Between LA And Big Bear Lake Is California's Underrated City With Shops, Mountain Trails, And Park Beauty

Rancho Cucamonga may sound familiar if you remember the classic Bugs Bunny cartoons. But whether you remember Bugs saying "Cucamonga" or not, you'll still have fun visiting this Southern California community that simply doesn't get the credit it deserves. It sits between more well-known destinations like Los Angeles (it's about 37 miles away from downtown LA) and Big Bear, a mountain community that is about 57 miles away and happens to be home to one of the world's most filmed lakes. The city enjoys the Southern California climate, which means sunshine and warm temperatures most of the year, and offers locals and visitors a pleasant place to spend the day. 

The city has a long history with agricultural roots and was once a major wine-making region. Although much of the farmland has transformed into a sprawling urban landscape, remnants of the city's wine industry still remain. One of the ways to learn about the city is by visiting the María Merced Williams and John Rains House, a historic structure from 1861 that now serves as a museum and a window into the city's past. It sits in a residential neighborhood of the city and is free to visit, but it isn't always open, so be sure to check ahead of time before stopping by.

Today, Rancho Cucamonga is a largely suburban area with a bit of everything from shopping and entertainment to plenty of outdoor spaces and ways to explore the local mountains. It is even home to a minor league baseball team, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, who play at the city's Quakes Stadium.  

Rancho Cucamonga sits at the base of Southern California's San Gabriel Mountains, and locals enjoy daily views of Mt. Baldy and Cucamonga Peak. In the winter, the mountains are often capped in snow, and the rest of the year the rocky peaks look rugged and wild. These mountains are known for their granite slot canyons that are as fun as they are challenging to explore. The northern reaches of the city stretch up into the foothills where trails like the North Etiwanda and Preserve Loop take you through the wilderness. For a super easy hike, you can follow the Pacific Electric Trail, a multi-use trail that locals use for both long walks and bike rides. It crosses Foothill Boulevard, which is part of the original Route 66, and passes through both urban and natural landscapes. For a much more challenging experience, hike up into the mountains to reach Potato Mountain Peak. From the summit, you'll get sweeping views of the city and the surrounding valley, and you might just find some potatoes at the top. As one Komoot user recommends, "Dedicated trail-goers will take a potato to the summit to leave as an offering to the potato gods." 

The city also has plenty of parks, so residents and visitors can enjoy some fresh air and California sunshine without having to head up into the mountains. A great choice is Central Park, which offers wide, open spaces, walking paths, and plenty of room for families and their dogs. Or you can head to Red Hill Park, which has a large water feature in the middle and hosts community events during the summer months.

Rancho Cucamonga is home to quite a few shopping centers, and many of them have a lot of open space so shoppers can enjoy some fresh air and get their steps in while they shop. One of the most popular shopping areas is an outdoor mall known as Victoria Gardens. We are lucky to have some pretty great outdoor malls in America, and this one checks all the boxes. It's got everything from big-name chain stores and small boutique shops to a public library and the Lewis Family Playhouse, a community theater that hosts a variety of productions and events. And of course, plenty of food options like P.F. Chang's, King's Fish House, the Cheesecake Factory, Gyu Kaku, and of course, a food hall with a variety of eats for whatever suits your mood. There is even a little train for children so they can get in a little fun during a day of shopping with their parents.

If you want to explore the city's wine history, you can visit one of the area wineries or tasting rooms. The Biane Winery is a fixture in the area, and visitors can enjoy tastings of local varietals. Another way to discover Rancho Cucamonga's historic roots is with the obligatory stop at the Cucamonga Service Station. You can't miss this beautifully restored spot — it's bright yellow — and it's a great place for photos. It sits directly on Route 66 (Foothill Boulevard), and while it is no longer a filling station, you can stop inside for the museum and the gift shop.