Top 16 Things To Do In Banning, California

things to do in Banning CA
Sharon A.
Sharon A.  
Updated
| 7 min read

Between Palm Springs and Los Angeles, along Interstate Highway 10 in the San Gorgonio Pass, you will find the old town of Banning. During the 1800s, it used to be a stopover town for most of the stagecoach lines, and this, later on, earned it the nickname of Stagecoach Town. The coaches might have stopped coming, but the proximity to the Pacific Coast, and the desert, and also easy access it offers to the mountains has made it a popular destination for outdoor freaks touring the region. In addition to nature, Banning has many other exciting fun opportunities that will appeal to all kinds of travelers. Read below to know some of the top things to do in Banning, California.

1. Enjoy family picnics at Richard Sanchez Park

Posted by Rosa Isela Gutierrez on Wednesday, 31 January 2018

Richard Sanchez Park is located in northwest Banning, and it is one of the best spots you will ever find if you are looking for a wholesome ground for family picnics. The expansive park has lots of well-maintained gardens and playgrounds, with a nice backdrop of the mountains. With designated picnic areas, basketball courts and kids’ playgrounds, complete with swings and other toys, this park has all you need to have a memorable family picnic in Banning.

Richard Sanchez Park

Address: Mountain Ave & Cypress St, Banning, CA 92220, United States

Website: Richard Sanchez Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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2. Let the kids have fun at Sylvan Park

Posted by Sheila M Macabugwas on Monday, 14 October 2019

Sylvan Park is located in West Banning. It is clean, beautiful, well-maintained, and with lots of spaces for a wide range of fun outdoor activities. Its range of amenities includes a covered picnic area, children’s playground, basketball courts, and one baseball diamond among others. With all the green spaces, lots of shades from the mature trees and lots of swings, slides, and toys for the kids, this is one of the leading parks where your kids will be guaranteed lots of fun.

Sylvan Park

Address: Banning, CA 92220, United States

Opening hours: 5:30am - 7:30pm (daily)

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3. Discover the Southern California Indian cultures at Malki Museum


Malki Museum happens to be the oldest not-for-profit museum founded with Native Americans to preserve art and artifact exhibits that tell the story of the Southern Californian Indian cultures. The museum strives to promote scholarly and cultural awareness about the vibrant culture of the Indian communities that were once vibrant but now seems to be dimming in the region. This is the place to learn more about the traditions and the history of the Southern Indians and the Cahuilla Indian tribes.

Malki Museum

Address: 11795 Malki Road, Banning, CA 92220, United States

Website: Malki Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

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4. Engage in a game of tennis at Repplier Park


You may not be the next Rodger Federer or Serena Williams, but nothing stops you from enjoying a game of tennis at Repplier Park in Banning. The park is located in central banning, and in addition to having very nice tennis courts, it has a horde of other amenities for a variety of outdoor gaming experiences. They include, but are not limited to an aquatic center, Skate Park, one baseball diamond, children’s playground, gym, a bowling amphitheater, and a senior center.

Repplier Park

Address: 749 N San Gorgonio Ave, Banning, CA 92220, United States

Website: Repplier Park

Opening hours: 6am - 7:30pm (daily)

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5. Have a fine dining experience at Sun Lake Country Club Restaurant

Sun Lakes Country Club 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off Sat., April 22, 11 am - 2 pm, $5 per entry,$3 for tasting ticket. The...

Posted by Sun Lakes Country Club on Friday, 24 March 2017

Sun Lake Country Club is a diverse community with a diverse blend of amenities to cover for the varying needs of the residents. Sun Lake Restaurant is one of the major highlights of this development. The restaurant is open for fine dining in a warm and friendly environment. The menu is extensive and is not limited only to the Southern California delights. You can check-in for delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner with the soothing tunes of live music accentuating the dining experience.

Sun Lake Country Club Restaurant

Address: 850 Country Club Dr, Banning, CA 92220-5306

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 5pm - 8pm (closed on Mon)

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6. Catch a movie at Fox Cineplex

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Swing by the theater today from 4pm to 7pm and start the New Year off with a POP. $2.21 POPCORN and SODA POP along with...

