Self Storage – Fontana

Fontana is a Hub for Business and Culture in Southern California

After purchasing 17,000 acres in the shadow of the San Gabriel Mountains, farmer-turned-developer Azariel Blanchard Miller founded Fontana in the early 20th century. He established successful citrus fruit orchards, as well as poultry and cattle farms. He is even depicted on horseback in a mural in downtown Fontana.

Fontana’s rural reputation shifted during World War II when a large steel mill was established in the city. The mill attracted plenty of workers and the city steadily grew. Today, Fontana is still industrial, but the economy is primarily rooted in trucking and shipping rather than steel. It’s now the second-largest city in San Bernardino County.

Major employers in Fontana include the Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center, the Fontana Unified School District and Target. Recognizable landmarks include the Lewis Library and Technology Center, which is the largest library in San Bernardino with a collection including more than 142,000 items. Other landmarks include the Auto Club Speedway, a renowned racetrack built on the steel mill’s former site.

Newer residential developments expanded northward, including the Hunter’s Ridge and Coyote Canyon planned communities. The Metrolink (in addition to Interstate 210) connects Fontana to nearby cities, including Los Angeles and San Bernardino, only adding to Fontana’s desirability as a place to live and work.

Quick Facts About Fontana, CA

• Population: 213,739
• Median age: 29.6
• Average household income: $76,910
• Average household size: 4.10
• Number of owner-occupied housing units: 38,590
• Number of renter-occupied housing units: 20,843

Source: Fontana.org, “Demographics”

Things to Do in Fontana, CA

Fontana is a gem of the Inland Empire, with numerous historic buildings, a thriving arts scene and stunning natural scenery. The city hugs the San Gabriel Mountains and many notable peaks can be seen from town – most prominently, Cucamonga Peak, scraping the clouds at 8,859 feet. There are numerous trails nearby to explore the mountainous landscape, including the Jurupa Hills North Trail, which offers expansive views of Fontana and nearby communities Rancho Cucamonga and Riverside.

Find more outdoor recreation at Fontana Park, which offers walking trails, multiple playgrounds and a skatepark. The park also includes an expansive aquatics center with a 14-lane competition pool and two waterslides.

There’s no better way to experience some of Fontana’s rich history than seeing a show downtown at the stunning art-deco-style Center Stage Theater. Only a short drive from our facility, the theater was established in 1937 as a one-screen movie theater, designed by well-known theater architect Carl H. Boller. Since the theater’s renovation in 2008, it is known for hosting the TIBBIES Great American Cabaret, considered Southern California’s finest dinner theater.

The Auto Club Speedway in Fontana is one of the premier places in the region to see a NASCAR race. The facility has a total capacity of 122,000, with 28 skyboxes and an enormous grandstand seating 68,000. It also includes full-service karting facilities, a racing school and other experiences for motorsports fans. The track made multiple appearances on the silver screen, appearing in 2000’s Charlie’s Angels and 2005’s Herbie: Fully Loaded.

On the northeast side of town is the Ted Robinson-designed Sierra Lakes Golf Club. It’s a well-loved spot to tee up in Fontana, with perfectly groomed greens and breathtaking views of the mountains. Sierra Lakes also offers top-notch amenities, including a restaurant for a delicious post-game meal (or Sunday champagne brunch) and a pro shop to ensure you have all the right accessories to up your golf game.

A quirky stop you shouldn’t miss is Bono’s Restaurant and Deli. Not only is it known for delicious Italian food, but you’ll also find a 7-foot-tall orange-shaped citrus stand on the property. Known as The Big Orange, the stand used to serve fresh-squeezed orange juice to thirsty travelers along Historic Route 66. Eventually, the stand closed, but Bono’s Restaurant and Deli saved this one-of-a-kind artifact from demolition. Once a common roadside sight, Bono’s Big Orange is one of only six remaining stands in California.

Fontana offers history, modern amenities and an exciting future, making it a must-see stop in Southern California. Whether you’re visiting or here to stay, we can assist you in finding the storage you need.

Discover the Extra Space and Storage in Fontana You Need

At our secure, clean and well-maintained Fontana storage facility, you’ll find both drive-up and internal storage units designed to meet a variety of needs. Not only is our Fontana location convenient, but you’ll also appreciate the competitive rates and climate-controlled options. Plus, our friendly managers are happy to help.

• Moving to Fontana? Lucky you! Check out our Relocation Guide for local knowledge and tips.
• Looking elsewhere? Storage West offers several locations across Southern California.