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Fontana was founded in 1913 by A. B. Miller, who brought water to the dry plain below the San Gabriel Mountains and laid out a farming community of citrus groves, vineyards, chickens and hogs. Route 66 ran through town along Foothill Boulevard, and roadside stands sold fresh oranges to travelers, a tradition remembered by the giant orange-shaped stand known as Bono's Historic Orange. In 1928 the federal government even opened a rabbit research station here, now marked as a state landmark.
Everything changed in 1942, when Henry J. Kaiser built a huge steel mill in Fontana to supply shipyards during World War II. The mill ran until the 1980s and drew thousands of workers, turning the farm town into a city. Today Fontana is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Inland Empire, with large warehouse and logistics centers along the freeways and a busy, family-oriented community.
Visitors can follow the Pacific Electric Trail, a long rail trail through the city, hike the Jurupa Hills for views across the valley to the snowy San Gabriels, stop at Bono's on Route 66, and enjoy the parks and events of downtown along Sierra Avenue.
A small orange-shaped juice stand from the 1930s on Foothill Boulevard, one of the last surviving roadside oranges that once dotted Route 66 in citrus country. It was restored next to the historic Bono's restaurant and market. It is a fun quick photo stop on a Route 66 drive.
The historic center of Fontana along Sierra Avenue, with the civic center, library, local eateries and the Center Stage Theater. The city has been renewing the area with plazas and events. It is a good base for a short walk; evening events are the liveliest time to visit.
A restored historic theater on Sierra Avenue in downtown Fontana, used for live shows, concerts, comedy and community productions. It brings evening life to the city center. Check the event calendar, and combine a show with dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.
Fontana's large modern main library on Sierra Avenue downtown, with a bright, airy design, study spaces, a children's area, technology labs and community programs. It is a comfortable indoor stop on a hot day and a showpiece of the renewed downtown. Check hours for events and classes.
A long-running community celebration held each year with a parade, carnival, live entertainment and the popular Fontana Days Run, a downhill half marathon and other races. It draws families from across the Inland Empire. Check the city's website for the current year's dates.
A large modern city park with an aquatic center, a big skate park, sports fields, a dog park, playgrounds and walking paths. It is popular with families and teenagers. The aquatic center charges admission and is open seasonally, while the rest of the park is free to visit.
A historic community park in downtown Fontana with an amphitheater used for concerts and summer movies, shady lawns, a playground and picnic tables. It hosts many city events through the year. It is a pleasant spot to rest during a downtown visit; parking is available nearby.
A park in the Jurupa Hills in south Fontana, with sports fields and picnic areas plus trails that climb into rocky hills with views over the Inland Empire. The hiking trails are steep in parts and have little shade, so carry water and wear sun protection, especially in summer.
A nature center at the base of the Jurupa Hills with a small museum of local wildlife, native plant gardens and short interpretive trails. It runs educational programs for children and families. Opening hours are limited, so check before going; the trails are short and easy.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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Photo: Johnwayne Stroud, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Jordan W., Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Amerique, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Sindre Helvik, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Ftr745, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0