Claremont is a Favorite Hidden Gem with Angelenos: One of the Most Quintessentially California Places to Visit

By Chanin Victor – Publisher Santa Monica Macaroni Kid October 1, 2021

 

Claremont is a favorite hidden gem with Angelenos and one of the most quintessentially California places to visit, live or attend college. It’s the ultimate overnight or weekend getaway for an awesome family vacation.

   

Notable as a college town with some of the nation’s most highly respected educational institutions, Claremont, the city, is impressive in its own right. The distinctly quaint suburb of Claremont has idyllic tree-lined streets, a walkable downtown village, a relaxed, casual atmosphere, and authentically nostalgic architecture. Many of this rural community’s shops, boutiques, and restaurants are locally owned. 

   

It’s a self-contained, charming retreat on the eastern edge of LA County, easily accessible by the 10 FWY or the Metrolink, and only 30 miles (48 km) east of downtown Los Angeles. As you stroll through this peaceful village with vintage vibes, you’ll feel like you’re worlds away, in another era. Don’t let that fool you, though; there is so much to do in this endearing, magical hamlet; you’ll want to return again and again. 

History of Claremont

With the arrival of The Santa Fe Railroad in the late 1800s, city planners needed a whistle-stop, creating a community named Claremont. It was one of 30 planned outposts between San Bernardino and Los Angeles. Although the real estate boom was short-lived, the founding of Pomona College in 1888 helped establish a community that reflects the founders’ New England heritage. The citrus industry also brought growth and expansion to the community. Mexican-Americans, often immigrants from Mexico, contributed to the labor force. A strong citizen involvement helped the town become officially incorporated in 1907. To this day, the influences of the colleges, the citrus industry, and the Spanish heritage make Claremont one of the most unique towns in California. 

   

Location and How To Get There

Claremont is in the Pomona Valley, at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. It’s about an hour’s drive from Los Angeles, depending on the day and time. For an extra fun time, take the Metrolink and get off at the Claremont station, right across the street from Old Claremont Village, a.k.a. “The Village” to locals. It’s a family-friendly neighborhood with dozens of quaint cafes, coffee shops, bakeries, brewpubs, quirky gift shops, high-end galleries, and restaurants to satisfy any kind of craving. Whether you go for a family outing, day trip, date night, girls’ weekend, or college tour, it’s navigable by foot and easy to explore. It’s the same Mediterranean climate as LA, so plan for sunny days and maybe a light jacket at night most of the year.

Where To Stay When You Visit

If you’re visiting Claremont, why not stay for a while and explore the architecturally appealing neighborhoods and maybe even the college’s campus? One or two nights is the perfect way to get a taste of all that Claremont has to offer, and I guarantee you’ll be back, again and again, to discover more incredible fun from this LA getaway.

Here are four local hotels (for different budgets) on our recommended list of places to stay: 

  • DoubleTree by Hilton Claremont on the historic Route 66
  • Hotel Casa 425 in the heart of the Village with a courtyard Happy Hour
   
  • Claremont Lodge features an outdoor pool and a two-minute drive to the Village
  • Motel 6 Claremont is just over on the opposite side of the 10 FWY off of Indian Hill Blvd, and a two-minute drive to the Village

If you don’t have a car or arrived via Metrolink, book your stay at Hotel Casa 425. It’s right in the Village and within walking distance of almost everything, including restaurants and shops. Hotel Casa 425 is a stylish boutique hotel with an open courtyard for lounging. After 4 p.m., it becomes a bar area with a tasty Happy Hour menu featuring creative cocktails, savory small plates, and a full bar. The Lounge, as it’s known, becomes an intimate venue for friends to come together in the evening. Enjoy the “outdoor living room,” featuring casual seating around the glass firepits on warm nights. Lounge 425’s small plate menu includes Ahi Poke, Guinness battered Fish & Chips, and other modern fares. 

   
   
   
   
   
   

If you have older kids, this hotel is also perfect because the grown-ups can enjoy Happy Hour while the kids hang out in the room next to the courtyard. We left the door open and could see her while she played on her iPad.

