Top 9 Things To Do In Rialto, California

things to do in rialto ca
Philip
Philip 
Updated
| 6 min read

Welcome to sunny California! Those travellers craving a Californian holiday - what with its dry, sun-swept landscape and enticing mountains - may find Rialto to be an intriguing option when looking for a base. Sitting to the east of Los Angeles, it enjoys good road access to the hills and mountains to the north as well as the world-famous city itself. Rialto, which is home to nearly 100,000 people, also boasts everything from popular public parks with a host of facilities, to historic architectural gems like Rialto Historical Society, as well as arts-based fun at Sandra R Courtney Community Playhouse and its shows from the Rialto Community Players. Whatever your reason for visiting, read on for a list of some of the things to do in Rialto, California.

1. Enjoy a game of football or a picnic in Fergusson Park


If you’re seeking a relaxing spot in which to unwind, or somewhere to burn off the calories while enjoying some family fun, then you’ll likely want to swing by some of Rialto’s public parks at some point during your visit, and Fergusson Park is a classic example. This expanded public space boasts two flood-lit football fields as well as a basketball court - perfect if you, friends and family want a little competitive (or non-competitive) fun. There’s also a new play area - which should prove appealing for the little ones in your group - while the wider park is also home to walking paths and a picnic area for those seeking to simply enjoy a relaxing laze about under the Californian sun.

Fergusson Park

Address: 2395 W Sunrise Dr, Rialto, CA 92377

Website: Fergusson Park

Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)

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2. Watch a show at Sandra R Courtney Community Playhouse


Culture vultures and arts aficionados will surely enjoy this next entry. Rialto is home to its own playhouse and the Rialto Community Players, who put on regular productions throughout the calendar. Recent shows have run the full gauntlet of theatre-going experiences - from the crowd-pleasing likes of Queen’s epic musical, We Will Rock You, to classic recreations of 1940s holiday radio shows, famous plays like Calendar Girls, and classics like Beauty and the Beast. The Players have been entertaining audiences for almost 40 years, and have been delighting crowds at the Sandra R Courtney Community Playhouse since its construction in 1990. If you’re lucky, your visit may well coincide with one of their shows.

Sandra R Courtney Community Playhouse

Address: 150 East San Bernardino Avenue, Rialto, CA 92376

Website: Rialto Community Players

Opening hours: Fri & Sat: 8pm; Sun: 2pm (show times, unless otherwise stated). Box office opens one hour before show.

Price: Varies

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3. Listen to live music and comedy at Raquel's Jazz Lounge


With a name like Raquel’s Jazz Lounge, it should come as little surprise that this cocktail bar in downtown Rialto is a popular music spot. This intimate lounge also puts on weekly theme nights to entice the public. Comedy fans will likely find something to tickle their funny bone on Tuesdays at the comedy and karaoke evenings, sports fans will get the chance to enjoy a little action on Thursdays, while Fridays and Saturdays are home to live music and DJs. The club has a strong reputation among the general public - enjoying excellent word-of-mouth for its relaxing atmosphere, customer service and “great music”. There’s also a roofed patio area in which to enjoy the open air or a nice cigar.

Raquel's Jazz Lounge

Address: 134 South Riverside Avenue, Rialto, CA 92376

Opening hours: Mon: 5pm - 10pm; Tue: 6pm - 12am; Thu: 5pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 7pm - 2am; Sun: 12.30pm - 7pm (closed on Wed)

Price: 10 USD cover charge

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4. Enjoy some family-friendly fun at Frisbie Park


Another for those seeking to enjoy a little sports action among friends - or simply kick back and relax - Frisbie Park on the northern outskirts of Rialto is home to no fewer than three Little League fields and three Softball pitches, as well as basketball courts. Work is also now underway on a park expansion project which will see the park boast a skate park, two further basketball/tennis courts and an amphitheater for public events. Additional playground equipment will also be installed, adding to the existing playpark facilities for youngsters. Public picnic areas are also available (and restrooms for afterward) if you’re seeking to tuck into a little hand-made treat or two in the open air.

