Top 15 Things To Do in Ontario, California
Ontario sits at the practical edge of Southern California adventure: minutes from a major airport, a regional rail link, and the foothills that rise into the San Bernardino range. This guide frames Ontario as a launchpad—city strolls and photography walks through leafy neighborhoods, bike and e-bike routes across the Inland Empire, quick train and bus links to beaches and mountains, and water-activities and fishing options at nearby reservoirs. Use it to stitch together short urban outings and longer day trips—fitness-friendly bike tours, easy walking tours, or a late-afternoon boat rental up at Lake Perris—so you can sample surf and sand in the morning and high-country trails by sunset.
Top 15 Things To Do in Ontario
Ranked by number of available trips • Each activity type links to all experiences
Why Ontario Works as a Basecamp for Southern California Adventures
Ontario’s advantage is logistics turned into opportunity. It’s not a postcard-perfect seaside town, but it is a practical, energetic hub where airplane arrivals, commuter rail, and freeway connections converge—so you can be on a shoreline, a mountain saddle, or a quiet reservoir within an hour. Visit early for golden-hour photography tours around historic Euclid Avenue and the revitalized Uptown district, midweek for quieter walking tours and bike rentals, or plan a full-day swap: surf at Huntington, return for an evening e-bike cruise through the city, and sleep before a dawn train to the mountains.
The local mixture is pragmatic and pleasantly varied. Boat tours and boat rentals concentrate on inland lakes and reservoirs—think Lake Perris or nearby Big Bear for water activities and fishing rather than harbor cruises. Bike rental and bike tour operators cater to both flat urban miles and more serious climbs into the San Bernardino foothills; e-bike options make longer distances feel effortless. Public transit and train connections (including Metrolink) extend your radius reliably, and the nearby airport minimizes wasted travel time. That makes Ontario an excellent choice for travelers who want to stack experiences—city tours, sightseeing tours, a photography tour at sunrise, and an evening bus tour to nearby cultural spots—without spending hours on the road.
Accessibility is Ontario’s core asset: ONT places the region on many traveler itineraries, and local transit links shorten the distance to beaches, mountains, and the greater Los Angeles cultural scene. Outfitters for paddle sports, fishing charters (on reservoirs), and guided hikes are a quick search away, which reduces planning friction for day trips or half-day adventures.
The terrain mix rewards flexible planning. Flat, bike-friendly streets and greenways inside the city pair naturally with immediate access to foothill singletrack and scenic drives. Shoulder seasons—spring and fall—are ideal for combining water activities with warm, comfortable hiking conditions. Summer can run hot inland, so plan early starts or push coastal and water-based adventures into the cooler parts of the day.
Best Time to Visit
Best Months
Weather Notes
Ontario is inland Southern California: warm, dry summers with hot afternoons and mild winters. Spring and fall balance heat and clarity—ideal for hiking, photography tours, and water activities. Coastal outings are cooler; mountain mornings can be brisk, especially above 4,000 ft.
Peak Season
Summer draws families to regional lakes and beach day trips; expect higher daytime temperatures and busier reservoir boat launches.
Off-Season Opportunities
Winter and late fall offer quieter trails and lower lodging rates. Low-elevation routes stay accessible; check higher-elevation road conditions for mountain trips.
Choose Your Adventure Level
Beginner
Short, accessible outings that require minimal gear: flat city loops, basic walking tours, and sheltered water-activities on calm reservoir shores.
- Uptown Ontario walking tour and photography Stops
- Short e-bike rental loop along local greenways
- Gentle paddle or SUP session at Lake Perris (calm bays)
Intermediate
Longer loops and mild elevation gain: half-day bike tours, multi-stop sightseeing by bus or train, and reservoir fishing trips that require basic planning.
- Bike tour toward the Cucamonga foothills with a lunch stop
- Photography tour at dawn on Euclid Avenue and Ontario Mills
- Boat rental and shore-fishing session at nearby reservoirs
Advanced
Full-day, high-effort adventures: mountain singletrack, steep ridge hikes, surf session with a long drive, or technical climbs requiring experience and local beta.
- Full-day ridge hike in the Cucamonga Wilderness with shuttle
- Guided technical mountain-biking on San Bernardino trails
- Early-morning surf at a Southern California break followed by evening ascent to foothill overlooks
What to Bring
Essential
- Daypack with water (large-capacity bottle) and sun protection
- Comfortable walking shoes for city tours and light hikes
- Phone with offline maps or a regional trail app
- Light layers for temperature swings between coast and foothills
- Sunscreen and brimmed hat
Recommended
- Hydration bladder for longer bike rides or hikes
- Compact rain shell for unexpected passes and mountain microclimates
- Spare phone battery and camera cards for photography tours
- Grip tape or traction sandals for reservoir shorelines
Optional
- Dry bag for electronics if you plan boat rental or paddling
- Lightweight binoculars for birding in reservoirs and foothills
- Action camera with mount for bike or boat footage
Insider Tips & Local Knowledge
Confirm access, launch conditions, and transit schedules before you go—reservoir levels, trail closures, and bus timetables can change seasonally.
Start early to beat inland heat and midday traffic. Use Ontario as a logistical hub: fly into ONT, stash a car or use the train for longer day trips. For water activities, pick weekdays or pre-book rentals during summer weekends. When heading for mountain singletrack or high-elevation hikes, check road status and bring extra layers—temperatures can drop quickly above 4,000 feet. Combine experiences: pair a morning photography tour with an afternoon water-activity or a late-day sightseeing bus to nearby cultural stops. Finally, pack light but smart—hydration and sun protection are the biggest local factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do these activities without a guide?
Yes—many city tours, walking tours, and bike-rental loops are straightforward to self-run. Choose a guide for technical singletrack, unfamiliar reservoir conditions, or organized boat tours where local knowledge speeds the day.
Where are the best places near Ontario for water activities and fishing?
Lake Perris is the closest major reservoir offering boat rental, fishing, and paddleboarding. For more alpine water scenery, head to Big Bear or Arrowhead—both are roughly an hour-plus drive depending on traffic.
Is biking realistic in Ontario given the heat?
Absolutely—choose early-morning starts, shaded greenways, or e-bike rentals to extend your range without overheating. Coastal day-trips are a cooler option for longer rides.