The Claremont Colleges are well-known in Claremont, California. With a population of about 36,000, the city combines the advantages of living in a small town with those of a big city.

The Claremont Opera House, which was completed in 1897 and is renowned for its Italian Renaissance Revival architecture, is a fun fact about Claremont.

Something more to note about the city is that the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens is the most extensive botanical garden dedicated to California native species.

If you’re excited to explore this city, below are some fun things you can do while in Claremont, California.

Things to Do in Claremont, CA

1. Cheese Cave

Cheese Cave, a cheese lover’s paradise, is tucked away in downtown Claremont among cafes and antique shops. Customers browse, sniff, and taste as they are drawn in by the distinctive decor and mountains of cheese from around the globe.

The Cheese Cave offers sliced cheeses, cheese platters for gatherings, and anything else you could want to pair with cheese, including exquisite wines, regional craft beers, artisan salamis, olives, crackers, and chocolate.

They also sell homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches. You are welcome to ask the proprietors, sisters Marnie and Lydia Clarke, questions about cheese, as it is one of their favorite topics.

Location: 325 Yale Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711

2. The Garner House

The Garner House, a Spanish Colonial Revival residence built in 1926, is the focal point of Claremont’s cultural and history programs. It was home to one of Claremont’s most prominent families for many years.

Before being the home of Claremont Heritage in 2001, it housed a variety of other things before then, including the city’s Human Services division.

Visitors can still see many main bedrooms, guestrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms, some of which still have many original furnishings. LA architect Arthur Munson designed these rooms.

Offices, archives, and storage for historical objects are the main uses for many of the second-floor wings.

Visitors can thoroughly understand Claremont’s past by touring the Garner House and the adjoining Memorial Park.

Location: Garner House at Memorial Park, 840 N. Indian Hill Blvd, Claremont, CA

3. Russian Village District

The fifteen homes that make up the Russian Village District on South Mills Avenue were built and designed by unskilled laborers and low-income immigrants who used whatever resources they could find during the Great Depression, including telephone poles, pieces of pavement, and other discarded items.

Despite being despised at the time, the district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and is today a source of pride for Claremont.

Although the homes are now occupied, guests are still encouraged to stop by, look around, and admire the commitment and labor of love that went into building these residences.

Location:  290–370 S. Mills Ave. and 480 Cucamonga Ave

4. Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery

The Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery is a component of Scripps College, a nationally renowned liberal arts institution established in 1926.

The enormous collection of paintings, ceramics, and other works of art that have been gathered throughout the years will provide an enjoyable day for visitors.

In addition to nearly 70 works of art from the 19th and 20th centuries by painters like Mary Cassatt and Winslow Homer, exhibitions to keep an eye out for include Fred and Estelle Marer’s international collection of modern ceramics from America, Mexico, Britain, Korea, and Japan.

The second-largest collection of Chinese paintings in Los Angeles is found at the Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery, many of which are from the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Location: 251 E 11th St, Claremont, CA 91711

5. Claremont Craft Ales

The family-owned Claremont Craft Ales brewery began operations in 2012 with a modest production of 100 barrels annually using a small three-barrel brewing system; they currently produce over 3,000 barrels annually.

The mission of Claremont Craft Ales is to serve locals and tourists Claremont high-quality craft beer in a tasting room that has a pub-like atmosphere. West Coast-style hoppy beers, popular with both novices and seasoned craft beer drinkers, comprise a large portion of the beer menu.

In addition to seasonal porters, stouts, and wheat ales, the award-winning brewery also offers crisp light and blonde ales, barrel-aged stouts, and other brews.

The brewery’s tasting facility is open to visitors, or they can sample the beers in various Los Angeles bars and eateries.

Location: 1420 N Claremont Blvd, Suite 204C, Claremont, CA 91711

6. The Black Abbey

The Back Abbey is a well-liked, vibrant gastropub with rustic décor, a sizable bar, and a spacious outside patio. It is housed in a charming historic Mission structure in Claremont Village Square.

When you consider the selection of about 110 beers, new ones are always added, and it has the distinct impression of a Bavarian beer garden.

Twenty-eight of them are offered on tap. The meal is prepared to pair with your beverage, and they also have a respectable wine selection.

The cooks there have redefined what is meant by “gourmet burgers,” and their burgers are to die for. Everything else is delectable, perfectly prepared, and plenty.

Location: 128 North Oberlin Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711,

7. Parking House Wines

Packing House Wines is a wine store, first and foremost, followed by a restaurant and bar, and is housed in the 1916 old orange packing house that has been expertly rebuilt and adapted.

It is roomy and comfortable and has a cozy lounge area for elegant wine tasting. There are 1,400 different types of wine, and more are constantly being produced.

Feel free to ask questions; the staff is knowledgeable and available. You can ask them to open one of their bottles to pair with your meal, or you can choose from a variety of wines offered by the glass.

Executive Chef Noah Lutz crafts a creative take on American classics using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The food is excellent and healthy.

