20 Best Things to Do in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

The urban suburbia that is Rancho Cucamonga, California, is a scenic, high-altitude paradise for nature lovers.

As one of the main gateways to the region known as the Inland Empire, the city serves as a starting point to breathtaking destinations all over this part of Southern California.

But Rancho Cucamonga is more than just a pitstop.

The location offers a wide range of activities and attractions that make it a worthwhile visit on its own.

From challenging and scenic trails to historic homes, there is something for the young and old alike.

So for your upcoming vacation, why not make this city your primary destination?

Here are the 20 best things to do in Rancho Cucamonga, CA:

Stay Awhile at Central Park

Rancho Cucamonga’s Central Park is not to be confused with New York City’s iconic destination.

Despite sharing names, these two are vastly different from each other.

First, this California park offers scenic mountain views in the background and balmy weather all year, as opposed to New York’s cold days and urban views.

The towering palm trees dotting the paths also give an almost tropical ambiance unique to this side of the US.

You’ll also find sprawling grounds, picnic benches, and play structures that make Central park an ideal location for a fun family day.

On certain days or weekends, organizations hold various events here to which the public is invited.

Join exercise routines, small concerts and gatherings, and other holiday celebrations.

Play and Have Fun at Victoria Groves Park

If you like more sporty activities, then Victoria Groves Park is a great alternative to Central Park.

It has basketball courts, baseball fields, and workout areas where you can work up a sweat and play under the bright California sun.

Since they are well-maintained, you’ll have great gameplay with friends or with the friendly locals.

The well-paved trails are also excellent routes for running and walking, especially during the early morning when you can watch the sun rise over the mountains.

If you have a whole afternoon to spend, then bring some meat for barbecuing at the various grills scattered in the park.

Then feast with your loved ones amongst the shady picnic benches and relax as you watch the sun set.

Marvel at Unusual Sculptures at Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation

Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation is one of the most well-known art museums in Rancho Cucamonga, offering historical items, wooden artifacts, and Native American pottery.

Founded to preserve the excellence and artistry of past and present residents of the city, this facility has indoor and outdoor spaces filled with traditional, unique, and stunning works of art.

You’ll find limited exhibits within the halls of the beautiful main building, with pieces by talented artists on display for everyone to appreciate.

In the garden, there is a wide range of sculptures for you to discover.

You’ll find floating chairs, absurd wooden sculptures, woven nests, and unusual carvings that are either from a Lovecraft horror or an Alice in Wonderland tale.

Don’t miss these amazing displays by making the facility a top destination in your itinerary.

Shoot Amazing Sceneries in Heritage Park

Among the aforementioned city parks of Rancho Cucamonga, Heritage Park is arguably the best place to take photos with your family.

It offers excellent views of the mountains behind it as well as the city itself, especially when it’s lit up during the night.

The patches of trees and verdant green grounds also make perfect foregrounds for your landscape photos.

Aside from photography, the park is also an ideal destination for kids.

Let them have fun and socialize with the other children on the play structures tucked in the central part of the park.

There are also baseball diamonds where Little League games are held.

Spectators are always welcome during a match, and your child can play catch or join a friendly round with local kids while there.

Immerse in the City’s History at John Rains House

Listed under the National Register of Historic Places, John Rains House is an 1800s structure built by the eponymous John Rain, a rich and influential businessman during that time.

He was the first person to establish a commercial winery in California, becoming a prominent man before unknown assailants murdered him.

Today, his home stands as a relic of a bygone era, with well-preserved architecture and features that make it an artifact in itself.

You can explore the home and surrounding grounds by joining one of the scheduled tours.

Nineteenth-century artifacts like furniture, clothes, and photographs are displayed on exhibits within the halls and rooms of the house.

Your guide will also talk about the life of John Rain himself, how he once owned most of Rancho Cucamonga for a time, and the fate of this wife and his property when he was murdered.

It’s truly a fascinating peek into the past of the city.

Catch a Game at Epicenter Entertainment & Adult Sports Complex

Epicenter Entertainment & Adult Sports Complex is one of the top destinations this side of California for various outdoor games.

The large facility houses baseball fields, soccer fields, and a small animal center.

As the home of the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, the facility holds many of their matches with other minor leagues.

So if you’re a fan of baseball, then make sure to check the schedule of their games if you want to watch a match.

You might even catch a foul ball and bring it home as a memorable souvenir.

Visiting here is a great experience, too, as the friendly staff, well-kept facilities, delicious snacks, and ample parking make for a convenient experience.

Enjoy the Outdoors at Cucamonga Canyon

Cucamonga Canyon is a fun and challenging destination for those who are looking for real outdoor adventure.

