Things To Do
in Fontana
Fontana, California is a mid-sized Inland Empire city in San Bernardino County known for its industrial roots, rich railroad and steel history, and its role in Southern California’s trucking and logistics network. The city sits at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers easy access to desert and mountain outdoor recreation while remaining within commuting distance of Los Angeles. Fontana hosts events and motorsports history tied to the Auto Club Speedway and has a growing suburban-commercial landscape with parks, shopping centers and family neighborhoods.
The population is diverse and family-oriented, with an economy shaped by warehousing, manufacturing and retail.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Fontana Historical Society Museum, where you can dive deep into the locality's rich history. Explore fascinating exhibits that showcase artifacts and stories from the area’s past. Afterward, stroll through the nearby Fontana Park, enjoying the lush greenery and fresh morning air.
For lunch, savor some local cuisine at a nearby café known for its hearty dishes made from fresh ingredients. Post-meal, take a short drive to the Auto Club Speedway for an exhilarating afternoon of go-kart racing. Feel the adrenaline rush as you compete against friends or family on the thrilling track!
As the sun sets, make your way to the Sierra Lakes Golf Club for a peaceful evening round of golf while enjoying the beautiful landscape. Afterward, unwind at a local restaurant serving up delicious dishes paired with regional wines. Cap off your day with a leisurely walk along the Fontana City Hall, where you can enjoy the evening lights.
Begin your morning with a hearty breakfast at a beloved local diner, fueling up for a day immersed in nature. Head over to the San Bernardino National Forest for a scenic hike among picturesque trails. Breathe in the crisp, fresh air while observing the diverse wildlife in their natural habitat.
After the hike, enjoy a packed picnic lunch surrounded by towering trees and vibrant wildflowers. Experience the thrill of the outdoors with activities like mountain biking or fishing at one of the serene lakes nearby. The mix of adventure and relaxation will refresh your spirits and rejuvenate your mind.
As dusk approaches, return to Fontana and visit a cozy eatery with a patio view to enjoy a meal under the stars. Celebrate your adventurous day with some local craft beer or a delightful dessert. Take a leisurely evening stroll through the park, reflecting on the wonders of nature you experienced.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🚕Taxi / Rideshare short trip | $8-20 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-150 |
| 🚌Local bus fare (one-way) | $1.50-2.00 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Convenient access to mountains and desert for outdoor activities
- Affordable dining and family-oriented services compared with coastal cities
- Close to Ontario and L.A. metro areas while retaining suburban feel
- Diverse cultural food scene with strong Mexican/Latino influences
- Hot summers and occasional poor air quality during wildfires
- Limited nightlife and high-end cultural attractions within city limits
- Traffic congestion on freeways during commute times
- Some neighborhoods have higher crime rates — situational awareness recommended
Places to Visit in Fontana
Visit one of these nice places.
Great vantage points for sunrise/sunset with rugged mountain silhouettes and dramatic cloudscapes — ideal for wide landscape shots.
Photos of the racing venue, grandstands and event crowds capture local motorsports culture — best during scheduled races or car events.
Linear trail for cyclists and pedestrians offering urban-suburban scenes, murals, and golden-hour lighting along stretches of the city.
Look for community murals, colorful storefronts and farmer’s market stalls for candid street photography and local character.
Seasonal waterfalls and shaded canyons make nice nature photography, best in spring after winter rains.
Food in Fontana
Fontana Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled marinated beef tacos are ubiquitous — try them at neighborhood taquerias for fresh tortillas and salsas, especially popular at late-night spots and food trucks.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked, savory stewed meat served as tacos or a consommé; a regional favorite available at specialty taquerias and pop-ups.
Large breakfast plates (eggs, pancakes, potatoes) are common at local diners — perfect to fuel a day of hiking or exploring.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market offering produce, baked goods and occasional prepared foods — a good place to sample local tamales, fresh fruit and pastries.
Scattered around shopping centers and evening streets — try street-style tacos, quesabirria and freshly made aguas frescas at evening food truck gatherings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Friendly but somewhat reserved social norms — a simple hello or please/thank you is appreciated. Respect personal space and line order in stores.