Dining (Anytime is the best time to eat, drink, and be merry!)

In Claremont, you’ll find so many places to eat that you’ll want to stay for a week. There is no shortage of good dining here. Whether you want breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, desserts, or Happy Hours, Claremont has it all. 

For quick or on-the-go breakfasts, some recommendations in the Claremont Village are:

• 42nd Street Bagel – New York-style bagel shop, 225-A Yale Ave.

• Some Crust Bakery – the “oldest bakery in Claremont” with amazing croissants, 119 Yale Ave.

   

• Crème Bakery – gourmet bakery and breakfast treats, 116 Harvard Ave.

   

Sadly, Crème was closed that day. Claremont has so many options though.

• Last Drop Café – local coffee and vegan pastries, 119 Harvard Ave.

   

• Sanctuary Coffee — 994 W. Foothill Blvd. 

For a full breakfast, consider:

• Walter’s – 308 Yale Ave.

   

• Village Grille – 148 Yale Ave.

   

• Claremont Village Eatery – 232 W Bonita Ave

   

All are delicious!

There are a number of terrific lunch choices in Claremont Village. Several of them will pair lunch with craft beers or spirits, and most are locally owned:

• The Back Abbey – 128 N. Oberlin Ave. (behind Laemmle’s) | a “best burger in L.A.” choice

   
   
   

• Eureka! – 580 W. First St. (Packing House)

   

• Heroes & Legends – 131 Yale Ave. Closed

   

• Casa Moreno Mexican Grill, 101 N Indian Hill Blvd. Suite C2-103

• Pizza ‘n Such – 202 Yale Ave.

   

• Gus’s BBQ, 500 W. First Street – their first location was outside Pasadena,  and this location opened in June 2018 – best BBQ flavors, and we absolutely loved the cornbread!

   
   
   
   

Outside of the Village, consider these choices:

• Euro Cafe (Portuguese) – 546 E Baseline Rd (in the Vons shopping center)

• Wolfe’s Market (great if you’re going on a picnic adventure) – 160 W. Foothill Blvd. – Since 1917, a classic, “Route 66 era” neighborhood market featuring a gourmet kitchen, deli, and bakery. It’s right near the DoubleTree by Hilton.

Here are some popular Village area choices to consider:

• Aruffo’s Italian Cuisine – 126 Yale Ave.

   

• Bardot – 206 W. Bonita Ave. Be sure to make reservations as it’s always packed

   
   

• Meat Cellar (steaks, chops) – 160 W. Foothill Blvd. (front of Wolfe’s Market)

• The Orchard at Doubletree by Hilton Hotel – 555 W. Foothill Blvd. and don’t forget to eat your chocolate chip cookies when you stay here

   

• Tutti Mangia Italian Grill – 102 Harvard Ave.

• Union on Yale – 232 Yale Ave. outdoor seating and bocce ball area for the family

   
   
   

• Viva Madrid – 225-B Yale Ave. one of the best tapas restaurants we’ve tried recently

   

• The Whisper House (speakeasy) – 502 W. First St.

   

Everywhere we ate was delicious, and it was amazing that we had so many choices.

But if you think that’s all, you’re mistaken. In our family, we have a rule: when on vacation, snacking and sweets are always to be enjoyed. This could be a problem, as our family goes on vacations quite a lot. However, the goal is to provide a thorough dining list to help you discover great eateries. So we will leave no stone unturned.

A fun way to explore Claremont might be to build-your-own walking food tour! Snack your way through the Claremont Village with stops at our locally-owned favorites: Consider the “wine and cheese” pairing of The Packing House Wine Merchants (540 W. First St.) and The Cheese Cave (325 Yale Ave.). The wine bar and shop on the western end of the Packing House offers a world of wines by the glass and varietals from growing regions all over the globe. 1,500+ selected wines to choose from, and they’re perfect for an afternoon wine and cheese plate. If you want to grab some wine for home, stop at the renowned Cheese Cave, a busy cheese shop on Yale Ave., which offers dozens of cheeses worldwide, their hand-pressed olive oils, and a selection of unique foods. (Its sister store is DTLA Cheese in Los Angeles’ Grand Central Market.)

