Ontario is known as the gateway to other Southern California locations. However, the Greater Ontario region is lauded in its own right for a range of attractions: Tour the quaint Galleano Family Winery, sample the wines produced since 1917 at San Antonio Winery, next to the area’s oldest surviving vineyard. If olives are your preferred fruit, visit the historic Graber Olive House, which dates back to the 1880s.
Enjoy quality time with the family at Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park, 150 acres (61 hectares) of outdoor recreation space. Rent paddle boats, splash down the water slides and sunbathe on sandy beaches. For more adventurous pursuits, fly through the air on the Screamer roller coaster and other thrill rides at Scandia Amusement Park or Auto Club Speedway.
The city was founded in 1881 by the Chaffey brothers from Ontario, Canada, providing their hometown name to this faraway location. Learn more about Ontario’s past at the Museum of History and Art, which features local art, history and cultural traditions. Tour John Rains House, home of one of the area’s early families.
One very popular attraction is Ontario Mills, a mega-mall that claims to be the largest of its kind in California. More than 200 retail outlets sell discounted designer and high-end clothing, sporting goods, children’s apparel, jewellery and more. While searching for bargains, keep the family entertained with watching a movie at the 30-screen megaplex or playing interactive games and attractions at GameWorks.
Ontario’s location in the centre of southern California makes it a good base from which to explore the area’s other attractions. The city is 35 miles (56 kilometres) east of Los Angeles and within short driving distances of Disneyland® Resort, the Pacific Ocean and skiing and hiking in the San Bernardino Mountains. For more information on events and attractions in the region, visit the official website of the Greater Ontario California Convention & Visitors Bureau.
