Craving motorsports, mountain views, and urban convenience? Head to Fontana! Located in the heart of the Inland Empire, Fontana is known for its racing legacy, outdoor trails, and access to SoCal adventures. Whether you're visiting for a concert, car race, or nearby mountain escape, Fontana has something for every pace.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Fontana is from March through May and September through November. These months offer mild weather ideal for hiking, festivals, and motorsport events. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are cooler and great for nearby mountain day trips.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Fontana is located along I-10 and I-15, about 50 miles east of Los Angeles and 20 miles west of San Bernardino.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Ontario International Airport (ONT), just 15–20 minutes away. Los Angeles International (LAX) is about an hour away.
- By Train: Metrolink’s San Bernardino Line stops at the Fontana Station, connecting to downtown Los Angeles and other regional destinations.
Where to Stay
- Hilton Garden Inn Fontana – Comfortable hotel with a pool, restaurant, and proximity to the freeway and Auto Club Speedway.
- SureStay Hotel by Best Western – Affordable option with clean rooms and free breakfast.
- Four Points by Sheraton Ontario-Rancho Cucamonga – Nearby upscale stay with modern amenities, perfect for events or extended visits.
Top Attractions
⮕ Feel the Need for Speed at Auto Club Speedway
Auto Club Speedway, originally known as the California Speedway, is a D-shaped oval, low-banked, two-mile superspeedway. The racetrack in Fontana has played host to NASCAR races every year since the year 1997. The speedway is also host to several open wheel race events during the year. Owned and run by the International Speedway Corporation, the Auto Club Speedway near Interstate 15 and Interstate 10 can accommodate up to sixty-eight thousand guests in its grandstand. There are also twenty-eight skyboxes, bringing the total capacity number to 122,000. A fanzone located behind the main section of the grandstand was added in 2006.
9300 Cherry Ave, Fontana, CA 92335, Phone: 800-944-7223
⮕ Tee Off with Mountain Views at Sierra Lakes Golf Club
At the Sierra Lakes Golf Club, golfers can have an opportunity to take their golf game to its peak right beneath the peaks of the region’s San Bernardino Mountains. The scenic golf club is located in the center of California’s Inland Empire. The Sierra Lakes Golf Club was designed by Ted Robinson, a renowned golf course architect, and laid out in a way that takes full advantage of the beautiful view of the mountains. Golfers can go from one hole to another and feel like they can reach up and be able to touch the magnificent mountains that exist just past the green.
16600 Clubhouse Dr, Fontana, CA 92336, Phone: 909-350-2500
⮕ Enjoy Dinner and a Show at Tibbies Center Stage Theater
The Tibbies Center Stage Theater is quite aware that many a great night spent at the theater typically features an excellent dining experience prior to the performance. Fortunately for patrons of the Center Stage Theater, they can do both at one beautiful venue. The dinner at Center Stage offers delectable dessert, appetizer, cocktail, and wine menus in addition to several delicious choices of entrees for guests to eat, providing an exciting and complete night at a theater. The Center Stage Theater is the home of the famous Tibbies Great American Cabaret, which has been a favorite in Southern California for more than forty years.
8463 Sierra Ave, Fontana, CA 92335, Phone: 909-429-7469
Where to Eat
⮕ Fuel Up with Comfort Food at Corky's Kitchen & Bakery
Corky's Kitchen & Bakery was inspired by the grandmother of the owners, Grandma Corky, who would always say “life is too short, live your dream.” That is just what the owners of the restaurant and bakery did. Grandma Corky would make everything from scratch and used only fresh ingredients. Her main ingredient, however, was love. She passed down recipes that filled both the stomach and the soul, showing how she cared. Corky’s Bakery serves homemade pies, made with the finest ingredients and a flaky crust fresh daily; as well as muffins, cookies, and other freshly baked goods and homemade desserts.
10926 Sierra Ave, Fontana, CA 92337, Phone: 909-428-3100
⮕ Dine and Dance at Pancho Villa’s Mexican Grill & Entertainment
At Pancho Villa's Mexican Grill Restaurant & Entertainment, the tortillas are alway homemade and made fresh every day. The San Bernardino area in California has many different Mexican restaurants to choose from, but Pancho Villa’s is a bit unique among these. Along with serving delicious Mexican fare, the restaurant also features on-stage, live entertainment. Sunday Brunch at Pancho Villa’s offers an all-you-can-eat buffet of Mexican food, as well as dancing and on-stage music. Guests can enjoy delicious food, some of the area’s best Mariachi music, and traditional Mexican dancers. Pancho Villa’s is both a restaurant and a unique local dance club.
10210 Juniper Ave, Fontana, California 92335, Phone: 909-356-0906
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Martin Tudor Jurupa Hills Regional Park – Hike scenic trails with great views of the Inland Empire.
- Mary Vagle Nature Center – Educational center with walking trails, a pond, and local wildlife exhibits.
- Steelworkers’ Auditorium & Art Depot – Community hub for performing arts, exhibits, and cultural events.
- Fontana Park – Large public park with skate park, aquatic center, sports fields, and family spaces.
Where to Eat
- El Chilitos Mexican Restaurant – Local favorite for authentic tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas.
- Graffiti's Italian Eatery – Italian-American menu with pizza, pasta, and a casual family atmosphere.
- Green Banana Grill – Caribbean fusion dishes in a vibrant and cozy setting.
If you are interested in local events:
- Fontana Days Festival (May) – Multi-day celebration with a parade, carnival rides, food, and live music.
- Fontana Days Run (May) – One of the fastest half-marathons in the country, attracting competitive runners.
- Summer Concerts in the Park – Enjoy free music performances at Miller Park Amphitheater throughout the summer.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30–60 Minutes of Fontana, California:
- Mount Baldy (45–60 min) – Hit the slopes or trails at this popular mountain escape just north of the city.
- Ontario Mills (15–20 min) – Huge outlet shopping mall with dining, movie theater, and entertainment options.
- San Bernardino (20–25 min) – Visit the historic Route 66 landmarks, local museums, and downtown food scene.
- Big Bear Lake (1–1.5 hrs) – Scenic alpine getaway offering boating, skiing, and hiking all year round.
- Claremont (30 min) – Charming college town with walkable streets, gardens, and cultural venues.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Q: Where is Fontana located?
- A: Fontana is situated within the sunny San Bernardino County, California.
- Q: How did Fontana grow over time?
- A: Fontana originally grew exponentially after a steel mill was built in the town, eventually becoming a regional center.
- Q: What attractions does Fontana offer?
- A: Fontana boasts many different attractions, including historical buildings and thrilling racing experiences at the well-known Auto Club Speedway, the site of the original steel mill.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Feel the Need for Speed at Auto Club Speedway
- 2. Tee Off with Mountain Views at Sierra Lakes Golf Club
- 3. Enjoy Dinner and a Show at Tibbies Center Stage Theater
- 4. Fuel Up with Comfort Food at Corky's Kitchen & Bakery
- 5. Dine and Dance at Pancho Villa’s Mexican Grill & Entertainment