Spread the love!

Upland, California: Where Fun and Adventure Meet – The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do!

Book the escape room well ahead of turning up, because the slots all go at the weekend out there. Give the climbing gym a full morning, and rent the gear there rather than buying any of it. The Lemon Festival lands in April and the parking around all of it is the real problem. Euclid Avenue walks in about an hour of it. Bring the sunscreen.

After a fun getaway in California? Upland is it. This charming city covers most tastes, from outdoor time to historical landmarks to things you will not find anywhere else. Eater, nature person, or somebody who simply wants to enjoy themselves for a day, Upland runs it.

Eaters do well in Upland. Classic American fare through to international cooking, most cravings get handled. And with the local favorites and the places nobody advertises, the list does not run out. But Upland is more than food. There is plenty outdoors too, hiking in the mountains nearby or working the local parks, with the California weather behind it.

After something less usual? Upland has that covered too. Quirky art installations through to shopping you will not repeat elsewhere, there is plenty here that only happens here. And with the festivals and events through the year, something is always running. So pack the bag and go.

Key Takeaways

• Upland is a foodie’s paradise, with something to satisfy every craving.
• Outdoor enthusiasts will love the many parks and hiking trails in and around Upland.
• From quirky shopping experiences to one-of-a-kind art installations, there’s always something unique to discover in Upland.

The Foodie’s Paradise

After the strongest places to eat and drink in Upland, California? This city runs restaurants and bars across the board. Here are the ones to work through:

Best Restaurants

Upland holds some of the strongest restaurants in the Inland Empire, and the range of cooking is wider than expected. Italian, Mexican or American, the town covers it.

For proper Italian, head over to Spaggi’s. This family-owned restaurant has been putting out Italian cooking for over 30 years. Order the homemade pasta and the sauces.

For Mexican, take Elvira’s Grill. The menu runs traditional Mexican dishes with some modernity behind them. The carne asada fries and the street tacos are what to order.

For classic American cooking, Molly’s Souper is the answer. This family-owned restaurant has been running breakfast and lunch for over 30 years. The fluffy pancakes and the hearty sandwiches do the job.

Bars and Breweries

Upland also runs good bars and breweries, which suits a night out with friends or a date.

For local brews, head over to Last Name Brewing. This family-owned brewery has been pouring craft beer for over 15 years. The award-winning IPAs and stouts are what to order.

For somewhere cozy to drink, take The Grove. This speakeasy-style bar runs craft cocktails across a broad list, with live music at the weekends.

So get ready to eat and drink your way through Upland’s food scene.

Outdoor Adventures

Upland is a good place to get outside with the California weather behind you. A hard hike or a slow round of golf, both are covered. Here are the outdoor things to take:

Hiking Trails

For a workout with a view attached, head to the San Gabriel Mountains. A network of trails runs through them, from easy to hard. The Icehouse Canyon Trail is the one people take, going past a waterfall and through alpine scenery. And for the harder version, the Cucamonga Peak Trail pays out with the whole of the Inland Empire below you.

Sports Complexes and Playgrounds

For outdoor time the whole family can join, take one of Upland’s sports complexes and playgrounds. The Upland Sports Arena runs the soccer, while the Upland Memorial Park has a playground, a basketball court and a baseball diamond. And for something lower-key, the Upland Lemon Festival brings carnival rides, live music and plenty to eat.

Golf Courses

For working on the swing, Upland has the courses. The Upland Hills Country Club is private, running an 18-hole championship course with a driving range and a putting green. And for something cheaper, the Upland Hills Public Golf Course runs a 9-hole course that still tests you.

Whichever outdoor thing you want, Upland has it. So take the sunscreen and get out.

Unique Experiences

After something out of the ordinary in Upland? These are the ones that qualify:

Escape Room and Axe Lair

For a proper thrill, head to Trapped Escape Room or Axe Lair. Test the problem-solving and get out before the clock does. Feeling competitive, Axe Lair runs axe throwing as well. Follow the rules and do not aim at your friend.

