000

5.iFLY Indoor Skydiving Ontario

You don’t have to get into an aircraft to experience what it’s like to skydive. In fact, all you even have to do, at least when you’re in Ontario, is drive up to the iFly Indoor Skydiving Center. The center welcomes divers of all levels as it makes the dream of flight a reality for all those who visit. The iFly experience, which mimics the adrenaline pumping experience of falling through the open skies, lasts about 2 hours and is the equivalent of about 1.5 jumps. Each flight booked at iFly includes training by an IBA trained and certified instructor, full gear from the flight suit to the goggles, and the actual flight inside the Flight Chamber.

4510 Ontario Mills Parkway, Ontario, California, Phone: 909-531-4359

6.Scandia

If you’re traveling with the family or are simply still a kid at heart, the Scandia Amusement Park offers Scandinavian-themed fun in the heart of Ontario, California. The park features over 25 rides in addition to other great attractions, while also serving great food through food stands and restaurants. Popular rides to try out at Scandia included the 12-car Screamer Coaster, the Stockholm Raceway, Olga’s Tilt-A-Whirl, Thor’s Hammer, the Viking Ship and the Swedish Scrambler. Some tamer rides include in the Little Dipper Coaster, the Copenhagen Carousel, the Baltic Sea Bumper Boats and the Skagarrak Zoo Ride. Scandia also has a railroad that loops around the park called the Denmark Railway.

7839 1144 S Wanamaker Avenue, Ontario, California 91761, Phone: 909-390-3092

7.Museum of History and Art

Located in a historic building at Nugent’s Park and full of incredible memorabilia, the Museum of History and Art teaches guests not just about the history of Ontario City, but also about the Inland Empire as well as Route 66. Several exhibits detail the history of the area while regularly rotating special exhibits also make a visit worthwhile. Some notable exhibits to see include the industrial art exhibit of Millard and Tony Sheets as well as the clown and circus exhibit. Though the museum is by no means large, it definitely knows how to provide its guests with an immersive experience. The best part? It’s free!

225 Euclid Avenue, Ontario, California 91762, Phone: 909-395-2510

8.Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park

Nestled in the heart of Ontario, Canada, the Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park is situated where business and culture meet. The park boasts of 150 lovely acres of outdoor recreation space, and is a great place to squeeze in physical activity in the middle of a chic urban setting. At the park, visitors can enjoy amenities like a zero depth water play park, a large swim complex complete with exciting water slides, as well as fishing at two gorgeous lakes. Those who wish to have meals at the park or even host parties for corporate events or family reunions can make use of picnic tables and large group picnic shelters scattered around the park grounds.

800 N. Archibald Avenue, Ontario, California 91764, Phone: 909-481-4205

9.San Antonio Winery

One of the premier wine destinations of the Inland Empire is, without a doubt, the San Antonio Winery. This historic winery has over 4 generations of expertise and has been welcoming guests to their tasting room for well over 40 years. As a popular events venue in Ontario, the San Antonio Winery also features an intimate Heritage Event Room, a casual Country Patio in addition to their comfortable Tasting Room. Visitors coming for the San Antonio Winery’s tasting experience will sample elegant whites, sophisticated bold reds, as well as a variety of semi-sweet wines and sparkling wines that will be paired with amazing savory treats. Make sure to stop by their wine store while you’re it!

2802 S. Milliken Avenue, Ontario, California 91761, Phone: 909-947-3995

10.Chaffey Community Museum of Art

Founded in 1941 by Frances and Helen Line as a memorial to their 8-year-old daughter’s battle with leukemia, the Chaffey Community Museum of Art is one of the few fine art museums of the Inland Empire. The museum boasts of a spectacular permanent collection that features California style watercolor pieces as well as the works of prominent regional artists from the present all the way back to as early as the 1920’s. The museum is composed of four galleries, which includes the Main Gallery, the South Gallery, which hosts rotating temporary exhibits, the Spotlight Gallery and the Line Gallery, which hosts the Permanent Collection.

217 S. Lemon Avenue, Ontario, California 91761-1623, Phone: 090-463-3733

11.Whispering Lakes Golf Course

The Whispering Lakes Golf Course is nothing short of a million-dollar facility. A grand old course when it was first established, a recent renovation brought this oldie but goodie back to life with improved playing conditions and world-class facilities. This par-72 course features 18 holes and readily welcomes lovers of the sport from all over the country. Avid golfers will enjoy playing 6,624 yards from the back trees and has an overall course rating of 71.2 alongside a slope of 119. Another benefit of the recent renovation is the new and improved club house which has indoor seating, spacious outdoor seating, as well as two televisions. The garden area is also able to host up to 180 persons.

2525 Riverside Drive, Ontario, California 91761, Phone: 909-923-3672

12.Ontario Center Ice Arena

A spectacular family complex for ice sports in California’s Inland Empire, the Ontario Center Ice Arena is home to a single NHL size ice rink that can be used for a variety of ice sports and events. The 85 by 200-foot rink is home to several hockey teams and leagues as well as figure skating teams. Meanwhile, the rink is also open to the public for leisure skating and lessons. Figure and hockey skates can be rented for those who are new to the sport while a full service pro shop is also located onsite for all of your ice sporting good needs. Locals or long-term visitors are also welcome to participate in programs designed to take beginner skaters or hockey players and bring their skills to more advanced levels.

201 S. Plum Avenue, Ontario, California 91761, Phone: 909-986-4231

13.Vince’s Spaghetti

Owned and operated by the Cuccia Family, Vince’s Spaghetti started as a six-stool open-air French dip stand back in 1945. As the story goes, Frank Cuccia’s uncle ate a plate of his grandmother’s spaghetti in front of customers. It was at that moment that Vince’s Spaghetti was born. Since then, Vince’s has been dishing up mouthwatering Italian-style food to the neighborhood, and of course, the Spaghetti is rave worthy. The clear fan-favorite is undoubtedly their spaghetti with meat sauce, while other noteworthy menu items include the Lasagna, the meatballs and Vince’s Dinner set meal. Pair your dinner with one of Vince’s premium selected wines and make sure to end your meal on a sweet note with one of their great desserts.

1206 W Holt Boulevard, Ontario, California 91762, Phone: 909-986-7074

14.Rossa's

Feeding hundreds of customers every day, Rossa’s Cucina Enoteca is one of the Inland Empire’s most popular fine dining establishments. Rossa’s was opened in 1988 and is conveniently located just a short walk from the Ontario Convention Center. Eager to provide every visitor with a unique dining experience in the heart of Ontario, Rossa’s boasts a variety of dishes from several regions of Italy alongside new creations crafted by the restaurant’s executive chef. The restaurant prides itself with its use of artisan made pasta, fresh wild caught fish, and only the finest meats and fresh produce available. Meanwhile, the restaurant also promises impeccable service and hospitality.

425 N. Vineyard Avenue, Ontario, California 91764, Phone: 909-937-1220

15.Zeke's Eatin' Place

Located in the city’s Vineyard Plaza, Zeke’s Eatin’ Place is a longtime eatery that has an awesome down-home vibe and atmosphere. Zeke’s doles out huge, satisfying servings of classic American breakfast and lunch staples while making sure that each visitor feels like their right at home. Though their menu could be described as simple, the kitchen staff takes each dish and finds a way to take it to another level. Dine on offerings like Zeke’s Famous Biscuits and Country Gravy or sink your teeth into their fluffy mini pancakes. Other tasty dishes include Zeke’s Corned Beef Hash, their One Pork Chop, and the Baby Steak.

1855 E. Fourth Street, Ontario, California 91764, Phone: 909-984-2900