Why Visitors Choose Rialto
Rialto may not be the first city that comes to mind as a vacation destination, but it has a lot to offer travelers. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Southern California. Visitors can reach Los Angeles, Orange County beaches, Palm Springs and the mountain resorts of Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead within a short drive. Route 66 enthusiasts come to see the iconic Wigwam Motel on Foothill Boulevard, and many travelers visit family, attend events or come for business at the region's logistics and healthcare employers.
Vacation home rentals offer more space and flexibility than hotels, especially for families and groups. This guide highlights ten of the best vacation rental options for Rialto and nearby destinations.
How We Evaluated These Options
We considered inventory in and around Rialto, booking protections, cancellation policies, quality standards, customer support and the variety of properties available.
The Top 10 Best Vacation Home Rental Options for Rialto
1. Airbnb
Airbnb offers the largest selection of vacation rentals in the Inland Empire, from private rooms to entire homes with pools. Its guest protections, reviews and flexible search filters make it a top choice.
2. Vrbo
Vrbo focuses on entire-home rentals, making it ideal for families and groups who want full kitchens, multiple bedrooms and private outdoor space.
3. Evolve Vacation Rental
Evolve manages vacation homes with consistent quality standards and 24-hour guest support, listing properties across major booking platforms.
4. Vacasa
Vacasa provides professionally managed vacation rentals with standardized cleaning and support, including many properties in Southern California mountain and desert destinations.
5. Marriott Homes & Villas
Marriott Homes & Villas offers premium vacation homes vetted for quality, with the ability to earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points.
6. Expedia Vacation Rentals
Expedia lets travelers compare vacation rentals alongside hotels and bundle stays with flights and rental cars for added savings.
7. Hipcamp
For outdoor lovers, Hipcamp lists campsites, cabins and glamping stays near the San Bernardino National Forest and Lytle Creek, just north of Rialto.
8. Big Bear Cool Cabins
For mountain getaways, Big Bear Cool Cabins manages a wide selection of cabins in Big Bear Lake, about an hour from Rialto, ideal for skiing in winter and hiking in summer.
9. Destination Big Bear
Destination Big Bear offers vacation cabins and luxury homes in the Big Bear area, with local support and a variety of property sizes for families and groups.
10. Wigwam Motel
While not a traditional vacation home, the historic Wigwam Motel on Route 66 offers a one-of-a-kind stay in iconic teepee-shaped rooms. It is a must for road trippers and history buffs visiting Rialto.
Vacation Rental Trends
Travelers increasingly prefer homes with dedicated workspaces, fast internet and full kitchens, reflecting the rise of working vacations. Multigenerational travel is also growing, increasing demand for larger homes. Properties with pools are especially popular in the Inland Empire's hot summers.
Cities across Southern California, including those in San Bernardino County, have adopted short-term rental regulations to balance tourism with neighborhood concerns. Guests should expect occupancy limits, noise rules and parking restrictions, while hosts must often register and collect transient occupancy taxes.
Tips for Booking a Vacation Rental
Read reviews carefully and look for consistent comments about cleanliness, accuracy and host communication. Check the total price, including cleaning fees and taxes, before booking. Understand the cancellation policy, especially for mountain trips where winter weather can affect travel. Always book and pay through trusted platforms to benefit from guest protections, and respect house rules and local regulations.
Things to Do When Staying in Rialto
Guests staying in Rialto can enjoy a surprising variety of activities. Route 66 history buffs can explore classic roadside landmarks along Foothill Boulevard, while shoppers can spend an afternoon at the Renaissance Marketplace. Families often visit local parks or take day trips to nearby attractions, including the mountain communities of Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead, the historic Mission Inn in Riverside and the citrus heritage sites of Redlands.
Outdoor enthusiasts can hike in the San Bernardino National Forest, fish in Lytle Creek or ski at Big Bear's resorts in winter. Sports fans can reach Los Angeles and Anaheim stadiums for games and concerts, while Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park offer desert escapes within a couple of hours.
With so many destinations nearby, a well-located vacation rental in Rialto can serve as a comfortable and economical home base for exploring the very best of Southern California.
Timing your visit can also make a difference. Spring and fall bring pleasant temperatures ideal for outdoor sightseeing, while summer is perfect for guests who want a home with a private pool. Winter offers the chance to combine a comfortable valley stay with day trips to the snow, and rental prices in the Inland Empire are often lower than in coastal or mountain resort towns during peak seasons.
Final Thoughts
Rialto's central location makes it an excellent base for exploring Southern California. Whether you book a family home on Airbnb or Vrbo, a mountain cabin in Big Bear or a night in the historic Wigwam Motel, there is a stay to fit every trip.