Ontario, California Travel Guide
City City in California, known for its growth
An Inland Empire hub, Ontario draws visitors for Ontario International Airport, the sprawling Ontario Mills outlet mall, a handful of historical downtown spots and quick access to the Cucamonga foothills and Route 66 diners.
Why Visit Ontario, California? #
A transportation and events hub, Ontario draws visitors for convenience and family-oriented attractions. Ontario International Airport makes it a practical gateway, Ontario Mills provides extensive shopping, and the Fairplex hosts the Los Angeles County Fair and other large events. Travelers choose the city for accessible accommodations, big-box entertainment options, and short drives to day trips across Southern California.
Who's Ontario, California For?
Ontario is a logistics and transport hub anchored by Ontario International Airport, major warehousing and business parks. It’s a practical, cost-effective location for distribution and corporate travel near LA.
Diverse local dining features strong Mexican, Asian and American comfort-food scenes; casual taquerías and midrange restaurants around Euclid Avenue and Ontario Mills serve affordable meals.
Family attractions include Ontario Mills outlet mall, local parks and seasonal community events. Hotels near the airport cater to families needing comfortable, budget-friendly stays.
Close drives bring you to foothill trails and regional recreation areas for hiking and birding. Ontario itself is urban, but quick access to nearby natural spaces is convenient for day trips.
Top Things to Do in Ontario, California
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- Graber Olive House - Family-run historic olive mill serving preserved olives and a slice of local history.
- Toyota Arena - Large event venue hosting sports, concerts, and community events in downtown Ontario.
- Ontario Mills - Extensive outlet mall with a wide range of stores and family-friendly amenities.
- Downtown Ontario (Murphy Street) - Rejuvenated downtown strip featuring restaurants, cafés, and seasonal community events.
- Ontario Museum of History & Art - Local museum highlighting city history, rotating exhibitions, and community programs.
- Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park - Lakeside park popular with families for picnics, fishing, and weekend relaxation.
- Griffin Park neighborhood murals and cafés - Residential streets with surprising street art and independent cafés favored by locals.
- Local farmers' markets (weekend) - Neighborhood markets offering fresh produce and artisanal goods, popular with residents.
- Downtown Los Angeles (The Broad / Grand Central Market) - Accessible by car or Metrolink; architecture, museums, and diverse food options within an hour.
- Palm Springs - Desert resort city with mid-century architecture and shops, roughly one to one-and-a-half hours away.
- Joshua Tree National Park - Iconic desert landscape for rock climbing and stargazing, about two hours by car.
- Riverside (Mission Inn) - Historic Mission Inn Hotel with ornate architecture and cultural events, reachable within an hour.
Where to Go in Ontario, California #
Downtown Ontario
Downtown Ontario mixes small-town California charm with practical services. Historic buildings, family-run cafés and the Graber Olive House give it character. It’s a good place to wander for an afternoon and find a relaxed meal away from the big malls.
Top Spots
- Historic Downtown Ontario - tree-lined streets and local cafés.
- Graber Olive House - century-old olive shop and tasting counter.
- Ontario Museum of History & Art - regional exhibits and events.
Ontario Mills / Airport Corridor
This busy stretch is defined by the mall and the airport: practical, car-oriented and full of chain dining options. Great for shoppers and anyone arriving late or early via ONT - less interesting culturally but extremely convenient.
Top Spots
- Ontario Mills - one of the region’s largest outlet malls.
- Ontario International Airport (ONT) - major regional gateway.
- Chain restaurants & hotels - convenient options for travelers.
Guasti / East Ontario
East Ontario (the Guasti area) is family-friendly with a big regional park and open spaces. It’s a good pick for visitors with kids or anyone who wants outdoor relax time without leaving the city limits.
Top Spots
- Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park - lakes, BBQ areas and family activities.
- Local wineries (historic sites nearby) - tasting rooms and vineyard history.
- Neighborhood markets - everyday shopping.
Plan Your Visit to Ontario, California #
Best Time to Visit Ontario, California #
Visit Ontario in spring and fall (March-May and September-November) when inland temperatures are pleasant, skies are clear, and outdoor activities are comfortable. Summers are very hot and dry; winters are mild with occasional rain.
Best Time to Visit Ontario, California #
Ontario, California's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 5°C to 33°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with 86 mm of rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 33°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).