Location: 540 W 1st St, Claremont, CA 91711

8. Laemmle’s Claremont

A 70-year-old theater is Laemmle’s Claremont 5. Residents of Claremont have been visiting Laemmle since 1938 to watch independent, indie, and foreign films.

Laemmle has been exhibiting excellent films to more than a million viewers at its seven sites to show high-quality films regardless of their origin or genre.

The city is home to five of Laemmle’s Claremont theaters. Laemmle plays excellent films and hosts premieres, one-night-only screenings, special events, and even Academy Awards.

The well-known “Sneaks Club” screens movies before their official release, promoting works of art that do not have the same marketing support as some of the more significant Hollywood productions.

Location: 450 West 2nd Street, Claremont, CA 91711

9. Studio Claremont

Gabrielle Heide, who holds degrees in art and teaching from Cal State Long Beach and Cal Poly Pomona, is the owner and director of Studio Claremont.

She founded Studio Claremont, a place for locals and visitors to learn, admire, and share their love of art regardless of age or artistic style, using her credentials and her passion for the arts.

The atmosphere is designed to encourage exploration, creativity, and enjoyment. It is open to children of all ages, including those who are homeschooled and physically and developmentally handicapped.

Numerous one-time, ongoing, and special workshops and programs are available; most incorporate enjoyable activities like field trips and gallery exhibitions.

Studio Claremont invites all art enthusiasts to be inspired, whether staying in Claremont for a short time or a long time.

Location: 522 W. First Street, Claremont, CA 91711

10. Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden

The most extensive California native botanic garden, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, is located less than 35 miles from Los Angeles on 86 verdant, lush acres at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains.

It was founded in 1927 and is now home to more than 2,000 species of indigenous plants from Baja, California, southern Oregon, southern California, and western Nevada.

The Garden is divided into three distinct sections: Plant Communities, which features stunning displays of boojum trees, Four-needled Pinyon, and California Flannel Bushes; Indian Hill Mesa, which features lilacs and manzanitas; and East Alluvial Gardens, which features desert and coastal dune plants.

The Gardens also have a stunning butterfly garden and more than a hundred species of birds that are free to roam the grounds. In addition to taking in the tranquil, beautiful surroundings, guests can attend the occasional concert, participate in a docent-led tour, or go on a guided bird-watching stroll.

Location: 1500 N College Ave, Claremont, CA 91711

11. Claremont Museum Of Arts

There is a thriving artistic community in Claremont, which attracts people to live and work there because of the Claremont Colleges.

Since shows were frequently relocated to rented locations, the Claremont Museum of Art, founded in 2004, has been referred to as “the museum without walls.”

The location, which is now in the Claremont Depot, invites guests to come and explore the sizeable art collection. The many activities and programs were hosted there all year long, including the Padua Hills Art Fiesta.

By the end of 2016, the museum will begin operations at its new location in the Depot.

Location: P.O. Box 1136, Claremont, CA 91711

12. Claremont Packing House

A crucial component of the Claremont neighborhood is the Claremont Packing House. The Packing House, a sizable historic structure housed in the Claremont Village section of downtown, has more than 40 restaurants and cafes, 50 boutique shops, and more than a dozen art galleries.

The Claremont Packing House is lively during the day, but at night, it comes to life with its many nightclubs, including Hip Kitty Jazz and the Fondue Lounge.

The year is filled with activities, such as musical performances, comedy tours, art courses, walks, and other festivals. With so many museums, theaters, and academic events at the nearby institutions, visitors visiting the Packing House can continue exploring Claremont.

Location: 532 W 1st St, Claremont, CA 91711

13. Candlelight Pavillion Dinner Theatre

One of Claremont’s favorite establishments is the Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theater, run by Ben D. Bollinger. It is the spot where locals go when they want to dress up, see a musical program they can hum along with, and eat a fine dinner.

An old school gym transformed into a banquet hall houses the 300-seat theater. With enormous dining tables covered in white tablecloths, tuxedoed waiters, and good, old-fashioned musical productions like Oklahoma! and My Fair Lady, it is now a great fusion of elegance and Hollywood glitter.

Executive chef Juan Alvarado oversees his show in the kitchen, which results in wonderful traditional foods not typically seen in dinner theatres.

Location: 455 W Foothill Blvd, Claremont, CA 91711

14. Claremont Hills Wilderness Park

In the Angeles National Forest, near the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, is the well-liked hiking destination known as Claremont Hills Wilderness Park. 

This 1,620-acre park, created in 1996, is located between the Marshall Canyon, the Angeles National Forest, and the San Bernardino County boundary. The Serrano Indians, who were once nomads, lived in the region.

The park is primarily a wilderness preserve with sparse fire roads, tough hiking and biking paths, and rocky, arid terrain. Beautiful panoramas and fields covered in wildflowers make fantastic hiking, biking, and horseback riding opportunities.

Although difficult at first, the trail can occasionally become congested. Plan because there are no amenities for guests.