Skateboarding Culture

Upland has a long skateboarding culture, so join in. Head to the Upland Skatepark and watch the tricks, or bring a board and try your own. Not a skateboarder, no problem, because the park runs a playground and a picnic area too.

Escaping a room or landing a trick, Upland runs experiences you will not get elsewhere. Enjoy it and stay safe.

Historical Landmarks

Upland carries a long history and the culture with it. There are historical landmarks here worth the walk. Here are the notable ones:

Madonna of the Trail

For a quirky landmark, take the Madonna of the Trail. This statue stands on Euclid Avenue and marks the pioneer women who traveled west with their families. It photographs well and the history behind it is real.

Route 66

Route 66 is one of the better-known highways in the United States. It runs through Upland and the drive is worth taking slowly. Stop at the roadside attractions along it, the Wigwam Motel and the Magic Lamp Inn among them.

Euclid Avenue

Euclid Avenue is one of the most historic streets in Upland. It once held the wealthiest families in the area and the Victorian homes are still lining it. Walk it slowly, or take a guided tour for the history.

History and culture people should work the historical landmarks in Upland. The Madonna of the Trail, Route 66 and Euclid Avenue all count. So put the walking shoes on and go.

Escape room for the puzzles and Axe Lair for the throwing right next door to it. Skatepark for the boards and the playground beside it for everybody else in the group. Hangar 18 for the climbing, all of the 45,000 square feet of it in there. Lemon Festival in April for the carnival rides and the whole pie contest. Route 66 for the drive out of it.

Shopping Spots

Upland runs shopping spots for most needs. High-end boutiques or discount stores, both are here. Here are the two to take:

Victoria Gardens

For shopping that is more than shopping, Victoria Gardens is the one. This outdoor shopping center runs like a small city, with its own town square, fountains and a movie theater. Shop the stores, H&M and Sephora and Apple among them, or eat at one of the restaurants. And events run through the year, concerts and art shows and a farmers market among them.

Foothill Boulevard

For the traditional version, head over to Foothill Boulevard. The street is lined with stores covering most needs. Big-box retailers like Target and Walmart through to specialty stores like GameStop and PetSmart. And there are restaurants along it too, fast food through to sit-down.

A shopping day out or simply the essentials, Upland covers both. Bring the wallet and comfortable shoes, because you will want both.

Festivals and Events

Upland is known for the festivals and events it runs through the year. The Upland Lemon Festival through to the Claremont Village Venture Art & Crafts Faire, something is always on.

Upland Lemon Festival

When life gives you lemons, you run a festival. That is what Upland did. This annual event lands in April and gives the whole town over to the lemon. Lemonade through to lemon meringue pie, all of it is out.

But the food is only part of it. There are carnival rides, live music and a lemon pie-eating contest. And for the properly adventurous, the lemon-flavored beer is there. Do not blame us if it is not for you.

So put the yellowest thing you own on and head to the Lemon Festival for a day of it.

Other Festivals and Events

Upland’s best-known event is the Lemon Festival, and there are plenty of others through the year.

In March there is the Upland Spring Fling, with a car show, live music and food vendors. And in May the Upland Arts and Jazz Festival puts the local artists and musicians out.

But the festivals are only part of it. Upland runs a working farmers market on Saturdays, with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses and homemade jams.

And in November, take the Upland Veterans Day Parade, which honors the people who served.

Whatever time of year you turn up, Upland has something on. So collect the friends and the family and go.

Nearby Attractions

After more to do near Upland? You are in luck. There are attractions nearby worth the drive. Here are the options:

Los Angeles

For a drive with more in it, head to the City of Angels. Los Angeles is an hour out of Upland and the list there does not end. Take the Hollywood Walk of Fame, tour the TCL Chinese Theatre, or give a day to Universal Studios Hollywood. And for the full version, rent a convertible and drive Sunset Boulevard.

