Top 15 Fun Things to Do in and Around Ontario California
Aside from sharing the same name, Ontario in Canada and California are at opposite ends of the tourism spectrum.
Ask people where Ontario is, and most will answer Canada. Ontario is a major urban city in Canada and the most populous province in the country.
On the other hand, its California counterpart has a slower pace of life, offering visitors a rich mix of nature and history.
One of the city’s traditions is the annual pancake event. Events that have been held for more than 50 years have included Best American Pancakes, where visitors eat all the pancakes they want for a nominal fee. Read on to learn about the 12 best things to do in and around Ontario, California.
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Sit in the Sun
Enjoy the California sunshine at Cucamonga-Guasty Regional Park – one of Ontario’s best places for outdoor activities. With two lakes, visitors can choose fishing, boating, jogging, or strolling amidst the greenery.
There is also a small waterpark with a giant water slide for those with families, which is the perfect way to cool off when things get too hot.
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Soak in the Hot Spring
We all deserve to pamper ourselves a little, and you can do just that at Glen Ivy Hot Springs.
Surrounded by palm trees and located on what was once a sacred site, the hot springs are now in their 157th year in operation, with the spa constantly updating and upgrading its facilities.
So plunge into the hot waters today as you wash away all your worries.
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Immerse yourself in art
The Museum of History and Art aims to promote knowledge of history, art, and culture passed down through the generations.
Housed in a beautiful historic building, the museum features ever-changing exhibits, but permanent ones like Roadways, which show how modern roadways have transformed American society. T
he museum has collected artifacts from the city’s landmarks and shares them through educational exhibitions.
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Soak in Nature
If you’re looking to get back in touch with nature, there’s no better place than the North Ativanda Preserve. The easiest route for the casual hiker is about 3.3 miles (5.3 km) long and takes about 2 hours to complete.
Look for some rocky areas, though. Those looking for something more adventurous can head to Etiwanda Falls, about 1.5 miles (2.4 km).
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Visit Ontario’s Oldest Existing Business
The Spanish Franciscan missionaries introduced Ontario’s love of olives in 1769. CC Graber arrived 100 years later in 1894, bought the land, and began fixing barrels of olives. Thus, Ontario’s oldest existing business was born.
Today, the Grabar Olive House continues to produce olives for consumers worldwide. Visitors can go on a guided tour as they discover how olives are harvested, graded, cured, and canned.
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Shop till you drop
In need of some retail therapy? Ontario Mills is a shoppers’ paradise. With more than 200 stores, it hosts 24 million shoppers a year as they browse through recognized labels such as Lacoste, Calvin Klein, and Michael Kors.
It’s not just shopping, though. There are plenty of dining options within the complex, with an improv comedy club and dinner theater keeping visitors entertained throughout the day.
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Get Your Heart Pumping
Satisfy your speed needs at K1 Speed Ontario, a state-of-the-art venue with high-performance electric karts on two professionally designed go-kart tracks.
The K1 caters to both novices and experienced go-karters alike. Races start at only 20 USD, perfect for a day out with friends or family.
There is a snack bar should you get peckish, and there is plenty of memorabilia available to celebrate what is sure to be a memorable day.
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Take Your Enthusiasm To The Sky
If go-karting doesn’t get you high on adrenaline, this may be. Even if you’re not an aviation geek, the Planes of Fame Air Museum is sure to thrill you.
The museum, founded by Edward T. Maloney, first opened in 1957 with just 10 airplanes. Today, the collection has grown to over 150, with over 50 still flyable.
Come on the right day, and you can even see an air show. Check out their website for a list of upcoming events.
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Try the local wine
Wine production in California goes back to the late 1880s. By that comparison, the San Antonio winery is relatively young and was founded in 1917.
This year marks its centenary milestone, and the winery is today considered a cultural monument. Visitors can arrange a wine tasting for as little as 10 USD, which includes a traditional wine-tasting flight and a personally guided tour.
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Solve a Mystery
Be a part of a murder mystery while enjoying dinner and unlock your inner Sherlock to solve it. The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show has been voted the Best Dinner Show in all of America for the past 10 years.
Actors from the show have appeared in famous TV series, and movies like Jurassic World and Orange Is the New Black.
Diners can watch everything play out in front of them or actively be a part of it. At the night’s end, awards will be presented to the top detectives.
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Park with native California plants, shops, and walkways
A 15-minute drive from Ontario, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens is filled with plants native to California.
You can even buy some to take home with you, and the people at the plant shop advise on how to maintain them. Winding trails lead you through a variety of habitats.
Paved trails also accommodate wheelchairs, or you can take a gravel walk. Squirrels, chipmunks, and birds make for pleasant encounters. Dotted around are benches and toilets to rest on.
There are many butterflies and, depending on the season, flowers. This natural area is ideal for families. Check with them as they often have events like evening concerts.
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Play a game of golf on well-maintained greens
Play a relaxing game of golf or improve your skills at the Whispering Lakes Golf Course. You don’t even need to use a golf cart because the ground is flat, although you can use one.
It has a beautiful park with palm trees, water features, and emerald greens. The clubhouse is modern and comfortable. The course won’t test many of your skills on the 18-hole, par-72 course.
Have some fun outside with friends or family. There’s even a PGA Head Golf Professional on hand if you need tips and advice on your game.
Holding Yourself
It’s not as famous as its Canadian counterpart, but Ontario, California, attractiveness all-round tourist destination.
You can hike, shop, and visit hot springs and museums. On top of that, you can be a part of the best dinner shows in the country.
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