The scenic gullies and ravines, rock formations, and amazing mountain views make for a memorable trek.

One of the best attractions in the canyon is Sapphire Falls, with its beautiful bluish pool and foaming drop.

The walk to this location involves many water crossings, some of which require dexterity and surefootedness amongst the slippery boulders.

So make sure you’re wearing the proper hiking gear to avoid slips, injuries, and exposure to the elements.

The falls itself is a sight to behold, and jumping from the top down to the cool waters is a fun experience that only the daring are willing to try.

If you want to do it, there are ropes available to cling on—just hang on tight and don’t let yourself slip!

Have a Fun Family Day at Red Hill Park

Among the many urban parks of Rancho Cucamonga, Red Hill Park receives the most visitors every year.

This is no surprise, as the community park boasts some of the most scenic views and lots of modern amenities.

The large pond on the southern end has ducks and turtles as well as beautiful landscaping that make it a favorite destination.

Stay here for a while and hang out with the cute animals or take stunning pictures to share with friends and family.

The other areas of the park as equally gorgeous, with rows of trees and verdant grounds where you can just lie down and forget your worries.

If you want to work up a sweat, there are running trails, baseball and soccer fields, and play areas for everyone to use.

Buy Fresh Produce at the Farmers’ Market

When looking for fresh vegetables, fruits, and other crops to take home after your vacation, then a visit to the farmer’s market at Terra Vista Town Center is a must.

Every Saturday morning, you’ll find high-quality produce from nearby farms and growers.

You might even find premium bottles from SoCal’s best vineyards!

There are also baked goods, woodworks, and other products manufactured by local artisans and businesses of Rancho Cucamonga.

Handcrafted ceramicware, homemade pies, mildly flavored honey, and fragrant flower bouquets are just some of the things you can pick up in one of the numerous stalls.

While here, mingle with the locals to get tips about finding the best vegetable or fruits and how to prepare and cook them properly.

You might even make a friend or two!

Trek the Trails of North Etiwanda Preserve

Established in 1998, the North Etiwanda Preserve was created to protect the area and conserve important habitats and endangered wildlife.

It is one of the most visited locations in the city, as, within the 1200-acre preserve, there are historical structures and natural sceneries that many people want to see.

Etiwanda Falls Trailhead is one of the routes in the preserve that will take you to the picturesque Etiwanda Falls.

Along the way, you’ll be greeted with amazing mountain views, green meadows, babbling brooks, and an occasional sighting of wildlife.

The falls itself is a marvel to behold, with the orange and brown rocks contrasting greatly with the white foam of the water.

It’s a great reward after more than three miles of hiking, so stay for a bit to rest, eat with your family, and take stunning pictures.

Since it’s a relatively mild hike, Etiwanda Falls Trailhead is child-friendly, so you can bring your kids along and let them enjoy nature.

Watch a Show at Victoria Gardens Cultural Center

Victoria Gardens Cultural Center is the premier destination in Rancho Cucamonga for those who love the performance arts.

Serving as both a library and entertainment venue, the center welcomes hundreds of locals and visitors every day for various events and exhibitions.

The 536-seat Lewis Family Playhouse holds live concerts, theater plays, dance recitals, and other breathtaking events open for all.

So if you want to check out the local art scene in Rancho Cucamonga, this is one of the best places to visit.

Make sure to view their calendar if you want to catch a particular performance or event so that you can plan ahead.

Try Trout Fishing at Bass Pro Shops

An outdoor retailer, Bass Pro Shops, offers a vast selection of hunting, fishing, and outdoor products in its spacious, wilderness-themed storefronts.

Here, you may find attractions and gear for camping, boating, and fishing spread across 180,000 square feet.

Over 3,500 antiques and antiquities are displayed, and you can purchase all the necessary equipment.

There are 400 trophy fish on exhibit, but the show's real star is the 8,000-gallon freshwater aquarium with catfish, stripers, and bluegills.

At the store, you may try your hand at trout fishing.

The store has a shooting range if you prefer to improve your aim.

Explore the Path of Pacific Electric Inland Empire Trail

The 29.6-kilometer Pacific Electric Inland Empire Trail in San Bernadino Valley is a transportation and leisurely route that follows the former Pacific Electric Railway, which was popular for its red vehicles and offered breathtaking sights of the city.

The comprehensive course includes a granite boundary and a 120-inch broad paved bike lane suitable for all skill levels.

You have various options for enjoying the path from Rancho Cucamonga, including hiking, bicycling, and even horseback riding.

Trail also contains an asphalt segment that travels through Upland's residential areas and commercial districts before ending in Fontana.