   
   

We Olive & Wine Bar Claremont (221 Yale Avenue) also offers the finest artisan California olive oils, balsamic vinegars, tapenades + wines. Dine al fresco or take some home with you for yourself or as gifts. Sadly, this has closed since our visit.

   

Vom Fass (101 N. Indian Hill Blvd C2-100) – has whiskeys, aperitifs, and olive oils. Sampling is highly encouraged, and you won’t leave the shop without a bottle or two or three, guaranteed!

   

Got a sweet tooth?

Bert & Rocky’s Cream Company (242 Yale Ave.) An old-fashioned ice cream shop serving 200+ homemade flavors plus candy & treats like caramel apples. Enjoy some treats, and definitely make sure you try the white-chocolate-covered apple.

   
   
   

I Like Pie (175 N Indian Hill Blvd. #102-B) Who knew a pie shop would bring back fond memories of baking with my grandmother? Quaint bakery with individually sized sweet & savory pies, and the flavors change seasonally. Enjoy a coffee with your pie and ice cream, a.k.a. “pice.” Eat outdoors next to the waterfall, or grab a big box of pies to taste all the flavors. We especially loved the gluten-free options and will order some pies for Thanksgiving!

   

A Kline Chocolatier (210 W Second St) – locally owned and operated for over 40 years, A-Kline Chocolatier is known for its hand-made, hand-dipped, high-quality chocolates. They also have fudge, sugar-free candies, and unique gifts.

Thirsty? Ales, Brews and Ciders, OH MY! Spend an afternoon tasting at a nearby industrial complex and bring the family! We tried them all!

• Claremont Craft Ales (1420 N. Claremont Blvd #204C) was founded in 2011 and is known regionally for its Jacaranda Rye IPA. Their seasonal offerings can also be found at various Claremont restaurants and area stores. It’s a casual indoor/outdoor space and food trucks sometimes park out back in case you get hungry.

   
   
   
   

• Ironbark Ciderworks, in the same complex (1420 N. Claremont Blvd #107B) and adjacent, offers fresh fruit ciders in its tasting room only. Ciders are naturally gluten-free and taste amazing! Try a flight or two to taste them all.

   
   
   

• Citrus Grove Distillers, located in the same industrial complex, offers locally crafted spirits. This is more like a bar, though and has a 21+ policy, so plan on a babysitter if you want to check it out. For fun, take a tour to see how a distiller creates a spirit from beginning to end, what equipment is used, and how to avoid hangovers. Taste the final product while a master mixologist suggests a cocktail based on the spirit you loved the most. Sadly, this is currently closed.

   

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

 
     

Whether you’re spending a couple of hours in the village or a whole weekend exploring, here are some ideas for your Claremont bucket list:

Local Activities for Recreation

  • Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology, The Webb Schools Open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the school year; the Alf Museum is a paleontological research center for the international scientific community. This cool round building has two circular exhibit areas: the Hall of Footprints and the Hall of Life, totaling 4,000 square feet of space. The former showcases one of the museum’s most important holdings, a unique fossil track and trackway collection among the largest in the United States. The latter showcases the Earth’s 4.6 billion-year-old history. We loved the wall-size murals showing ancient environments and a timeline depicting important episodes in the history of life, highlighting life forms from four major eras of geologic time: Precambrian, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic. Dinosaur lovers should visit this museum!
   
   
   
   
   
  • Claremont Museum of Art – Located in the historic Claremont Depot, Claremont celebrates the community’s rich artistic legacy and promotes the region’s cultural vitality by showcasing local artists’ paintings, sculptures, and other works. We had fun at this multimedia exhibit by Elizabeth Turk: a community of elders, “playing safely” and social distancing during the pandemic, created intimate moments and some beautiful aerial, birds-eye view art with umbrellas. A reflection question was asked of each participant, “What do you tell yourself when you face adversity?” Their answers, written on brightly colored Post-it notes, provided words of strength and bravery.
   
