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Claremont is a leafy college town of about 37,000 people at the eastern edge of Los Angeles County, below the San Gabriel Mountains. Founded in 1887 along the Santa Fe railroad and later a center of citrus packing, it is nicknamed the City of Trees and PhDs, because its tree-lined streets surround the seven Claremont Colleges, including Pomona College, Scripps College and Harvey Mudd.
The walkable Claremont Village has independent shops, cafes and restaurants around the 1927 Santa Fe depot, and the restored Packing House now holds eateries and galleries. The campuses are open to stroll, with Spanish Revival courtyards at Scripps and the free Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College. The Folk Music Center has sold and repaired instruments since 1958, and the Sunday farmers market fills the Village streets.
Nature is close by: the California Botanic Garden displays native plants on 86 acres, and the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park loop climbs into the foothills. Mount Baldy, with hiking and winter skiing, is about half an hour up the mountain road.
Claremont's historic downtown, a grid of tree-lined streets around the old Santa Fe depot with independent bookstores, boutiques, cafes, ice cream shops and restaurants. It is compact and easy to explore on foot. Park in the public structures and combine a stroll with the Sunday market.
A former citrus packing house from the early 1900s on the west side of the Village, converted into a mixed-use complex with restaurants, shops, galleries and lofts. Exposed beams and old brick recall its fruit-packing past. It is a good place for lunch or coffee between Village and campus walks.
The founding member of the Claremont Colleges, established in 1887, with a shady campus of historic buildings, gardens and the broad Marston Quadrangle framed by mountain views. Visitors are welcome to walk the grounds. Pair a stroll with the free Benton Museum of Art on campus.
A women's college founded in 1926 and known for one of the most beautiful campuses in California, with Spanish and Mediterranean Revival buildings, tiled courtyards, fountains and gardens. The campus is a historic district. Walk respectfully, since students live and study here.
Pomona College's art museum, in a modern building opened in 2020, with changing exhibitions drawn from a large collection that includes Native American art, Renaissance panels and contemporary work. Admission is free. Check opening days, as hours follow the academic calendar.
An 86-acre botanic garden, formerly Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, devoted entirely to California native plants, from desert cacti to oak woodland and coastal sage. Spring brings wildflowers and blooming manzanita. Wear a hat, carry water and allow two hours for the trails.
A city wilderness park in the foothills north of town, best known for the roughly five-mile Claremont Loop on fire roads, with views over the valley and of the San Gabriel Mountains. It is very popular, so arrive early for parking, which requires a fee. Carry plenty of water.
A 1930 theater in the foothills north of Claremont, home for decades to the Padua Hills Players, who staged Mexican plays and music. The historic building is now used for events and weddings. Admire its Mission Revival lines and views from the grounds when it is open.
A small group of quirky homes on Mills Avenue, built from the 1920s to 1940s using recycled materials such as salvaged brick, stone and old fixtures. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These are private homes, so enjoy them from the street.
A family-run music store and small museum in the Village since 1958, filled with guitars, banjos, dulcimers and instruments from around the world, plus a repair shop. It is part of local music history and hosts jams and lessons. Browsing is welcome, but ask before playing.
A weekly Sunday morning market in Claremont Village with local fruit and vegetables, flowers, baked goods, prepared food and crafts from regional makers. It is a relaxed way to start the day. Come early for the best produce and bring a reusable bag.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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Photo: Einbierbitte, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0