Discover San Dimas

San Dimas offers a diverse mix of nature, outdoor activities, water experiences and regional history. Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park, several recreational trails, a historic depot with a railway museum and the Raging Waters Los Angeles water park each provide a different focus. When searching for a vacation rental in San Dimas, you can therefore first consider which focus should shape your trip: active days outdoors, observing nature, culture or a varied program with water experiences.

Nature and Trails Around San Dimas

One prominent destination is Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park. The park covers 1,800 acres and has 14 miles of multi-use trails. Those who enjoy getting around on foot or by bicycle will find a clear focus for trip planning here. Personal watercraft such as jet skis are also permitted in the park; swimming is allowed at the swimming beaches. This allows you to include exercise and water activities in your day-trip planning without having to commit to just one type of trip.

San Dimas has several recreational trails and more than 27 miles of equestrian trails. One specific option is the Antonovich Trail. The 3.8-mile trail descends into a canyon and then follows a creek to a flood control channel. Hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are permitted on the trail; dogs may be brought along on a leash. You can consider a walk, a bike ride, a horseback ride or an activity with your dog and organize your day around it. This does not imply any statements about duration or difficulty.

Nature Center and Native Wildlife

The San Dimas Canyon Nature Center opened in the 1950s and was the first nature center in the Los Angeles County park system. Together with the wildlife sanctuary located there, it introduces visitors to native wildlife as well as chaparral and oak woodland habitats. The nature center also includes several animal ambassadors. For families who would like to introduce their children to landscapes and animals in an engaging way, this visit can be a separate item on the itinerary alongside the trails and water attractions.

History, Railways and Events

San Dimas's cultural history can also be explored in different ways. Walker House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a California Point of Historical Interest. It was originally built between 1885 and 1888 as the San Dimas Hotel. The Pacific Railroad Society Museum is located in the historic Santa Fe Depot in San Dimas and is open most Saturdays of the month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you would like to include this visit, you should incorporate the Saturday opening into your personal trip planning.

To prepare from home, the San Dimas Historical Society offers digital resources with archived documents and unique artifacts relating to the history of San Dimas. There are also recurring cultural events: Horsethief Canyon Park is the permanent venue for the annual San Dimas Rodeo, which takes place together with Western Days on the first weekend of October. The San Dimas Festival of Arts holds an exhibition and sale of Western art every year on the last weekend of April.

Choose Accommodation According to Your Planned Itinerary

When searching for a vacation rental in San Dimas, you can use the focus of your planned stay as your first selection criterion.

More Destinations for Your Search

For further trip planning, you can also visit the following destinations: Lynwood, Burbank, La Crescenta-Montrose, Lancaster, Lake Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Arcadia and Long Beach.

For the higher-level trip overview: Los Angeles.