Chino Hills Travel Guide

Discover the beauty of Chino Hills with our comprehensive travel guide. Find out the top places to visit, best things to do, where to stay, and local culture and customs. Plan your trip today!


Introduction to Chino Hills

Located in San Bernardino County, California, Chino Hills is a charming city in the heart of the Desert. Known for its scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions, Chino Hills has become a popular tourist destination in recent years. Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, immerse yourself in history and culture, or indulge in local cuisine, Chino Hills has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll walk you through the top places to visit, best things to do, where to stay, and local culture and customs of Chino Hills. Plan your trip today!

List of Places to Visit in Chino Hills

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Chino Hills has a rich history and culture, which is reflected in its museums and historical places. Here are some top attractions to visit:

  • Chino Hills State Park - This famous park covers over 14,000 acres and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including mountain lions, coyotes, and bobcats. It also boasts several hiking trails, equestrian trails, and picnic areas.
  • BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir - This beautiful Hindu temple is located in the hills of Chino and is a popular tourist destination. Designed entirely of Indian stone, it boasts intricate carvings and is a masterpiece of architecture.
  • Chino Hills Historical Society Museum - This museum offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture. It showcases artifacts from early settlers, Native Americans, and ranchers.

Natural Attractions of Chino Hills: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Chino Hills boasts a plethora of natural attractions, including parks, scenic drives, and outdoor adventures. Here are some of the top attractions to visit:

  • Peacock Hill Preserve - This 82-acre preserve offers scenic views and hiking trails. It’s a popular birdwatching destination and is home to several species of birds.
  • Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park - This park features more than 22 acres of freshwater wetlands, trails, and gardens. It’s an excellent spot for birdwatching, picnicking, and nature walks.
  • Bane Canyon Road - This scenic drive offers breathtaking views of the mountains and is a great spot for photography.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Chino Hills

Chino Hills has an abundant network of hiking and biking trails that cater to all skill levels. Here are some top routes to explore:

  • Bane Canyon Loop Trail - This 6.7-mile loop trail offers stunning views of the hills and canyons. It’s a moderate-level trail and takes around 3 hours to complete.
  • Rim Crest Trail - This 5.7-mile trail offers panoramic views of the Los Angeles basin and the San Gabriel Mountains. It’s a challenging trail and takes around 4 hours to complete.
  • Telegraph Canyon Trail - This 7.7-mile trail offers a mix of easy and moderate terrain and takes around 2 hours to complete.

Best Things to Do in Chino Hills: Activities and Tours

Chino Hills offers a wide variety of activities and tours, ranging from outdoor adventures to cultural tours. Here are some top things to do in Chino Hills:

  • Chino Hills State Park Discovery Center - This interactive center offers educational programs and exhibits on the history, geology, and wildlife of the park.
  • Fairplex - This multipurpose event venue hosts a variety of concerts, festivals, and expos throughout the year.
  • Chino Hills Farmers Market - This weekly farmers market features fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local crafts.

Week-Long Itinerary for Chino Hills

Day 1: Visit the Chino Hills State Park and Discovery Center Day 2: Explore the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and its stunning architecture Day 3: Visit the Chino Hills Historical Society Museum and learn about the city’s rich history Day 4: Hike the Rim Crest Trail and enjoy panoramic views of the Los Angeles basin Day 5: Visit the Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park for bird watching and nature walks Day 6: Explore the Peacock Hill Preserve and enjoy scenic views Day 7: Check out the Fairplex and its year-round events and exhibits

Food and Drink Scene of Chino Hills

Chino Hills is known for its diverse and delicious food scene. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Gourmet Pizza at Angelo’s and Vinci’s Ristorante - This popular Italian restaurant is famous for its gourmet pizzas, made with fresh ingredients and innovative toppings.
  • Vegan Tacos at Veggiehouse - This vegan restaurant offers a wide range of plant-based dishes, including delicious tacos made with fresh ingredients and homemade salsas.
  • Red Velvet Pancakes at Flappy Jack’s Pancake House - This family-owned restaurant is known for its delicious breakfast dishes, including fluffy red velvet pancakes and giant omelets.

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beer at Chino Valley Brewery - This local brewery offers a wide variety of craft beers, ranging from light and crisp to dark and malty.
  • Wine at Mystic Hills Vineyard - This award-winning winery produces high-quality wines made with locally grown grapes.

