Fontana, California Travel Guide
City City in California with diverse population
Out in the Inland Empire, Fontana pulls gearheads to the Auto Club Speedway, weekend shoppers to big-box strips, hikers to nearby foothills, and families for taquerias and backyard-barbecue joints.
Why Visit Fontana, California? #
Known for motor-sport heritage and accessible Southern California living, the city appeals to fans of fast cars and Route 66 Americana. The Auto Club Speedway anchors a strong racing culture, while local festivals and a growing dining scene showcase lively community life and Mexican-influenced comfort food. Affordable parks and proximity to nearby mountain trails make it an easy base for both events and outdoor escapes.
Who's Fontana, California For?
Fontana suits families with large community parks, regular family events and suburban conveniences. Fontana Park and the Fontana Days festivals are local draws, and safe residential neighborhoods make it easy for kids to play and families to relax.
Strategically located at I-10/I-15 junction, Fontana is a logistics and warehousing hub with easy freight access and industrial parks. It works well for distribution businesses and contractors serving the Inland Empire and greater Los Angeles market.
Fontana is a convenient base for outdoor day trips: nearby San Bernardino foothills, trailheads for local hikes and motorsport events at Auto Club Speedway. Outdoor enthusiasts can pair local recreation with short mountain drives.
Couples find low-key options here: dining in downtown Fontana, attending races or concerts at Auto Club Speedway and picnics in neighborhood parks. It’s more practical and relaxed than a romantic getaway, but has pleasant local spots.
Top Things to Do in Fontana, California
All Attractions ›
- Auto Club Speedway - International motorsports track that hosts NASCAR and major racing events and large concerts.
- Lewis Library and Technology Center - Modern civic library with architecture, community programs, and extensive multimedia resources.
- Fontana Park - Central park with amphitheater, playgrounds, and sports fields hosting seasonal city events.
- Fontana Days (annual festival) - Long-running community festival with rides, food vendors, live music, and family activities.
- Fontana Skate Park - Popular local concrete skate park where families and skateboarders gather most weekends.
- Sierra Lakes Golf Club - Well-maintained 18-hole golf course set alongside residential neighborhoods, open to public tee times.
- Don Day Park Community Gardens - Small community garden and peaceful green space frequented by neighborhood gardeners and walkers.
- Fontana Farmers Market - Weekend market selling fresh produce, local goods, and prepared foods from neighborhood vendors.
- Joshua Tree National Park - Desert park with iconic rock formations, stargazing, climbing routes, and unique flora.
- Big Bear Lake - Mountain resort town offering skiing, lakeside recreation, and year-round outdoor activities.
- Palm Springs - Desert resort city known for mid-century architecture, hot springs, and hiking nearby.
- Disneyland Resort (Anaheim) - Theme-park complex featuring Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, classic attractions and parades.
- Mount Baldy (Mount San Antonio) - Popular hiking destination with steep trails, alpine views, and winter snow in season.
Plan Your Visit to Fontana, California #
Best Time to Visit Fontana, California #
The best times to visit Fontana are spring and fall when inland heat eases and skies stay clear, ideal for hiking and outdoor events. Winters are mild with most rain in November-March; summers are very hot and dry, frequently exceeding 38°C (100°F).
Best Time to Visit Fontana, California #
Fontana, California's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 5°C to 35°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with 73 mm of rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 11°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 35°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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How to Get to Fontana, California
Fontana is easiest reached via nearby Ontario International Airport (ONT) or by Metrolink commuter trains to Fontana Station from Los Angeles Union Station. LAX is another option for international flights but is considerably farther by road.
Ontario International (ONT): Ontario International is the closest major airport to Fontana (about 10-15 miles / 15-25 minutes by car). Typical options to downtown Fontana are rideshare or taxi (roughly $20-45, 15-25 minutes depending on traffic) and rental cars (daily rates vary widely). The airport is also served by local shuttle and bus links into the Inland Empire transit network for cheaper but slower connections.
Los Angeles International (LAX): LAX is larger with many more international flights but is farther away (35-50 miles / 45-75 minutes by car depending on traffic). From LAX the most common choices are rideshare or taxi (roughly $60-120, 60-90 minutes), rental car, or a combination of the FlyAway bus to Union Station followed by Metrolink trains east to Fontana for a cheaper, longer trip.
Train: Metrolink’s San Bernardino Line serves Fontana directly at the Fontana Station; trains run between Los Angeles Union Station and stations east toward San Bernardino. Typical one-way fares from Union Station to Fontana are in the range of $6-10 (zone-based), and the trip takes about 50-70 minutes depending on schedule. Metrolink is a convenient option if you want to avoid freeway traffic and park-and-ride at suburban stations.
Bus: Omnitrans is the primary local bus operator in Fontana and the surrounding San Bernardino County; local routes connect neighborhoods, shopping centers, and Metrolink stations. Single-ride fares are typically modest (around $1.50-$2.00) and travel times depend on route and transfers - allow extra time for buses compared with driving. Regional buses and shuttles can connect to Ontario Airport and adjacent cities for lower-cost travel if you don’t need the speed of a car.
