Overview
Ontario is a mid-sized city in San Bernardino County, located roughly 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the region commonly called the Inland Empire. It sits at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains and sits adjacent to Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, and Chino.
The city's history traces back to the 1880s when Canadian brothers George and William Chaffey founded it and named it after their home province. They developed an innovative irrigation system that turned the area into productive citrus groves, and that agricultural heritage is still recognized in local museums and landmarks.
Today Ontario functions largely as a logistics and transportation hub, home to one of Southern California's major airports and extensive warehouse and distribution infrastructure. For travelers, its value is primarily as an accessible, affordable base for exploring the broader region, including Los Angeles, the wine country of Rancho Cucamonga, the mountain communities, and desert destinations.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Entry requirements depend on your nationality and travel history. For authoritative information, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official US Customs and Border Protection website (cbp.gov).
Climate
Ontario has a semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 95°F (35°C) and can reach higher during heat waves. Winters are generally comfortable in the 50s–60s°F (10–18°C) during the day, with occasional frost at night. Rain is uncommon and falls mainly between November and March. If you plan to visit the nearby mountains, check road and weather conditions before heading up, as mountain passes can close due to snow.
What to Pack
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat year-round
- Light, breathable clothing for summer; layers for winter evenings
- A vehicle or ride-share app — the city is not walkable for most visitor purposes
- Water bottle — staying hydrated in the dry heat is important
Getting There
By Air
Ontario International Airport (ONT) serves the city directly and is often less congested than Los Angeles International (LAX). It offers domestic routes and select international flights. Verify current airline service and routes on the airport's official site (flyontario.com) or your preferred booking platform.
By Car
Ontario is easily reached via Interstate 10 (the San Bernardino Freeway), which is a major east-west corridor connecting Los Angeles to the west and the desert communities to the east. I-15 also passes nearby, linking San Diego to the south with Las Vegas to the northeast. Traffic on these freeways can be heavy during peak commute hours.
By Train
Metrolink's San Bernardino Line and Inland Empire–Orange County Line both serve Ontario/East Ontario station, providing rail connections to Los Angeles Union Station and other Inland Empire cities. Amtrak's Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle stop at nearby stations — verify current schedules at amtrak.com.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle or ride-share service is by far the most practical way to get around Ontario and the broader Inland Empire. The city's layout is typical of Southern California suburban planning — spread out and oriented around the car.
Omnitrans operates local bus service throughout the region. It connects Ontario to neighboring cities including Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, and San Bernardino. Service is functional for some point-to-point trips but may not cover all visitor destinations conveniently. Check current routes and schedules at omnitrans.org.
Ride-share apps (Uber, Lyft) have reliable coverage in Ontario, particularly around the airport and major commercial areas. Taxis are available but less common than in larger urban centers.
Things to See & Do
Ontario Museum of History and Art
This free civic museum covers the founding of Ontario, the Chaffey brothers' irrigation legacy, and rotating art exhibitions. It is a good first stop for understanding the city's unusual history. Verify current hours and any admission changes directly with the museum.
Cucamonga Valley Wine Country
Immediately adjacent to Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga hosts a growing cluster of wineries and tasting rooms along Foothill Boulevard — the historic alignment of Route 66. The Cucamonga Valley AVA has a long winemaking history dating to the mission era. Several tasting rooms are walkable from one another. Check individual winery websites for current hours and tasting fees.
San Gabriel Mountains Day Trips
Mount Baldy (Mount San Antonio), the highest peak in the San Gabriel range at 10,064 feet, is roughly 20 miles north of Ontario. In winter and spring it receives enough snow for skiing and snowshoeing at the Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts resort. Trails and scenic drives are accessible in warmer months. Always check road conditions and Angeles National Forest advisories before heading up.
Toyota Arena
Ontario's major indoor arena hosts concerts, family events, and minor-league hockey (the Ontario Reign, AHL affiliate of the LA Kings). Check the arena's website for the current event schedule.
Historic Route 66
Foothill Boulevard through Ontario and the neighboring communities follows the original alignment of Route 66. A slow drive west through Upland and east through Rancho Cucamonga turns up vintage signage, classic diners, and mid-century architecture worth photographing.
Food & Drink
Ontario's dining scene is diverse, reflecting the Inland Empire's large Latino community as well as the full range of American suburban chain restaurants. For travelers, independent restaurants and taquerias tend to offer the most rewarding meals.
Foothill Boulevard and Holt Avenue are among the corridors with the highest concentration of independent eateries. Mexican food — from traditional taquerias to sit-down restaurants — is a reliable and affordable option throughout the city. Many establishments are family-run and have served the community for decades.
For drinks, the Cucamonga Valley wineries in neighboring Rancho Cucamonga are the most distinctive option in the immediate area. Local craft beer has a smaller footprint here than in some other Southern California cities, but the broader Inland Empire has breweries worth researching if craft beer is a priority for your trip.
Note that specific restaurant recommendations change frequently. Search current review platforms (Yelp, Google Maps) filtered to Ontario, CA for up-to-date options and hours.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in the United States.
Tipping
Tipping is standard practice in the US. A typical range is 15–20% at sit-down restaurants, and $1–2 per drink at bars. Ride-share apps prompt for tips digitally.
Sales Tax
California has a state sales tax, and San Bernardino County adds local amounts on top. The combined rate in Ontario exceeds the state base rate — verify the current rate locally, as it can change.
Connectivity
Cell coverage from major US carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) is strong throughout Ontario. Free Wi-Fi is available at the Ontario International Airport and many hotels and restaurants.
Pharmacies and Health
Major pharmacy chains (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) operate multiple locations in Ontario. If you require prescription medication, bring an adequate supply or be prepared to navigate the US pharmacy system, which may require a local prescription.
Safety
Ontario is a broadly typical mid-sized California city when it comes to safety. Most visitor areas — the airport corridor, Ontario Mills shopping area, and commercial strips — are well-patrolled and present no particular concerns during the day.
As in any city, exercise standard precautions: do not leave valuables visible in a parked car, be aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar neighborhoods after dark, and secure your belongings in crowded areas.
For current local safety conditions, the Ontario Police Department's official website and its social media channels provide community updates. In any emergency, dial 911.
