Chino is a California city surrounded by Chino Hills, Pomona, Ontario, Eastvale, and unincorporated parts of San Bernardino County and Riverside County. The diverse city is less than an hour drive from Downtown Los Angeles, and it’s a growing suburb with a median property value of $348,400. Compared to LA, which has a median property value of $542,100, this should give you an idea of the city’s overall affordability. 

Chino is probably best known in pop culture for its correctional facility, which was referred to in movies such as The Big Lebowski and American History X. Overall though, many locals aren’t too familiar with the city unless they grew up around San Bernardino County. 

Even though the suburb remains laid-back and under-the-radar, there are many quality activities to do in the city. Here’s your guide of things to do in Chino now that spring is here. 

Prado Regional Park

Prado Regional Park

Prado Regional Park is located in the southwestern corner of Chino in The Majestic Spectrum community. The name “Prado” dates back to the area’s early Spanish days when residents referred to the community as a “prado” or meadow. Prado park offers visitors activities like fishing, camping, hiking, and cycling. What sets this recreational park apart from others is that visitors can also reserve meeting rooms to hold club gatherings, parties, or receptions. There’s even an Olympic shooting range, two 18-hole golf courses, and facilities for horseback riding and archery.

Paintball Park

Courtesy of Giant Sportz / YouTube

For the adrenaline junkies who want to skip the laser tag, SC Village is a world-famous 100-acre paintball and airsoft park that’s open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every weekend in Seneca Village. It’s also the proud host of Decay of Nations, an extreme paintballing event, as well as other competitive tournaments such as the PSP Paintball Tournament, the Spyder Cup Paintball Tournament, and Operation Black Shield. There are 25 different fields available for paintball play, and patrons are welcome to rent gear and weapons for a nominal fee. This park is also open to beginners, and groups are each assigned a safety officer to ensure that everyone’s having a good time.

Chino Spectrum

Chino Spectrum / Courtesy of Vestar

Whether you want to go shopping, get a massage, or visit a quality eatery, many locals around Eucalyptus Business Park, located on the westside of Chino, like to go to Chino Spectrum. This shopping outlet is a great one-stop destination, ideal for anyone looking to de-stress. For families interested in visiting this mall, it has a children’s area so your kids can stay happy. Coming later this year will be the all-new 168 Market, a premiere Asian grocery store.

Planes of Fame Museum

The Planes of Fame Museum

When the Planes of Fame Museum first opened in 1957, it was simply known as “The Air Museum,” and it only featured 10 airplanes. Today, there are over 150, and it’s considered one of the best places to see rare and vintage military aircraft. This museum is in the College Park neighborhood, so after checking out airplanes, visitors can have a bite to eat at the Avocado House on Central Avenue, which is a famous café in a converted house. 

Fresh Strawberry Farm

If you’re someone who likes strawberries, then you know there’s nothing quite like fresh strawberries. Much of Chino used to be ranches and farms, so when it comes to fresh anything — whether it’s strawberries, eggs, milk, or meats, this city is a great spot to load up on groceries. Fresh Strawberry Farm has a farm stand located on Schaefer Avenue, down the street from Voortman’s Egg Ranch and Amy’s Farm, so you can check out all three places in one fell swoop. 

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Photo by BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir / CC BY-SA

Straddling the border of Chino and Chino Hills is the sacred BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. It’s not just a landmarked destination, it’s also an iconic Hindu temple built in Rajasthan sandstone. The temple has strict guest guidelines regarding dress code, shoes, photography, food and drink, mobile devices, and conduct, so make sure you read it over before your visit. You and your entire family might just enjoy a life-changing experience visiting this memorable structure.