Greater Ontario, California

Check off the top must-haves for the ultimate getaway—value and versatility. Regardless of age, budget or preferred level of adventure, there is something for everyone because Greater Ontario, California is quite simply, magical.

Situated in the heart of Southern California, there is so much to see and experience in the Greater Ontario region. Start your adventure at the California Welcome Center, located in Fashion Alley at Ontario Mills. Expert guides can point you in the direction to dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean, fish in the Big Bear alpine lakes, or view the massive Mojave Desert.

All that adventure is simple to do. How so? Plane loads of vacationers arrive at the conveniently situated Ontario International Airport. This air strip is a gateway for major destinations throughout the U.S., Central America, Mexico and Asia.  When visitors arrive they’ll have their choice of accommodations (over 6,000 hotel rooms) to serve as a temporary abode.  In addition, the central location also presents easy access for mountain and desert escapes, beaches and loads of entertainment. On the other hand, iconic locations such as Hollywood, Palm Springs, or the happiest place on Earth (a.k.a. Disneyland), are all within an hour drive from the home base of Greater Ontario.

Go for the Arts and Vintage Finds

History is alive and well with a variety of ways to take it in. Stroll down Euclid Avenue in the downtown arts district and stop at the Ontario Museum of History & Art (OMHA) to learn about the local history and cultural heritage. Next door, you’ll find the Chaffey Community Museum of Art (CCMA) where visual artists display their talent.

Go for the Great Outdoors

The San Gabriel Mountains are the backdrop to this valley of riches that has snagged the attention of hikers from beginners to intense work-out types. If you head north, you can explore the historical Pacific Electric Trail. This 21-mile multi-purpose trail that connects five cities in the Greater Ontario area has become a popular local route for walkers, bikers and runners. If you decide to go the additional distance by car, prepare to detour towards a multitude of historic monuments that will enrich your views of Greater Ontario, California. Take a detour off Route 66 to postwar furniture designer Sam Maloof’s Residence and Gardens for a guided tour then continue on to several places to shop or dine.

Another must-do is the fun-filled Top Golf located next door to the popular watersport haven of Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park. There you can chase the little dimpled ball at this tri-level mega huge venue that is home to over 100 golf-hitting bays. There’s a rooftop terrace to kick back and take in the gorgeous weather as well as a restaurant and a bar where you can watch your favorite sporting events on 200+ TVs.

Go for Shops and Entertainment

Shoppers can browse independently owned shops around Ontario Town Square or at the Ontario Mills Mall. At Rancho Cucamonga’s Victoria Gardens, home to the only Bass Pro Shop in southern California, anchor stores are surrounded by small shops arranged as city blocks served by a cultural center with a theater and a library. Also here, foodies can indulge in a variety of fare at Haven City Market, which houses more than 20 unique restaurants. Every month, Haven City Market schedules a lineup of local musical acts, movie and comedy nights, magic shows and more.

For avid concert goers, Toyota Arena is the place to be. With over 11,000 seats—among them are the plush VIP suites—concert goers have their pick of shows. The massive stadium annually features 200 performances.  Past A-list artists who have graced center stage include Carrie Underwood, Metallica and Elton John. The Toyota Arena is also home base for stellar sports teams including the Empire Strykers for soccer, Ontario Clippers for basketball and Ontario Reign for hockey. So sports enthusiasts have their fill of indoor sports in season.

In Greater Ontario, California it’s all there! Enjoy and indulge, however way you’d like!