Ask people where Ontario is and most would answer Canada. Aside from the same name, Ontario in Canada and California are on the opposite ends of the tourism spectrum. Ontario in Canada is a major urban city and is the most populous province in the country. On the other hand, its Californian counterpart has a slower pace of life, offering visitors a rich mix of nature and history.
One of the city’s traditions is an annual pancake event. Held for over the past 50 years, which features the best of American pancakes, with visitors eating all the pancakes they want at just a flat nominal fee. Read on to find out about the best things to do in and around Ontario, California.
1. Get a dose of laughter at Ontario Improv
It’s no secret that laughter is a strong medicine. And you can get a dose of that and more when you catch the A-list comedy offered at the premier stage of Ontario Improv. This comedy club housed in the bustling Ontario Mills shopping center fills its amphitheater-style interior with laughter five times a week. Its acts are a great mix of up-and-comers and big-name headliners, so you’ll find your comedy style in its calendar.
Aside from original skits, great food, and flavorful cocktails are also part of the experience. The place is easily accessible from highways 10 and 15 and has plenty of complimentary self-parking and valet parking on-site.
Ontario Improv
Address: 4555 Mills Cir, Ontario, CA 91764
Website: Ontario Improv
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 6pm - 8:30pm; Fri: 5:30pm - 10:15pm; Sat: 5pm - 10pm; Sun: 5pm - 7:30pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
2. Catch a live performance or big game at Toyota Arena
Every major city has that one great venue for concerts, big sports games, and family shows. And Ontario, California’s contender for that is Toyota Arena, which is the most modern and largest arena within the metropolitan region of Inland Empire. This 11,000-seater venue has been home to over 125 events per year since it opened in 2008. It is the go-to concert hall of music acts and home to many sports teams from major leagues in hockey, soccer, and basketball.
For the best view in the house, and if you’re willing to splurge, you can catch the show from one of the 36 luxury suites. The huge arena also includes a concourse of shops, food stalls, merchandise kiosks, and even a VIP Club.
Toyota Arena
Address: 4000 Ontario Center, Ontario, CA 91764
Website: Toyota Arena
3. Soak in the sun
Soak up the Californian sunshine at one of Ontario’s best spots for outdoor activities – the Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park. With two lakes, visitors here are spoilt for choice, choosing from activities like fishing, boating, jogging or just taking a leisurely stroll amidst the greenery. For those with families, there’s also a small waterpark with a giant water slide, which is the perfect way to cool off when things get too heated.
Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park
Address: 800 N Archibald Ave, Ontario, CA 91764, USA
Website: Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park
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4. Soak in a hot spring
We all deserve to spoil ourselves a little and you can do just that at Glen Ivy Hot Springs. Surrounded by palm trees and once located on a sacred site, the hot springs is now operational in its 157th year, with the spa constantly updating and upgrading its facilities. So come wallow in the hot waters today as you let all your worries wash away.
Glen Ivy Hot Springs
Address: 25000 Glen Ivy Rd, Corona, CA 92883, USA
Website: Glen Ivy Hot Springs
5. Soak in art
Serving its purpose to promote knowledge while passing on generations of history, art and culture is the Museum of History and Art. The museum has collected artifacts from the city’s milestones and shared them through educational exhibits. Housed in a beautiful historic building, the museum has ever-changing displays, but there are permanent ones like Road Ways, which shows how the modern roadway has changed American society.
Museum of History and Art
Address: 225 Euclid Ave, Ontario, CA 91762, USA
Website: Museum of History and Art
6. Soak in nature
If you’re looking to get in touch with nature, there’s no better place than the North Etiwanda Preserve. The easiest trail ideal for the casual hiker is about 3.3 miles (5.3 km) long and takes about 2 hours to complete. Do look out for some rocky terrain though. Those looking for something more adventurous can head to Etiwanda Falls, which is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) further on.
North Etiwanda Preserve
Address: 4890 Etiwanda Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739, USA
Website: North Etiwanda Preserve
7. Visit Ontario’s oldest existing business
It was the Spanish Franciscan missionaries who started Ontario’s love for olives in 1769. CC Graber came along 100 years on in 1894, purchased land and started curing barrels of olive. Thus, Ontario’s oldest existing business was born. Today, the Graber Olive House continues to produce olives for consumers around the world to enjoy. Visitors can go on a guided tour as they discover how the olives are harvested, graded, cured and canned.
