Overview
Ontario is a city of roughly 171,000 people in San Bernardino County, situated at the western edge of the Inland Empire about 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. It sits on a broad, flat plain between the San Gabriel Mountains to the north and the Santa Ana Mountains to the south, at an elevation of around 1,000 feet.
The city was laid out in the 1880s by Canadian brothers George and William Chaffey, who designed an ambitious grid system with wide boulevards and an innovative irrigation network. That planned character is still visible today along Euclid Avenue, Ontario's grand tree-lined central corridor, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
For travelers, Ontario functions primarily as a convenient, lower-cost gateway into the Greater Los Angeles region. Its international airport, manageable size, and freeway access make it a practical base for exploring everything from the Mojave Desert to the Pacific coast. The city itself has a growing restaurant scene, a major entertainment and retail district, and a motorsports venue that draws regional visitors year-round.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Ontario is in the United States. Entry requirements depend on your nationality, travel history, and purpose of visit. Do not rely on any single source for visa rules. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the U.S. Department of State or your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for current requirements.
Climate
Ontario has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. July and August regularly see daytime highs above 95°F (35°C), and occasional heat waves can push temperatures well above 100°F (38°C). Winters are mild, with daytime temperatures typically in the 60s°F (15–20°C). Rain is infrequent and falls mainly between November and March. Santa Ana wind events—dry, hot, easterly winds—can occur in autumn and occasionally in spring.
Air Quality
The Inland Empire has historically experienced elevated smog levels due to its geography and heavy freight traffic. On days when air quality is poor (check AirNow.gov or a similar service), outdoor exercise is best limited, particularly for those with respiratory conditions.
What to Pack
- Sunscreen and sunglasses year-round
- Light, breathable clothing for summer; a jacket for winter evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A refillable water bottle—staying hydrated in the dry heat is important
Getting There
By Air
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is the city's main gateway. It serves domestic routes and a growing number of destinations, with several major U.S. carriers operating there. The airport is significantly less congested than Los Angeles International (LAX) and is often cheaper for flights into the greater LA region. Verify current routes and schedules directly with airlines or on the airport's official website.
By Car
Ontario sits at the junction of Interstate 10 (east–west) and Interstate 15 (north–south), making it easily reachable by car from Los Angeles (approximately 45–60 minutes without traffic), San Diego (about 1.5–2 hours), and Las Vegas (roughly 2.5–3 hours). Traffic on I-10 can be heavy during morning and evening commute hours.
By Train
Metrolink's San Bernardino Line connects Ontario (East Ontario and Downtown Upland stations are nearby) to Los Angeles Union Station. Amtrak also serves the broader region. Verify current schedules and station locations on the Metrolink and Amtrak websites before travel.
Getting Around
Ontario is a car-oriented city, and having your own vehicle—either a personal car or a rental from the airport—is the most practical way to get around. Parking is generally available and free at most commercial areas.
Omnitrans provides local bus service throughout San Bernardino County, connecting Ontario to neighboring cities such as Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, and Chino. Route maps and schedules are available on the Omnitrans website. Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) operate throughout the city and are a convenient option for airport transfers and local trips.
Bicycling infrastructure is limited but improving. Euclid Avenue has some bike-friendly stretches, but most arterial roads are not well-suited for casual cycling.
Where to Stay
Ontario has a substantial stock of hotels clustered around the airport and along the major freeway corridors (I-10 and I-15), catering primarily to business travelers and transit visitors. Most major U.S. hotel chains have a presence near the airport. Rates are generally lower than comparable properties in Los Angeles or Orange County, which makes Ontario a cost-effective base for regional exploration.
For travelers planning extended visits, short-term rental options are available through major platforms. The areas immediately around the airport and near Haven Avenue offer the most convenient access to the freeway system. Verify current pricing and availability directly with your chosen accommodation provider.
Things to See & Do
Euclid Avenue Historic Corridor
The Chaffey brothers designed Euclid Avenue as a grand promenade, and it retains its original palm and pepper tree plantings along a wide median. Walking or driving its length gives a sense of the city's early 20th-century ambition. The historic downtown area near 4th Street has older commercial buildings worth a look.
Toyota Arena
This mid-sized indoor arena hosts concerts, family shows, and minor-league hockey (the Ontario Reign, AHL affiliate of the LA Kings). Check the arena's official site for the current event calendar.
Auto Club Speedway
Located just south of the city in Fontana, Auto Club Speedway is a major NASCAR and motorsports venue. It hosts several race weekends annually and occasionally opens for other events. Confirm the schedule and ticketing on the speedway's official website.
Ontario Mills
A large outlet and value retail mall that also contains a movie theater and various dining options. It is one of the larger shopping centers in Southern California by square footage and draws visitors from across the region.
Day Trips from Ontario
Ontario's location makes it an efficient launching point for diverse day trips. Mount Baldy (Mt. San Antonio) is roughly 30 minutes north and offers hiking and, in season, skiing. Palm Springs is about an hour east via I-10. The beaches of Los Angeles County are 45–75 minutes west depending on traffic.
Food & Drink
Ontario's food scene reflects the demographic diversity of the Inland Empire. You'll find a wide range of Mexican and Mexican-American restaurants—from sit-down regional cuisine to casual taquerias—throughout the city. The stretch of Haven Avenue and the area around Ontario Mills have a higher concentration of chain restaurants and breweries.
The city has a growing craft brewery and tap room presence. Several local operations have opened in recent years, though it's worth verifying that specific venues are still operating before visiting. Downtown Ontario has seen some independent restaurant openings, particularly around 2nd and 4th Streets.
Farmers markets operate in the region on rotating days of the week; check local listings for current schedules and locations. Given the city's proximity to agricultural areas in the Inland Valley, seasonal produce can be excellent.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In any emergency in the United States, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical services.
Health
Urgent care clinics and pharmacies are widely available. San Antonio Regional Hospital and other facilities serve the area. If you have specific medical needs, verify in advance that appropriate care is available.
Money
Credit and debit cards are accepted almost universally. ATMs are widely available. Tipping is standard in the U.S.: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, a few dollars for hotel housekeeping, and $1–2 per drink at bars is typical.
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport, most hotels, and many cafes and restaurants. Cell coverage from all major U.S. carriers is reliable throughout the city. International travelers should check roaming rates with their carrier or purchase a local SIM on arrival.
Useful Apps
- Google Maps or Apple Maps for navigation
- Omnitrans app or website for local bus routes
- AirNow for air quality
- Waze for real-time traffic on Southern California freeways
Safety
Ontario is a mid-sized city with the range of safety conditions typical for urban areas in the western United States. Most areas frequented by visitors—around the airport, Ontario Mills, Toyota Arena, and the main commercial corridors—are generally safe during daytime and evening hours.
As in any city, standard precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, secure valuables in your vehicle (car break-ins occur in busy parking areas), and avoid leaving bags or electronics visible in parked cars. If you are unfamiliar with specific neighborhoods, ask your hotel for local orientation.
Traffic is a practical safety concern: Southern California driving culture involves high speeds on freeways, and pedestrian infrastructure outside of commercial districts can be limited. Cross streets at marked crosswalks and remain alert when walking near busy arterial roads.