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How to Get to Ontario, California
Ontario, California is easiest to reach by flying into Ontario International Airport (ONT); Los Angeles (LAX) and John Wayne (SNA) are other nearby options for more flight choices. Regional rail (Metrolink) and several bus operators connect the city to Los Angeles and the Inland Empire.
Ontario International Airport (ONT): Ontario International is the city’s airport and the most convenient arrival point. From the terminal you can take a taxi or rideshare to downtown Ontario in about 10-20 minutes; expect roughly $12-25 for a one-way Uber/Lyft or taxi depending on time of day and exact destination. Several hotel shuttles and shared-ride shuttles also operate to nearby hotels and business parks (prices vary, typically $5-15).
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): LAX is 40-60 miles west of Ontario and commonly used by international or low-cost flights. Rideshare or taxi runs to Ontario usually take 45-90 minutes depending on traffic and cost about $60-110; airport shuttles and rental cars are common alternatives.
John Wayne/Orange County Airport (SNA): SNA is smaller and about 30-50 miles southwest. Rideshare to Ontario typically takes 40-75 minutes and costs around $50-90. Rental cars and private shuttles are convenient if you prefer not to rely on transfers.
Train: Regional commuter rail is provided by Metrolink; the San Bernardino Line serves nearby stations such as Rancho Cucamonga and Montclair Transcenter, which are a short drive or local-bus ride from central Ontario. Trains from Los Angeles Union Station to Montclair/Rancho Cucamonga typically take ~45-75 minutes; Metrolink one-way fares depend on zones but commonly range from about $5-$12.
Bus: Local and regional bus service is provided mainly by Omnitrans (San Bernardino County) and Foothill Transit for adjacent corridors. Omnitrans serves Ontario with multiple routes that connect the airport, the Ontario Transit Center, and nearby suburbs; single-ride fares are typically in the low single dollars (commonly around $1.75-$2.50) and journey times around 15-60 minutes depending on route. Intercity shuttle and regional express services link Ontario with nearby cities and transit hubs.
How to Get Around Ontario, California
Ontario is a car-oriented city - renting a car or using rideshare is the most convenient way to get around, especially for visiting shopping centers and regional attractions. Public transit (Metrolink + Omnitrans/Foothill Transit) connects key points and is budget-friendly, but services are less frequent than in central Los Angeles, so plan schedules and allow extra time.
- Car / Rental car ($30-$80 per day) - Driving is the most flexible and practical way to get around Ontario and the Inland Empire. Major freeways (I-10, I-15, and SR-60 nearby) make regional trips straightforward, but expect heavy congestion during peak hours. If you need full freedom to visit suburbs, outlet malls and trailheads, rent a car - parking in most commercial areas is plentiful and often free.
- Rideshare (Uber / Lyft) ($8-$40 typical short trip) - Uber and Lyft are widely available and often the easiest option for short hops, airport pickups and trips across the city when you don't want to rent a car. Fares fluctuate with distance and demand - use estimated fares in the apps; tip: avoid peak freeway times to limit surge pricing. Rideshare is also a good option for late-night returns when buses are infrequent.
- Metrolink (commuter rail) ($5-$12) - Metrolink's San Bernardino Line links Ontario-area stations (e.g., Montclair Transcenter, Rancho Cucamonga) with Los Angeles Union Station and points east. Trains are reliable for weekday commutes and some weekend service; check schedules in advance as frequencies are limited outside rush hours. Fares are zone-based; expect typical one-way fares in the low single digits up to around $10-$12 depending on distance.
- Bus (Omnitrans / Foothill Transit) ($1.75-$2.50 per ride) - Omnitrans is the primary local bus operator in Ontario; Foothill Transit covers some adjacent corridors. Buses serve the Ontario Transit Center, airport and shopping areas and are the most budget-friendly way to travel, though services can be slow compared with driving. Bring a transit app or check route maps for transfers and consider timed connections if you're linking with Metrolink or regional services.
- Biking ($0-$10 per hour for bike rental (varies)) - Cycling can work for short trips and there are some bike lanes and multi-use paths around commercial districts and parks, but the area is not highly bike-centric. Use caution on busy arterials and prefer mornings or weekends for a more comfortable ride. If you plan to bike regularly, bring lights and a U‑lock - bike racks are common at transit centers and larger shopping areas.
