Quick Overview
One of the best things about living in Chino Hills is how much there is within a short drive - mountains, deserts, beaches, and wine country are all within easy reach for a weekend escape. The right Ford makes the trip part of the fun. Below are four summer getaways close to home and the Ford we'd pick for each, plus how to shop current summer deals at Chino Hills Ford before you hit the road.
In this article:
- Big Bear Lake - for lake days and big groups
- Joshua Tree & the high desert - for trail seekers
- The Orange County coast - for an easy beach run
- Temecula wine country - for a relaxed day trip
- How to shop summer deals at Chino Hills Ford
1. Big Bear Lake - Best Ford: The Expedition
Roughly an hour and a half to two hours from Chino Hills (traffic depending), Big Bear Lake is a go-to for boating, hiking, and cooler mountain air. For a trip like this - coolers, paddleboards, a few families' worth of gear - the Ford Expedition is hard to beat. This full-size, three-row SUV seats up to eight, so the whole crew rides together, and there's room for everything you're hauling up the mountain.
If you're bringing a boat, the Expedition's available towing capability has you covered when properly equipped. Pair it with cooler weekends at altitude, and you've got a comfortable basecamp on wheels.
2. Joshua Tree & the High Desert - Best Ford: The Bronco
About two hours out, Joshua Tree National Park rewards early risers with surreal rock formations and wide-open trails. For desert back roads and graded forest routes, the rugged, off-road-ready Ford Bronco is the natural pick, with available four-wheel-drive capability and drive modes designed for varied terrain.
A quick note on responsible adventuring: stick to designated, legal routes, respect posted park rules and closures, and never drive where it isn't permitted. The desert is fragile and unforgiving - plan ahead, bring plenty of water, and check conditions before you go.
3. The Orange County Coast - Best Ford: The Mustang Mach-E
When you just want sand and a sunset, the beaches around Newport and Huntington are often under an hour away. For a smooth, quiet cruise to the coast, the all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E makes the drive effortless - and you can leave the gas station out of your plans.
Plan your charging around your route, since real-world range and charging times vary with conditions, driving style, and climate. Browse our new electric inventory to see what's in stock.
4. Temecula Wine Country - Best Ford: The Escape
About an hour south, Temecula's rolling vineyards make for an easy, scenic day trip. The Ford Escape is the right-sized companion: a comfortable, maneuverable crossover with an available hybrid powertrain for drivers who want efficiency on longer cruises. It's easy to park in town and roomy enough for a weekend's worth of finds on the way home.
Prefer a little more space for the family? The midsize, three-row Ford Explorer is a versatile step up that handles the same trip with extra seating and cargo room.
Towing a Bigger Toy? Consider the F-150
If your getaway involves a larger boat, a camper, or a loaded utility trailer, the Ford F-150 is built for it - with available towing capability up to 13,500 pounds when properly equipped. It's the workhorse that doubles as a weekend adventure rig. See the full new Ford truck lineup for options.
How to Get Summer Ready at Chino Hills Ford
Whichever escape is calling, summer is a great time to find your next adventure-ready Ford. Start with our current offers and specials to see what's available, then explore new vehicle specials, browse the new SUV lineup, or get pre-qualified for financing before you visit. Already have a vehicle to trade? Value your trade-in online in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best Ford SUV for a family road trip?
For big groups and lots of gear, the three-row Ford Expedition seats up to eight. For a midsize three-row option, the Ford Explorer is a versatile choice, and the Ford Escape is ideal for smaller crews who want easy maneuverability and an available hybrid.
For big groups and lots of gear, the three-row Ford Expedition seats up to eight. For a midsize three-row option, the Ford Explorer is a versatile choice, and the Ford Escape is ideal for smaller crews who want easy maneuverability and an available hybrid.
Which Ford is best for off-road weekend trips?
The Ford Bronco is purpose-built for off-road use, with available four-wheel-drive capability. Always stay on designated, legal trails and follow posted rules.
The Ford Bronco is purpose-built for off-road use, with available four-wheel-drive capability. Always stay on designated, legal trails and follow posted rules.
Can I take an electric Ford on a road trip?
Yes. The all-electric Mustang Mach-E is well suited to regional drives like the Orange County coast - just plan your charging stops, as range and charging times vary with conditions.
Yes. The all-electric Mustang Mach-E is well suited to regional drives like the Orange County coast - just plan your charging stops, as range and charging times vary with conditions.
What if I need to tow a boat or trailer?
The Ford F-150 offers available towing capability up to 13,500 pounds when properly equipped. Confirm the rating for the specific truck and equipment, and never exceed any weight rating.
The Ford F-150 offers available towing capability up to 13,500 pounds when properly equipped. Confirm the rating for the specific truck and equipment, and never exceed any weight rating.
Where can I shop for summer Ford deals near Ontario and Chino Hills?
At Chino Hills Ford, 4480 Chino Hills Parkway in Chino. Check current offers and specials online, then visit or call to take a test drive.
At Chino Hills Ford, 4480 Chino Hills Parkway in Chino. Check current offers and specials online, then visit or call to take a test drive.
Start Your Summer at Chino Hills Ford
Adventure is closer than you think. Visit Chino Hills Ford at 4480 Chino Hills Parkway, Chino, CA 91710, or call (909) 342-7466 to find the right Ford for your summer plans. We proudly serve drivers across Chino, Chino Hills, Ontario, Pomona, Corona, and the greater Inland Empire. Browse our current offers and specials, explore the new vehicle inventory, and get pre-qualified to hit the road sooner.