Ontario California Day Trips: Best Attractions & Nearby Escapes!

Nestled in the heart of Southern California’s Inland Empire, Ontario is the perfect starting point for unforgettable day trips and local adventures. From scenic hiking trails and historic landmarks to family-friendly entertainment and cultural attractions, the areas surrounding Ontario offer something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re looking to explore charming nearby destinations, discover hidden gems, or simply enjoy a relaxing escape from the city, these attractions and nearby escapes make it easy to experience the best of Southern California – all within a short drive from Ontario.

Why is Ontario a Perfect Base for Day Trips?

Ontario is a convenient starting point for exploring Southern California’s best attractions and nearby escapes. Its central location and easy freeway access make it simple to reach mountains, museums, hiking trails, and family-friendly destinations within a short drive. With proximity to Ontario International Airport and key regional hotspots, Ontario offers the perfect balance of accessibility and comfort for quick and enjoyable day trips.

Best Day Trip Destinations Near Ontario

1. Rubel Castle (Glendora)

• Location: 844 N Live Oak Ave Glendora, CA 91741
• Distance from Hotel is 23 miles.
• Overview: Rubel Castle is a monumental folk architecture site nestled in the foothills of Glendora. It was entirely built by hand by Michael Rubel and his “pharmhands” over several decades. Its stone masonry was handcrafted of river rock, recycled materials, and an assemblage of the relics and artifacts of Glendora’s early agricultural and industrial eras. Michael’s innovative use of both natural and cultural materials makes Rubel Castle an exceptionally important masterwork within the context of folk-art environments in California. It also serves as a rare resource and physical reminder of the citrus industry, which played a significant role in the development of the area in the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries.

2. Ontario Museum of History & Art (Ontario)

• Location: 225 Euclid Ave, Ontario, CA 91762
• Distance from Hotel is 6.2 miles.
• Overview: The Ontario Museum of History & Art, located in Ontario, California, is a public museum established in the 1930s and housed in the former city hall. It showcases local art and presents annual cultural exhibitions, such as its Día de Los Muertos event, featuring multicultural views on life and death through various art forms. The museum is situated in a historically significant building, surrounded by colorful gardens and a large stone fountain.

3. Potato Mountain (Claremont)

• Location: Mt Baldy Rd Claremont, CA 91711
• Distance from Hotel is 15.3 miles.
• Overview: Potato Mountain is a prominent peak near Claremont, California, in the Angeles National Forest, notable for the tradition of hikers leaving decorated potatoes at its summit. The area features moderate to challenging hiking trails, including fire roads, with a roundtrip hike of about 8 miles and an elevation gain of approximately 1,145 to 1,978 feet, depending on the route. The mountain offers panoramic views of the surrounding San Gabriel Mountains, including Mt. Baldy, and serves as a popular destination for training and enjoying the high mountain peaks, particularly for beginner hikers.

4. Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary (Phelan)

• Location: 8545 Buttemere Rd Phelan, CA 92371
• Distance from Hotel is 40.7 miles.
• Overview: Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary is dedicated to doing all it can in the rescue and rehabilitation of exotic animals. The sanctuary strives to provide safe and caring homes for every animal that passes through its doors for the rest of their lives. Its mission is to educate people of all generations to better understand the importance of preserving beautiful exotic animals and the habitats on which they depend.

5. Bullwinkle’s (Upland)

• Location: 1560 W 7th St, Upland, CA 91786
• Distance from Hotel is 7.7 miles.
• Overview: Bullwinkle’s Entertainment is a renovated family entertainment center in Upland, California, offering attractions like go-karts, bumper cars, miniature golf, bowling, laser tag, virtual reality experiences, and an arcade. Purchased by the Huish family in 2021, the venue underwent extensive modern renovations that debuted in early 2025, aiming to provide a fun environment for families and adults with new features and improved amenities.

For visitors, Best Western Ontario Mills Mall is the most affordable hotel in Ontario, California. Located near Ontario Mills, the largest outlet and retail shopping destination in California, the hotel provides comfortable accommodation right at the crossroads of the region’s best attractions. Guests can enjoy Amenities like:

• Complimentary hot breakfast to fuel up before exploring
• Free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
• Outdoor heated pool and hot tub for relaxation after a day trip
• Fitness center for those wanting to keep up with their workout routine
• Business center and meeting space for added convenience
• Spacious guest rooms with mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker
• Free parking and easy freeway access
• 24-hour front desk service to help with travel needs
• Proximity to Ontario International Airport with shuttle service available

Your Southern California adventure starts here – Book Now.