Halfway between Los Angeles and Laguna Beach, Chino Hills is easy to overlook on the map, and that's exactly its appeal. Tucked into San Bernardino County where four counties meet, this city of roughly 77,000 people has rolling hills, a ranching-and-dairy past, and a reputation as one of Southern California's more affordable suburbs. Locals call it a hidden gem: close enough for a day trip from LA or Orange County, but with a small-town pace that feels like a genuine break.
Start with the food, because Chino Hills punches above its weight. The Shoppes at Chino Hills packs more than 65 stores and restaurants, and every Wednesday afternoon its parking area hosts a year-round farmers market with produce, crafts, and live music in the warmer months. For a proper sit-down meal, Gusto Italian Bistro has been voted the area's best Italian restaurant, serving family recipes like lasagna, Chicken Milanese, and house-made tiramisu, with near-perfect ratings across review sites. Breakfast people should head to Violet Rooster, the top-rated restaurant in town, known for strawberry cream cheese stuffed French toast and a long list of eggs Benedicts. Beer lovers have two microbreweries to choose from: Luchador Brewing, with around 20 rotating house beers and a Mexican street-food truck out front, and Chino Hills Brewing Company, which pairs its own IPAs and golden ales with burgers and pizza.
The outdoors is the other big draw. Within city limits there are 40 parks and 48 miles of trails across 28 routes, with an interactive map and a free app listing distances and difficulty. The 33-acre Chino Hills Community Park is a good starting point, with four loop trails ranging from a third of a mile to just over three miles.
The standout, though, is Chino Hills State Park on the town's southern edge. This 14,000-acre preserve has 90 miles of multi-use trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and horse riders, and it's one of the best spots in California for spring wildflower displays. The Bane Canyon Short Loop, about 2.5 miles, is popular for its views but comes with warnings about steep climbs and almost no shade, so bring water and a hat.
A couple of quirky stops round out a visit. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a serene Hindu temple complex spread over 20 acres, free to enter, though check the dress code online first. And in the Commons at Chino Hills shopping center, a replica of Egypt's Abu Simbel temple — locals just call it the Egyptian Building — makes for an unlikely roadside photo.
Chino Hills suits travellers who want a base near the big Southern California highlights without paying coastal prices or dealing with coastal crowds. It works as a stop between LA and Orange County, a weekend of hiking and casual eating, or an add-on if you're flying into Ontario International Airport, which is only about 16 miles away.
