Exploring Claremont, CA: Historic Architecture, Entertainment and Restaurants

Snuggled at the lower slopes of the San Gabriel Mountains on 86 verdant, lush acres, less than 35 miles from Los Angeles, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden is the largest California native botanic garden. Established in 1927, it is home to more than 2,000 kinds of native plants that grow in southern California, southern Oregon, western Nevada and Baja California, Mexico. The Garden is divided into three distinct areas: Indian Hill Mesa, with lilacs and manzanitas; the East Alluvial Gardens with desert and coastal dune plants; and Plant Communities, with impressive displays of boojum trees, Four-needled Pinyon, and California Flannel Bushes.

The Gardens also have a magnificent butterfly garden and more than a hundred kinds of birds that roam the garden freely. Besides enjoying the serene, lush environment, visitors can also listen to the occasional concert, take part in docent-guided tour or a guided bird-watching walk.

Claremont, CA 91711, Phone: 909-625-8767

Claremont has an active community of artists – serving as a hub of homes and studios to those attracted by the Claremont Colleges. The Claremont Museum of Art was incorporated in 2004 and was known mostly as “the museum without walls” as exhibitions moved to borrowed spaces throughout the years. Now housed in the Claremont Depot, the space welcomes visitors to come and explore the significant art collection that can be found there, as well as the numerous events and programs that are held throughout the year – including the annual Padua Hills Art Fiesta. The museum will open by the end of 2016 at its new location in the Depot.

Address: Claremont Museum of Art, P.O. Box 1136, Claremont, CA 91711, Phone: 909-621-3200

The Claremont Packing House is an integral part of the Claremont community. Located in the downtown neighborhood, Claremont Village, the Packing House is comprised of over 40 eateries and cafes, 50 boutique stores, and over a dozen art galleries in the large historic building. Though the Claremont Packing House is animated in the daytime, it comes alive at night with its various nightspots such as Hip Kitty Jazz, and the Fondue Lounge. There are events throughout the year including musical concerts, comedy tours, art classes and walks, as well as various festivals. Visitors of the Packing House can continue exploring Claremont with the many museums, theaters, and academic events at the surrounding colleges.

Address: Claremont Packing House, 532 W 1st St, Claremont, CA 91711, Phone: 909-623-0535

The Claremont Hills Wilderness Park is a popular hiking area located at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, in the Angeles National Forest. Established in 1996, this 1,620 acre park stretches between the Marshall Canyon, Angeles National Forest and San Bernardino County line. The area was originally home to the nomadic Serrano Indians. The park is mostly a wilderness preserve with rough, rugged terrain with a few hiking and biking trails and some fire roads. Hiking, biking and horse riding is great, with magnificent vistas and fields covered in wild flowers. Although challenging at the beginning, the trail can get crowded at times. There are no facilities for visitors, so it is wise to plan ahead.

Address: Claremont Hills Wilderness Park, 4031 N Mills Ave, Claremont, CA 91711, Phone: 909-399-5490

Founded in 1996, the Claremont Farmers & Artisans Market was created to connect artisans and California farmers to the Claremont community.

Here, visitors will find some of the freshest organic seasonal produce grown on rich California soil by certified farmers that abide by the state agricultural guidelines. The market is held weekly and visitors will find not only produce but a collection of hand-made home furnishings, jewelry, and ornaments created by the artisans of Claremont; there are also a range of delicious fresh-baked goods to snack on. There are over 100 farmers, growers, and craftspeople that come together at the market to share their goods and services – all of which is a guaranteed good time for all those who visit.

Claremont Forum 2nd St At Indian Hill Claremont, CA 91711, Phone: 909-626-3066

It all started in 1958 when two interesting characters, Charles and Dorothy Chase, opened their Folk Music Center in Claremont in back of Boots Beer’s Real Estate Office. The whole operation quickly grew into the popular Golden Ring, one of the first southern California folk music venues. Golden Ring brought such revered names in folk music as Gary Davis, Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee and Doc Watson. At the time, Dorothy was giving music lessons, and Charles was repairing instruments and teaching the trade to others. In 1976, they opened The Folk Music Center Museum which now contains a number of antique and rare musical instruments and cultural artifacts from all over the world. The Center aims to promote and preserve folk music of all kinds, traditional instruments and folk culture in general. It loans instruments to teachers, schools and museums, runs field trips for local kids and organizes the annual Claremont Folk Festival.

220 Yale Ave, Claremont, CA 91711, Phone: 909-624-2928

A community landmark, PianoPiano is the hot spot to be at when visiting Claremont, California. For just $5, guests can enjoy the amazing music, low-priced drinks, and fun atmosphere that will ensure everyone has a good time. There are live shows scheduled throughout the week such as karaoke nights on Sunday and Monday, events for St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, New Year’s Eve, and other holidays, and so much more. Be sure to check out the schedule on their website before you go, and take advantage of specials like $1 tacos on Taco Tuesday’s, and no cover as well as half off food and drinks on Karaoke Mondays.

Doubletree Hotel, 555 W Foothill Boulevard, Claremont, CA 91711, Phone: 909-547-4266

Located on the campus of The Webb Schools, The Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology welcomes over 20,000 visitors a year who are fascinated with fossils. The entire family will enjoy exploring the Hall of Footprints, which has one of the largest and most unique fossil track and trackway collections in the United States, and the Hall of Life, a showcase of the Earth’s 4.6 billion year old history. Named after the man who started the journey as a hobby, the Alf Museum is an environment not only for visitors who are interested in paleontology but also students who want to participate in unique research programs.

1175 West Baseline Road, Claremont, CA 91711, Phone: 909-624-2798