Posted by Fox Cineplex Is D'Place on Saturday, January 2, 2021

If you are looking for a great place for a nice movie experience in Banning, then you will be happy with the facility you will find at Fox Cineplex. It is a nice little theater with reasonable rates and attended by kind and helpful operators. Though the theater is relatively old, the seats are still very comfortable and it is rarely crowded. The movie selection is always incredible, and you can expect nothing but great movie value when you decide to catch a show or two here.

Fox Cineplex

Address: 60 W Ramsey St, Banning, CA 92220, United States

Website: Fox Cineplex

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7. Have a day out with the horses at Dysart Equestrian Park


Dysart Equestrian Park is a top attraction for every soul that loves everything that deals with having fun with horses. The park is located in southwest Banning, with great equestrian amenities such as the Rodeo Grandstand, vendor pads, and an equestrian arena. Whether you are interested in riding some ponies or you want to watch horse shows from the stands, this park has a lot of thrill to delight your heart. Remember to check online to know what is lined up so that you get your expectations right before you arrive.

Dysart Equestrian Park

Address: 2101 W Victory Ave, Banning, CA 92220, United States

Website: Dysart Equestrian Park

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8. Conquer the skies with Skydive West Coast

Posted by Skydive West Coast on Wednesday, 5 December 2018

How about “falling from the skies” while you enjoy the beautiful views of the Californian Mountains, deserts and coastal landscapes? Well, this is exactly what awaits you if you have the adrenalin for a skydive experience. Skydive West Coast is the partner you need for this near-death but thrilling experience. With the expertise of the staff, you will be in safe hands from the moment you get onto the plane to the moment you touch down after the exciting fall.

Skydive West Coast

Address: 200 S Hathaway St, Banning, CA 92220, United States

Website: Skydive West Coast

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

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9. Play a game of baseball at Lions Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Lion’s Park is the home ground of the Banning Little League, and this is a subtle demonstration of its ability to guarantee you a thrilling baseball experience. The beauty of visiting this park to play baseball is that you don’t have to come with a team or be part of one. This is because you will always find equally eager people looking for others to make a team. In addition to the baseball amenities, the park also has snack bar facilities and a children’s playground, making it ideal for family visits where no member will be left out of the fun.

Lions Park

Address: 955 S Hargrave St, Banning, CA 92220, United States

Website: Lions Park

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

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10. Play a game of basketball at Roosevelt Williams Park


While baseball enthusiasts head to Lions Park, all the basketball enthusiasts can head to Roosevelt Park for a game of baseball. The park is located in East banning, and it is also home of the Banning Boys and Girls club. It has multiple basketball courts, and irrespective of the time of your visit, you will always find people to engage in this fun sport. Other than the basketball courts, the notable amenities include a covered picnic area, and children’s playground making it appealing for family outings.

Roosevelt Williams Park

Address: Roovevelt Willams Park, Banning Ca

Website: Roosevelt Williams Park

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11. Walk down the memory lane at Gilman Ranch Museum

Posted by Gilman Ranch and Wagon Museum on Saturday, 8 September 2018

Gilman Ranch and Wagon Museum brings you a piece of the past, as well as the exciting history of Cahuilla Indians. It also enlightens you about the exploration of the San Gorgonio Pass and southern California. The location of this museum once served as a stagecoach station and a general store during the late 1800s. Currently, it houses the largest public collection of wagons, stagecoaches, and buggies in Southern California. If you are interested in railroad history and you would love to learn about the specific strides made over time, then a visit to this museum should not miss in your itinerary.

