Looking to escape for the day? The underrated small town of Rancho Cucamonga, which lies south of the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest, is just waiting to be explored. Ideal for a mini SoCal desert road trip, this growing metropolis offers plenty of fun activities for curious visitors. Want to have an itinerary full of fun in San Bernardino County? Check out the coolest things to do in Rancho Cucamonga whenever you hit the road.

Fun things to do in Rancho Cucamonga

1. Watch a game at the Rancho Cucamonga Epicenter Stadium

Also known as LoanMart Field, this 52-acre sports complex is where many exciting games take place. While the stadium is primarily used for baseball matches, it also features two standard size soccer fields, three adult softball fields, and a Little League field. Visit from April to October and watch the Quakes break records as a quintessential Rancho Cucamonga thing to do.

2. Check out the Cucamonga Service Station

Built in 1915, the Cucamonga Service Station is a beautifully restored service station turned-museum that you can’t miss. This Rancho Cucamonga attraction educates visitors on the history of Route 66 and the local area, and is overall a cool little spot to check out on your trip.

3. Smell the Flowers at California Botanic Garden

The Golden State is home to some of the most beautiful gardens in the nation, and the California Botanic Garden is one of them. A mere 15-minute drive from the city, strolling around the gardens is a wonderful thing to do near Rancho Cucamonga for an idyllic afternoon. Smell the flowers, observe the rotating exhibitions, and have a fun time learning about California native plants.   

4. Go Climbing with SoCal Adventure Company

The SoCal Adventure Company in Rancho Cucamonga is your gateway to a day full of exhilarating outdoor adventures. Offering a wide array of trips and excursions to the area’s most beautiful places, this fun thing to do in Rancho Cucamonga is the key to a much-needed dose of adrenaline. If you're looking to go rock climbing, canyoneering, mountaineering, or technical caving on your bucket list for a while, get ready to cross them all off.

5. Visit the Historic John Rains House

The 1860s John Rains House is on the National Register for Historic Places in California. Boasting an interesting past, this place to go in Rancho Cucamonga was once known for hosting elaborate parties for the elite. Today, it stands as a museum you can visit for only five dollars. 

6. Enjoy a Feast at the Historic Sycamore Inn Steakhouse

The historic Sycamore Inn has been serving delicious meals to its customers for over 170 years. Established in 1848, the steakhouse exudes an elegant ambiance in an old-school, lodge-like setting. Enjoy appetizing meals here and you’ll be ready to check out the other top things to do in Rancho Cucamonga.

Free things to do in Rancho Cucamonga

7. Stroll Through Victoria Gardens

This open-air lifestyle center is one of the area’s most popular destinations. Whether you want to shop, dine, or check out galleries, Victoria Gardens is the place to go in Rancho Cucamonga. Besides a shopping center, the location is home to the Rancho Cucamonga Public Library, a performing arts center, and a multi-use reception hall.

8. Bike the Pacific Electric Trail

The perfect way to get active on your Rancho Cucamonga trip is biking the Pacific Electric Trail. Joggers commonly use this scenic trail for their morning runs. Choose your method of transportation and have fun exploring this exciting thing to do in Rancho Cucamonga. If you’re lucky, you might even see wild rabbits, squirrels, and birds along your trip.

9. Visit the Local Farmers Market

The Farmers Market in the Terra Vista Town Center welcomes tourists and residents every Saturday. Strolling through the market, you’ll find fresh fruits and veggies, jam, flowers, and herbs along with arts and crafts. Grab a fresh jar of organic local honey as the perfect souvenir to take home while exploring this Rancho Cucamonga thing to do.

10. Admire the Views from Cucamonga Canyon

Looking for great nature views but not in the mood for a strenuous hike? Cucamonga Canyon is the spot for you. Stop by this Rancho Cucamonga attraction along your drive and take in the views of the vast landscape. Don’t forget to take your camera along—you’ll want to capture the vistas.

11. Enjoy a Picnic at Red Hill Park

Rancho Cucamonga is home to a stunning network of parks, and Red Hill doesn’t disappoint. The park contains an outdoor stage, duck pond, playground, fantastic bike paths, and hiking trails, as well as areas for baseball, soccer, and horseshoes. In other words, anything you might look for in a park is found here.

12. Hike the Famous Bridge to Nowhere

The Bridge to Nowhere in the San Gabriel Mountains is among the most popular hikes in California’s mountain ranges. The out-and-back trail in the Angeles National Forest is a must-do hike for anyone who hasn’t been yet. While you’re in town, check out this thing to do near Rancho Cucamonga for a one-of-a-kind experience in a beautiful mountainous setting.

The best things to do in Rancho Cucamonga with kids

13. Watch a Play at the Lewis Family Playhouse

A vibrant and contemporary theater, the Lewis Family Playhouse presents plays, musicals, dances, and live music performances (during normal circumstances). Guests of all ages enjoy attending the intimate, state-of-the-art performing arts center in Victoria Park. Visit when the theater reopens and you’ll be convinced that this is one of the best things to do in Rancho Cucamonga.

14. Solve Mysteries at Breaking Point Escape Rooms

Test your detective skills and attempt to solve intriguing mysteries with your family at Breaking Point Escape Rooms. Choose your genre and spend a thrilling hour looking for keys, clues, and more curious objects before your run out of time. You’ll bond with your family as you power through this fun thing to do in Rancho Cucamonga.

15. Meet the Animals at Amy’s Farm

Do your kids like animals? Help them get up close and personal with friendly farm animals on a visit to Amy’s Farm. During the guided tour, you’ll go on a garden walk, smell fresh herbs, feed the pigs, visit the petting zoo, and even milk a cow. Both educational and fun, visiting this organic farm will fill your kids with glee.

16. Sample the Treats at Haven City Market

A fairly new addition to Rancho Cucamonga’s culinary roster, the Haven City Market is a must-do for tasty treats. The food hall contains 20-plus vendors and has plenty of space to chill after grabbing food and drinks. The market also offers several arcade games for its visitors. Eat, drink, and play to see why this is one of the best things to do in Rancho Cucamonga.

17. Explore North Etiwanda Preserve

If you’re looking to connect with nature on your Rancho Cucamonga trip, this is the place to be. Established in 1998 to provide refuge for rare and endangered species, the North Etiwanda Preserve is one of the most beautiful places in the area. Hike the trail to see the magical Etiwanda Falls cascading amidst lush greenery. Any active family would enjoy exploring this fun thing to do in Rancho Cucamonga.