Things To Do
in Chino
Chino, California is a suburban city in southwestern San Bernardino County known for its agricultural roots, dairies, and steady growth as part of the Inland Empire. It sits at the foothills of the Chino Hills and serves as a gateway to regional open spaces like Chino Hills State Park and Prado Basin. The city mixes residential neighborhoods, light industry, family-owned restaurants, and aviation heritage centered on the Chino Airport and Chino Air Museum.
Chino is a diverse, commuter-friendly community with easy access to larger Metro areas such as Ontario and Los Angeles while retaining a quieter, small-city feel.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey in Chino's Historic Downtown, where you can stroll along the charming streets lined with quaint boutiques and local coffee shops. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at a local diner featuring classic American fare. Take a moment to visit the Chino Valley Historical Society to learn about the city's rich heritage.
After lunch, engage in some retail therapy at the Chino Town Square, where you can find a variety of stores and eateries. Be sure to stop by the local farmer's market if it's the weekend, and sample some fresh produce and handmade goods. Spend the rest of the afternoon soaking in the local culture and perhaps catching a live performance if one is scheduled.
As dusk settles, find a cozy spot to enjoy dinner at one of the delightful restaurants in the area, featuring anything from Italian to Mexican cuisine. After your meal, take a leisurely walk through the park to enjoy the cool evening air. Wrap up your day with a visit to a local brewery for a taste of California craft beers.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before heading off to the Prado Regional Park for a refreshing nature hike. As you explore the trails, take in the stunning landscape and the chirping of birds that accompany your journey. Don't forget your camera to capture the beauty of this natural oasis.
After your hike, settle down for a scenic picnic at one of the park's designated areas, enjoying the fresh air and beautiful surroundings. Pack a picnic basket filled with your favorite snacks and beverages for a delightful meal amidst nature. The afternoon can also be spent spot-watching local wildlife or visiting the park's nature center.
As evening approaches, take a few moments to relax and reflect on your day in the serenity of the park. Consider heading back to Chino for a casual dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant that focuses on local ingredients. End your night with a stroll through a nearby park under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚌Public transit single fare | $1.75-2.50 |
| ⛽Gas (per gallon) | $3.50-5.00 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-160 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to natural open spaces (Chino Hills State Park, Prado Regional Park) for outdoor activities.
- Diverse and authentic local eateries with affordable options.
- Short drive to larger urban centers (Ontario, Los Angeles) for additional attractions.
- Suburban layout means a car is often necessary to get around.
- Hot summers and regular Southern California traffic during peak hours.
- Limited late-night entertainment within the city itself.
Places to Visit in Chino
Visit one of these nice places.
Sweeping hilltop views of the Inland Empire—excellent at sunrise or golden hour for wide landscapes and city-in-valley shots.
Lake reflections, marshland birds, and recreational activity make this a versatile spot for nature and water photography.
Vintage military and civilian aircraft provide dramatic subject matter; capture planes on display and the classic aviation vibe.
A surprising stand of redwoods in Orange County-border area—captures of tall trunks and dappled light work well year-round.
Colorful murals and everyday street scenes reflect local life—good for candid, cultural, and street photography.
Food in Chino
Chino Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly grilled carne asada served in tortillas or burritos at local taquerias—look for places busy with locals for the best versions.
Must-Try!
With a sizeable Asian population nearby, Korean flavors are common—go for bulgogi or build-your-own rice bowls at neighborhood spots.
Local Filipino restaurants serve dishes like adobo, pancit, and lumpia—great for hearty, home-style meals.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local weekend markets or pop-up markets sell fresh produce, salsas, baked goods and occasional street-food vendors—perfect for sampling local ingredients.
Downtown and strip-mall food courts house small vendors offering tacos, pupusas and Asian takeout—affordable and authentic.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Locals are typically informal and friendly—polite greetings and a relaxed demeanor work well. Small talk about weather or local sports is common.
Even in a casual environment, respect personal space and be courteous in queues and public places.
Chino is culturally diverse; be mindful and respectful of different cultural practices and languages—Spanish is widely spoken by many residents.
Safety
Tipping in Chino
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, $2–5 for service workers like valets or bell staff, and rounding up for casual services. For fast-casual eateries, tipping is appreciated but not always expected.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Smaller vendors and some taquerias may prefer cash, so carry small bills for convenience.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and low rainfall make spring ideal for hiking and outdoor activities; wildflowers can appear in the parks after wet winters.
Hot and dry with temperatures often in the 80s–90s°F (high 20s–30s°C) or higher on peak days—hike early, carry plenty of water, and expect strong sun.
Warm days and cooler nights create pleasant conditions for outdoor recreation; fall colors are modest but can be enjoyed in parks and neighborhood trees.
Mild winters with occasional rain; temperatures are generally comfortable though evenings can be cool—rarely cold or snowy in Chino itself.
Chino at Night
Hiking in Chino
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive network of trails with ridge-top views, varied loops for different fitness levels, and opportunities to see native flora and fauna.
Short trails through a small redwood grove and picnic areas—suitable for family hikes and nature photography.
Flat to rolling trails around the Prado Reservoir and surrounding open space for leisurely walks, birdwatching and cycling.
A bit further west but accessible for day hikes—offers rugged terrain, seasonal streams and panoramic valley views.
Airports
How to reach Chino by plane.
About 15–25 minutes away by car depending on traffic; the closest major commercial airport with domestic and some international flights.
A general aviation airport located in Chino, home to private planes and the Chino Air Museum; not a commercial passenger airport but interesting for aviation enthusiasts.
Approximately 45–60 minutes by car depending on traffic; a major international hub for many airlines.
Around 40–50 minutes drive (depending on traffic) and useful for some domestic and regional flights, especially to Orange County destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large and visible community influencing food, language and cultural life in Chino, with many family-owned businesses and community events.
Growing Asian populations contribute to the restaurant scene, small businesses and cultural activities in the area.
A substantial portion of residents are families and daily commuters working in nearby employment centers across the Inland Empire and Los Angeles metro area.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Friday-night high school football is a community staple, drawing local families and youth sports supporters.
Youth and adult soccer leagues are popular, reflecting the area's diverse communities and strong youth-sports culture.
Chino and surrounding communities have an equestrian tradition with riding schools, trails and occasional shows.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chino.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available at cafes and many Mexican and Asian eateries (grilled veggie tacos, rice bowls, noodle dishes). Ask for beans without lard and verify sauces if vegan.
Vegan choices are increasing but still limited compared with big cities—look for salads, rice/veggie bowls, and specialty cafes in nearby larger towns. Many restaurants will accommodate gluten-free requests, but always double-check cross-contamination.