It has the potential to connect to a vast network of trails.

Enjoy a Delicious Meal at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

High-end restaurant brand Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar has multiple sites across the state.

They provide hand-cut, aged prime beef entrees, local seafood, lobster tails, pork chops, traditional pasta, and the new Dry-Aged Prime New York Strip.

Located on Foothill Boulevard, the restaurant offers an inventive menu of food and a wide selection of 100 wines by piece and bottled.

Diners can enjoy a classy, laid-back atmosphere that oozes sophistication.

Monday through Sunday, dinner is served at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, while on Sundays only, brunch and lunch are available.

Shop from Left to Right at Terra Vista Town Center

The Terra Vista Town Center recreational retail complex in Rancho Cucamonga, California, is home to more than 50 businesses.

Expect to find and enjoy retail heaven with a wide range of dining, entertainment, and shopping options, as well as the hottest trends, fashions, goods, and more.

The town center is like an outdoor mall that allows you to browse shops while admiring the breathtaking California scenery.

Visit Terra Vista Town Center in Rancho Cucamonga if you're looking for a place to eat and shop all in one place.

The town center is lined with palm trees, and the area is packed with local eateries where you can unwind and stop for snacks or treats.

Bring Your Friends and Watch a Play at Lewis Family Playhouse

Lewis Family Playhouse is a remarkable one-of-a-kind performing events venue with 8,361 square meters of dynamic space and a total of 560 seatings on two floors.

It is a thriving modern theater that performs dramas, comedies, ballet, concerts, musical performances, and other entertaining events.

They want to encourage the public to value culture and the performing art industries.

The MainStreet Theatre Company, variety shows, concerts, dance showcases, nationwide performances, and headline news artists are among the high-caliber special events held in the theatre according to the seasons.

Lewis Family Playhouse presents amusing shows, musical performances, and quality theatrical plays perfect for families and group gatherings.

Other Things to Do Nearby

After you’re done with your memorable tour of Rancho Cucamonga, why not visit the other attractions near the city’s limits?

Watch a Race at Auto Club Speedway

The Auto Club Speedway is a well-known racetrack in Fontana, just lying on the southeastern border of Rancho Cucamonga.

The 2-mile superspeedway holds various cups and tournaments, including NASCAR events.

It’s also a favorite site for racing movies, with some scenes of Charlie’s Angels and Herbie: Fully Loaded being filmed on the track.

With a capacity of 122,000 people, the grandstand has plenty of space for the whole family.

So if you love the thrill of watching cars speeding along a scenic track, then add this location to your itinerary.

You can even join one of the driving courses to try racing down the track itself—a truly unique and memorable experience.

Explore the Marvelous Vistas of Chino Hills State Park

Wallpaper-like mountain views, rare and endangered wildlife, and tons of outdoor activities to try—Chino Hills State Park is an amazing destination that has something for everyone.

Located just 30 minutes south of Rancho Cucamonga, this park is an ideal attraction for those who want more time with nature.

The trails will take you to some idyllic locations with some of the most unique sights, such as the rare super blooms.

During such events, whole hills are carpeted by flowers of various colors, germinating after infrequent periods of heavy rains.

You might also spot some of the elusive animals that call the place home, such as red-tailed hawks, bobcats, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes.

Fish at the Lakes of Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park

Sitting on the edge of Ontario, right on the border it shares with Rancho Cucamonga, is the picturesque Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park.

With the lush grounds, two scenic lakes, and lots of greenery in the facility, your family will have a grand time exploring every beautiful corner of this park.

The lake is an ideal spot for sports fishing, as it’s stocked with catfish and trout at various times of the year.

It’s also open for thrilling water activities, like paddle boating and canoeing.

Perhaps one of the most unique and inviting features of this destination is the water park.

It’s the perfect place to cool off from the California sun, with its aquamarine lagoon, fun slides, and a splash area for the kids.

Reach the Summit of Mount San Antonio

North of Rancho Cucamonga is the highest peak in the Los Angeles Metropolitan area, Mount San Antonio.

More well-known as Mount Baldy, this mountain is more than 10,000 feet high, but its base camp is only 30 mins away from the city.

The challenging three-mile hike is not for beginners, as there is a 2000-feet elevation that requires endurance and stamina.

However, the views at the summit are truly breathtaking and worth the strenuous trek.

Winter is also a great time to visit the mountain’s slopes, are there are tons of opportunities for skiing and snowboarding.

Final Thoughts

For your next outdoor getaway, make Rancho Cucamonga your top choice.

You’ll find panoramic mountain views, scenic parks, challenging trails, and other attractions that will make for an exciting and memorable experience.

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