Take the stress out of a SoCal vacation
If we asked you to point to Ontario on a map, your finger might linger north up to Canada.
But about 2,500 miles southwest is another Ontario—which also has an international airport, professional hockey and flavors from around the world. So why do they call it Greater Ontario? Maybe because it’s 70 degrees in the winter in the cities of Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga, and you’re a short drive from SoCal beaches, theme parks and attractions. Maybe it’s because this region they call GOCAL has mountain views and beautiful tree-lined streets about 40 miles east of Los Angeles. Maybe it’s because this gateway to SoCal is a destination in and of itself, with family-friendly attractions, beloved local restaurants and a small-town charm. It’s the kind of place you might visit and decide “this would be a great place to live one day.”
Read below and see why in this SoCal spot, the whole experience is greater than the sum of its parts.
Getting around is a breeze
GOCAL is well connected, making getting around town and the region easy. But perhaps the area's best-kept secret is the Ontario International Airport (ONT). Southern Californians in the know will go out of their way to book flights through Ontario—it's that enjoyable. Skip the long lines and busy terminals of nearby airports for this full-service airport. Hop onto one of the many nonstops available from around the U.S., like Atlanta, Chicago, New York City, Phoenix and San Francisco on a host of airlines including Delta, Southwest and United. Flying into ONT means starting your stress-free vacation as soon as you touch down.
If you're arriving by car (or renting one), you'll be able to easily hop onto Interstate 10 and Interstate 15 to explore the region. Or, take advantage of the public transit. GOCAL has two Metrolink rail stops connecting the San Bernardino and Riverside lines. These rail lines can connect you to destinations like Anaheim or Ventura.
Family-friendly fun
There's ample activities for families around town, including a couple of GOCAL originals. The Planes of Fame Air Museum is located in Chino, just south of Ontario. Their collection includes over 160 aircraft dating back to the early days of aviation. The majority of this collection is on display across multiple hangars (including over 35 in flyable condition). Explore the array of fighter aircrafts, helicopters, dive bombers and even a replica of the Wright Brothers' 1903 Kitty Hawk Flyer.
West of Rancho Cucamonga in Claremont is the California Botanical Garden. A visit to the garden is the perfect way to get outside and soak up some SoCal sun. Budget a few hours to walk the trails through tranquil gardens full of native California plants, contemplate at the Reflecting Pond and breathe in fresh floral scents.
If you've never been to Topgolf, allow this trip to be the reason for your first time (and if you have been, you're probably already itching to get back). Just reserve a bay (which accommodates up to six people), order some food and drinks and start practicing your swing. Their technology allows you to track where the golf ball goes and keep score.
And for families of thrill-seekers, there's a couple options to get your adrenaline racing. K1 Speed is an indoor go-kart racing venue housed in the former Ontario Motor Speedway. There's two tracks available, so you can either put the pedal to the metal with a more challenging track of technical corners, or take things easy on a course that slows things down. You can also take things up a notch with a trip to I-Fly. Experience what it's like to skydive in their indoor vertical wind tunnels.
Catch a game and partake in the festivities
A buzzy events lineup means there's ample opportunity to catch a live game or annual event. The Toyota Arena is home to the Ontario Reign, an American Hockey League team, and the Empire Strykers, a professional indoor soccer team. It also hosts concerts and events throughout the year. Kane Brown will be performing March 14, and Disney on Ice will be in town late April.
For some Minor League Baseball, head over to Loanmart Field, home of the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. Players you see here could be starring in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup in just a few years. The season runs April through September. You can expect affordable tickets, beautiful mountain views, a fun, family-friendly atmosphere and—if you're lucky—a sighting of Tremor, their beloved dinosaur mascot. Stay tuned for 2026, when Ontario will be getting in on the action with its own Single-A Dodgers affiliate team, along with a regional sports complex they're dubbing the Ontario Sports Empire.
If you're arriving to town in July, keep your eyes peeled (and your appetite ready) for another Greater Ontario's Restaurant Week. From July 11–31, GOCAL will highlight local restaurants with videos highlighting their unique dishes, with new features this year. There are no timed or pre-fixed menus, so allow this to assist in planning your culinary tour.
Auto enthusiasts will want to circle September 19–20 on their calendar for the 12th annual Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion. Expect over 1000 classic cars lined up on Euclid Ave, the heart of downtown Ontario. In-between the convertibles, low riders and hot rods, the festivities include live entertainment, good food and an atmosphere that keeps people returning year after year.
A few months later, downtown Ontario will become a holiday wonderland during Christmas on Euclid. This tradition—which dates back to over a century ago—runs from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day. In addition to a delightfully decorated downtown, expect festivities like the annual Holiday Light Parade and Tree Lighting, a craft fair, community sing-a-long and more.
Shop small for big flavors
Despite being part of one of the biggest metropolitan areas in the country, GOCAL will charm you with a small town feel, thanks in part to locally owned restaurants and shops. Find enchiladas, chille relleno and breakfast like huevos rancheros served all day at Casa Rubio's Mexican Grill Restaurant in Rancho Cucamonga. For some American fare, The Heights Restaurant & Bar in Upland offers a menu of sandwiches, burgers, pastas, steaks and a host of specialty drinks.
One can't-miss is Ontario's The Iron Skillet. This local staple serves breakfast and lunch in an atmosphere that makes you feel at home. One bite of their menu favorites like country fried steak and homemade cinnamon raisin bread French toast, and you'll understand why locals keep coming back for more.
For a relaxing afternoon with wine in hand, head to the Galleano Winery. Their friendly staff are serving up flights, glasses or bottles of their wine on their outdoor patio and grounds. This historic winery was founded nearly a century ago and is still owned and operated by the founding family.
Sure to be a hit with the kids (and kids at heart) in your group, head to Logan's Candies for some sweet treats. The family-owned store dates back to 1933 and carries over 600 candy items (over 200 of which are made in-house). Fudge, taffy and ribbon candy are just a few of their mouth-watering candy varieties. You can also purchase tickets to attend one of their candy making demonstrations (warm samples included).
The rest of SoCal within reach
Being about an hour's drive from sand and surf is just another perk of planning a trip to GOCAL. Staying here can leave more money in the budget for any number of day-trip activities. Take your pick of the many beach towns along the Pacific Coast—whether you're looking to see the famed Santa Monica Pier, watch the surfers of Huntington Beach or walk along picturesque Laguna Beach.
All the wonders and sights of Los Angeles are just as close. See the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; explore Dinosaur Hall at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County; or take in one of the best views in the city at the Griffith Observatory. Stop in for a quick bite at an LA institution, like Pink's Hot Dogs or Porto's Bakery and Cafe (the waits will be worth it).
Drive about 90 minutes northeast of the region for some mountain time at Big Bear Lake. This popular resort town is known for skiing in winter and fishing in summer—and crisp mountain air with beautiful views year-round.
Families will also want to check out one of the many other main attractions within reach. Whatever day trips you take, you can take comfort in returning "home" to GOCAL.