Explore Ontario, California
The city of Ontario, California, was founded by brothers George and William Chaffey in 1881. Early on, the community was considered an agricultural community and a significant player in the citrus industry. Ontario is where the Sunkist plant was built. Today, all that remains of the plant is its iconic water tower. Other crops that played an important role in Ontario's growth from its early agricultural days include grapes, olives, lemons, walnuts, and peaches.
During the 1920s, the city developed Latimer Field, and the city became known as an aviation town. As more people moved into the area during World War II, the area became overrun with pilots training at the LA-Ontario World Airport facility. After World War II, the town continued to grow and become more diverse. As of 2021, 177,963 people live in this thriving Los Angeles County community.
You can learn more about Ontario's history and culture by visiting The Ontario Museum of History and Art. If you're an olive aficionado, you won't want to miss out on a cannery tour at The 1894 Graber Olive House. At night, you might want to check out what sporting events or concerts are playing at the Citizens Business Bank Arena. For those who want to relax, head to the Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park, where you'll find plenty of lakes and picturesque picnic areas. There's even a swim complex. To enjoy winery tours, head northeast of Ontario, where you'll find quite a few wineries.
Campgrounds Near Ontario, California
The East Shore RV Park is on Puddingstone Lake and just a short 15-mile drive from Ontario. The fishing at this park is one of the reasons people camp here, but it's not the only reason. The park has excellent views and abundant hiking and biking opportunities and is only 40 miles from Los Angeles. There are 518 RV sites that start at $61 per night. The back-in and pull-through sites include full hookups and 30/50 amp service. The campground has laundry facilities and propane delivery services. It's also a pet-friendly park; however, pets aren't allowed in the wilderness areas.
Mission RV Park is located 30 miles from Ontario in Redlands, California. The campground is near I-10, which serves as a connector to Phoenix, Arizona. People like staying at this park because it's conveniently located to restaurants and shops. If you're in a camper van or large camper and without a vehicle, rideshare services are accessible from this campground to take you where you need to go. The park has 160 back-in RV sites, and the daily rate starts at $43. Each site has full hookups and 30/50 amp service. Pets are allowed, and there's even a dog run!
Another park 30 miles from Ontario is Canyon RV Park in Orange County. A river meanders through the park and a bike path, but the best feature of this park is its proximity to Disneyland. Canyon RV Park is a great option if you're traveling with kids and a Disney adventure is on your to-do list. The park has 140 back-in sites starting at $75 per night and includes 30/40 amp service and full hookups. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, and the park has a community pool.
State Parks Near Ontario, California
Lake Perris State Recreation Area is 37 miles southeast of Ontario and is known for its blue waters and white beaches. Many visit this state recreation area to snorkel and scuba dive in the lake or swim at Moreno and Perris beaches. Boating is also popular at the park, especially during the summer. If you plan to bring your boat at this time, make sure to secure a launch reservation because Lake Perris can only accommodate 200 vessels daily during the busy summer season. In addition to boating, the state recreation area has nine miles of hiking and biking trails and year-round rock climbing opportunities for beginners and advanced rock climbers at Big Rock.
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area is 38 miles northeast of Ontario, located in the mountainous San Bernardino National Forest area of the Inland Empire. If you're interested in hiking or biking, you'll have plenty of opportunities in this recreational area. There are 13 miles of trails, including part of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail. Sign up for the Bald Eagle Barge Tours if you visit the park in the winter between January and March. While Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area makes for a great day trip from Ontario, you can stay a couple of days at one of the campgrounds and really explore the area.
Chino Hills State Park is famous for its spring wildflower blooms when it is full of purple phacelias and neon-orange poppies. Located in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains, visitors to this park are treated to mild year-round temperatures. Popular activities at this park include hiking through canyons, horseback riding across expansive meadows, and biking over the park's high ridges. This state park is open daily, with a $5.00 parking fee.
National Sites Near Ontario, California
The César E. Chávez National Monument is in California, about 142 miles north of Ontario, California. It sits on 187 acres and is a relatively new national historic landmark established in 2012. The site enlightens visitors about what it was like working on farmland in the United States during the 1960s and the role César E. Chávez played in helping California become the first state to pass the Agricultural Labor Relations Act in 1975. There are no guided tours at this national monument, but you are welcome to walk the grounds and watch films in the visitor's center.
The Cabrillo National Monument is located at the southern point of the Point Loma Peninsula in San Diego, approximately 120 miles south of Ontario. This historic site tells visitors the story of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, reportedly the first European to arrive on the West Coast. Visitors learn the area's history, can take a self-guided lighthouse tour, or explore the coastal areas. When the tide is low, walk the one-mile trail to the Point Loma Tide Pools and explore the pools' wildlife. The best time to see these pools is fall and winter, when the tide is lower during the day.
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) is a unique site where numerous Westerns were filmed before it became the national recreation area it is today. The area covers 156,671 acres, including diverse landscapes from beaches, valleys, hills, and mountain backdrops. If you're a trail explorer, lace up your hiking boots or climb on your bike and make your way to cities like Malibu and Ventura via the Solstice Canyon Trail or the Mishe Mokwa to Tri-Peaks and Sandstone Peak pathway.
National Forests Near Ontario, California
Angeles National Forest is located in the San Gabriel Mountains and the Sierra Pelona Mountains. The forest covers five national wilderness areas with plenty of outdoor opportunities year-round for campers, day-trippers, and more! With over 700 miles of hiking trails, including Bear Canyon Trail, Mt. Baldy Trail, and Bear Creek Trail, there are always opportunities to immerse yourself in the area's woodlands. If you need help with what to do first, stop by one of the four visitor centers to pick up a map, speak with a park ranger, and plan your day!
In 1907, The San Bernardino National Forest was designated a national forest and is managed by three Ranger Districts today. The national forest has 42 campgrounds, seven scenic rivers, and seven wilderness areas. It's also home to four winter resorts. Whether you visit in the summer or winter, you'll have multiple opportunities to explore. While many people hike and bike trails like the Bertha Peak Trail or Castle Rock Trail, others opt for off-highway vehicle riding. There's something for every outdoor enthusiast in this park.
The Cleveland National Forest consists of over 423,000 acres of wilderness, including ranger districts in Descanso, Palomar, and Trabuco. The forest is closest to the cities of Carlsbad, Palm Springs, and San Diego. There are five hiking trails in the national forest that include the Garnet Peak and San Juan Loop trails, each around 2.3 miles, and the Black Star Canyon Trail, a 6.8-mile that's considered the least traveled in the forest. So, if you're looking for a remote, quiet hike with impressive rain-driven falls, you will want to put this trail on your must-do list!
