Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Fontana, California

Fontana is located in San Bernardino County in sunny California. Founded in 1913, the town began to flourish significantly after World War II, driven by the establishment of a steel mill by founder Henry J. Kaiser. Today, Fontana serves as a regional hub characterized by historical structures, including vintage homes and theaters. Additionally, it features modern attractions such as the Auto Club Speedway, which occupies the site of the original Kaiser Steel Mill where the city’s growth commenced.

This region of the United States is celebrated for its stunning landscapes, with the majestic Jurupa Mountains providing a captivating backdrop. Even within Fontana, visitors can enjoy a wealth of parks, nature centers, and picturesque trails.

Let us examine the best activities to engage in Fontana:

1. Fiesta Park

Fiesta Park is regarded as one of the most cherished parks in the region. Despite its compact size, it offers an array of attractions to keep visitors engaged.

Families will find various playgrounds equipped with suitable features for children of all ages, enhancing the enjoyment for all.

Numerous benches positioned throughout the park provide the perfect opportunity for a leisurely stroll, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of California while enjoying a picnic.

2. Artist Showcase at City Hall

The Artist Showcase is an initiative organized by Fontana City Hall to promote local art and talent.

This program provides emerging artists with the opportunity to present their works in the City Council Chamber Foyer, which is part of the City Hall facility.

Artists selected to participate display their creations for a duration of three months, making it worthwhile to check who is exhibiting during your visit if you have an interest in the arts in this part of California.

3. Smoke Stack Trail

If you are seeking adventure in Fontana, consider a visit to Smoke Stack Trail, where dirt pathways lead into the surrounding mountains and desert areas.

This location is recognized for its tranquility, providing a perfect setting to immerse yourself in the natural splendor of the region, particularly during quieter weekdays.

Visitors can hike or bike along the trails, enjoying their preferred mode of exploration.

4. Center Stage Theater

Center Stage Theater is a prominent landmark in Fontana, dating back to 1937.

Designed in the Art Deco style, this building originally functioned as a movie theater before falling into disrepair.

After extensive restoration from 2004 to 2008, it reopened as both a cinema and a venue for live performances, including dinner theater.

It now hosts Tibbies Cabaret shows, allowing guests to select from an array of delectable menus while enjoying captivating performances, making this a distinctive experience in Fontana.

5. Mount Jurupa

Mount Jurupa provides a striking perspective over scenic Fontana and serves as an ideal destination for a brief outing.

The area features hiking trails that lead to the summit, offering breathtaking views and a unique vantage point of Fontana.

For those who appreciate the outdoors and seek an active experience, this presents a wonderful opportunity to engage with California’s natural beauty.

6. Steelworkers’ Auditorium

Steelworkers’ Auditorium serves as a hub for artistic endeavors in Fontana.

This venue hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, highlighting the innovative spirit of Fontana’s arts community.

Performances include theater, acting, and music programs, along with Performance Tuesdays featuring local talent. Other engaging activities, such as movie nights, talent showcases, dance classes, and musical recitals, are plentiful, so be sure to inquire about the schedule during your visit.

7. Fontana Park

Opened in 2008, Fontana Park is perhaps the most well-known and frequently visited park in the city.

This park accommodates the Jesse Turner Health and Fitness Community Center and features a skate park, dog park, and multiple playgrounds suitable for children of varying ages.

Additionally, visitors can explore sports pavilions and scenic trails that showcase the attractive landscape of Fontana Park.

8. Auto Club Speedway

Auto Club Speedway is the perfect destination for racing enthusiasts seeking an exhilarating experience.

This racetrack is renowned for hosting the Xfinity, IndyCar Series, and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Located on the historic site of the Kaiser Steel Mill, visitors can choose from a variety of packages enabling them to experience high-speed laps on the track. If you prefer not to drive, spectating at a race is equally thrilling.

9. Martin Tudor Hills Regional Park

Martin Tudor Hills Regional Park is an essential destination if you wish to partake in a wide range of activities.

For those seeking relaxation, the park offers picturesque grassy knolls and delightful picnic spots. Active visitors can engage in volleyball games or enjoy playgrounds designed for younger guests.

For a challenge, an incline trail is available for a vigorous hike, allowing you to enjoy the lush greenery while pursuing a fitness regime.

10. Sluggerville Batting Cages

For a quintessentially American pastime, consider visiting the Sluggerville Batting Cages.

This facility offers both baseball and softball cages for honing batting skills, and visitors can also engage in a variety of other recreational options.

Additional entertainment includes classic games like air hockey and foosball, as well as various arcade games for continued fun.

11. Jessie Turner Health and Fitness Community Center

Established in 2008, the Jessie Turner Health and Fitness Community Center is strategically situated within the beautiful Fontana Park.

This community center is accessible to the public and renowned for its comprehensive array of fitness options, featuring state-of-the-art gym facilities.

In addition, a variety of community programs and fitness classes are offered to help Fontana residents maintain an active lifestyle, along with special holiday events.

12. Fontana Park Aquatics Center

To escape the heat of Fontana, the Fontana Park Aquatic Center is an ideal destination, featuring a spacious swimming pool and splash area.

For families traveling with children, there is a designated children’s pool for safe swimming experiences, making the center one of the city’s beloved locales.

The facility includes water slides for added enjoyment, and the pools are heated during the winter months.

13. Art Depot

The Art Depot offers a fantastic venue for those interested in the artistic landscape of Fontana and provides insights into the city’s historical context.

As a community initiative aimed at promoting the arts, the Art Depot occupies a renovated former freight depot that was originally part of the Pacific Electric Railway, constructed in 1915, cementing its status as both a historical and cultural landmark.

Today, the Art Depot hosts art classes, studio sessions, and cultural events, making it worthwhile to participate in workshops or visit during your stay.

14. Coyote Canyon Park

If you have an interest in softball, Coyote Canyon Park is the place to be, featuring fields for both adults and children.

In addition to the sports facilities, children will find engaging playgrounds, while scenic paved walking trails offer opportunities to explore and appreciate the surrounding landscapes.

Picnic areas are available for those looking to enjoy outdoor meals, with grilling facilities that enhance the visit.

15. Mary Vagle Museum and Nature Center

A visit to the Amy Vagle Museum and Nature Center is essential for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoor environment in Fontana.

Located at the base of Mount Jurupa, the center’s mission is to educate visitors about the local ecosystem.

It features reptile viewing areas, interactive exhibits, and a variety of wildlife programs.

The surrounding trails highlight the diverse flora and fauna of the region, making it an excellent destination for those interested in geology, history, and paleontology.