Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Upland, CA

Upland is a city located in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains in San Bernardino County. The city, with a population of approximately 75,000, functions as a suburb of Los Angeles.

Upland is distinguished by its skateboarding culture and consistent pleasant weather year-round. Furthermore, its central positioning allows for convenient access to the renowned attractions within the region.

Leafy streets and historic residences imbue Upland with a quaint, small-town ambiance, while the downtown area hosts the majority of its boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes.

The Upland Shopping Center, Mountain Green Shopping Center, and Upland Town Square represent a few of the commercial districts throughout the city.

Many festivals and events take place in Upland throughout the year, including the Upland Lemon Festival and A Taste of Upland.

Below is a curated list of 15 noteworthy activities to consider in and around Upland, California.

1. Learn about Upland’s History at the Cooper Regional History Museum

Visitors to Upland can gain insight into the history of the city and its neighboring communities at the Cooper Regional History Museum located in downtown Upland.

This museum primarily focuses on collecting and preserving items that reflect the culture and history of the area, sharing these artifacts with the public.

A dedicated room showcases the region’s wine and citrus history; another emphasizes Native American heritage, and various hallways display antique furniture. As you explore the exhibits, you’ll encounter numerous items related to the area’s history, including photographs, tools, and documents.

2. Feast on Delicious Italian Cuisine at Allegro

Located in downtown Upland, Allegro has been providing traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist since its inception in 1998.

Your culinary journey at Allegro begins with the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere, characterized by soft lighting and intimate dining areas. Outdoor seating is also available on the sidewalk or patio, allowing for al fresco dining. Begin your experience with a freshly baked pastry made on-site.

The menu offers a diverse selection of options, including appetizers, soups, salads, and main courses, such as Salmone Con Due Salse, Capesante, and Gamberi Alla Scampi.

Happy hour is celebrated every weekday, featuring a variety of Italian wines and cocktails paired with delectable snacks.

3. Admire the Madonna of the Trail

There are 12 statues positioned in various locations along this trail, which traverses multiple states. Upland is home to one of these Madonna statues, sculpted by artist August Leimbach, representing the pioneering women of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Today, this statue holds significance in Upland’s cultural landscape and is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.

4. Enjoy Live Entertainment at The Grove Theater

The Grove Theater in downtown Upland was established in 1947 and underwent a renovation in 1990. This upgrade introduced significant improvements while preserving some of the original Art Deco characteristics.

Currently, this intimate venue hosts various performances throughout the year, catering to family audiences and occasionally featuring touring artists from other regions.

It is advisable to review their performance calendar to discover if any musical or theatrical events coincide with your visit to Upland.

5. Aim High at Hangar 18 Indoor Climbing Gym

Whether you are new to climbing or an experienced climber, Hangar 18 Indoor Climbing Gym offers a variety of exhilarating climbing walls suitable for all skill levels and ages.

This facility encompasses 12,000 square feet of climbing space, featuring expertly designed walls that provide diverse routes, ensuring an engaging experience. The venue also includes bouldering and top-rope areas.

In addition, yoga and various fitness classes are available on site throughout the week.

6. Visit the American Museum of Ceramic Art

Ceramic art has a long-standing history, and visitors to the nearby city of Pomona can appreciate a wide array of exquisite ceramics ranging from ancient to contemporary pieces.

The museum presents both permanent and temporary exhibits, showcasing a plethora of remarkable artworks from around the globe. Throughout the year, it also offers various events, including family days that provide hands-on lessons in ceramic art for visitors of all ages.

7. Sample Local Craft Beer at Last Name Brewing

Last Name Brewing is a vibrant microbrewery located in Upland, known for its diverse selection of craft beers.

The inviting taproom operates daily, allowing patrons to sample various beers brewed on-site, such as Red Between the Lines Imperial Red Ale, Runway IPA, and Pomona Queen California Amber Lager.

Additionally, tours of the brewery are available, where visitors can witness the beer-making process from inception to completion. The brewery also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including trivia nights.

8. Unwind at Cloud Nine Day Spa

Cloud Nine Day Spa in Upland serves as an ideal sanctuary to relax following a hectic morning or busy week. Although the spa is modest in size, its stylish interior offers a calming atmosphere where clients can enjoy a comprehensive range of treatments, including body scrubs, massages, and facials.

9. Take a Stroll Through the Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden

Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden, a short drive from Upland, is certainly worth a visit for those seeking a serene environment to relax amidst nature.

This garden is committed to the conservation of California’s native plants, offering numerous engaging and educational activities, including guided tours and workshops. While strolling through the garden, take notice of the diverse birdlife and enjoy the beautifully maintained grounds and plant varieties.

10. Play a Round of Golf at Whispering Lakes Golf Course

The 18-hole, par-72 Whispering Lakes Golf Course, located in nearby Ontario, provides golfers with a refreshing and enjoyable experience on a beautifully renovated course. This popular municipal facility boasts tree-lined fairways and flat terrain conducive to walking.

The on-site practice area includes a driving range and three chipping greens with bunkers. Lessons are readily available, and the clubhouse features a spacious balcony offering a variety of snacks such as sandwiches and burgers.

11. Beat the Clock at Trapped Escape Room

Participants are given a time limit of 60 minutes to decipher clues and solve puzzles during their visit to Trapped Escape Room.

Upon arrival, you and your companions select a room you wish to escape from. Each room is equipped with an interactive environment and realistic sound effects.

You may choose from three different rooms, which include The Puzzlemaster, Sector 13, and Down the Rabbit Hole, with options suitable for families.

12. Take to the Water at Raging Waters San Dimas

On warm days in Upland, the ideal destination is the water. In the nearby area of San Dimas, individuals of all ages can enjoy the sun and splashes at Raging Waters San Dimas.

This expansive 50-acre water park offers numerous slides and attractions that cater to both thrill-seekers and those looking to unwind.

Featured within the park is an exhilarating rafting experience that plunges 52 feet into total darkness. Neptune’s Fury provides a thrilling 600-foot descent at speeds reaching 30 miles per hour. Splash Adventure Island boasts wave pools and lazy rivers, and visitors can also learn to surf at Flowrider.

Meanwhile, Kid’s Kingdom caters to younger guests with playgrounds, miniature slides, and wading pools.

13. Learn About Local Firefighting History at the Upland Fire Department Museum

Upland possesses a rich history in firefighting, which is showcased at the Upland Fire Department Museum.

This museum resides in the building that served as the city’s first fire station, established in 1915. Inside, you will find a collection of firefighting equipment from various eras, photographs, and even the original fire truck used in the community as early as 1916.

14. Enjoy a Fun Family Day Out at Boomers

Boomers offers an array of enjoyable attractions suited for all ages. This indoor amusement facility in Upland features various exciting activities, with mini-golf being one of the primary attractions that includes multiple courses with diverse themes and obstacles, such as water features and windmills.

Additionally, visitors can enjoy a rock-climbing wall, bumper boats, go-karts, a Ferris wheel, and other exciting rides.

15. Hang Out in Downtown Upland

The historic downtown area of Upland is a vibrant locale featuring over 200 businesses, including breweries, restaurants, cafes, boutique shops, and galleries.

Explore the diverse options for gifts to take home, sample craft beers, savor exquisite cuisine, sip on your favorite caffeinated drink, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets while admiring the charming old buildings.