Location: 4031 N Mills Ave, Claremont, CA 91711

15. Claremont Farmers and Artisan Market

The Claremont Farmers and Craftsmen Market was established in 1996 to bring California farmers and artisans together in the Claremont neighborhood. 

Visitors can get some of the finest organic seasonal produce right here, farmed by licensed farmers that adhere to state agricultural regulations on rich California soil.

Visitors can purchase fresh vegetables at the market, which is held every week, as well as a variety of handcrafted ornaments, jewelry, and home products manufactured by Claremont’s craftsmen, as well as a variety of delectable fresh baked delicacies.

At the market, over 100 farmers, growers, and artisans join to share their products and services, ensuring that everyone who comes will have a nice day.

Location: Harvard Ave N, Claremont, CA 91711, United States

16. Folks Music Center

Beginning in Claremont behind Boots Beer’s real estate office, Charles and Dorothy Chase, two intriguing people, founded their Folk Music Center in 1958.

The entire enterprise swiftly developed into the well-known Golden Ring, one of Southern California’s first folk music venues. Folk music legends like Gary Davis, Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee, and Doc Watson were featured on Golden Ring. 

Charles was repairing instruments and instructing others in the trade while Dorothy provided music instruction.

The Folk Music Center Museum, which presently houses a variety of vintage and rare musical instruments and cultural relics from all over the world, was established in 1976.

All forms of folk music, traditional instruments, and folk culture, in general, are promoted and preserved by the Center. 

It provides field trips for local children, lends instruments to teachers, schools, and museums, and coordinates the annual Claremont Folk Festival.

Location: 220 Yale Ave, Claremont, CA 91711

17. PianoPiano

PianoPiano, a local landmark, is the place to be when traveling to Claremont, California. Visitors can take advantage of the fantastic music, inexpensive drinks, and enjoyable ambiance for just $5.

Weekly live performances include Sunday and Monday karaoke nights, celebrations for St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, New Year’s Eve, and other holidays, among many other things.

Before visiting, review the schedule on the venue’s website and take advantage of promotions like $1 tacos on Taco Tuesdays and free admission, and 50% off food and beverages on Karaoke Mondays.

Location: 555 W Foothill Blvd, Claremont, CA 91711, United States

18. Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology

Over 20,000 people every year who are captivated by fossils visit The Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology, which is situated on The Webb Schools’ campus.

The Hall of Life, a display of the Earth’s 4.6 billion-year history, and the Hall of Footprints, which includes one of the country’s largest and most unusual collections of fossil tracks and trackways, will be enjoyed by the whole family.

The Alf Museum, which has the name of the man who began the expedition as a hobby, provides a setting for both paleontology-interested visitors and students looking to participate in cutting-edge research initiatives.

Location: 1175 West Baseline Road, Claremont, CA 91711

19. California Botanic Gardens

Without flower-filled gardens, a little piece of heaven wouldn’t be complete. Therefore Claremont had to have one: the magnificent California Botanic Garden.

Originally known as the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, the administration changed the name of this attraction to reflect the collection better.

It has a large number of natural plants from all around the state, numbering 70,000 distinct plants and 2,000 kinds.

Botanists and florists heavily utilize the garden from the Claremont Colleges as a result of its diversity.

You can visit the location and look at the plants for yourself. Tall cacti and other desert plants are present, such as pine and oak trees from the highlands, palm trees from coastal areas, and wildflowers.

Visit the schools, nurseries, and other public education sites to learn more about these plants.

Location: 1500 N College Ave, Claremont, CA 91711, United States

20. Padua Hills Theatre

No other place celebrated the Mexican history of California as much as the Padua Hills Theatre.

Until it stopped operating in the 1980s, this attraction had the longest run of any theater in the US featuring musicals with a Mexican theme.

When entering the complex, one can still sense the joyful mood. This six-acre site features several Spanish Revival-style structures and expansive grounds peppered with olive trees.

Today, the location is a well-liked wedding location close to the San Gabriel foothills.

However, you are still welcome to wander around the area and take in the atmosphere of rusticity, the sculpted landscape, and the terracotta pathways.

After your visit, you’ll be compelled to reserve a special event because you’ll find it alluring.

Location:  4467 Padua Ave, Claremont, CA 91711, United States

21. Memorial Park

Within the boundaries of the city of Claremont, there are numerous green spaces, with Memorial Park being one of the most popular.

Most city-wide activities are held at this park, which serves as the town’s main community space.

So if you visit around a holiday, you can expect this place to be busy, especially during July 4th and Christmas.

Residents regularly visit the seven-acre site to get some peace and fresh air.

There are several grassy places, picnic sites, and shady spots where you may relax and put your cares aside.

The park features sand volleyball, tennis, and basketball courts if you want to attempt something more physical.

A seasonally open wading pool throughout the summer is excellent for cooling off, especially when it’s scorching outside.

Location: 840 N Indian Hill Blvd, Claremont, CA 91711, United States