The Ultimate One Day Itinerary for Exploring Ontario, California!
If you only have one day to spend in Ontario, California, this itinerary highlights the top places to visit so you can make the most of your time. Conveniently located along major freeways and home to an international airport, Ontario offers easy access to Southern California attractions while providing plenty to see and do within the city itself.
Visitors can shop and dine at Ontario Mills, attend events at the Toyota Arena and Ontario Convention Center, or explore outdoor spaces like Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park. Historic Euclid Avenue adds charm with preserved architecture and a classic tree-lined boulevard, while nearby destinations such as the San Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and Rancho Cucamonga wine country are all within driving distance.
Morning: Start the Day Right
Explore Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park
Start your day at Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park, a 150-acre park located on the border of Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga. The park features two scenic lakes where visitors can fish year-round, with fish stocked weekly. Pedal boats are available to rent, and families can enjoy picnic areas and a seasonal water play area with slides. This peaceful setting is ideal for easing into the day while enjoying Ontario’s outdoor side.
Late Morning: Culture & Local Landmarks
Visit San Secondo d’Asti Catholic Church
After time at the park, visit San Secondo d’Asti Catholic Church, an active parish built in 1926. The church features a bell tower, fountain, and rose gardens, along with a beautifully preserved early Romanesque architectural style. The parish offers reverent liturgy, celebrates both old and new rites, and maintains a young and vibrant community, making it a meaningful cultural stop during your visit.
Afternoon: Shopping & Entertainment
Explore Ontario’s Major Attractions
Spend part of your afternoon exploring some of Ontario’s larger attractions. Ontario Mills offers a wide range of shopping and dining options as one of the region’s largest outlet and value-retail centers. Visitors can also attend events at the Toyota Arena or the Ontario Convention Center, depending on what’s happening during their stay.
Evening: Where to eat in Ontario?
After a full day of exploring, enjoy dinner at one of Ontario’s popular local restaurants. Many dining options are located within a short walk from Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park.
- Ontar Thai Restaurant: It is a modest spot offering a variety of traditional Thai dishes, including noodles and curries. The Pad Thai delivers bold flavor with just the right balance of sweetness and sticky sauce, while the Tom Kha Kai Soup stands out as a favorite for its rich and comforting taste.
- Panda Inn: It is a family-run restaurant that has served the Ontario community for over 40 years. Specializing in Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine, the restaurant is known for its bold flavors, especially its Szechuan dishes featuring generous amounts of garlic and chili peppers.
- Benihana – Ontario: Benihana provides a lively hibachi dining experience where chefs prepare Japanese cuisine tableside. The combination of food and performance creates an entertaining atmosphere, making it a memorable way to end the day.
- Home Thai Fusion Bistro: The restaurant offers a casual dining experience with a modern ambiance and dim lighting. The yellow curry is highly praised, along with dishes like Tom Kha soup and fried trout. Despite challenges in recent years, the restaurant continues to serve popular staples such as yellow curry and Thai tea.
Where to Stay?
For the best home base while exploring Ontario, consider staying at a hotel near Ontario Mills Mall – Best Western Ontario Mills Mall, a guest-favorite hotel close to many of the city’s attractions.
Why stay here?
- Ideal location: Behind Ontario Mills Mall, near dining, shopping, and entertainment, and just off the I-10 and I-15 freeways.
- Comfortable, well-equipped rooms with free high-speed Wi-Fi.
- Complimentary full breakfast included, so you can fuel up before your day of exploring.
- Outdoor heated pool and hot tub – perfect for relaxing after a busy itinerary.
- On-site fitness center opens 24 hours and guest laundry facilities.
- Business center, meeting rooms, and free parking included.
- 1 King Bed: Comfortable room with a work desk, microwave, mini-refrigerator, and full breakfast included.
- 2 Queen Beds: Great for families or groups (sleeps up to 4), including breakfast and in-room amenities.
- 1 King Bed Suite: Includes a pull-out sofa for additional guests and in-room microwave and mini-fridge.
- Accessible Rooms (King or 2 Queen): Designed for mobility accessibility with roll-in showers and breakfast included.
Final Thoughts
Ontario, California offers a balanced mix of outdoor recreation, cultural landmarks, shopping, entertainment, and diverse dining options. Whether you’re visiting for a short stopover or a planned day trip, this one-day itinerary ensures you experience the highlights while getting a true taste of what the city has to offer, with a comfortable and convenient stay at Best Western Ontario Mills Mall just minutes from it all.
