Need a fun Inland Empire getaway with shopping, sports, and entertainment? Head to Ontario! Known for its major shopping centers, lively arenas, and proximity to outdoor adventures, Ontario blends urban energy with easy access to Southern California’s best attractions. Whether you're shopping, exploring, or catching a game, Ontario offers something for everyone.
Ontario, CA Highlights:
- Ontario Mills: Shop at one of California’s largest outlet malls with more than 200 stores, dining, and entertainment options.
- Toyota Arena: Catch live concerts, hockey games, and sporting events at this top Inland Empire venue.
- Ontario Convention Center: Attend expos, conventions, and cultural events at this modern and spacious venue.
- Graber Olive House: Visit this historic olive cannery dating back to 1894 for tours, tastings, and gift shopping.
- Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park: Enjoy fishing, swimming, and picnicking at this scenic lakeside park just minutes from downtown.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Ontario is during spring (March–May) and fall (September–November). Pleasant temperatures make it ideal for shopping, attending events, and outdoor recreation without the summer heat.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Ontario is located along Interstate 10 and Interstate 15, about 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
- By Air: Ontario International Airport (ONT) offers convenient domestic and international flights, just a few minutes from downtown Ontario.
- By Train: Metrolink service connects Ontario with Los Angeles, Riverside, and other nearby cities via the East Ontario station.
Where to Stay
- Ontario Airport Hotel and Conference Center – Comfortable accommodations close to the airport and major attractions, with a pool and restaurant onsite.
- Embassy Suites Ontario - Airport – All-suite hotel offering free breakfast, evening receptions, and convenient access to shopping and arenas.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Ontario Airport – Upscale hotel with stylish rooms, resort-style pool, and complimentary airport shuttle service.
Best Things to Do
⮕ Catch Live Action and Events at Toyota Arena All Year Long
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Built and owned by the City of Ontario, the Toyota 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 Toyota 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, CA 91764, Phone: 909-244-5500
⮕ If You Want to Reach New Heights, Rock Climb Every Day for Ultimate Thrills
© Courtesy of AnnaMoskvina - Fotolia.com
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
⮕ Plan Big Ideas and Gather at Ontario Convention Center
© 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, CA 91764, Phone: 909-937-3000
⮕ Soar to New Heights at iFLY Indoor Skydiving Ontario
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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 Ontario . 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, CA, Phone: 909-531-4359
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
⮕ Relax and Unwind at Ontario Town Square During Vibrant Community Events
© Ontario Town Square
Set in the center of downtown Ontario, Ontario Town Square is located on the historic Euclid Avenue and serves as a significant part of the vibrant and flourishing Southern California city. This picturesque park area is designed to bring the local Ontario, California community together and aims to provide a pleasant area surrounded by entertainment venues, restaurants, and local shops that everyone can enjoy. Ontario Town Square also features an open-air amphitheater and spacious lawn, a pedestrian promenade, and a play garden for children. The city’s annual Summer Series, which features movies and live concerts, is hosted here as well.
224 N Euclid Ave, Ontario, CA 91762, Phone: 909-937-3000
⮕ Step Into the Past at the Museum of History and Art
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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
⮕ Make a Splash and Picnic at Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park
© 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
⮕ Savor Award-Winning Flavors at San Antonio Winery
© 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
⮕ Discover Local Talent and Inspiration at Chaffey Community Museum of Art
© 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
Where to Eat
- Market Broiler Ontario – Local favorite offering fresh seafood, steaks, and a casual, inviting atmosphere near Ontario Mills.
- Rossa’s Cucina Enoteca – Upscale Italian dining with an excellent wine list and cozy ambiance.
- Casa Blanca Mexican Restaurant – Relaxed spot known for hearty portions of traditional Mexican dishes and margaritas.
If you are interested in local events:
- Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion (September) – Massive classic car show and street festival celebrating the historic highway.
- Ontario 5K Reindeer Run (December) – Family-friendly holiday run through downtown Ontario with festive costumes and activities.
- Ontario Festival of the Arts (October) – Art, live music, and food in a lively open-air market celebrating local creativity.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Ontario, California:
- Claremont (20–25 min) – Visit Claremont Village’s shops, art galleries, and historic tree-lined streets.
- Rancho Cucamonga (10–15 min) – Explore Victoria Gardens outdoor mall and local wineries in nearby Cucamonga Valley.
- Mt. Baldy (30 min) – Hike rugged trails or enjoy winter skiing and snowboarding in the nearby San Gabriel Mountains.
- Chino Hills State Park (20–25 min) – Discover rolling hills, hiking trails, and beautiful wildflower displays in spring.
- Pomona (20–25 min) – Visit the Fairplex, home of the LA County Fair, and explore the Pomona Arts Colony.
- Upland (15–20 min) – Relax in quaint downtown Upland with charming boutiques, breweries, and local dining spots.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Question: Where is Ontario located?
Answer: Located in the southwestern area of California’s San Bernardino County, Ontario is just 35 miles east of Los Angeles.
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Question: What natural attractions can be found in Ontario?
Answer: The city is home to the Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park, which features lovely lakes and recreational areas.
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Question: What cultural attractions does Ontario offer?
Answer: Ontario boasts cultural attractions like the Graber Olive House.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Pleasant temperatures and blooming flowers, great for outdoor activities. |
Embassy Suites Ontario Airport – A comfortable stay with spacious suites. |
Visit the Ontario Mills Mall – One of the largest outlet malls in California. |
Summer (June-August) – Warm and sunny, ideal for concerts and sports events. |
DoubleTree by Hilton Ontario Airport – A stylish hotel with easy airport access. |
Check out Toyota Arena – Enjoy live concerts, hockey games, and sporting events. |
Fall (September-November) – Mild weather, perfect for sightseeing. |
Ayres Hotel Ontario Mills Mall – A boutique hotel with elegant accommodations. |
Explore Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park – Go fishing, have a picnic, or enjoy paddle boating. |
Plan Your Trip
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