Between LA And Laguna Beach Is California's Laid-Back Getaway With Idyllic Nature Escapes And Local Eats

When you think of Southern California, beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, and ideal year-round weather are at the forefront in most minds. Much of that attention is often placed on the expansive LA metro region's coastal destinations, but there are plenty of attractive inland locales for visitors to explore. One prime example is Chino Hills, known as a relaxed getaway with peaceful natural escapes and neighborhood dining.

Chino Hills, with a population of around 77,000, is located in San Bernardino County, 36 miles east of Los Angeles and 40 miles north of Laguna Beach. Situated in the Chino Valley and surrounded by rolling hills, the land has a rich history in ranching, agriculture, and dairy production. It would eventually become an 18,000-acre planned community in 1979 and was officially incorporated as a city in 1991. Across its 45 square miles, there are 40 parks and more than 3,000 acres of protected open space for exploration and outdoor recreation. 

Dubbed "the hidden gem of SoCal" by California.com, the city sits in an optimal location where San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, and Los Angeles counties come together, just 16 miles away from Ontario International Airport. While close enough to major cities, its laid-back way of life and year-round Mediterranean climate offer shelter from the hustle and bustle. It's a worthy destination for its small-town feel, scenic parks, open-air plazas, and surrounding protected and peaceful natural landscapes.

Chino Hills, considered one of the best affordable California suburbs, has plenty of eateries for visitors. The Shoppes at Chino Hills features over 65 stores and restaurants and is home to the Chino Hills Heritage Farmers Market, which takes place year-round on Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Here you can experience local food vendors for tasty eats, crafts, fresh produce, and live music during warmer months. You'll also find Gusto Italian Bistro, named the best Italian restaurant in the Readers' Choice Awards of the Chino Valley Champion. The family-owned spot serves dishes inspired by the recipes of the owner's Italian mother, with high rankings on Google (4.7), Yelp (4.5), and Tripadvisor (5.0). Locals rave about the lasagna with garlic bread, Chicken Milanese, and house-made desserts including Grandma Cake and tiramisu. One Google reviewer calls it "A little piece of Italy in Southern California ... An absolute must-visit if you love authentic Italian food." 

The Readers' Choice Awards also recognized Violet Rooster as the best breakfast restaurant, and it's the top-rated restaurant in town on Tripadvisor (4.9). The breakfast and lunch haven is praised for its creative menu items, including its strawberry cream cheese stuffed French toast, pancake varietals, and eggs Benedict options. In addition, reviews note that its colorful atmosphere and excellent service are factors in residents returning and travelers stopping through

Locals also recommend two top microbrewery locations to sample craft beer in the area. Luchador Brewing Company features up to 20 rotating selections of house-made beers and seltzers, which can be paired with Mexican street delights from an on-site food truck, El Camión. Chino Hills Brewing Company offers an extensive menu of appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, and pizza, along with its exclusive IPA, golden ales, and other local beers on draft. 

The pastoral feel of Chino Hills can be experienced in its community-owned open spaces, with 28 trails across 16 trailheads for a grand total of 48 miles of paths. The city's website offers information on each, an interactive map of the entire system, and details on how to download a free app that provides extensive trail knowledge for skill level and distances. The 33-acre Chino Hills Community Park houses the Community Park trailhead, the starting point for four loop trails, ranging from 0.34 miles to 3.30 miles.

A must-visit nature escape, the 14,000-acre Chino Hills State Park is one of the best places to see California's iconic wildflowers and lies on the southern edge of town. There are 90 miles of multi-use trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians to explore with a small day-use fee per vehicle. The 2.5-mile-long Bane Canyon Short Loop Trail rates highly on AllTrails for scenic vistas and maintenance, with some users cautioning about steep inclines and lack of shade.

Two other unique attractions are worth a look while visiting. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple complex rests on 20 acres and is open and free to the public. Be sure to visit the official website for guidelines on the proper dress code and other policies before you go. Another sight to see is part of a planned restaurant in the Commons at Chino Hills shopping complex. This unique temple replica makes California feel like Ancient Egypt with its local version of the Abu Simbel Temple. Known as the "Egyptian Building" to residents, many visitors like to stop for a photo opportunity at this roadside attraction while in town.