   
  • California Botanic Garden – California’s largest botanic garden dedicated to California native plants, promoting botany, conservation, and horticulture to inspire, inform and educate the public and scientific community about California’s native flora. The Garden is a living museum with curated collections of more than 22,000 California native plants, some rare or endangered. A post-breakfast walk through the 86-acre garden area in mid-morning is recommended before the day heats up. Allow 90+ minutes to 3 hours. Don’t worry; you won’t be walking the full acreage. Located 1 mile north of downtown. Take Indian Hill Blvd. to Foothill Blvd., Right on Foothill, Left on College Ave. into the parking lot. (Open Friday and Saturday. Please note that dogs are prohibited, so leave puppies at home.) The garden opens at 8:00 a.m. Bring water, a hat, and some good walking shoes. 
   
   
   
   
   
  • Claremont Hills Wilderness Park – Located at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest, the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park offers nature lovers a five-mile walking loop, along with smaller trails. The loop is among the most popular in the Inland Empire, offering moderate elevation and dramatic views stretching to Downtown L.A., Catalina Island, and the Inland Empire basin. The 2.8-mile Thompson Creek Trail that abuts the park’s southern point is also popular with walkers, runners, bicyclists and leashed dogs. 
   
   
   
  • The Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College – The newly opened (June 2021) Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College provides a space for some of Southern California’s most compelling and experimental exhibitions. For decades, Pomona College has played a key part in shaping innovative artists, including Helen Pashgian, James Turrell, Peter Shelton, the late Marcia Hafif, and the late Chris Burden. Benton’s collection includes pieces from these alumni, and future exhibitions will emphasize cutting-edge art in the Los Angeles region. We loved the sculptures in the surrounding courtyard. This museum offers contemporary, lively, and innovative exhibitions and programs to link the creative energy of experiencing art. Admission is free and open to the public. 
   
  • James Turrell Skyspace, “Dividing the Light,” in the Draper Courtyard (corner of 6th Ave. & College Way). If you love art, pick up some of those pies from I Love Pie and head to one of the lighting programs keyed to sunset and sunrise. The evening program begins about 25 minutes before sunset and lasts approximately one hour. The sunrise lighting program begins 100 minutes before sunrise. Between the sunset and sunrise programs, the canopy of the Skyspace is illuminated. Every hour on the hour, there is a brief (3-minute) chime of light. This architectural installation heightens the viewer’s awareness of light, sky, and perception activity. It’s an incredible example of public art. Visitors sit on benches beneath a canopy that frames a window to the sky. The lighting program bathes the canopy in changing colors, from goldenrod to turquoise, altering the viewer’s perception of the sky. A shallow pool centered beneath the opening to the sky mirrors the daytime sky and reflects a dark echo of the night sky. Mesmerizing and yet incredibly chill. 
   
   
   
   

Happiness is… Shopping!

Spend the afternoon strolling through Claremont boutiques and other locally-owned shops in the Claremont Village, Packing House, and Claremont Village Square. Claremont is filled with locally owned stores that offer a stroll-and-shop experience second to none and give the downtown area its unique vibe. Did you know Claremont was the first city in Southern California to declare itself a Fair Trade Town? There are a number of boutiques and restaurants that are leading the way, including the following:

• Buddhamouse Emporium – (134 Yale Ave.) is a peaceful haven. It offers various ritual objects, spiritual statuary, inspirational books, artistic creations, and unique jewelry.

• Rio de Ojas – (250 Harvard Ave.) is a boutique with a unique blend of Mexican Folk Art, Home Decor, Day of the Dead, Frida, Mexican Chocolates, Hand Painted Mexican Dishes, Imported Spanish Foods, and more. 

   

• Studio Claremont – 522 W. First St. (inside the historic Packing House), a children’s art studio, offers art lessons in various mediums for school-aged kids.