Gilman Ranch Museum

Address: 1901 W Wilson St, Banning, CA 92220, United States

Website: Gilman Ranch Museum

Opening hours: Fri: 2pm - 4pm (closed from Sat - Thu)

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12. Admire beautiful pieces of art at Banning Center for the Arts

Posted by Cultural Alliance on Friday, 12 February 2016

Discover the vibrant art scenes in Southern California by visiting Banning Center for the Arts. This is where you will find the perfect fusion of the region’s art and culture as displayed in several exhibits. Most of the collections at the galleries are primarily from local artists, though there is also a sizeable collection from non-local artists. If you are lucky, you may find exhibitions going on and this will give you a great opportunity to interact with some of the creators and try to see the world through their lenses.

Banning Center for the Arts

Address: 175 W Hays St, Banning, CA 92220

Website: Banning Center for the Arts

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13. Get pampered at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Traveling to Banning for a trip is a good opportunity to get pampered in a modern spa, and Morongo Casino Resort & Spa wouldn’t be such a bad choice. The resort may be known for gambling, but the spa section has every amenity for rest and relaxation that you may need to calm every muscle of your body. Walk in weak, stressed and tired, and leave strong, happy and rejuvenated.

Morongo Casino Resort & Spa

Address: 49500 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230, United States

Website: Morongo Casino Resort & Spa

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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14. Discover the history of pinballs at Museum of Pinball

Our next event will be October 19th, 20th & 21st, 2018 for a fun Halloween themed arcade party! Fun House Maze Too! PinballMadness.com

Posted by Museum of Pinball on Saturday, 26 September 2015

The Museum of Pinball in Banning was opened in 2013 and has since grown to be a leading tourist attraction in the region, especially among visitors who love pinball. The museum is located in what used to be a warehouse for aerospace and defense manufacturing. It is considered as the largest pinball arcade in the world, with more than 600 pinball machines and over 300 other arcades. Some of the novel machines you will be seeing here include the famous Hercules and Joules, as well as an 1840s machine that contains literal pins. For the love of the game, and the history of the industry, don’t miss this visit if you love pinballs.

Museum of Pinball

Address: 700 S Hathaway St, Banning, CA 92220, United States

Website: Museum of Pinball

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15. Unwind with cold drinks at The Station Tap House Bar and Grill

New cocktail alert ! THE GREEN ROOM ! Created by our own @sausageking_ofchicago RnR Cristalino silver w/ fresh...

Posted by The Station Tap House Bar and Grill on Thursday, 15 August 2019

Some cooling may be necessary after a day of hopping from one California attraction to another when visiting Banning. If anything, the temperatures may sometimes be extreme, and the best way to relax and unwind is to sit down for a cold beer at The Station Tap House Bar & Grill. Other than cold drinks, the joint offers awesome entertainment and food, in a clean, pleasant and friendly atmosphere.

The Station Tap House Bar and Grill

Address: 41 W Ramsey St, Banning, CA 92220, United States

Website: The Station Tap House Bar and Grill

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 2am

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16. Relish the flavors at Johnny Russo’s Italian Restaurant

Featured Special- SAUSAGE ITALIANO August 24th, 25th, and 26th Italian sausage link, diced and sauteed with mushrooms,...

Posted by Russo's Italian Kitchens on Friday, 24 August 2018

Johnny Russo’s Italian Restaurant has been around for decades and it is a well-known joint for amazing Italian cuisines in Banning. Their menu is incredibly diverse; always accompanied by fast, efficient and professional service. It is a great spot to consider if you want to satisfy your hunger for Italian delicacies, though they also allow takeout, reservations, and private dining for those in need of such arrangements.

Johnny Russo’s Italian Restaurant

Address: 1335 W Ramsey St, Banning, CA 92220, United States

Website: Johnny Russo’s Italian Restaurant

Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)

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Explore the parks, history, and culture in Banning

Gillman Ranch, Path to Spring 5-2012
Source: Photo by user Don Graham used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Banning is not short of parks, and attractions of historical and cultural significance. It is a family-friendly destination with something for everyone, irrespective of age. Use the listings above for the top things to do in Banning, California, to help you plan your trip.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Sharon, also known as Shaz, resides in the vibrant City in the Sun. Her passion is to travel, immerse herself in diverse cultures, savor their cuisines, dance with the locals, and share her...Read more

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