What you should explore in Claremont/Pomona
You couldn’t ask for a better address
Nestled right between the vibrant city of Pomona and the charming college town of Claremont, where exciting, engaging activities are always just around the corner, waiting for you to explore and enjoy.
The Gardens is close by:
The Monthly Art Walk — every second Saturday in the Pomona Arts Colony, the Art Walk brings crowds to the streets, with galleries hosting artist receptions, shops, studios, and restaurants staying open late.
The Fox Theater — this restored 1931 Art Deco landmark has been fully modernized into a live music and entertainment complex hosting nationally touring acts, film festivals, community events, and fundraisers. It’s a beautiful, historic venue right in the heart of downtown.
The Cal Poly Pomona Farm Store — this one is a hidden gem. It’s a beloved local spot on the Cal Poly campus where you can shop for artisan foods, fresh produce, homemade jams, jellies, honey, and even student-made wine and ice cream. Relaxed, scenic, and unique.
AMOCA — the American Museum of Ceramic Art champions the art, history, and creation of ceramics through rotating exhibitions, collections, and studio programming — a wonderful, unhurried museum experience.
The Arts Colony itself — it’s a historic neighborhood dedicated to the creative arts, education, and urban living, with public art, festivals, exhibitions, performances, and diverse dining.
The Claremont Packing House — a historic citrus-packing facility turned food hall and entertainment hub, right in the heart of the Village, with more than 50 artisan stores, studios, galleries, and restaurants. It hosts a weekly farmers’ and artisans’ market on Sundays and a gallery event every Friday night.
California Botanic Garden — an 86-acre living museum and the largest botanic garden dedicated entirely to California native plants, with a curated collection of more than 22,000 plants, some of which are rare or endangered. There’s even a seasonal Butterfly Pavilion every spring and a gentle “Yoga in the Garden” program.
The Folk Music Center — part shop, part museum, and owned by the family of Grammy-winner Ben Harper, this beloved Claremont landmark has been a gathering place for music lovers since 1958, with handmade instruments, global artifacts, live performances, and monthly open mic nights.
The Claremont Village itself — a walkable college town at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, with over 80 restaurants, independent boutiques, day spas, and bicycle-friendly streets. Easy to explore at your own pace.
Multiple art museums — the Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery at Scripps College, the Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College, and the Claremont Museum of Art at the historic Depot, are all must-stops for art lovers.
For more on the two cities, hear it from two local team members who grew up here.
Jay Labinger is a Gardens resident, he was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. Jay received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Harvey Mudd College. He attended Harvard University where he earned a Ph.D. He was an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the University of Notre Dame. His career has included positions with Occidental Research Corporation & Atlantic Richfield. He is the Administrator of Beckman Institute at the California Institute of Technology as well as a Faculty Associate in the Chemistry Department. He enjoys reading, playing the piano, tennis and traveling. He has published books on the history of chemistry, sociology of science and literature & science. Here at the Gardens, Jay is part of the Conservation & Sustainability Committee the Green Fund as well as many other groups through the Gardens Club.
Jane Hurd is a Gardens resident, she was born & raised in a small town in Arkansas. After she received her BA from the University of Arkansas she moved to California and taught seventh grade English in Porterville CA. After two years she moved to Los Angeles and worked for the Department of Health Services and pursued a master’s degree in public administration from USC.  She served as CEO for two Los Angeles area hospitals. She continues to consult as an executive coach for CEOs of healthcare companies.  She has served on several boards including Mutual of America Insurance Company, YMCA of Metropolitan LA, LA Visiting Nurses Association and Inland Empire Girl Scouts. Jane is an award-winning author and plays several musical instruments. Here at the Gardens, Jane is part of the newly formed Bequest Committee, as well as many other groups through the Gardens Club.
