Location: San Dimas
Top Things to do in San Dimas
- 1. Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park
- 2. Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum
- 3. Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
- 4. La Verne Brewing Company
- 5. Pacific Railroad Museum
- 6. Auto Club Raceway at Pomona
- 7. American Museum of Ceramic Art
- 8. Rubel Castle
- 9. Puddingstone Hot Tub Resort
- 10. La Verne United Methodist Church
The 10 Best Things to Do in San Dimas, United States
San Dimas is a city in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County, California, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 33,371. The city historically took its name from San Dismas Canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains above the northern section of present-day San Dimas. San Dimas is named in Spanish after Saint Dismas.
Restaurants in San Dimas
1. Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Ninee - Oklahoma
A huge beautiful park for kids, pets, walkers, runners, gatherings, reunions, picnics and whatever. No alcoholic beverages are permitted on the property altho many people bring coolers full of it. We have had many family gatherings here and always had a good time. No fee's to park or use the facilities. My only concern is that there are usually a few 'odd' ones that wander the grounds and I wouldn't recommend letting your children out of your visual site, or let them go to the restrooms alone. Farther up the road and past the park a bit, there are hiking trails that are very interesting. Just be sure to wear shoes that cover your feet (no sandals) and long pants because there are snakes and nasty looking spiders. We recommend this location.
2. Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By ChuckBrooks - Alamogordo, New Mexico
This museum provides a great history of drag racing with cars from every era and most classes. This museum is right up there with the Daytona and Indy museums.
3. Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 151 reviews
Reviewed By zippytongflockings - Claremont California
I want to say that first of all I have been a supporting member of the garden since 2009. I walk the property at least 2 to 3 times a week. I love the garden. That being said, RSABG could use much work! Especially the back half of the property. The more visited front of the property receives most of attention and is pleasant to meander through. Often there fun interactive displays and coupled with the beautiful surroundings, invites one to linger. There are ample benches to be found - I have my favorites. Sometimes I bring a book and stay for a couple hours. The garden is most crowded on weekends so I try and come during the week. While the garden does have a cohesive layout, the stressed California Plant Communities area, along its crumbling asphalt access roads and spray painted signage make if feel more ad-hock than deliberate. It is this area needs the most work. In the meantime, I will continue to support the garden and hope that someday this property's full potential can be realized.
4. La Verne Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By axs666 - Canberra, Australia
A modest brewery located in a small industrial area. The theme is auto racing which is appropriate for the area. The tasting bar is in front and relatively small. The brewery in back has lots of places to sit and is a great place to chill and quaff. Decent beers. An enjoyable experience.
5. Pacific Railroad Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Villager42
This volunteer run history of the railroads and its impact on the region is not to be missed! The Docent led tour of this small, but packed with memorabilia museum, was very informative and enjoyable.
I think it is a MUST SEE when visiting the San Dimas area.
6. Auto Club Raceway at Pomona
Overall Ratings
5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By misspWestSlope_CO - WestSlope,CO
Auto Club Raceway at Pomona is located at the Fairplex. We decided at the last minute to attend Winternationals (4th visit for my husband...his favorite venue for drag racing because of the generally nice weather and layout of the track and grounds). We decided on lodging at San Dimas, as some of the lodging very close by was already booked up or else pretty pricey. (See separate review of Red Roof Inn Fairplex, San Dimas...we were well pleased and would stay again) There's plenty of parking, good variety of food choices which are tasty but expensive! and always a good car show in the pits. Nitro Alley is fun, with the typical assortment of merchandise for sale, but I also noticed quite a few displays and games to engage the race fan, and of course it is fun to see the pit crews at work. This venue advertises "Every ticket a pit pass!"
Our one beef was that the mass exodus after the races ended on Sunday was not well organized. There was no one directing traffic, or if there was, we didn't see them and they weren't in control. Actually, even going in, the parking attendants weren't really directing traffic but mostly just standing around. If we go again, we'll just take our time at the track before walking to the parking lot. We'll get some food, use the restroom, take a look around the exhibits and pits for a while. There is a "tailgate" parking lot, and it might be well worth the extra cost; or, just pack a cooler in the trunk or purchase food at the track and plan on eating supper in your car to give the parking lot a little time to clear out.
