In the midst of all the Miami/Vegas/Orlando/New York frenzy, most major outlets have criminally overlooked some of America’s most gorgeous yet still quiet and understated gems.
Travelers are still searching for that perfect summer holiday away from the rowdy crowds, though, which is why a once-underrated California city has recently emerged as one of the trendiest hotspots of the season, with visitor numbers soaring by over 10.3% from the same time last year.
I’m talking about none other than Ontario, a city that’s expecting close to 118,000 travelers in a 5-day span this July.
So, for those of you who’ve yet to see the allure of this underrated hub, what’s so alluring about it and why should you, too plan a trip here before the end of summer?
There’s Just So Much To See In Ontario, California
Most people who won’t dare go somewhere besides the usual megacities are afraid they’ll be missing out on all the gorgeous sites and cultural attractions, but that’s certainly not the case with Ontario.
Start your day here with a tour of Graber Olive House, an 1894 establishment where you can see how olives are harvested, cured, and packed using centuries-old methods, and of course, try some varieties yourself.
You can always travel back to the modern day with a massive shopping (or, if you’re on a budget, window-shopping) spree in Ontario Mills, home to 200 stores, endless dining options, and entertainment venues, just to name a few.
Once you’ve had a good lunch, head over to the Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park – here, you’ll get to fish, pedal boat, swim, and even make use of the stunning picnic areas and water slides.
End the day with a visit to the Ontario Museum of History & Art.
The exhibits here will tell you everything you need to know about the fascinating past of not only the city but the entire surrounding region.
A New Way Of Experiencing That Californian Allure
Those who’ve been traveling for a while have come to think of Californian hubs as chaotic, expensive affairs that only work for certain types of trips.
And while Ontario does share a lot of qualities with its warm-weathered neighbors, it also promises a new, fresh perspective of the state’s enduring allure.
For starters, while the city is by no means cheap, it’s roughly 12% cheaper than most of its Californian counterparts, not to mention its charming downtown, local wineries, and incredible outdoor scene provides a sense of peacefulness and serenity that’s hard to come across in a 100,000-mile radius.
Still, You’ll Get That Perfect Summer Weather
One great quality Ontario does share with other Californian cities, though, is its dreamy summer weather.
With over 280 days of sunshine a year and temperatures that typically range from the mid-70s to the mid-90s, here, you’ll get those warm sunny days and cool yet comfortable nights you’ve probably been dreaming of all year long.
I also want to note that, unlike most places that share this type of climate, Ontario isn’t overly humid, either, so all the stuffiness and stickiness you think about when imagining a Californian retreat goes out the window.
Amazing Location
A big chunk of Ontario’s surging popularity this month can be attributed to the fact that it serves as the ultimate gateway to some of the country’s most coveted destinations.
Think about it, you’ll still get to experience places like Los Angeles, Anaheim, or Long Beach while still getting to stay somewhere new and interesting that’s also easier on the wallet – it’s a win-win.
Lots To Look Forward To This Summer
I wouldn’t be too sure that you’d want to leave Ontario for too long, though, since this is much more than just a sightseeing destination.
There’s lots of fun stuff planned for this summer that you won’t want to miss out on, but if your schedule is flexible enough, I’d recommend prioritizing the artist tributes held in Ontario Town Square every Wednesday from 7 PM to 10 PM as well as the Summer Glow in the Park Festival set to take place August 23rd.
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