   

Photo Courtesy of Studio Claremont Website

Other local retailers putting a unique, Claremont spin on shopping include:

• Rhino Records – (235 Yale Ave.) in-store shopping and a full-service Record Store offering new and used Vinyl Records, CDs and DVDs. We could’ve spent hours there. It was the first record story my daughter has ever set foot in, which I never would have imagined 20 years ago. Sadly, this has closed since our visit.

   

• Maple Boutique – (456 W. First St.) women’s apparel and accessories ranging from casual chic to activewear that appeals to all ages. We represent a fun-loving and carefree fashion style, offering a mix of California name brands and private, trendy labels to create a one-of-a-kind sense of style to call your own. Sadly, this has closed since our visit.

• Nectar – (319 W. First St.) specializes in fresh and fashionable women’s clothing at a sweet price. In 2017, Nectar (@nectarclothing + all affiliated Nectar locations) and their women’s shop, For Good (@forgoodcommunity), became an official give-back brand. They donate 10% of all profits toward helping local kids in need by giving brand new, brand name clothing to boost their self-confidence, which in turn helps lead to better success with education for underprivileged youth. We loved this shop!

   
   

• Grove Vintage + The Grove Home – Clothing, Accessories, and Home Goods – we had so much fun shopping in both of these stores and you earn points towards purchases if you shop in both. Needless to say, most of my holiday gift-giving will be from The Grove Home; it’s awesome!

   
   
   
   

Visit the Folk Music Center and Museum – (220 Yale Ave. + only open Weds-Sat). This is one of the coolest shops we’ve been to, and if you’re an aspiring musician or just love music, definitely check it out. Owned by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Ben Harper’s family, this features a collection of rare and antique musical instruments and artifacts from around the world. Ben’s mother and recording partner, Ellen Harper (“Childhood Home”), can usually be found behind the counter. The Folk Music Center offers classes and workshops for budding musicians, a lineup of musical performances from local and international folk performers, and an Open Mic on the last Sunday of every month. Check out Ellen’s new book. “Always A Song” is on sale in the store. The kids will love all the cool musical instruments on display and to touch.

   
   
   

On Weekends head to the Sunday Farmer + Artisans Market at Harvard Ave. and Second St., The Claremont Forum has hosted this open-air market since 1996, and it is among the region’s largest, with more than 100 grower and artisan members regularly participating. Look for the weekly bookstall sponsored by the Claremont Forum’s Prison Library Project featuring a fantastic selection of used books available at low prices – proceeds support the project. We grabbed some fruit and other snacks for the hotel and car ride home. 

   

Claremont Colleges

With over 24,000 trees on public land and more than 10,000 residents with advanced degrees, it’s no wonder Claremont is called the “City of Trees and PhDs.” Whether or not you have a child looking into colleges, the seven Claremont Colleges (five undergraduate, two graduate) cover roughly one square mile and are filled with beautiful lawns, gardens, public squares, and interesting architecture. The five colleges are regularly ranked among the top liberal arts schools in the nation, with Pomona College, Claremont McKenna College, and Harvey Mudd College among the top-14 in U.S. News and World Report’s 2016 rankings, and Scripps College and Pitzer College also ranked in the top-40.

When checking out the colleges, as we did just for fun, be sure to include the following on your list of things to see on each campus:

Pomona College

• Bridges Auditorium, 450 N. College Way.

• Bridges Hall of Music (Little Bridges), 150 E. 4th St.

• James Turrell Skyspace, “Dividing the Light,” 

Scripps College

• Margaret Fowler Garden, featured in Westways Magazine as a top reason to visit Claremont’s campuses, on Amherst Ave. north of 9th Street

• “Inscription Walk,” a walk featuring inspirational quotes from famous women throughout history, directly south of the President’s house at Amherst Ave. and 9th Street

Claremont McKenna College

• Chris Burden’s (1946-2015) “Meet in the Middle” sculpture of metal benches and streetlamps – reminiscent of his “Urban Lights” installation at LACMA – is located in front of the school’s Roberts Pavilion athletic center (690 Mills Ave.).

