A Modern Marvel Nestled in the Heart of California
Ontario Mills, the shopping and outlet mall, snugly ensconced in Ontario, California, within the bustling Los Angeles metropolitan area, is not just any mall. It’s a beacon of retail therapy, a testament to human ingenuity, and a veritable magnet for locals and tourists alike.
With an astounding 28 million visitors every year, it has firmly etched its name as one of the top shopping and tourist destinations in the Golden State.
What makes it so accessible, you ask? Well, the location, indeed, has a part to play. Nestled near the Ontario International Airport and Auto Club Speedway, Ontario Mills stands majestically at the interchange between the Ontario Freeway (Interstate 15) and the San Bernardino Freeway (Interstate 10), one of the busiest in Southern California. It’s more than just a mall. It’s a hub, a nexus, a meeting point.
A Shopping Paradise Like No Other
Boasting the accolade of being the largest one-level shopping mall in Western North America, Ontario Mills is a paradise for shoppers of all persuasions. Divided into neighborhoods, it offers a seamless and immersive shopping experience.
As you stroll through the lanes, you’ll explore designer-label outlet stores, from Tory Burch to Ralph Lauren, DKNY to Tommy Hilfiger. You can’t miss the vibrant LEGO Store, the enchanting Disney Store Outlet, or the trendy Express and Levi’s outlets, among many others.
But shopping isn’t all that Ontario Mills has to offer. It is also home to a 30-screen AMC Theatres megaplex and the Ontario Improv Comedy Club & Dinner Theatre, ensuring that entertainment is always around the corner.
Are you feeling hungry after all the retail therapy and laughter? Fear not. A large food court, affectionately known as “Market,” and many restaurants like Rainforest Cafe, Market Broiler, and Blaze Pizza are there to satiate your hunger.
A Stroll Down Memory Lane
Ontario Mills opened its doors to the public on a fantastic autumn day, November 14, 1996. And what a grand opening it was!
Located across the highway from the site of the Ontario Motor Speedway, Ontario Mills was the first Mills landmark center to embrace the racetrack layout and themed neighborhoods. This concept has since become synonymous with the Mills brand.
Over the years, Ontario Mills has seen a whirlwind of changes. Remember the Vans Skate Park? In 2005, it was replaced by Steve & Barry’s, only for the latter to close down in 2009. Sports Authority briefly returned in 2012 before permanently shutting its doors in 2016. Yes, the mall’s landscape has been ever-evolving, a testament to our times.
Ontario Mills Today: Resilience and Revival
Today, Ontario Mills stands resilient, having weathered the storms of change. It continues to thrive, bringing joy to visitors, even amidst challenges. In a recent event, a false report of a shooting led to a brief panic. Thanks to the prompt response of the Ontario Police Department, the situation was quickly diffused, and normalcy was restored.
Ontario Mills is more than a mall. It’s a testament to human tenacity and the drive to adapt, innovate, and evolve. It symbolizes the community’s resilience, a beacon of commercial success, and a hub of diverse cultural experiences.
As it continues to draw millions of visitors each year, it remains a significant contributor to the local economy and a vibrant meeting place for people from all walks of life.
The mall’s vast retail options, from high-end designer outlets like Tory Burch, Ralph Lauren, and Michael Kors, to popular stores like H&M, Forever 21, and Nordstrom Rack, cater to every shopper’s needs and tastes.
Its dining options, including a vast food court and restaurants like Rainforest Cafe and Blaze Pizza, offer culinary delights to satisfy every palate.
Its entertainment offerings, such as the 30-screen AMC Theatres megaplex, Dave & Buster’s video game arcade, and the Ontario Improv comedy club, provide endless fun and leisure activities for locals and tourists.
As Ontario Mills looks to the future, it continues to innovate and expand its offerings, ready to meet whatever challenges come its way. It remains a shining testament to the spirit of the Ontario community, a beacon of resilience and adaptability, and a treasured destination for all who visit.