We heard a couple of complaints that they were really cracking down and checking disabled parking tags. We spoke to one disabled vet who said he didn't mind being checked, because they were having trouble with people (kids mostly) who were trying to park in disabled parking using grandpa's parking permit.
It is permissable to bring in bottled water in a backpack or small bag. I don't know if you can bring in snacks or food and was unable to locate any policy about that. Take sunscreen, earplugs or earphones (if you've never been...it is LOUD!!!), a hat or cap, and maybe a stadium seat. Wear comfortable shoes! Hubby says it is worth considering renting the headphones that allow you to hear the track commentary.
One of the review questions is whether this attraction requires advance planning, reservations, etc. While there were plenty of empty seats on the day we attended, it is advisable to plan ahead. The pit side seats closer to the starting line tend to be preferable. We like to sit about midway up.
7. American Museum of Ceramic Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By MoxieBoston - Boston
I love this museum. Amazing exhibitions, museum store, permanent collection, lectures, free family days AND a huge studio. They just opened up a new exhibition space (that is beautiful) with Dirk Staschke's exhibition.
Combine your visit with the museums in Claremont or a visit to Maloof.
8. Rubel Castle
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By fincaran - Saint John, Canada
Oh wow, who knew this was in my own hometown when I was growing up!! The dream of Michael Rubel, the castle was started in the 1960s by Michael and his friends who used to have a fort on the land when they were kids. Michael was a guy who could charm just about anyone out of anything and who shared his dream with whoever was interested. The result is one of the most unique attractions I have ever visited. The “Tin Palace” on the property was a former citrus packing warehouse and when I was growing up I used to visit Michael’s mother there with a church group; it was the forerunner of what would come with the castle. The castle is built out of local stone and just about anything else Michael and his friends felt like sticking into the walls (old bottles, motorcycle parts, etc). There is a portcullis, a secret escape tunnel, a tiny house made out of bottles, a railroad caboose, lots of old and unique cars and tractors, a graveyard with no one buried in it, and a one of a kind clock that was ultimately the catalyst for a visit from Prince Philip, who later returned with the Archbishop of Canterbury (or so the story goes). Every inch of the castle and the property is a new curiosity to behold. Several people and a couple of horses still call the “pharm” home but the property is under the stewardship of the Glendora Historical Society with tours offered about a half dozen times a month at a cost of $10. Our guide, Richard, was not only fantastic but is the longest serving guide at the castle as he was a friend of Michael’s and offered to give some curious folks a tour thus starting a long tradition. Not only is Rubel Castle a local treasure but it is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
As I said, I grew up in Glendora and believe me, THIS is the place to visit if you are looking for some local culture and a kitschy, off-the-beaten-path curiosity to tell your friends about. You will be amazed!!!
There is a geocache on site for those who are into that sport.
9. Puddingstone Hot Tub Resort
Overall Ratings
4 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Charlene C - Los Angeles, California
I love this place. I've been here 3 times and every time has been great, especially when you come and get to enjoy watching the sunset!
I'm sure you can get access to a hot tub anywhere, but coming here is a whole different experience. It's great for surprising your significant other, birthdays, a romantic getaway, groups...
You can request for a radio & drinks (or bring your own).
A little private room to yourself, your own hot tub and a spectacular view!
The staff is wonderful here as well. Watch for coupons or special deals like their Happy Hours on their website.
I highly recommend this place. Enjoy!
10. La Verne United Methodist Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By mberlin2015 - Berlin, Germany
If you are in the area you should take a little detour.
Any movie enthusiast should come here. The church and surroundings have not changed much since THE Graduate was filmed here in 1967. Anyone who loves the film and the music by Simon & Garfunkel will enjoy wandering around the grounds. The whole neighborhood looks as if time has stood still for 50 years. ( Nice coffee place just down 100 meters down the road ) .
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