Between LA And Riverside Is A Family-Friendly City With Scenic Trails, Parks, And Tasty Eats

Southern California has a myriad of destinations for travelers to visit, from coastal paradises to inland mountains and desert landscapes. The greater Los Angeles region is often atop travel wish lists for its abundance of suburban cities and scenic terrain to explore. One of the smaller inland cities visitors should consider is the family-centric Diamond Bar, home to picturesque hiking, public green space, and a variety of delicious eateries.

You'll find Diamond Bar, with a population of 51,204 residents (per World Population Review) approximately 28 miles east of downtown Los Angeles and 28 miles west of Riverside in Los Angeles County. Originally part of the 1840 Rancho Los Nogales land grant, it later became the Diamond Bar Ranch in 1918 before developing into the largest master planned community in Southern California in 1956 and incorporating in 1989.

Situated in Los Angeles County, Diamond Bar is near the three Southern California counties of San Bernardino, Orange, and Riverside, and it's about 15 miles away from Ontario International Airport, so it's easy for visitors and locals to hit up other attractions. It appeals to families because of its low crime rates, a high-ranking school system, community-focused events and activities, and well-maintained parks with outdoor recreational opportunities. The city's Parks and Recreation Department manages nine parks across 160 acres of space, which include beautiful trails ready for exploration. The city also provides a variety of dining options for families and visitors to enjoy.

The 54-acre Sycamore Canyon Park is the town's largest, and it includes a baseball diamond, picnic facilities, and the 1.2-mile-long round trip Sycamore Canyon Park Trail. According to AllTrails users, the shady route offers beautiful city vistas at the top, with hikers noting some steep and muddy sections and the need for bug spray. Pantera Park is 23 acres featuring multiple sports courts and fields, as well as a dog park with separate play areas for small dogs and large dogs. You'll also find the 1.4-mile-long moderate rated loop Pantera Park Trail with an ADA accessible section, and a section with wooden steps.

The 16.5 acre Carlton Peterson Park features the 10,000-square foot Diamond Bar skate park along with sports facilities, picnic spots, and the short Peterson Park Trail, also known as the Diamond Bar Sunset Vista Trail. Summitridge Park is approximately 19 acres and includes the 22,500-square foot Diamond Bar Community Center, along with multiple connecting scenic pathways. One is the 1.6-mile-long Diamond Bar Loop, a rocky route according to AllTrails, with a mention to watch out for rattlesnakes and other wildlife. Steep Canyon Trail is also a 1.6-mile scenic loop with a stair climb and 426-foot elevation gain with rewarding views. There is a downloadable Trails Map on the city website.

The Healthy Diamond Bar program encourages families and individuals to participate together in free monthly activities promoting health and wellness. The events include organized group hikes and holiday gatherings, and they take place within parks and trails. For more outdoor exploration, venture 10 miles away to one of the best places to see iconic spring wildflowers, Chino Hills State Park.

With nearly a 63% Asian population and its location within the San Gabriel Valley, a charming region known for Southern California's best Asian food, it's no surprise many of Diamond Bar's top eateries are of the Asian variety. Check out Basil and Co, a family-owned Thai restaurant highly rated on both Yelp and Google that was awarded Thai SELECT certification by the Thai Trade Center of Los Angeles for its authentic flavors, ingredients, and cooking methods. Reviewers frequently recommended the Pineapple Fried Rice, Papaya salad, and Drunken Noodles, and many suggested making a reservation. One Yelper raves, "Great vibes, great service, great food. I love that there's this local spot in Diamond Bar serving beautiful and tasty modern Thai food."

For Chinese, Little Skewer is a popular local option with a 4.6 rating on Google described as "Authentic Chinese skewer barbecue in an old Chinese tavern" by one reviewer. Multiple guests referred to it as a "hidden gem" of Diamond Bar, with a Google Maps user elaborating, "Whether you're a local or just passing through, Little Skewer is a must-visit for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Highly recommended!" 

With a strong Korean American community, a standout is Ma's Banchan, a grab-and-go joint without formal seating known for small plates such as kimbap and japchae. Praised by reviewers for authentic taste, freshness, and variety of selections, one frequent customer and Yelper says, "If you like real Korean flavors and comfort-food vibes, Ma's Banchan is absolutely worth a visit!" For more outdoor fun and dining options, you'll only have to head about eight miles away to Diamond's Bar neighbor, Chino Hills, a laid-back getaway with idyllic nature escapes and local eats.