15 Best Things to Do in Diamond Bar (CA)

Searching for an under-the-radar vacation spot in Southern California? Do yourself a favor, and enjoy a unique getaway in Diamond Bar.

Although overlooked in favor of LA, and other loud and trendy SoCal cities, this community retains a unique charm that you won’t find elsewhere. This thriving suburb was once named by Family Circle Magazine as one of the top towns for families.

From lush parks to chic cafes, the city has an array of attractions to satisfy all kinds of visitors.

Furthermore, the city offers easy access to some of the hot spots in South California, making it a terrific home base for vacationers. From Diamond Bar, you can easily and quickly drive to Anaheim, Santa Ana, LA and Irvine.

Inspired to travel to this city, but don’t have a clue on what to do in the area? We’ll make your travel planning easy by highlighting the best things to do in Diamond Bar.

1. Summitridge Park

Want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life? Spend a few hours exploring Summitridge Park. With spacious, verdant grounds, fresh air and a laid-back vibe, the park is a relaxing respite for those who want to escape SoCal’s restless energy.

For a memorable and exhilarating excursion, hike the park’s scenic trail. While the trail is only around three miles long, it’s a nice and mildly challenging adventure with some steep inclines.

Boasting an impressive elevation of 1,152 feet, the park’s summit will also reward you with breathtaking views. And, along the way, you’ll see scores of gorgeous views.

There are even guides on the trail that highlight the history of the area and the places you’re looking at, like Cucamonga Peak and Mount Wilson. And, did we mention that the sunset views here are nothing short of awe-inspiring?

2. Raging Waters, San Dimas

They don’t call Raging Waters the largest and finest waterpark in California for nothing. This 60-acre watery wonderland is home to over 50 mind-blowing slides, rides and attractions.

A must-try attraction is the world-class Aqua Rocket, the first and only water hydromagnetic roller coaster in California. For an extra shot of adrenaline, experience the park’s seven-story drop, one of the country’s tallest.

What’s more, you can go on a wild 600-foot ride with speeds reaching up to 30 miles per hour at Neptune’s Fury.

If you’re not in the mood for big-time thrills, the park is home to kid-approved attractions, like pools and a lazy river.

3. Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park

With a whopping land area of 1,975 acres, this sprawling park overflows with outdoor fun year-round. Home to a 250-acre lake, the park is a haven of adventure for those who love to jet ski, boat, windsurf, sail, kayak, swim, and fish.

The park also offers ample opportunity for land-based activities, including camping, bird watching, biking, and horseback riding. On top of all this, the park has a golf course and a lively water theme park.

You might want to cap off your visit to this park on a high note with a restorative and refreshing treatment at the spa center.

4. American Museum of Ceramic Art

Founded in 2003, this museum in nearby Pomona showcases the technology, creation, history, and art of ceramics through studio programs, outreaches, collections and exhibits.

Not only does it feature permanent displays, but the museum also has fascinating rotating exhibits. So, don’t forget to check out the dates. For families with younger kids, little ones might enjoy activities that teach them about art and clay.

You can also buy some ceramic items and learn how to create artworks.

5. Griffith Observatory

Overlooking the beautiful Los Angeles basin, the Griffith Observatory beckons visitors with its spectacular views of the area. But, guess what? The observatory isn’t just a spot for Instagram-worthy photo-ops.

With a state-of-the-art planetarium and a host of educational exhibits, this observatory in LA will keep you entertained and amazed for hours. And, the best part is, you can visit this SoCal attraction for free!

6. Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center

Ever dreamed of flying an aircraft? Well, you can make that dream a reality on your Diamond Bar vacation by visiting Anaheim’s Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center.

Offering a riveting, one-of-a-kind virtual experience, this endeavor lets you pilot a flight and become the master of the skies. Sure, the action doesn’t happen in a real plane, but the sensation will still feel incredibly real.