Tipping is customary and expected in most service contexts; factor it into your budget for dining and transport.
Be mindful of residential neighborhoods: avoid loud noise late at night, remove trash and obey posted signs in parks and natural areas.
Fontana is culturally diverse; be respectful of different cultural practices and languages. Spanish is commonly spoken — a polite attempt at Spanish greetings is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Fontana
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping in the U.S. applies: 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars or 15–20% of bar tabs, $2–5 for valets or bag carriers, and 10–15% for food delivery depending on distance. Taxi or rideshare drivers usually receive 10–15% unless service is exceptional.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Cash is accepted but less necessary. ATMs are widely available; notify your bank for travel to avoid card holds.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry with daytime highs often in the 90s–100s°F (32–40°C). Expect strong sun and low humidity — bring water, sun protection and plan hikes for early morning or late afternoon. Traffic to mountain trailheads can increase on weekends.
Warm days and cooler evenings make for pleasant outdoor exploring; autumn brings clearer skies and good conditions for hiking and photography. Peak travel times around local festivals can increase weekend crowds.
Mild in the valley (50s–60s°F / 10–20°C), but nearby mountains can get snow — a short drive upward offers snow play and winter hiking. Occasional rainstorms may affect trail conditions.
Wildflowers and greener canyons on mountain trails after winter rains; pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities. Bring layers for cool mornings and warmer afternoons.
Fontana at Night
Hiking in Fontana
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A moderate, popular hike to a seasonal waterfall with shady creekside portions — best after winter rains; can be steep in places and crowded on weekends.
Strenuous alpine hike with big elevation gain, panoramic views from the crest; suited for experienced hikers or those prepared for a long day or overnight trip.
The highest nearby peak with multiple routes for hiking and scrambling; can offer snow in winter and spectacular views of the Inland Empire and LA basin.
A long paved trail suitable for walking, running and biking through suburban corridors, connecting to neighboring cities and recreational areas.
Nearby network of trails and open spaces east of Fontana offering easier hikes, dirt roads and wildlife viewing in spring and cooler months.
Airports
How to reach Fontana by plane.
Approximately 12–20 miles west of Fontana; the closest full-service commercial airport with domestic and some international flights. Accessible by car in 15–30 minutes depending on traffic, taxis and rideshares are common; limited shuttle and some regional public transit connections exist.
About 10–25 minutes east of Fontana; primarily a cargo and general aviation airport with limited commercial service. Useful for some charter flights and cargo connections; ground transport needed for passenger service.
Major international hub about 40–60 miles west depending on route and traffic; expect 60–90+ minute drive in typical traffic. Ground transportation options include rideshare, shuttles and combination of Metrolink + FlyAway/shuttle services.
Approximately 50–70 miles southeast; convenient for desert leisure travel and some seasonal flights, about 1–1.5 hours by car depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Fontana, strongly shaping the city’s culture, cuisine, festivals and businesses. Spanish is commonly spoken.
Many residents are families with children and working-class households employed in logistics, manufacturing, retail and services.
Includes African American, Asian (including Filipino and Vietnamese communities), and other immigrant groups contributing to cultural diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
High school sports are community focal points with strong local support for Friday-night football and weekend basketball games.
Auto Club Speedway and other nearby venues have historically supported racing and car culture — events, car shows and amateur motorsports draw fans.
Youth leagues and community fields are active, reflecting family-oriented recreation and many grassroots sports programs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Fontana.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are more limited than in central Los Angeles. Look for veggie burritos, cheese enchiladas, salads and some restaurants that will adapt dishes. Larger shopping centers and chain restaurants usually offer vegetarian/vegan items.
Vegan choices are growing but still limited; seek out health-food cafés and some chain restaurants in nearby cities for reliable plant-based meals. Calling ahead helps.
Many restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests (corn tortillas are a good gluten-free staple). Always clarify cross-contamination concerns at busy taquerias and bakeries.