Here’s a fun-filled itinerary for a fab 48 hours in Claremont!
Claremont is a charming historic California city on the eastern edge of Los Angeles County. This picturesque town, surrounded by the San Gabriel mountains, offers its residents an uninterrupted, sprawling view. Tree-lined streets throughout the city lead to numerous boutiques selling upscale home goods, clothing and specialty items, many made in California. The Claremont Colleges, private liberal arts and graduate schools, bring a casual, laid-back vibe, but its energy is not just of a college town. There is also a wide range of outdoor activities and cultural entertainment spots to enjoy. A dynamic culinary scene, lively music and eclectic arts scene make the 91711 one of the coolest zip codes to explore in Los Angeles.
Thinking of spending the weekend in the beautiful city of Claremont? Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, craft beer aficionado, historical architecture enthusiast or just someone who wants a weekend getaway along Route 66, Claremont makes a great California adventure. So come check out the small-town charm with your friends and family.
Two Days in Claremont gives you just a peek of all this charming city has to offer
DAY ONE: AM
Claremont Village Grille is a ’50s-style diner with retro vibes and the cutest Pancake Dippers in town. Try the Corned Beef Hash or Biscuits and Gravy for a heartier breakfast. The vintage American diner culture means an extensive menu featuring American staples like hamburgers, fries, and club sandwiches. It’s so good; you might want to return for lunch too!
Get your steps in early with a “walkabout” of Claremont’s historic downtown area. It’s the best way to get to know this hidden gem of Southern California. Start in the Claremont Village, then head to the Packing House area and the Claremont Village Square. Be the first to step inside the boutiques and locally owned shops when they open. Find 40 eateries, 50 boutique stores, and over a dozen art galleries in this thriving downtown area. You’ll find so many unique finds on your stroll-and-shop that you’ll understand why this walkable college town is so beloved by locals and visitors alike.
AFTERNOON
Time to head to Wolfe’s Market to begin your afternoon picnic adventure. Housed in an original Route 66 building, this family-owned and operated specialty kitchen was founded (as a grocery store) in 1917 and has provided incredible quality and service for over four generations. Of course, you could order ahead online or on their app, but why would you want to miss watching them make all the delicious sandwiches in person? Plus, you’ll want to see the yummy side salads they have that day — potato, cole slaw, rotelle pasta, fruit salad, kale salad and so much more!
Enjoy your picnic at the nearby Memorial Park, the site of the annual Fourth of July celebration and the Summer Concerts In the Park. While there, take a tour of the Garner House for an in-depth understanding of Claremont’s history. In the 20s, one of the community’s leading families lived in it, surrounded by a grove of orange trees. Thoughtfully restored to the same conditions and furnishings –- minus the grove, now the 7.2-acre park — it’s a glimpse of what life was like in Claremont long ago.
Flavors like Snickers Cheesecake, Maple Walnut and Caramel Cashew are some of the more than 200 ice cream choices from Bert and Rocky’s. There’s also a wide variety of homemade dipped items, fudge, bark, and caramel-covered apples to tempt your sweet tooth.
EVENING
The Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery at Scripps College focuses on a thorough academic education for future curators, gallerists, instructors, conservators, and directors of museums. A highly coveted internship program readies students to enter the fields of arts administration, curating and art conservation. Offering four exhibitions annually plus a private collection, the museum is open to visitors daily from 12 pm to 5 pm and closed on Sundays. It serves as a great visual resource for those with a passion for art history. You’ll find everything from contemporary art, ancient art, photography collections and other major exhibitions.
A favorite place – of both locals and visitors — to unwind after a long day of exploring is the Casa 425 Lounge. Located within the stylish boutique hotel of the same name, you’ll find a tranquil outdoor courtyard under shady trees with intimate bistro tables and relaxed seating around cozy gas fire pits. The Lounge serves savory, small-bite, eclectic California cuisine, premier wines, beer on draft and hand-crafted cocktails. It’s a modern and airy gathering space where you can relax, listen to live music or enjoy a meal or happy hour. Try the Ahi Tartar Tower, the Parmesan Truffle Pommes Frites and the Wagyu Sliders.
This is a destination within a destination, so you may be fortunate enough to only walk a few feet to your bed for the night. Enjoy the modern decor and the aesthetic of the Instagram-worthy accommodations at Hotel Casa 425, some with large soaking tubs and private balconies.
DAY TWO: AM
Would it be worth it to add a little fitness to your morning? Worth Fit Studio in Claremont offers spin classes, aerial yoga and barre pilates. Led by expert instructors, waking up with a bit of spin and sculpt might even add a spring to your step. So whether you’re into resistance training or a rhythm ride, your heart will be pumping, and you’ll be ready to seize the rest of your day.
Grab a coffee that’s always good to the last drop at The Last Drop Cafe. This local hangout with sidewalk seating features coffee, sandwiches, baked treats and more.
The Sunday Farmer & Artisans Market, hosted rain or shine by The Claremont Forum, happens weekly from 8 am to 1 pm along Harvard Ave. at Second St. It’s an open-air market with over 100 grower and artisan members participating. Bring a bag with you because here you’ll find the freshest and most nutritious fruits, vegetables, bakery items, eggs, honey, meat products, cut flowers and potted plants, all at the season’s peak. In addition, you’ll probably find a few delicious treats to snack on as you walk around. Everything comes from responsible California Certified family farmers.
This weekly market is also perfect for finding the most unique artisanal, quality crafts made locally. In addition, a roster of rotating local artisans sells clothing, jewelry, handcrafted items and more. They’re more than happy to explain how their handi-works are created and sourced, and you’ll probably never find another like as extraordinary.
AFTERNOON
The Claremont Lewis Museum of Art, located in the Claremont Depot, features the work of Claremont area artists and promotes cultural vitality. The Museum showcases a mix of painting, sculpture, and other media to inspire art lovers of all ages as it celebrates the community’s rich artistic legacy. A permanent collection and various exhibitions are on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 12 pm to 4 pm. Since you happen to be in the Claremont Depot, be sure to notice the fresco on the ceiling of this restored Spanish Colonial Revival style of this 1927 building that now serves as the transit center for Metrolink commuter trains.
EVENING
Gus’s BBQ is traditional Southern cooking, serving up some of the best real pit BBQ since 1946. Once you try some of their Brisket, Pulled Pork or Baby Back Ribs – seasoned overnight and then smoked low and slow for up to 14 hours — you’ll be craving it every time you sip a sweet tea. They use whole pecan logs to create their signature smoke flavor, and it’s lip-smacking, finger-licking and satisfyingly delicious! The Southern Fried Chicken, Gumbo and Fried Catfish dishes are also delectable, mouth-watering choices. Hold your horses; make sure you order some Deviled Eggs and the Cast Iron Cornbread (with a kick)! As you live and breathe, I reckon ya’ll are going to have the best BBQ as all get out! If you know, you know!
After dinner, just a few footsteps away is The Whisper House, a stylish tavern turning out Prohibition-era–inspired drinks. Talented mixologists prepare hand-crafted concoctions featuring custom homemade bitters and syrups made fresh daily. This 1920s-inspired speakeasy has a copper-top bar where you can sit and be mesmerized by the bartenders’ skills as you watch them prepare your one-of-a-kind cocktail.
A weekend in Claremont offers just a taste of everything this incredible city in Southern California has to offer. We hope you’ll come back soon and stay for a bit longer. We’ve got more handy itineraries if you’re looking to plan another trip soon.
