Things to do in Fontana, California
- The city was originally founded as a planned agricultural community by A.B. Miller in 1913.
- During World War II, Henry J. Kaiser established the only steel mill on the West Coast here to support the war effort.
- Fontana served as a key filming location for various scenes in the Terminator film franchise due to its industrial aesthetic.
- The city is home to the Auto Club Speedway, which was built on the site of the former Kaiser Steel Mill.
- Fontana hosts a significant portion of the region's warehouse distribution centers, making it a pivotal location in the national supply chain.
About Fontana, California
Fontana is a major logistics and industrial hub in the Inland Empire, historically defined by its association with the Kaiser Steel Mill. The city serves as a critical node in Southern California's transportation network, situated at the crossroads of several major interstate highways. Residents and visitors utilize expansive recreational spaces like Fontana Park and the Etiwanda Falls Trailhead to balance the city's heavy industrial character. Community life centers around local amenities such as Milliken Park and the cultural programming at the Lewis Family Playhouse at Victoria Gardens Cultural Center.
Highlights of Fontana, California
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Natural attractions
Offers a challenging hike leading to a seasonal waterfall nestled in the North Etiwanda Preserve.
Parks
Features an extensive aquatic center and skate park facility popular with local families.
Venues
Provides a professional venue for regional theatrical performances and cultural events.
Parks
Provides a quiet, well-maintained space for walking and general outdoor recreation.
Parks
Serves as a local hub for neighborhood sports and open-field activities.
Parks
Includes recreational facilities that take advantage of the area's geography for hillside views.
Parks
Features landscaped paths and open grass areas suitable for community gatherings.
Parks
Offers a tranquil park environment characterized by its curated green space.
Top things to do in Fontana, California
The 36 highest-rated places in Fontana, California, ranked by travellers.
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Parks
Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park is a 150-acre facility located in Ontario, California, distinguished by two spring-fed la...
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Parks
Martin Tudor Jurupa Hills Regional Park is a 35-acre recreational facility situated in the Jurupa Hills of Fontana, Cali...
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Natural attractions
Etiwanda Falls Trailhead serves as the primary entry point to a 3.4-mile round-trip hike leading to a seasonal waterfall...
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Parks
Central Park in Rancho Cucamonga serves as a primary community hub centered around multi-use open fields and recreationa...
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Parks
The Mary Vagle Nature Center is a specialized ecological preserve located in Fontana, California, focused on local habit...
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Parks
Jack Bulik Park is a public recreational facility in Fontana, California, primarily recognized for its concrete skate pa...
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Parks
Veterans Park is a community recreation space in Fontana, California, focused on active sports and youth play. The site...
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Parks
The North Etiwanda Preserve is a 1,200-acre protected area in the San Gabriel Mountain foothills dedicated to conserving...
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Parks
Southridge Park is a prominent community recreation hub located in Fontana, California, primarily utilized for organized...
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Places of interest
Ziplines at Pacific Crest offers a canopy tour experience situated in the San Gabriel Mountains at an elevation of appro...
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Parks
Heritage Community Park in Rancho Cucamonga is a multi-use municipal park primarily recognized for its extensive athleti...
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Parks
Almeria Park is a neighborhood community space located at 7250 Almeria Ave in Fontana, California. The park is primarily...
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Parks
Milliken Park is a community recreation space situated on the border of Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana, California. The pa...
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Parks
Beryl Park is an 8-acre neighborhood recreational space located in the city of Rancho Cucamonga. The site features multi...
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Parks
Miller Park is a municipal facility in Fontana, California, serving as a hub for community recreation. The site features...
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Parks
Day Creek Park is a community recreation space situated in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. The facility feat...
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Natural attractions
Mt. San Antonio, commonly known as Mount Baldy, is the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains at an elevation of 10,0...
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Parks
Fontana Park is a comprehensive community recreational hub spanning over 20 acres, anchored by the expansive Fontana Par...
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Venues
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Parks
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Natural attractions
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Historical places
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Fontana, California on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Fontana, California
March to May or October to November, as these periods offer mild temperatures before the intense summer heat of the Inland Empire.
1-2 days, primarily for those interested in industrial history or outdoor trails located on the city's outskirts.
A personal vehicle is essential as the city is spread out and primarily served by major highway arteries; public bus transit is limited.
Stay in the northern residential areas near the foothills for quieter surroundings, or along the I-10 corridor for closer access to major commercial hubs.
Mid-range; lodging and dining costs are generally more affordable than in coastal Los Angeles or Orange County.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 36 curated attractions in and around Fontana, California, ranked by traveller ratings.
Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Fontana, California right now.
The largest category is parks, with 27 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Downtown Los Angeles, Bayonne, New Jersey, Washington, D.C..
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