Overview
Ontario is a mid-sized city in San Bernardino County, situated at the western edge of California's Inland Empire roughly 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. It sits on a broad, flat plain at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains, giving residents and visitors a dramatic mountain backdrop on clear days.
The city was laid out in the 1880s by Canadian brothers George and William Chaffey, who designed its distinctive wide, eucalyptus-lined boulevards and an early irrigation system that supported citrus farming. Today Ontario is a major distribution and logistics center, but it also has a walkable historic downtown, a regional airport, and enough dining, shopping, and outdoor options to make it a comfortable stop or base.
For travelers, Ontario functions primarily as a gateway: it is quick to reach from Los Angeles, has ample lodging near the airport and convention center, and puts day-trippers within easy reach of the San Bernardino Mountains, Riverside, wine country in Temecula, and greater Los Angeles. It is a practical, no-fuss city rather than a traditional tourist destination.
Before You Go
Visas
Ontario, California is in the United States. Entry requirements depend on your nationality and travel history. Check the TravelerPulse Visas section and the official US Customs and Border Protection website (cbp.gov) for current requirements before booking.
Weather
Ontario has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer daytime highs regularly exceed 95°F (35°C), and occasional heat waves push temperatures above 105°F (40°C). Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. Winter days are typically in the 60s°F (15–20°C), though nights can drop below 40°F (4°C). Rain is infrequent and falls mostly between November and March. Santa Ana winds — dry, hot gusts from the desert — can occur in autumn and winter and occasionally affect air quality.
Air Quality
The Inland Empire is one of the more ozone-affected regions in the United States due to its geography and vehicle traffic. Check AirNow (airnow.gov) for the daily Air Quality Index, especially if you have respiratory concerns or are planning strenuous outdoor activity.
What to Pack
- Light, breathable clothing for summer; layers for winter evenings
- Sunscreen and sunglasses year-round
- A reusable water bottle — hydration is important in dry heat
- Comfortable walking shoes for the historic downtown area
Getting There
By Air
Ontario International Airport (ONT) serves the city with flights on several major US carriers and some international routes. It is significantly less congested than Los Angeles International (LAX) and is often a convenient alternative for travelers heading to the Inland Empire or eastern Los Angeles County. Verify current routes and airlines on the Ontario International Airport website (flyontario.com).
By Car
Ontario is well-connected by freeway. Interstate 10 (San Bernardino Freeway) runs east–west through the city and is the primary route from Los Angeles. Interstate 15 crosses north–south and connects Ontario to Las Vegas to the north and San Diego to the south. State Route 60 provides another east–west corridor. Traffic on I-10 can be heavy during morning and evening commute hours, so plan accordingly.
By Train
Metrolink's San Bernardino Line stops at Ontario–East Ontario station, connecting the city to Los Angeles Union Station and other San Gabriel Valley communities. The journey to downtown Los Angeles takes roughly 60–90 minutes depending on service. Check Metrolink's schedule and fares at metrolinktrains.com.
By Bus
Omnitrans provides regional bus service throughout the Inland Empire, including routes connecting Ontario to neighboring cities. Greyhound and Flixbus serve the broader region with intercity routes; verify current stop locations and schedules on their respective websites.
Getting Around
Ontario is a car-centric city, and most travelers will find a rental car or rideshare the most practical way to get around. Parking is generally plentiful and free or low-cost at most commercial destinations.
Omnitrans bus routes cover the city, but service frequency and coverage are limited compared to major metropolitan transit systems. The network is more useful for commuters than for visitors trying to hop between attractions quickly.
Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) operate throughout Ontario and are widely available, including at the airport. This is often the easiest option for visitors who have flown in and do not wish to rent a car.
The historic downtown area around Euclid Avenue and 4th Street is compact enough to explore on foot once you have parked or been dropped off. The rest of the city, including Ontario Mills and the sports and entertainment venues near the airport, requires a vehicle or rideshare.
Things to See & Do
Ontario Museum of History & Art
Located in the historic downtown, this free civic museum covers the Chaffey brothers' founding of Ontario, the city's citrus heritage, and rotating art exhibitions. It is a modest but worthwhile introduction to local history. Confirm current hours on the City of Ontario's website before visiting.
