15 Best Things to Do in Colton (CA)

Colton is a city with a population of around 54,000 situated in the Inland Empire area of San Bernardino County, California. The city, considered a suburb of San Bernardino, is also known as Hub City.

In Colton, the weather is nice year-round and there are many parks, recreational facilities, restaurants, and shopping areas, such as Grand Terrace Shopping Center, and Plaza Las Glorias.

Several festivals and events take place in the city throughout the year, including the Inland Empire Greek Fest on the Hill.

Below are 15 of the best things to do in and around Colton, California.

1. Learn About the City’s History at the Colton Area Museum

The Colton Area Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the city’s history through a variety of exhibits and interactive events that take place throughout the year.

Some of the exhibits you’ll be able to explore include the Earp Family History, Memorabilia of Pioneer Colton Families, Hometown Heroes, early industries, and Women’s Clothes of the 19th and 20th centuries. There are also tributes to the fire and police departments.

2. Spend an Afternoon in Prado Park

Prado Park may be smaller than most city parks but its facilities and open spaces allow for a perfect mid-day escape.

On-site amenities include a playground, picnic areas with barbecue facilities, and water fountains. Washroom facilities are also available.

3. Book a Tee Time at Colton Golf Club

Golfers of all levels appreciate the layout of Colton Golf Club. The course is laid-back for beginners but challenging enough for more seasoned players.

This well-maintained 18-hole, par-57 course is surrounded by beautiful scenery and also features a practice facility with a driving range, putting green, and chipping green.

4. Enjoy Dinner and a Show at Tibbies Center Stage Theater

When it comes to a night on the town in the Colton area, you only have to drive 15 minutes to neighbouring Fontana where you’ll find the region’s top dinner theatre.

At Tibbies Center Stage Theater, you can enjoy gourmet food and superb live entertainment. Your night starts with dinner, which includes an appetizer, main course and dessert. Wine and cocktails are also served.

This beautiful theatre has some of the most modern audio, video, and lighting technology available.

On stage, you’ll enjoy top-quality entertainment by local and touring artists. The theatre is home-base for the Tibbies Great American Cabaret and many professional Broadway-type shows have been hosted at the theatre.

5. Dine on French and Creole Cuisine at Le Rendez-Vous Cafe

At Le Rendez-Vous Cafe, you’ll enjoy a filling, delicious, top-quality meal in a cute and modern cafe environment. This eatery specializes in French and Creole cuisine and every dish tastes as good as it looks.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served each day and you’ll find a wide variety of menu options.

Appetizers, omelettes, pasta dishes, salads, and main courses, such as beef stroganoff, meatloaf Bordelaise, and French dip sandwiches are just some of the items available. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and paleo dishes are available as well.

6. Get the Ultimate NASCAR Experience at Richard Petty Driving Experience

Have you ever dreamed of getting behind the wheel of a real NASCAR race car? Well, believe it or not, this is a dream that can come true with a visit to the Richard Petty Driving Experience in nearby Fontana.

During this incredible experience, you’ll drive an authentic NASCAR race car. These cars have been driven by NASCAR greats, and you never know, you may end up driving one that was driven by one of your racing heroes.

7. Catch Some Thrills at Fiesta Village Family Fun Park

The top amusement park in the region, Fiesta Village Family Fun Park has fun and exciting attractions for the whole family.

On hot days, the water park, which is home to a variety of water slides, provides much-needed relief from the heat. The park also features carnival rides, including The Scrambler and the Dragon Roller Coaster.

Also on-site are an arcade, batting cages, roller skating facilities, mini-golf, go-karts, laser tag facilities, and a bounce house.

8. Visit the Mary Vagle Nature Center

Situated in nearby Fontana, The Mary Vagle Nature Center features both indoor and outdoor nature experiences.

Outside the centre, you’ll enjoy a lovely green space at the bottom of the scenic Jurupa Hills. On-site are a series of nature trails and, as you explore this area, you’ll see ponds, water fountains, and pretty flower gardens showcasing local plant life.

Inside the nature centre, there are several exhibits about the region’s geology and other natural features.

9. Sample Local Craft Beer at 3 Iron Brewing Company

At 3 Iron Brewing Company, you can sample delicious, handcrafted beer made right on-site. Much care goes into the creation of the brews to ensure they are smooth and refreshing.

You can sample a range of creations in the taproom which features a golf theme. Some of the brews available include Eagle IPA, Bogey Brown, Par 4 Pale Ale, and Pineapple Orange Wedge.

Throughout the year, fun events take place at the brewery, including holiday-themed party nights.

10. Learn About Civil War History at the Lincoln Memorial Shrine

The United States has a long and interesting history and one of its most intriguing periods was the Civil War era.

The Lincoln Memorial Shrine in nearby Redlands is where you’ll learn all about that period and President Abraham Lincoln who was at the helm during those tumultuous times.

Built in the early 1930s, the building that houses the museum is interesting in itself and features excerpts taken from Lincoln’s speeches on the outside walls. The outside grounds feature water fountains, benches, and patio areas.

As you browse the museum exhibits, you’ll see many artefacts, photos and works of art commemorating Lincoln’s life and detailing the events of the Civil War.

Some of the exhibits include Camp Life of a Soldier, Lincoln in Mexico, The Sultana Disaster, the 1860 Election, Lincoln the Lawyer, and the New York City Draft Riots.

11. Test Your Limits at Endgame Escape Rooms

While you’re likely familiar with the concept of Escape Rooms, Endgame Escape Rooms provides a different kind of escape room experience that allows the participants to create the ending based on their actions.

There are several themes to choose from and you get to choose the level of difficulty you want to tackle based on your experience with escape games.

12. Enjoy Local Entertainment at Raquel’s Jazz Lounge

Good times, good drinks and good music come together at Raquel’s Jazz Lounge in nearby Rialto. This chic venue showcases the best Jazz music around, including live performances by local jazz singers and bands.

If you’re not a fan of jazz, the club features comedy acts and themed events on certain nights. No matter what night you show up, you can be assured of a laid-back evening in a cosy environment.

13. Visit the Rialto Historical Society

The city’s historical society operates a museum and oversees the maintenance of several historic buildings in the area.

The museum, located in a historic building that was once the church school, features some exhibits showcasing many items related to the history of the city.

As you browse the museum, you’ll see items related to the former doctor’s office and packing house. Military artefacts, such as medals and uniforms, are also on display, as well as a series of artworks.

If you’re interested in learning more about the history and the artefacts on display, you can take a guided tour.

14. Check out the Wigwam Motel

Whether you’re looking for a unique place to spend the night or looking for a unique place to photograph, The Wigwam Motel is a popular spot along route 66 in nearby Rialto.

The interesting thing about this hotel is that the rooms are shaped like Native American teepees.

You don’t have to book a room to stop and have a look at this eye-catching feature. But if you do decide to stay there, you’ll have access to outdoor barbecue facilities and a swimming pool. It’s also located in a central location close to many of the area’s top attractions.

15. Explore the Parrish Pioneer Apple Ranch

The Parrish Pioneer Apple Ranch is about a half-hour drive away from Colton in the town of Yucaipa, so you can see some of the landscape of the area on the way there.

Once the home of the Parrish Family, the ranch is currently a popular attraction featuring a gift shop, eatery and art studio.

The defining feature of this property is the wooden structure, which was constructed in 1867, said to be the oldest of its type in the whole county. Many beautiful sequoia trees that were planted in the early 1900s are also scattered around the property.

As you explore the ranch, you’ll also get to meet some of the resident farm animals, including horses, sheep, goats and donkeys.