Graber Olive House
Address: 315 E 4th St, Ontario, CA 91764, USA
Website: Graber Olive House
8. Shop till you drop
In need of some retail therapy? Ontario Mills is a shopper’s paradise. With over 200 stores, it hosts up to 24 million shoppers a year as they browse through recognized labels like Lacoste, Calvin Klein and Michael Kors. It isn’t just all shopping though. Within the premise are plenty of food options, with an improv comedy club and dinner theatre keeping visitors well entertained throughout the day.
Ontario Mills
Address: 1 Mills Cir, Ontario, CA 91764, USA
Website: Ontario Mills
9. Get your heart pumping
Satiate your need for speed at K1 Speed Ontario, a state-of-the-art venue with high-performance electric karts on two professionally designed go-kart tracks. K1 caters to both novices and experienced go-karters alike. Races start at just 20 USD, which is perfect for a day out with friends or family. There’s a snack bar should you get peckish and plenty of memorabilia available to commemorate what is sure to be a memorable day.
K1 Speed Ontario
Address: 5350 Ontario Mills Pkwy, Ontario, CA 91764, USA
Website: K1 Speed Ontario
10. Bring your excitement sky high
If go-karting doesn’t get you high on adrenaline, perhaps this will. Even if you aren’t an aviation geek, the Planes of Fame Air Museum certainly thrill. The museum, founded by Edward T Maloney, first opened in 1957 with just 10 airplanes. Today, the collection has grown to more than 150, with more than 50 still airworthy. Come on the right day and you’ll even get to see an air show. Check their website for the list of upcoming events.
Planes of Fame Air Museum
Address: 14998 Cal Aero Drive, Chino, CA 91710, United States
Website: Planes of Fame Air Museum
11. 9. Try the local wine
Wine production in California goes as far back as the tail end of the 1880s. By that comparison, the San Antonio Winery is relatively young, having been founded in 1917. This year marks its centennial milestone and the winery is today considered a cultural monument. Visitors can arrange for wine tasting for as little as 10 USD, consisting of a traditional wine tasting flight and a personally guided tour.
San Antonio Winery
Address: 2802 S Milliken Ave, Ontario, CA 91761, USA
Website: San Antonio Winery
12. Solve a mystery
Be part of a murder mystery unfolding as you enjoy dinner and unlock your inner Sherlock solving it. The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show has been voted the best dinner show across the US for the past 10 years. Actors in the show have appeared in renowned TV series and films like Jurassic World and Orange is the New Black. Diners can watch everything play out before them or actively be a part of it. At the end of the night, prizes will be awarded to the top sleuth.
The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show
Address: 222 N Vineyard Ave, Ontario, CA 91764, USA
13. Park with native Californian plants, shop and walkways
15 minutes drive from Ontario, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens is full of Californian native plants. You can even buy some to take home with you and the people at the plant shop give advice on how to maintain them. The winding paths lead you through the different types of habitats. Paved trails mean it also accommodates wheelchairs, or you can venture on gravel walks. Squirrels, chipmunks, and birds make for pleasant encounters. Benches to rest on and toilets are dotted around about. There are many butterflies and depending on the season, flowers. This natural area is ideal for families. Check with them as they often have functions such as evening concerts.
Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens
Address: 1500 N College Ave, Claremont, CA 91711-3157
Website: Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens
14. Play a game of golf on nice level greens
Play a relaxing game of golf or just brush up your skills at the Whispering Lakes Golf Course. You don’t even need to use the golf cart as the land is level, although you can use one if you want to. It has beautiful park-like palm trees, water features, and of course, the emerald greens. The clubhouse is modern and comfortable. The course won’t test too many of your skills on the 18-hole, par-72 course. Have some fun outdoors with friends or family. There’s even a PGA Head Golf Professional if you need some tips and advice on your game.
Whispering Lakes Golf Course
Address: 2525 E Riverside Dr, Ontario, CA 91761
Website: Whispering Lakes Golf Course
Holding its own
It isn’t as famous as its Canadian counterpart, but Ontario, California more than holds its own as a truly attractive all-rounded tourist destination. You get to hike, shop and visit hot springs and museums. On top of that, you can be part of the best dinner show in the entire country.