Graber Olive House
One of the oldest remaining olive-curing operations in California, Graber Olive House has been in operation since 1894. The property includes a small museum and shop. It is a genuinely distinctive local institution and a good stop for food-curious travelers. Verify current visiting hours and seasonal availability directly.
Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park
This San Bernardino County park offers a large swimming lake, fishing, picnic areas, and a playground. It is popular with families and provides a green escape within the otherwise developed landscape. Check San Bernardino County Parks for current fees and hours.
Ontario Mills
One of California's largest outlet and value-retail malls, Ontario Mills draws shoppers from across the region. Beyond retail, the complex includes entertainment options such as a movie theater and an indoor karting venue. It is not a cultural attraction per se, but it is a practical and popular destination.
Toyota Arena
This mid-sized indoor arena hosts concerts, family shows, and sporting events including Ontario Reign hockey (AHL affiliate of the LA Kings). Check the arena's schedule for events during your visit.
Day Trips from Ontario
Ontario's location makes it an efficient launch point. The ski resorts of Big Bear Lake and Mountain High are roughly 1.5–2 hours away in winter. The historic Route 66 corridor passes through the area. Riverside's Mission Inn and downtown arts district are about 20 minutes east. Palm Springs is approximately 75 minutes southeast via I-10.
Food & Drink
Ontario's dining scene reflects its diverse, working-class population and its proximity to a large Hispanic community. Authentic Mexican food is a particular strength of the area, with numerous taquerias, birria spots, and family-run restaurants throughout the city.
The downtown area around 4th Street and Euclid Avenue has seen gradual revitalization and hosts a growing number of independent restaurants and coffee shops. This is the best area for a walkable meal.
What to Look For
- Tacos and birria: Multiple spots serve Jalisco-style birria tacos with consommé; widely considered some of the best in the region
- Salvadoran and Central American food: Reflects the city's Central American diaspora communities
- Chain restaurants and fast food: Heavily represented near Ontario Mills and the airport corridor; convenient but not distinctive
- Craft beer: The broader Inland Empire has a growing craft brewing scene; a handful of taprooms operate in or near Ontario
For a more curated dining experience, neighboring Rancho Cucamonga (immediately north) has a wider range of sit-down restaurants. Prices across Ontario tend to be moderate to affordable by Southern California standards, though verify current menu pricing locally.
Shopping
Ontario Mills is the dominant shopping destination and one of the largest outlet malls in the western United States. It houses hundreds of retailers across a sprawling single-level layout. Expect heavy weekend crowds, particularly on holiday weekends.
The downtown area has smaller independent shops and a few antique and vintage stores along the main commercial corridors. This is a more local, lower-key alternative to the mall.
For grocery and everyday needs, the city has multiple major supermarket chains and Latino-focused markets that are worth browsing for local ingredients, produce, and prepared foods.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In any emergency in the United States, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance.
Hospitals
Ontario is served by several hospitals in the area including facilities in adjacent cities. For non-emergency medical care, urgent care clinics are located throughout the city. Verify locations and hours on Google Maps or call ahead.
Tipping
Tipping is standard practice in the United States. A common range is 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and $2–5 per night for hotel housekeeping. Rideshare apps prompt for tips within the app.
Connectivity
Cell service from major US carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) is generally reliable throughout Ontario. Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport, Ontario Mills, many hotels, and most coffee shops.
Currency and Payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. It is worth carrying a small amount of cash for smaller taquerias and food trucks that may not accept cards. ATMs are available at the airport, mall, and banks throughout the city.
Safety
Ontario is a large city with typical urban safety considerations. Most areas frequented by visitors — the airport corridor, Ontario Mills, and the historic downtown — are generally safe and well-trafficked during the day.
As in any city, be aware of your surroundings, avoid leaving valuables visible in parked cars (auto break-ins occur in Southern California broadly), and take normal precautions at night, particularly in areas away from main commercial corridors.
Traffic safety is a practical concern: pedestrian infrastructure is limited in many parts of the city, and drivers move fast on wide arterial roads. Use marked crosswalks and be cautious when walking near high-traffic streets.
For current local safety information, the Ontario Police Department maintains public resources on the City of Ontario's official website.