Where to Stay in Chino Hills: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Chino Hills offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some top hotels, hostels, and guesthouses to check out:

  • Ayres Hotel Chino Hills - This 4-star hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center.
  • Chino Hills Airbnb - This popular home-sharing platform offers a range of affordable and comfortable accommodations, from private rooms to entire apartments.
  • Sleep Inn & Suites Chino - Ontario Airport - This budget-friendly hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms, free breakfast, and an outdoor pool.

What to Buy in Chino Hills: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Chino Hills is famous for its local products and unique souvenirs. Here are some must-buy items:

  • Chino Hills T-Shirts - These stylish t-shirts feature the city’s name and are available at most souvenir shops.
  • Raw Honey at Old World Artisan, Inc. - This local honey producer offers high-quality raw honey made from local bees.
  • Handcrafted Jewelry at Accents in the Hills - This artisanal jewelry store features handcrafted necklaces, bracelets, and earrings made with semi-precious gemstones and metals.

Local Culture and Customs of Chino Hills

Chino Hills has a rich culture and unique customs that visitors should be aware of. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Respectful Behavior - Chino Hills residents are known for their friendly and welcoming attitude. Visitors are encouraged to reciprocate this behavior by being respectful and courteous.
  • Love for Outdoors - Chino Hills is a nature lover’s paradise, and its residents are passionate about preserving the environment. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the natural beauty of the city while also respecting the rules and regulations of the parks and trails.
  • Religious Diversity - Chino Hills has a diverse religious population, with several Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist temples. Visitors are encouraged to respect the customs and traditions of these religious communities and explore the cultural significance of these sites.

Best Time to Visit Chino Hills

The best time to visit Chino Hills is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and comfortable. The summer months can be hot and humid, while the winter months can be chilly and rainy. Visitors should also keep in mind that some attractions may be closed during the off-season, so it’s best to check ahead of time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Chino Hills

Do:

  • Do explore the great outdoors and enjoy the scenic beauty of the parks and trails.
  • Do visit the local museums and historical attractions to learn about the city’s rich history and culture.
  • Do try out the local cuisine and beverages and indulge in the diverse food scene.
  • Do respect the customs and traditions of the local communities and explore the cultural significance of the city.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage the natural environment and parks.
  • Don’t disrespect the customs and traditions of the local communities and religious sites.
  • Don’t forget to check the opening hours and rules and regulations of the parks and attractions before visiting.

Safety and Health

Safety in Chino Hills

Chino Hills is a safe city with low crime rates. However, visitors should always be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions.

Health in Chino Hills

Chino Hills has excellent healthcare facilities, including several hospitals and clinics. Visitors should ensure they have adequate health insurance coverage before traveling.

Getting to Chino Hills: Transportation Options and Logistics

Chino Hills is easily accessible by car, bus, and plane. Here are some options to consider:

Airports Near Chino Hills

  • Ontario International Airport - The closest airport to Chino Hills is Ontario International Airport, located approximately 12 miles away.
  • Los Angeles International Airport - Los Angeles International Airport is located approximately 45 miles away from Chino Hills.

Bus Stations Near Chino Hills

  • Greyhound Bus Station - This bus station is located in the nearby city of Pomona.

Other Options

  • Rental Car - Rental cars are available at both Ontario International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport.
  • Taxi/Uber/Lyft - Taxi and ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are available in Chino Hills.

How to Get Around in Chino Hills

Chino Hills is a small city, and most attractions are easily accessible by car or bike. However, the city also offers a transit system, which includes buses and shuttles. Visitors should check the bus schedules and routes ahead of time.

Where to Go Next from Chino Hills: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Chino Hills is located near several other popular tourist destinations, including:

  • Los Angeles - The city of Los Angeles is located approximately 30 miles away from Chino Hills and offers a wide variety of attractions, including Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica.
  • San Bernardino - The city of San Bernardino is located approximately 17 miles away from Chino Hills and offers several cultural and historical attractions, including the Route 66 Museum and the San Bernardino County Museum.
  • Palm Springs - The city of Palm Springs is located approximately 80 miles away from Chino Hills and is a popular tourist destination known for its hot springs, golf courses, and shopping.

Conclusion

Chino Hills is a charming city with a rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful scenery. Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, immerse yourself in history and culture, or indulge in local cuisine, Chino Hills has something for everyone. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can plan their trip and discover all the amazing things that Chino Hills has to offer. So pack your bags, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime in Chino Hills!