Top 15 Things To Do in Ontario, California

Ontario's mix of American small-city charm and easy access to mountain foothills makes it an unexpectedly rich place for sightseeing tours. From Route 66 nostalgia and aviation history to orchard-lined streets and nearby natural overlooks, the city's tours are compact, accessible, and ideal for travelers who want a taste of Southern California beyond beaches.

Ontario sits inland on the edge of the Inland Empire, not on a coastal harbor—but it makes an excellent logistical base for small-boat adventures across southern California’s reservoirs, flood-control basins, and calmer stretches of the Santa Ana River. Boat rental options near Ontario skew practical and accessible: think kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for flat-water exploration, fishing-ready jon boats and small outboards for angling, and party-style pontoons at the larger reservoirs a short drive away. This guide focuses on the experience of renting and operating a boat from the Ontario area—how to choose the right craft, where to launch, when to go, and what local conditions (water levels, seasonal wind, park fees) will most affect your day on the water.

Ontario is an underrated launching point for two-wheeled exploration in Southern California’s Inland Empire. From smooth river-path promenades to nearby singletrack and gentle foothill climbs, the area’s bike rental scene caters to family outings, commuter-style e-bike cruises, and trail-ready mountain bikes for the nearby hills. This guide focuses on what to expect when renting a bike in Ontario—terrain, seasons, gear, and how to stitch local rides into longer regional adventures.

Ontario is less a single place than a junction: a grown-up transit node anchored by Ontario International Airport, threaded by Metrolink lines, and within an easy coach drive of mountains, desert parks, wineries, and Southern California’s cultural core. Bus tours based in Ontario range from 90-minute city shuttles and airport transfers to full-day narrated drives to Joshua Tree, Temecula wine country, and the San Bernardino peaks. This guide focuses on the bus-based experiences that let travelers trade the anxiety of car travel for a seat, a window view, and a guide who knows when to pause for a photo, a tasting, or a short hike.

Ontario’s walking tours stitch together railroad lore, citrus-era mansions, public art, and a quietly revitalized downtown. These short urban rambles and themed strolls are ideal for travelers who want layered history, local food stops, and accessible outdoors without venturing far from the city center. Expect flat, walkable streets, pockets of green, surprising murals, and connections to nearby nature preserves and foothill trails.

Ontario is an unexpected aerial gateway: a flat inland hub tucked beneath the San Gabriel escarpment, a launch point for short scenic hops over urban sprawl, mountain ridgelines, and Mojave desert edges. Whether you’re a first-time passenger booking a flightseeing tour, a photographer arranging an aerial shoot, or a pilot seeking VFR practice in varied local conditions, Ontario’s airplane experiences deliver quick access to dramatic Southern California terrain and the rhythms of regional weather.

Ontario sits inland but serves as a practical launchpad to a wide spectrum of Southern California surf: forgiving beach breaks for learners, long point waves for intermediates, and heavy reef breaks that test the experienced. This guide focuses specifically on surf experiences reachable from Ontario—day-trip breaks, lesson-friendly beaches, and the seasonal swells and winds that shape the shoreline. Expect quick-access convenience, a mix of local beach culture, and complementary coastal activities that round out any surf-focused weekend.

Ontario’s bike-tour scene sits at a crossroads: suburban neighborhoods, industrial corridors, and greenway connectors that quietly lead to foothill singletrack. Expect accessible paved routes for family-friendly pedaling, long low-gradient connectors ideal for e-bikes and touring, and nearby off-road options that tap into the San Gabriel foothills. This guide focuses on rideable experiences that start or finish in Ontario—commuter-to-recreation routes, scenic canal and trail stretches, and point-to-point tours that pair cycling with local culture, breweries, and regional parks.

Ontario sits at a crossroads of urban convenience and surprising access to quality freshwater angling. From reservoir bank sessions and kayak-friendly waterways to mountain trout days within an hour’s drive, this guide focuses on the fishing experiences that make Ontario an underrated basecamp for anglers exploring Southern California’s inland waters.

Ontario’s photographic appeal is about striking contrasts: sun-baked industrial edges against mountain backdrops, early-morning mist lifting off irrigated groves, and neon-lit main streets that hum after dark. This guide focuses on photography tours—guided and self-guided routes, ideal windows for light, and practical planning to get the shot—so you can move beyond snapshots and craft images that tell the story of Inland Southern California.

Ontario is often thought of as a commercial hub in the Inland Empire, but for riders on pedal-assist machines it unfolds as a surprisingly versatile playground. From smooth urban greenways and fast flat rides through agricultural corridors to punchy foothill climbs that reward with valley views, e-bikes make Ontario more accessible and adventurous. This guide focuses on electric-assisted cycling: curated routes, trail etiquette, seasonal considerations, and practical planning to help you ride confidently whether you rent an e-City bike downtown or plug in extra range for a mixed-surface e-MTB outing.

Ontario sits at a junction of movement: commuter platforms, long-distance freight throbbing through the nearby Cajon Pass, and the steady flow of travelers shifting between air, rail, and highway. This guide focuses on train experiences anchored in and around Ontario—commuter hops, scenic rail corridors visible from city platforms, and multi-modal rail connections that put the mountains, desert, and coastal hubs within reach. Expect practical advice for planning rail-first trips, what to pack for platform-to-trail transitions, and how to stitch together trains, buses, and last-mile options for meaningful outdoor explorations.