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Fontana Travel Guide, California

Located in southern California in the United States, Fontana is a city close to the beaches, mountains, desert and lake areas and thus offers the traveler a variety of experiences. Even though it may be more well-known as the busiest trucker town in the West, as it is home to major truck companies like Swift, Schneider, KLLM and the Union Pacific Railroad, it has its own attractions for the visitors. Placed as it is strategically inside the San Bernadino County line, it is only a short trip away to 12 of the San Bernadino County’s regional parks.

The city of Fontana has several tourist spots worth a mention.

Cultural Spots

For the culture-vultures, there is an “Art Depot” which is among Fontana’s unusual community centers. It boasts of a dedicated Cultural Arts program. This center was originally the Pacific Electric Railway’s freight depot and is now sitting pretty in the beautiful “Pacific Electric Trail” which is situated in “Helen Putnam Historical Plaza”. Various special events related to art, studio activities and art classes are offered within the precincts of the Art Depot for locals and tourists alike.

The “Artist Showcase Program” held every quarter was developed by the residents of Fontana to encourage local artists and to introduce their work to the world. Tourists interested in viewing art by locals can drop by the “City Council Chamber Foyer” situated at the City Hall as each artist is allowed to put up his/her exhibition for a period of three months. The City Hall itself is a fine mission revival style edifice.

Visitors can now enjoy live dinner theatre at the newly renovated “Centre Stage Theater” which was built in 1937 in the Art Deco style by renowned architect C.H. Boller and was used earlier for various activities like movies etc. It is situated a block south along Sierra and is now open to the public.

Historical Places

For history buffs, keen on knowing the city’s history and origins, the Fontana Historical Society operates a museum at Pepper Avenue at an old farmhouse. Tourists can also get a glimpse of farm life of Fontana while there.

Visitors wishing to interact with the senior citizens of the city will do well if they head straight for the Josephine Knopf Senior Center which is the main hub for the seniors of Fontana. An interesting tidbit regarding this center is that its founder Josephine Knopf was also called the ‘Queen of the senior citizens’.

Nature in Fontana

And for tourists who wish to take a break from the cultural scene of Fontana, the beautiful surroundings of Fontana with its parks and walking tours will be like a breath of fresh air. Take in the scenic beauty at the Mary Vagle Museum and Nature Center which is situated in the Jurupa Hills and is a well-known nature spot.

The clubs of Fontana also keep promoting various activities for visitors like guided trips to the fields and parks. Fontana Park in Lytle Creek Road, at Summit Avenue, in the northern part of the city is among the biggest municipal park complete with a Skate park, an Aquatic center, Community center and many child-specific play areas.

Climate

Fontana is blessed with a Mediterranean type of climate which means rainy and cool winters and dry summers. The coastal areas near Fontana may sometimes have foggy conditions.

There is no dearth of hotels to choose from in Fontana and the city is well served by public transport. Fontana can make an offbeat holiday destination especially for tourists interested in the outdoors.

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