Fontana offers a range of themes: nature by the pond, historic buildings, and offerings in art and the performing arts. To plan your visit, you can first consider whether you would rather explore a natural setting, learn about architectural and local history, or take in cultural programs. The following places give each of these interests a distinct character.
Nature Trail and Multi-Use Path
At the foot of the Jurupa Hills, the Mary Vagle Nature Center is a natural retreat in an urban landscape. A nature trail there loops around a pond. The center offers a variety of environmental special programs for schools, scout groups, and educational groups. The pond trail and these programs represent different ways to experience nature: following a path through the landscape on the one hand, and educational activities for groups on the other.
The Pacific Electric Trail offers a different way to explore. In Fontana, it is a multi-use path for cyclists, runners, and pedestrians. The 18-mile trail follows the former Pacific Electric Railway from Claremont to Rialto. While the nature trail at the Mary Vagle Nature Center loops around a pond, the Pacific Electric Trail runs along a historic rail corridor and serves multiple types of users. If there are any changes to the trail infrastructure, check its length and endpoints again beforehand.
Buildings, History and Art
The Art Depot Gallery was originally built as a freight depot in 1915. Today, it is located on Helen Putman Historical Plaza beside the Pacific Electric Trail. Its Featured Artist Showcase program gives artists the opportunity to present their work. This place brings together the history of the former freight depot and a program showcasing art.
The Pepper Street House currently serves as a museum for the Fontana Historical Society and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. If you are planning a visit, confirm public access with the Fontana Historical Society beforehand. The Pagliuso Family Chapel tells a different story of construction: the Pagliuso family built it as a place of worship in 1925. In 2005, the chapel was moved from the family vineyards near the Jurupa Hills to its current location west of the Art Depot Gallery. Comparing the two historic places highlights different aspects: the Pepper Street House's current role as a museum and the chapel's construction and relocation history.
Cultural Offerings and Programs
The Center Stage Theater offers residents professional opportunities in the performing arts, including dinner theater, cabarets, and murder comedies. These examples complement art exhibitions and historic buildings with forms of stage entertainment. The Garner Holt Animaker Space at the Fontana Lewis Library and Technology Center offers public programs for children, teenagers, and adults. Participants can learn, among other things, how to operate 3D printers and program animatronics. Program dates and registration requirements may change; check them before planning your visit.
Choose Fontana as a Destination
If you are looking for a hotel in Fontana, you can start by choosing the destination based on your interests: the nature trail and multi-use path offer different experiences from the historic buildings, gallery, and performing arts. These varied themes can help you decide which side of Fontana you would like to focus on during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Barstow, Colton, Highland, Yucca Valley, Apple Valley, Twentynine Palms, Helendale, Fawnskin
For the broader travel overview: San Bernardino.
