Best Things To Do In Claremont, California

1. Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden

What is interesting about this attraction is that it is the largest botanic garden dedicated to California native plants. It is a privately owned garden that is open to the public. There is a fee to get in, although there are free days every once in a while. It is natural beauty at its best. Be sure to take a tour or attend a class while here.

The Botanic Garden is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. Also, there is also a hiking trail nearby where you can hike and enjoy more of the outdoors.

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden

Address: 1500 N College Ave, Claremont, California

Website: Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden

2. Russian Village District

This Russian Village District is basically 15 folk architecture style houses that were constructed and designed by untrained laborers and poor immigrant workers who built the houses with available materials they had during the Great Depression. They used such things as telephone poles, chunks of pavement, and other things they managed to find to build the houses. It was in the year 1978 that this district was given the honor of being listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Although all the houses are now occupied, visitors are encouraged to stop by and appreciate the hard work and dedication that was put into making these houses.

Russian Village District

Address: S Mills Ave, Claremont, CA 91711

3. The Garner House

This historic house is a Spanish Colonial Revival house built in 1926. The house was the home of one of Claremont’s leading families for many years. In 2001, it became the location for Claremont Heritage. When you visit this place you can see the main bedrooms, guest rooms, living rooms, and bathrooms. Most of the original furnishings are still in the house, so that is quite exciting to see. As for the second floor, it is currently being used for offices, archives, and storage for historical items where visitors can learn about the history of Claremont.

There is a flea market held at the house on Sundays from 9 am to 2 pm. Many events, like retirement parties, are held here. It is a really nice place to visit or come for a party.

The house is open from 9 am to 1 pm Monday through Friday. Every once in a while there is an open house tour.

The Garner House

Address: 840 N Indian Hill Blvd, Claremont, CA 91711

Website: The Garner House

4. Claremont Packing House

The Claremont Packing House is the largest historic building in the Claremont Village, a downtown neighborhood in Claremont that has over 50 boutiques, 40 eateries and cafes, a dozen art galleries, and hosts special events year round. The Packing House is quite popular and is also one of hottest attractions in the Claremont Village district. This nice place, complete with outdoor patio style sitting, is a perfect place for dates, day trips with family and friends, or a place to just kick back and enjoy any time, day or night.

Claremont Packing House

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

Website: Claremont Packing House

5. Claremont Hills Wilderness Park

This popular hiking area has a five mile (8 km) walking loop and smaller trails for people to enjoy. It is found at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and it falls inside the Angeles National Forest, which was the original home of the Nomadic Serrano Indians. The trails can get crowded, but the scenery is so breathtaking that it is not surprising that people love to hike and walk here. I am one of those people. I love walking here since I feel so peaceful here in the wilderness. It does get crowded sometimes, though, and it is hard to find parking. Overall, though, it is worth the wait for the beautiful, scenic hike. If you are like my family and enjoy hiking together, then this is definitely the place for you.

Claremont Hills Wilderness Park

Address: 4031 N Mills Ave, Claremont, CA 91711

Website: Claremont Hills Wilderness Park

6. Claremont Farmers' & Artisans' Market

I would say that I bet almost every town in California has a farmers’ market. This specific one was created with the intention to connect artisans and California farmers to the Claremont community. The Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market does just that. Not only will you find the freshest organic seasonal produce, but hand-made home furnishings, jewellery, and ornaments created by the locals as well. This is my type of place since I love to shop and what is better than shopping locally?

This is a really popular market for the local folks. It is held every Sunday, rain or shine, from 8 am to 1 pm on Second Street between Indian Hill Boulevard and Yale Avenue in the Claremont Village shopping area. The market is sponsored by the Claremont Forum and the proceeds from the market help to support the forum’s service projects. One such project is the Prison Library Project. This goes to show how the passionate community is dedicated to Claremont. Go and support the locals if you are in town on a Sunday.

Claremont Farmers' & Artisans' Market

Address: Second Street, Claremont, CA 91711

Website: Claremont Farmers & Artisans Market

Last words on Claremont

If you find yourself in Southern California around Los Angeles, be sure to make a stop in Claremont. Be it for hiking, local shopping, or just enjoying the city, you will be happy you decided to stop here.