Things To Do
in Rialto
Rialto is a suburban city in San Bernardino County in Southern California's Inland Empire, located east of Ontario and west of San Bernardino. It serves as a residential and light-industrial hub with a growing and diverse community and easy access to freeways and commuter rail. The city is a practical base for exploring the San Bernardino Mountains, nearby hiking areas and larger Inland Empire attractions.
Visitors will find everyday conveniences, family-run restaurants, and a quieter alternative to Los Angeles while still being within an hour’s drive of major Southern California sights.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic Rialto Theater, where you can admire the beautiful architecture and learn about the local film history. Enjoy a breakfast at a cozy cafe nearby, indulging in some freshly brewed coffee and pastries. Stroll through the charming streets and capture some photographs of the vintage storefronts and murals that adorn the area.
Head to the Rialto Historical Society Museum to dive deeper into the rich history of the area, with exhibits that showcase the vibrant past of Rialto. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely lunch in a local diner, savoring classic American comfort food. Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby parks or enjoying some retail therapy at the local shops.
As the sun sets, find a charming spot for dinner at one of Rialto's family-owned restaurants, where you can experience authentic local cuisine. After dinner, catch a live performance or movie at the Rialto Theater, immersing yourself in the local culture. End the night with a relaxing stroll through one of the parks, reflecting on the day's discoveries.
Begin your day early with a hike at the nearby San Bernardino National Forest, where the fresh air and beautiful landscapes will awaken your senses. Pack a hearty breakfast to enjoy at the summit, surrounded by stunning views of the mountains and valleys. Take your time to observe the local flora and fauna, capturing the beauty of nature through your lens.
After your hike, head back to Rialto and visit the nearby California Citrus State Historic Park to learn about the state's citrus industry. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, surrounded by fragrant citrus trees, before embarking on a guided tour to delve deeper into the history and processes of citrus cultivation. Spend your afternoon enjoying the peaceful surroundings and perhaps picking some fruit to take home.
As dusk approaches, return to Rialto and indulge in dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant that emphasizes locally sourced ingredients. After your meal, take a scenic drive to enjoy the sunset views over the mountains. Conclude your day by relaxing at a local café, sipping on a warm beverage while sharing stories of your adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Regular coffee | $3-5 |
| 🚌Local bus fare (one way) | $1.50-2.00 |
| ⛽Gas (per gallon) | $4-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to mountains and outdoor recreation (hiking, mountain lakes).
- Affordable and practical base compared with coastal Southern California.
- Strong local Mexican and comfort-food scene with good street-food options.
- Convenient access to freeways and Metrolink for regional travel.
- Hot summers can limit daytime outdoor activities.
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure compared with larger nearby cities.
- Some neighborhoods experience higher crime rates—exercise caution.
- Car-dependent in many areas; public transit options are improving but limited.
Places to Visit in Rialto
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful murals, storefronts and neighborhood streets provide candid urban and community photography opportunities, especially during daytime events.
From north Rialto and nearby foothills you can capture sweeping shots of the San Bernardino Mountains and Inland Empire valley at sunrise or sunset.
Canyon entrances, streams and rugged rock formations make for great nature photography; seasonal water flow can add drama in wet months.
Train lines, bridges and industrial edges offer moody urban/industrial images — best in early morning or golden hour for dramatic light.
Food in Rialto
Rialto Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Street-style tacos and birria are widely available at taquerias and taco trucks across Rialto — look for places that grill meat to order for the best flavor.
Must-Try!
Hearty breakfasts (pancakes, eggs, breakfast burritos) and meat-and-potatoes dinners are easily found at local diners and family restaurants.
Regional BBQ joints and casual burger spots offer smoked meats and classic sides; these are usually family-friendly and open late.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local farmers’ markets (and nearby San Bernardino/Fontana markets) are good for fresh fruit, baked goods and prepared street-food stands; check local schedules for days and times.
Evening taco trucks and lunch carts are a staple — try carne asada, al pastor and quesabirria at busy stands where locals queue.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple hello or hi and a smile are common in shops and restaurants. Many residents are bilingual (English/Spanish), so basic Spanish greetings are appreciated.
Casual and friendly interactions are the norm; be reasonably punctual for appointments or reservations and respectful of personal space.
Stick to public trails and parks, do not trespass on residential property, and avoid loud behavior in neighborhoods late at night.
Safety
Tipping in Rialto
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: 15–20% at restaurants for table service, $1–2 per drink at bars or $2–5 for bar tabs, and $2–5 for valet or bell services. Tip taxi and rideshare drivers a few dollars or around 10–15% for longer rides.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; mobile/contactless payments are common. Small vendors and some taco trucks may prefer cash — carry small bills. Sales tax varies by city but expect roughly 7.5–10% total on purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blossoming landscapes make spring one of the best times to visit; mornings are cool, afternoons comfortably warm and trails are pleasant before summer heat.
Summers are hot — daytime temperatures regularly climb into the 90s°F (32–37°C) or higher; plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, bring sun protection and stay hydrated.
Autumn brings pleasant temperatures and lower humidity, making it a great time for hiking and outdoor events; mountain elevations begin cooling earlier in the season.
Winters are mild in Rialto proper with occasional rain; mountain areas can see snow, offering nearby winter recreation but requiring chains or all-wheel drive if you head up into the mountains.
Rialto at Night
Hiking in Rialto
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Close canyon trails with options for short walks or longer hikes; accessible and scenic with seasonal streams and rock features.
A challenging day hike in the San Gabriel/Cucamonga foothills offering expansive views of the Inland Empire and mountains; best for experienced hikers and earlier in the day to avoid heat.
A popular and more strenuous mountain route for hikers seeking alpine views and seasonal snow; requires planning and appropriate gear in winter.
A shorter, family-friendly trail with panoramic views of the Riverside area—popular for sunrise runs and photography.
Airports
How to reach Rialto by plane.
About 20–30 minutes west by car in normal traffic; the closest major commercial airport offering domestic and some international flights. Rental cars, ride-shares and airport shuttles connect to Rialto.
A smaller airport located to the east; limited commercial service but useful for some cargo and private flights. Ground transport and rental cars are the easiest ways to reach Rialto.
Approximately 60–90 minutes away depending on traffic; offers the widest range of international and domestic flights. Expect heavy freeway traffic at peak times.
Located in Orange County about 50–70 minutes southwest by car; convenient for southern Orange County destinations and some domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Rialto has a large Hispanic/Latino population that shapes much of the city’s culture, cuisine and community events.
Many residents are families and working commuters who travel to nearby employment centers in the Inland Empire and Los Angeles area.
The local economy includes manufacturing, logistics, retail and service-sector employment, reflected in the city’s blue-collar roots.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
High school football is popular locally, drawing community support on Friday nights during the season.
Soccer is widely played at youth and adult levels, reflecting the community’s strong Hispanic and multicultural interest in the sport.
Local leagues and community fields host baseball and softball through spring and summer.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Rialto.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but fewer than in larger metro areas—look for vegetable burritos, bean-based dishes, salads and some restaurants offering veggie bowls. Many taquerias will make veggie-friendly tacos or quesadillas on request.
Vegan and gluten-free choices are growing but may require asking staff; chain grocery stores and some cafés offer plant-based and gluten-free items. Call ahead for specialty dietary needs or to confirm ingredients.