How to Get Around Fontana, California
Fontana is best navigated by car or a combination of Metrolink and local buses for inbound/outbound trips. For most visitors, a rental car or rideshare offers the most convenience; Metrolink is the best choice if you're coming from Los Angeles and want to avoid freeway traffic.
- Driving / Rental car ($30-80/day (rental)) - Driving is the most flexible way to get around Fontana and the Inland Empire - expect freeway driving (I-10, I-15 nearby) and plentiful surface streets. Rental cars are widely available at Ontario Airport and in the region; daily rates vary seasonally. Parking is usually available and cheap at shopping centers and most destinations, making a car the best option for day trips and exploring suburbs.
- Metrolink (San Bernardino Line) ($6-10 one-way) - Metrolink connects Fontana Station with Los Angeles Union Station and eastward to San Bernardino, offering a traffic-free option for commuting into LA or for regional travel. Trains are schedule-dependent (more limited on weekends) so check timetables in advance; stations have park-and-ride lots. Fares are zone-based and can be cost-effective compared with driving during heavy traffic.
- Omnitrans (local bus) ($1.50-2.00) - Omnitrans runs local and regional routes through Fontana, linking neighborhoods, shopping, and Metrolink stations - it's the main public-bus operator in the area. Buses are inexpensive but can be slow because of frequent stops and transfers; service frequency varies by route and time of day. Use Omnitrans for short hops or as a low-cost way to reach nearby cities if you have time.
- Rideshare & Taxis (Uber / Lyft / local cabs) ($10-60 per trip) - Uber and Lyft are widely available in Fontana and often the most convenient door-to-door option if you don't have a car - fares vary with demand but are usually reasonable for local trips. Taxis can be booked locally but are generally pricier than rideshares for longer rides to airports. Rideshares are also handy for first/last-mile connections to Metrolink or Omnitrans.
- Cycling ($0-5 (short rentals/passes)) - Fontana is suburban and spread-out, so cycling works best for short local trips or recreation rather than long commutes across the city. There are some bike lanes and multi-use paths, but infrastructure is uneven - exercise caution on major arterials and consider using quieter residential streets. Bring a lock and be mindful of summer heat when planning rides.
- Walking - Walking is practical for short distances around downtown Fontana, parks, and shopping centers, but the city is generally car-oriented so many destinations are too far to reach on foot. Sidewalk quality varies; use pedestrian crossings at busy intersections and avoid long walks in hot weather. For sightseeing on foot, stick to concentrated areas such as local parks or downtown blocks.
Where to Stay in Fontana, California #
Where to Eat in Fontana, California #
Fontana eats like a working Inland Empire city - straightforward, unfussy and driven by community kitchens. You’ll find reliable taquerias, Filipino and Vietnamese family restaurants, and American diners that serve big portions. Food here is practical and affordable, made for people on the move rather than food tourists.
For street-level character, check out taco trucks and small local bakeries along major corridors like Sierra and Baseline. If you want more variety, the nearby Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga dining scenes are just a short drive away.
- Gio's Italian Kitchen (Fontana) - Local family-run Italian-American plates.
- Philippe's style sandwich shops - Deli sandwiches popular with locals.
- Local taco trucks on Sierra Avenue - Authentic street tacos, late-night favorite.
- Vietnamese and Filipino eateries off Baseline - Pho, pancit and adobo options.
- Taquerias and Mexican bakeries - Regional Mexican flavors across the city.
- Casual American diners and burger joints - Classic diners serving breakfast all day.
- Health food cafés in Fontana Mall area - Bowls, smoothies and vegetable-forward plates.
- Vegetarian-friendly Mexican taquerias - Grilled veggie tacos and nopales options.
- Salad chains and juice bars - Quick plant-based bowls and cold-pressed juices.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Fontana, California's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Fontana, California #
Fontana’s nighttime scene is practical and community-oriented, with dining strips, event nights at the Auto Club Speedway and pockets of bars and family restaurants. It’s not a regional nightlife hub - for a bigger night out, nearby Rancho Cucamonga or Ontario offer more clubs and late-night venues. Practical tips: many eateries close around 22:00-23:00, driving is the norm, and events at the Auto Club Speedway bring big crowds and late hours.
Best Bets
- Auto Club Speedway - Major concert and racing events that draw late-night crowds.
- Fontana Downtown / Civic Center - Local restaurants, occasional live events and weekend gatherings.
- Sierra Avenue dining strip - Chain restaurants and casual bars popular with families and locals.
- Fontana Fox Theatre area - Historic venue area with occasional shows and evening crowds.
- Local shopping plazas - Strip-mall bars and late-night dining options near major intersections.
- Nearby: Ontario Mills & entertainment - Short drive for late-night bars, restaurants and cinemas.