Once you’ve hopped on an F-16 jet simulator, you can show off some of your Top Gun moves and smash the opponent jets. If you prefer a more relaxing flight experience, you can try their commercial aircraft simulator.

7. The Getty Center

Designed by the famous Richard Meier, the Getty Center is truly one of the country’s most outstanding architectural wonders. Not to mention it houses a multitude of notable artworks from a variety of nations and eras.

The museum features around 1,900 American photography, historic manuscripts, Renaissance painting and Baroque sculptures. As a bonus, the museum has some sweet vistas of LA on clear days.

8. Brea City Hall Park

Home to a rose garden and grassy lawns, this gorgeous park enthralls visitors with its beautiful mix of Spanish Colonial and Art Deco styles. Established in 1928, the urban oasis is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

From its 25-meter pool and playgrounds to historic buildings, the park teems with sights and diversions to please all visitors.

9. Paramount Pictures Studios

Since the early 1900s, Paramount has been showcasing the talents of movie icons, like Morgan Freeman and Meryl Streep. From modern-day flicks to classic TV shows, the notable film studio has produced a plethora of memorable Hollywood movies.

For an unforgettable Hollywood adventure, take a two-hour guided tour of the studio and 65-acre site in a golf cart. As you tour the studio, you’ll have the chance to explore the renowned sets and sound stages of numerous movies and TV shows.

And, who knows? Maybe, this tour will allow you to snap a selfie with your favorite Hollywood celebrity.

10. Chino Hills State Park

Adventure connoisseurs and nature lovers are sure to find their bliss in China Hills State Park. Nestled in the foothills of the scenic Santa Ana Mountains, this state park is mainly a botanical haven and a habitat for migrating and resident wildlife.

The park also boasts several horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking trails. Intrepid travelers can spend hours hiking along ridges and through valleys of grasslands, sage scrub and woodlands.

The park has facilities to make your getaway even more pleasurable, like a historic barn, picnic spots and campsites.

11. Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier is a legendary American beach scene that should be on your travel bucket list. With more than 200 sunny days a year and a slew of attractions, this beloved spot has all the hallmarks of an epic beach escape in California.

Plus, there’s never a dull moment at this renowned Californian pier. You can bike the 22-mile pathway called the Strand, or ride the pier’s Ferris Wheel. Alternatively, you can just chill on the Third Street Promenade and people watch.

Whether you’re traveling alone or with your family, you’ll have a blast on your visit to this world-renowned pier.

12. Lyon Air Museum

Built by General William Lyon, this intriguing museum gives a glimpse into the Second World War through authentic vehicles and aircraft. Likewise, the museum hosts eye-catching war-related memorabilia, artifacts, and vintage items.

Some of the most captivating artifacts inside the museum include a Douglas C-47 Skytrain, a Cessna O-1E and a Boeing B-17. We also recommend checking out its American, Japanese and German automobiles.

13. Brea Mall

Set in the heart of downtown Brea, this 1,310,000-square-foot mall is an absolute paradise for shopaholics. Opened in 1977, the shopping complex has 175 shops and department stores, including JCPenney, Macy’s, and Nordstrom.

Not into shopping? You’ll likely adore the mall’s original art sculptures, fountains, vaulted skylights and Italian tile walkways. There are a full-service spa and numerous exceptional restaurants at this mall too.

14. Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Very few museums on earth are as beguiling and breathtaking as Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Ever since it opened in 1965, this museum has been showcasing masterpieces, from modern art and impressionist paintings to Islamic displays.

With its dazzling architecture and consistently shifting displays, the museum provides a fulfilling experience for casual visitors and art aficionados alike.

15. Sycamore Canyon Park

Sycamore Canyon Park, Diamond Bar — Sycamore Canyon Park

There’s no shortage of attractions and activities at Sycamore Canyon Park. Besides its picnic tables and grills, the park has a kiddie playground and baseball fields too.

If you need to stretch your legs, there’s a 1.6-mile trail surrounded by picturesque walnut, oak, and sycamore trees.