Frisbie Park

Address: 1901 North Acacia Avenue, Rialto, CA 92376

Website: Frisbie Park

Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)

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5. Go shopping at Rialto Marketplace


Those seeking a little retail therapy during their travels may wish to make a stop at the Rialto Marketplace, a brand new shopping center development that opened in July 2017 and boasts more than a dozen leading chains and eatery options, spread across some 5 acres (2 hectares) of land. Major brands include the likes of Walmart - the anchor tenant and largest outlet - T-Mobile, Spring, Boost Mobile and GNC to name but a few. Those who work up an appetite while shopping will also find a Starbucks, Pielogy pizzeria, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt and several other leading chains on site to tempt your taste buds. The site is also home to substantial parking facilities, so you’ll have little trouble getting to and from Rialto Marketplace if you’re using your own transport.

Rialto Marketplace

Address: 1276 South Riverside Avenue, Rialto, CA 92376

Website: Rialto Marketplace

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6. Catch a baseball match at Bud Bender Park

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

Named after a popular coach in Rialto - Harold ‘Bud’ Bender - who was involved in Rialto’s youth baseball scene for almost 40 years, Bud Bender Park is another option for those seeking to enjoy a little community sport. The park near downtown Rialto is home to floodlit baseball fields as well as a T-ball field. As with several other parks in Rialto, it also boasts covered picnic and restroom facilities. Those looking to stretch their legs will also find a short walking path alongside free-to-use exercise machines, should you be tempted to burn a few calories. The peaceful setting has proven to be a popular attraction for past visitors.

Bud Bender Park

Address: 235 North Lilac Avenue, Rialto, CA 92376

Website: Bud Bender Park

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

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7. Learn about the city's history at Rialto Historical Society


Travelers eager to learn a little about the history of their destination will likely want to make a beeline for the Rialto Historical Society. Set within a former turn-of-the-20th-century church building, the society’s visually striking base is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it an enticing target for a photo or two before you even set foot inside. Interior features include the former church’s original stained glass windows and elegant period pews. The museum also houses everything from period fashions to furniture and household equipment, so you’ll get a real flavor of Rialto’s past and a tantalizing glimpse into the lives of those who once called it home.

Rialto Historical Society

Address: 205 North Riverside Avenue, Rialto, CA 92376

Website: Rialto Historical Society

Opening hours: Wed: 2pm - 4pm; Sat: 10am - 2pm (closed from Sun - Tue & Thu - Fri)

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8. Tuck into some tasty food at Corky's Kitchen & Bakery - Rialto


This popular local chain has become a true success story - expanding to 11 locations just 20 years after it opened its doors on its very first site. The reason for this is likely its popular mix of baked goods, entrees and hearty meals. Those seeking to fuel up before a busy day sightseeing will find plenty of mouth-watering breakfast options - including one that includes a full pound of ham - while diners who visit later on will find a wide mix of burgers, hot and cold sandwiches on the extensive lunch menu, and such delights as 10oz steaks, surf and turf, grilled salmon and homemade pot pies among the equally extensive dinner choices. Throw in its lighter options, kids and senior menus and daily specials and it’s easy to see why Corky’s Kitchen & Bakery has found its way into local hearts - and stomachs - in such a short space of time.

Corky's Kitchen & Bakery - Rialto

Address: 2019 North Riverside Avenue, Rialto, CA 92377

Website: Corky’s Kitchen & Bakery - Rialto

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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9. Enjoy an open-air stroll in Flores Park


This small but peaceful park, which sits next to one of Rialto’s schools, boasts a number of facilities for you to enjoy while out exploring the city. As well as the city’s customary picnic areas and a children’s playground complete with swings, slide and jungle Jim - perfect for the little ones in your life - it is also home to a quarter-mile (0.4km) walking track. The latter should come in handy, whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll to burn off the calories after a hearty meal, or perhaps eager to get some jogging in during your travels. If you time your visit right, your trip may also coincide with one of the park’s occasional special events - such as Rialto’s movies at the park fun that took place in summer 2019. Visitors were big fans of the park, praising its peace and quiet and its cleanliness.

Flores Park

Address: 1020 West Etiwanda Avenue, Rialto, CA 92376

Website: Flores Park

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

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Time to go exploring

1907 First Christian Church
Source: Photo by user Oleknutlee used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

From its array of public parks and the peaceful family-friendly relaxation they provide, to tasty eateries, places of historical interest and shopping options, there’s a range of options to keep a visitor to Rialto occupied during their trip. Where will you head to first?

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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!
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Philip, a writer and photographer situated in the heart of the picturesque Scottish Highlands, is a seasoned professional journalist with a rich portfolio of contributions to various newspapers,...Read more

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