   

• Kravis Center, 888 Columbia Ave. This LEED Silver Certified complex at the university’s western gateway opened in 2001. It features ascending cantilevered terraces, natural light, green space, and an all-glass “living room” central to the college’s interior courtyard. From the courtyard, enjoy an open view of the campus quad.

   

Harvey Mudd College

• Hixon Court, the Venus statue in the koi pond here is by the Flemish-Italian sculptor Giovanni Bologna (1529-1608), on campus just north of Columbia Ave. entrance

During the school year, galleries (including the Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery at Scripps College) are open on weekends, making Sunday a good day to take a walking tour.

   

Nightlife – Events including Live Music, Theatre, Celebration

There are a number of adult choices for after-dinner and evening entertainment in Claremont which only means I’ll have to return to this amazing gem of a city on a girl’s weekend! We highly recommend the coolest retro arcade ever for some awesome family-friendly amusement!

• Lost Levels (530 West 1st Street) is a retro arcade that features a large collection of retro game machines and video game consoles inside the historical Claremont Packing House.

Play their growing collection of original classic arcade games and modern pinball machines. All Games Are Set for Free-Play Just pay admission and enjoy unlimited play for your stay! No quarters are needed. Their retail store sells novelty items and console gaming from all generations. You and the family can play every game and then buy video games from retro to modern to take with you. It’s quite the experience for all ages!

   
   
   

Also noteworthy:

• The Claremont Colleges Performing Arts Programs throughout the school year are ticket-worthy events. The Pomona College Department of Theatre and Dance serves as the theatre program for all five undergraduate Claremont Colleges, presenting four major productions and a dance concert each year in the modern Seaver Theatre Complex. Majors and non-majors alike serve as performers and production personnel for a dynamic season of student-generated productions.

• Local musicians perform regularly at Lounge Casa 425 and other Claremont restaurants. Check age restrictions before you go.

   

• Laemmle 5 Movie Theater has five auditoriums with stadium seating, wall-to-wall screens, and a complete Covid-safety protocol. The houses range in size from 113 to 250 seats. They offer matinee, senior, and student special prices. You can also check out their Virtual Cinema and Anniversary Classics.

   

For adults only:

• The PianoPiano Dueling Piano Show (555 W. Foothill Blvd.) is adjacent to the DoubleTree Hotel and features performers who frequent the Las Vegas piano scene. Showtimes are 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. on weekends (dark Sundays).

   

• The famous Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theater (455 W. Foothill Blvd.), also near the DoubleTree, features Broadway performances in a dinner theater setting. This has closed since our visit.

• Local bands perform nightly at The Press Restaurant (129 Harvard Ave.). This has closed since our visit. 

Celebrations

The City of Claremont offers events year-round, including a Halloween Spooktacular, a Holiday Promenade, a Spring Celebration, Friday Nights Live, Concerts, and Movies in the Park. The Taste of Claremont is also a great time to visit when more than 40 local restaurants, wineries, and breweries proudly provide samples of their wares. There is live music, an art exhibition, and cool raffle prizes. The Village Venture is an annual event where family, friends, and neighbors come together to enjoy music, food, and the arts. Get your holiday shopping done early as you walk the streets of the Claremont Village, lined with over 450 booths selling unique art, original crafts, and apparel.  Explore local businesses and non-profit organizations as you experience the beauty and architecture of the unique village of Claremont.

   

Photo Courtesy of Taste of Claremont Website

   

Photo Courtesy of The Village Venture website

If you know someone visiting Claremont soon, you might want to consider some Discover Claremont gift cards. These would make a great holiday “experience” gift. The cards are redeemable at more than 140 participating Chamber members, including 40+ restaurants and pubs.

   

Discover Claremont hosted an amazing weekend; all opinions are mine.

Previously Published on October 1, 2021 in Macaroni Kid