- Walking - Many destinations in central Ontario (downtown commercial blocks, malls, and business parks) are walkable for short trips, but distances can be long and sidewalks are inconsistent in some suburbs. Walking is best for last-mile travel within compact areas; wear comfortable shoes and plan routes that avoid high-speed roads.
Where to Stay in Ontario, California #
- Ayres Hotel Ontario Mills (value deals) - Often has budget-friendly offers.
- Budget motels near Ontario Airport (listings) - Cheap, practical overnight stays.
- Ayres Hotel Ontario Mills - Upscale-feel mid-range with good service.
- Renaissance Ontario Airport Hotel (nearby) - Full-service with airport convenience.
- Renaissance Ontario Airport Hotel - Upscale amenities and meeting spaces.
- Area luxury chains and suites - Higher-category room and services.
- Ayres Hotel Ontario Mills - Close to the mall and attractions.
- Renaissance Ontario Airport Hotel - Good base for exploring Inland Empire.
- Ayres Hotel Ontario Mills - Family-friendly suites and pool.
- Renaissance Ontario Airport Hotel - Spacious rooms and dining options.
- Ayres Hotel Ontario Mills - Quiet rooms and reliable Wi‑Fi.
- Renaissance Ontario Airport Hotel - Business facilities and work-friendly spaces.
Where to Eat in Ontario, California #
Ontario, California is a suburban hub where dining is practical and convenient: Old Towne Ontario offers independent cafés and bakeries, while Ontario Mills and nearby shopping centers concentrate chain restaurants and fast-casual options. Authentic Mexican eateries and regional taquerías are a strong presence in many neighborhoods. International cuisine-especially Asian and Filipino-appears in pockets around the city. Vegetarians will find salads, bowls and Mexican vegetable dishes at local cafés and bakeries.
- Downtown Ontario eateries - Mexican taquerías and family diners.
- Ontario Mills-area restaurants - Casual chains and mall dining.
- Old Towne Ontario - Local cafés and bakeries with character.
- Asian restaurants and sushi bars - Chinese, Japanese and Filipino options.
- Mexican and Central American eateries - Authentic regional dishes in local neighborhoods.
- Casual American chains - Popular national restaurants and grills.
- Health cafés and juice bars - Bowls, salads and smoothie options.
- Mexican vegetable dishes - Nopales, beans and vegetarian tacos available.
- Bakery cafés - Pastries, sandwiches and salads for light meals.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Ontario, California's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Ontario, California #
Ontario’s evening scene is practical and varied - casual bars, sports pubs and restaurant clusters near Ontario Mills and downtown. The city also hosts concerts at nearby arenas and occasional nightlife events. Dress is casual and parking is plentiful; for late-night clubbing or an upscale cocktail scene, neighboring Los Angeles or downtown LA suburbs are your options.
Best Bets
- Ontario Mills / Ontario Convention area - Restaurants, bars and mall-adjacent nightlife.
- Local sports bars and pubs - Casual spots for games, beer and late-night bites.
- Event venues & concert nights - Check calendars for touring acts and local events.
- Downtown Ontario - Newer restaurants and a handful of evening bars.
- Live-music and comedy nights - Local clubs and pubs with scheduled performances.
- Greater LA clubs (short drive) - Drive into LA for big-club and late-night options.
Shopping in Ontario, California #
Ontario, California is best known for Ontario Mills outlet mall and airport-adjacent shopping - a magnet for bargain hunters. The city combines large-format retailers, outlet shopping and suburban plazas. If you’re after discounted designer brands, Ontario Mills is the main draw; for everyday needs, the Galleria-style centers and neighborhood shopping plazas cover most categories.
Best Bets
- Ontario Mills - Large outlet mall with dozens of brand-name discount stores.
- Downtown Ontario shopping areas - Local boutiques, restaurants and weekend events.
- Victoria Gardens (nearby, at Rancho Cucamonga) - Open-air mall with shops, dining and entertainment.
- Outlet and big-box corridors - Strip centers with electronics, home and clothing stores.
- Local farmers markets and vendor fairs - Seasonal produce, artisanal foods and crafts.
- Auto and specialty retail areas - Automotive supplies and specialty service retailers.
