Overview
City of Industry is an incorporated municipality in the eastern San Gabriel Valley, about 20 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. It was incorporated in 1957 specifically to attract industrial and commercial development, and today it functions almost entirely as a business and logistics zone — its residential population is among the smallest of any incorporated city in the United States, typically numbering in the hundreds.
The Industry Hills area, located within the city's boundaries, is the main draw for leisure visitors. It anchors an Expo Center, two public golf courses, and equestrian facilities on land that was once a reclaimed landfill — a genuine engineering achievement that transformed the site into usable recreation space.
Because City of Industry is not a conventional tourist destination, travelers generally arrive with a specific purpose: attending an event at the Expo Center, playing golf, or using the area as a cost-effective base for exploring the wider San Gabriel Valley and the greater Los Angeles region. Expectations should be set accordingly — this is not a place with a walkable downtown, nightlife district, or traditional cultural attractions.
Getting There
By Air
The most practical airports are Los Angeles International (LAX), roughly 35–40 miles west, and Ontario International (ONT), approximately 20–25 miles east. Ontario is often less congested and may be more convenient depending on your origin city. Verify current route availability for ONT before booking.
By Car
City of Industry is well-served by several freeways. The 60 (Pomona Freeway) runs directly through the area, with the 57 (Orange Freeway), 605 (San Gabriel River Freeway), and 10 (San Bernardino Freeway) all within close reach. A personal vehicle or rental car is strongly recommended, as the area is not walkable and public transit options to specific facilities can be limited.
By Public Transit
Metro Bus and Foothill Transit routes serve portions of the San Gabriel Valley, but direct, convenient service to the Industry Hills complex specifically is limited. Check the Metro and Foothill Transit trip planners for current routes and schedules before relying on this option.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle is essentially required for meaningful exploration of City of Industry and the surrounding area. The city was designed around vehicle and freight movement, and distances between points of interest — even within the Industry Hills complex — are best covered by car.
Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) operate in the area and can be practical for event-goers who do not want to manage parking, though availability may be limited during large Expo Center events. Confirm surge pricing expectations on event days.
Parking at the Industry Hills Expo Center is generally ample, though fees apply and can vary by event. Verify parking logistics directly with the venue for any specific event you plan to attend.
Where to Stay
City of Industry has a range of hotel properties, largely oriented toward business travelers and convention attendees. Several national-brand hotels are located along the Gale Avenue and Azusa Avenue corridors near the freeway interchanges. These typically offer standard amenities — pools, fitness centers, on-site or adjacent dining — suitable for a short stay.
Because the hotel market here is business-driven, weekend rates are often lower than weekday rates. That said, major Expo Center events can tighten availability and push prices up; book in advance if your visit coincides with a large show or competition.
For travelers seeking more character-rich accommodations, the neighboring cities of Glendora, West Covina, or even Pasadena (further west) offer additional options within a reasonable driving distance. Verify current availability and rates on standard booking platforms before finalizing plans.
Things to See & Do
Industry Hills Expo Center
The Expo Center hosts a rotating calendar of consumer shows, trade events, motorsports competitions, swap meets, and concerts. Programming changes frequently; check the official Industry Hills Expo Center website directly for current events and schedules before visiting.
Golf at Industry Hills
Two 18-hole courses — the Eisenhower Course and the Zaharias Course — are operated on the hillside above the Expo Center. Both are public-access layouts with significant elevation change and city views on clear days. Tee times, fees, and rental availability should be confirmed directly with the golf complex, as pricing and policies are updated regularly.
Equestrian Facilities
The Industry Hills complex has historically included equestrian arenas and trails. The scope of current operations and public access should be verified locally, as programming has varied over the years.
Nearby Outdoor Recreation
- Puente Hills Landfill Native Habitat Preservation Authority trails — hiking in the rolling hills just to the south and west; trailhead access and conditions should be confirmed before visiting.
- The broader San Gabriel Valley offers numerous regional parks, botanical gardens, and historic sites within a short drive (see Nearby section).
Food & Drink
Dining in City of Industry skews heavily toward the practical and diverse — this is a working city, and its restaurant landscape reflects the workforce that passes through it. You will find a solid mix of Chinese, Vietnamese, Mexican, Korean, and American options, many of them locally owned and good value.
The Puente Hills Mall corridor (just across the city boundary in adjacent Rowland Heights and Hacienda Heights) significantly expands dining options, with a dense concentration of San Gabriel Valley–style Chinese and pan-Asian restaurants that have regional reputations.
There is no significant bar or nightlife scene within City of Industry itself. Travelers seeking evening entertainment are better served by heading toward Pasadena, downtown Los Angeles, or the Whittier area.
- Look for Vietnamese and Chinese eateries along Colima Road and Nogales Street in the surrounding communities
- Several chain restaurants and fast-casual options are clustered near the major freeway exits on the 60
- The Industry Hills Expo Center occasionally has food vendors during events, but do not rely on this as your primary dining option
Practical Information
Visas & Entry
City of Industry follows standard US entry requirements. For visa guidance, visit TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official US Customs and Border Protection or Department of State websites for the most current information applicable to your nationality.
Emergency Services
Dial 911 for police, fire, and medical emergencies. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department provides law enforcement services to City of Industry.
Health
Several urgent care clinics and pharmacies operate within the city and immediately adjacent communities. The nearest hospital emergency departments are in surrounding cities — verify locations and current operating status before your trip.
Connectivity
Cell coverage from all major US carriers is reliable throughout the area. Wi-Fi is standard at area hotels.
Weather
The San Gabriel Valley can experience significant summer heat, with temperatures occasionally exceeding 100°F (38°C) in July and August. Winter months are mild but can bring rain and fog. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons for outdoor activity.
Safety
City of Industry is primarily a commercial and industrial zone, and the general safety environment is consistent with that character — relatively low pedestrian activity means street-level crime common to dense urban areas is less prevalent here. Standard urban travel precautions apply: secure your vehicle, do not leave valuables visible, and be aware of your surroundings.
Large events at the Expo Center draw significant crowds; be mindful of traffic congestion on surrounding streets and the 60 Freeway before and after events. Allow extra time when departing.
Walking after dark in the industrial areas is not advisable simply due to low lighting and the absence of pedestrian infrastructure, rather than any acute safety concern. Stick to well-lit areas near hotels and commercial corridors.
