Why Rialto
Rialto is a city situated in the Inland Empire region of San Bernardino County, California, positioned approximately 56 miles east of Los Angeles. Covering an all-land area of 24.1 square miles near the Cajon Pass, the city experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters. With a population exceeding 104,000 residents, Rialto has seen substantial expansion and economic development in recent years, largely driven by its prominent role as a logistics hub for major commercial distribution facilities.
Archaeological findings housed at the Rialto Historical Society indicate that the Serrano people inhabited the area between 1500 and 1800 AD. In 1842, the region was incorporated into the Lugo family's Rancho San Bernardino land grant, a portion of which was later bought by the Mountain family in 1851. The area evolved rapidly following the 1887 construction of the Santa Fe Railroad connection between San Bernardino and Pasadena, alongside the creation of the Semitropic Land and Water Company. A Methodist colony named after Venice's famous Rialto Bridge was established, leading to the town's incorporation in 1911.
Visitors exploring Rialto can discover several historical landmarks scattered throughout the city. Near Bud Bender Park—formerly known as Lilac Park—at Second Street and Riverside Avenue stands Rialto's oldest surviving structure, a fully restored early 19th-century adobe building. Additionally, Foothill Boulevard, which runs through the area, was repaired in 1913 to become a segment of the historic U.S. Route 66. Another remnant of local transit history is the former Pacific Electric Railway depot on Riverside Avenue, which originally opened in 1914 and now functions as Cuca's Restaurant.
The northern sector of the city includes the Las Colinas community, which hosts major logistics and shipping facilities for well-known corporate entities such as Target, Amazon, Staples, Under Armour, Medline Industries, Monster Energy, and Niagara Bottling. Staples operates a facility supplying retail locations across the entire West Coast. Additionally, Rialto serves as the corporate headquarters for Pyro Spectaculars, one of the largest fireworks manufacturers in the United States.
Rialto is easily reached via major regional highways, including Interstate 10, State Route 210, and nearby Interstate 15. Commuters and travelers can also utilize public transit options via the Metrolink San Bernardino Line, which stops at the local Rialto station.
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