Ontario City Guide

Food is diverse with American, Mexican, and Asian influences. Plenty of tacos and international foods. Vegetarian and vegan options are growing. Late-night fast-food and diners are available around main areas.

Nightlife is casual with bars, sports pubs, and some chain restaurants. No major club scenes but small live music venues exist.

Growing coffee scene with chain and independent shops offering quality coffee. Specialty roasters emerging but no major events.

Tipping is expected in service industries, commonly 15-20% in restaurants and rideshares, $1-$2 for baristas, and a few dollars for housekeeping.

SIM cards are available at AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon stores, and electronics shops like Best Buy. Prepaid SIMs usually don't require ID, but contracts might. eSIMs are supported by all major carriers.

Streets and neighborhoods are generally clean with regular waste and recycling services.

Some 24-hour pharmacies and convenience stores exist. Late-night fast food and urgent care centers available but 24/7 clinics are rare.

Supermarkets carry international products, including Hispanic and other diverse foods. Main stores: Stater Bros., Vons, Ralphs, Albertsons, Superior Grocers, Northgate Market, plus farmers markets. Stores open early until late evening, mostly open Sundays and holidays.

Most places accept cards, including restaurants, shops, and supermarkets. Cash isn't usually needed for daily purchases.

ATMs are common at banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo, plus supermarkets and convenience stores. Out-of-network ATM fees range from $2.50 to $5 besides your bank's fees.

Local public schools belong to Ontario-Montclair and Chaffey Joint Union districts, primarily in English. International schools are rare locally; private schools nearby offer alternatives.

Limited dedicated digital nomad presence. Few meetups or co-living spaces; networking happens in broader professional groups.

Parks like Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park and Ontario Town Square offer shaded areas, walking trails, and playgrounds.

Good running routes in parks and trails like Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park and Pacific Electric Trail. Running groups exist; air quality varies by season.

Multiple gym chains and community centers offer fitness and sports facilities.

Public parks offer tennis courts, usually hard surface. Booking is first-come-first-served; you need your own equipment.

Padel courts are rare in Ontario but found increasingly in Southern California.

Multiple yoga studios and gyms offer various styles, with English-speaking instructors and drop-in classes.

Several gyms offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, Taekwondo, Karate, and more. English-speaking instructors and trials are common.

Ski resorts like Big Bear and Snow Valley are 1.5-2 hours away, open from late fall to spring. Terrain suits all levels; equipment rentals are available.

Nearby lakes offer kayaking and paddleboarding with rentals. Sailing is more common on bigger lakes or at the coast.

Surf spots are along Orange County coast, 45-60 miles away. Suitable for beginners and advanced surfers with schools and rentals available.

Diving and snorkeling exist around Catalina Island and Laguna Beach, reachable within about 1.5-2 hours. Good marine life and certifications available.

Kaiser Permanente Ontario Medical Center and Pomona Valley Hospital nearby have English-speaking staff. Care is high quality but costly without insurance. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens offer OTC meds and advice.

Tap water meets all state and federal safety standards and is safe to drink.

Ontario has parks with playgrounds, family-friendly dining, and shopping. Attractions include Ontario Mills mall and Graber Olive House, great for families.

Generally accepting with legal protections. No dedicated neighborhoods but safe spaces exist. Pride events happen in nearby bigger cities.

Pet-friendly with dog parks and veterinary care. Many pet-friendly hotels and some restaurant patios allow pets.