Ontario

For something closer, head to nearby Ontario. This charming city is a 10-minute drive from Upland and holds plenty. Take the Ontario Mills mall for the shopping, a game at the Toyota Arena, or a walk through the Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park. And history people should take the Ontario Museum of History and Art.

Claremont

Claremont is the other city worth the drive. This quaint college town is a 15-minute drive from Upland and it has real character. Walk the picturesque Claremont Village, which runs shops, restaurants and galleries. Or take the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park for a hike with the views. And craft beer people should take the Claremont Craft Ales brewery.

Whatever the mood, something nearby will suit. So get in the car, put the music on, and go.

Indoor Fun

When the weather turns, Upland has the indoor options. Here are the ones to take:

Hangar 18

Feeling adventurous, head over to Hangar 18, the indoor climbing gym in Upland. With over 45,000 square feet of climbing terrain, the walls do not run out. Beginner or experienced climber, Hangar 18 takes you. Top rope climbing, lead climbing, bouldering and fitness classes all run there. And the gear rents on site, so nothing needs bringing. Collect the friends and give Hangar 18 the day.

Live Music Venues

Music people are in luck, because Upland runs good live venues. Take The Grove Theatre, a historic theater running concerts, plays and musicals. The seating is comfortable and the place is kept clean. The Wire is the other one, booking local and national acts, with a sound system that earns it and a room that fills. And for something lower-key, Last Name Brewing runs live music at the weekends alongside a serious beer list.

Whatever the interest, Upland has a version of it. So get out and use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to enjoy the Upland Lemon Festival without getting lemon juice in your eye?

Goggles would work, and they are not exactly fashionable. Take an umbrella instead and shield yourself from any rogue lemon spray. It keeps the California sun off you as well.

Can you recommend any fun activities in Upland that don’t involve looking for parking?

We feel the pain, because parking is genuinely the worst part. But Upland has plenty that does not involve circling the block. Take the James Turrell Skyspace for the views, or head to The Clay Yard and get your hands into some pottery.

What’s the most exciting thing to do in Upland that doesn’t involve breaking any laws?

We do not condone breaking the law, and we do condone a good time. For the thrill, take the Escape Room Game at Exit Game. You will need the wits and the problem-solving to get out before the clock does.

What’s the best way to escape from an escape room in Upland without actually solving any puzzles?

That is cheating and we do not recommend it. But properly stuck, you could try bribing the game master with fresh lemonade from the Upland Lemon Festival. Just do not get caught.

What’s the most overrated tourist attraction in Upland that you can’t help but love?

We hate to admit it, and the Upland Town Square is probably the most overrated thing in town. And we love it anyway, for the charming architecture and the quaint shops. It suits a slow walk and something to eat.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen in Upland that’s actually worth checking out?

The Madonna of the Trail statue takes the prize for the oddest thing in Upland. It is a giant statue of a pioneer woman with a baby on her hip, standing in the middle of a busy street. And it is a historic monument and a genuine piece of Americana, which makes it worth seeing.

Frequently asked questions about Upland, California

How big exactly is the whole of the climbing terrain inside Hangar 18 out at Upland, then, really now, in the end?

Over 45,000 square feet of it out there, and the whole of it never runs out on you. Top rope climbing and lead climbing and bouldering all run inside the very same building. Fitness classes go on alongside all of it, and the gear rents there as well. Beginners.

Which month exactly does the whole of the Upland Lemon Festival actually land in, then, really now, in the end?

April, and the whole of the town gives itself over entirely to the lemon out there. Lemonade and lemon meringue pie both run right through it, alongside the lemon-flavored beer. Carnival rides and live music and a pie-eating contest all come along with the whole of it. Yellow.

Which one of the golf courses at Upland actually runs the nine holes, then, really now, in the end?

Upland Hills Public Golf Course out there, and the price on that one stays reasonable. Upland Hills Country Club is the private one, running a full 18-hole championship course itself. A driving range and a putting green both sit right alongside that one out there. Swing.

Spread the love!