Pomona is a city and a suburb of Los Angeles. But before this land was transformed into an urban landscape, the whole area was mostly occupied by the Tongva tribes. The future of this valley changed for the better when a prominent land grant ‘Rancho San Jose’ came into effects during the 19th century. As the opportunity unlocked for the urban development, Pomona quickly picked up the pace. And the 1920s was the decade when this little town got its rank among the highest per-capita income region of this country. Today, this is an average-sized city, and gladly they have sustained most of their historical archives ever since the era of nativism. It also houses a number of amazing hotels and Airbnb vacation rentals to accommodate tourists and travelers. Pomona is just one hour away from the big city L.A., which is why unfortunately sometimes it goes unnoticed by tourists. Hence in this article, we are sharing many interesting sides of this suburbia, so you can see this place better. Read along to know the best things to do in Pomona.
1. Explore the Southern California Medical Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Southern California Medical Museum on Friday, July 31, 2015
The medical scene today is quite comprehensive, but do you know how the overall experience used to be in the past centuries during the early stages of medicines? Come and see the medical, dental, and pharmaceutical artifacts from the previous centuries at the Southern California Medical Museum. Express your appreciation towards the progress in medical science. It’s the only museum of its kind in Southern California, so come and get educated. However, please note that the museum is open on certain dates only, and a reservation in advance will be necessary.
Southern California Medical Museum
Address: 350 Garey Ave, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
Website: Southern California Medical Museum
Price: 5 USD (adults), 3 USD (children)
2. Enjoy the artwork at American Museum of Ceramic Art
This is a free-to-visit museum. It’s a place where one can see pottery and ceramic arts from around the world. From sculpture to tile, and random kinds of ceramic art, their permanent collection has over 7000 different pieces. But, interesting things are stored in the Mettlach-ware collection, located in the lower level of this museum. Here, you will see enamel painted vessels and teapots from the previous centuries, at least 3000 pieces are kept totally undamaged.
American Museum of Ceramic Art
Address: 399 N Garey Ave, Pomona, CA 91767, USA
Website: American Museum of Ceramic Art
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon - Tue)
Price: Free
3. Marvel at the early innovations in RailGiants Train Museum
If you have seen only the electrical and diesel-electric locomotives, then this place should b your next stop. RailGiants Train Museum at Pomona has preserved at least 10 elderly steam locomotives, conductor car, and freight carriage. These trains are still the pride of this country, and since you have probably never seen them on the railroad, checking them here will be a great experience. Get boarded on the old models, touch the parts, or click pictures, this museum won’t mind. The most remarkable ancient locomotives of this museum are - U.S. Potash Co. No. 3 and Union Pacific 4014 (Big Boy).
RailGiants Train Museum
Address: 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768, USA
Website: RailGiants Train Museum
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
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4. Buy a gift basket at Cal Poly Pomona Farm
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
We have every flavor honey stick you could imagine here at the Farm Store!
Posted by Cal Poly Pomona Farm Store on Saturday, May 15, 2021
This farm store is situated inside the campus of Cal Poly Agriculture College, and products on the shelves of this store are harvested from Cal Poly’s fields. The products are all-natural and free from harmful substances. The store vends fresh items at reasonable rates and they host events throughout the year. Apart from that, they also sell kitchen gadgets, goodies, and wines. Get a goodie or two for your loved ones from the store. If a fruit basket doesn’t look too good, you can also have custom gift baskets.
Cal Poly Pomona Farm Store
Address: 4102 S University Dr, Pomona, CA 91768, USA
Website: Cal Poly Pomona Farm Store
Opening hours: Fri - Wed: 10am - 6pm (closed on Thu)
Price: 20 USD onwards
5. Participate in 2nd Saturday Art Walk
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Don’t forget Second Saturday Art Walk & Market Night returns this Saturday July 11th. Comeout and enjoy outdoor art,...
Posted by Downtown Pomona on Thursday, July 9, 2020
Pomona’s Art Walk is an event of art and culture, but more importantly, it’s an attempt to increase the general interaction between strangers. People might have a different nationality, and different abilities, but if they have something to exhibit, Art Walk is the best and easiest way. Every month on its second Saturday, people of Pomona celebrate a micro event at West 2nd Street. They host small galleries to demonstrate their art, music, jewelry, clothing, or anything which is interesting to the public. A crowd always shows up to appreciate the talent through shopping. If you also have something to show the world, you can also host a booth there.
2nd Saturday Art Walk
Address: 119 W Second St, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
Website: 2nd Saturday Art Walk
Opening hours: Second Sat: 6pm - 9pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
6. Explore the antiques at Downtown Collector's Street Faire
This is another Downtown Pomona event that is carried on the same lane, but it’s about treasure hunting. Not the actual search and catch adventure, but an easy one. The Second Street, Downtown Pomona keeps a street funfair on every second Saturday of January, March, May, September, and October. This fair exhibits a different kind of collection in its various booths. It’s actually a part antique, part flea market; so you can never guess what’s coming there for sale, maybe you would find something valuable.
Collector's Street Faire
Address: 200 E Second St, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
Website: Collector’s Street Faire
Opening hours: 8am - 3pm (last Sat of Jan, Mar, May, Sep, Nov)
Price: Free
7. Check out stunning exhibits at Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum
An automotive enthusiast will find this place too fascinating because it’s a museum of National Hot Rod Association. NHRA Motorsports Museum Pomona exhibits cool old hot-rods, Indy cars, motorcycles, and memorabilia related to hot-rodding. The overall experience should be quite amusing. And if you’re really into cars, this museum will educate you about the amazing history of the American drag racing.
Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum
Address: 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768, USA
Website: Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed from Mon - Tue)
Price: 10 USD (adults), 8 USD (Sr. citizen and children), free for children under the age of 5
8. Celebrate special occasions at Kellogg House
This tree-shrouded mansion had been used as a retreat home by the renowned American industrialist and philanthropist W.K. Kellogg, the man who started the Kellogg Foundation. It’s a historic home, considering the fact that former American president Ronald Regan, the pioneer of animation industry Walt Disney, and many such famous celebrities used to visit this estate. Today this iconic residence is available for booking for private parties and small celebrations.
Kellogg House
Address: 3801 W Temple Ave Bldg. 112, Pomona, CA 91768, USA
Website: Kellogg House
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 8:30am - 3pm; Fri - Sun: 12pm - 12am
9. Tee off at Mountain Meadows Golf Course
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The grassland of this playground has blue jacaranda trees all around, and the view of the mountain from everywhere is just divine; especially when the mountaintop gets fresh snow. This is a picture-perfect location and people actually have weddings here, but playing a game of golf is not less pleasurable, right? That is why we are proposing Mountain Meadows Golf Course to the golfing enthusiasts. This is an 18-hole full course with wonderful elevations and some challenging pits. The club has easy rules, and even a non-member can play for a day upon registration.
Mountain Meadows Golf Course
Address: 1875 Fairplex Dr, Pomona, CA 91768, USA
Website: Mountain Meadows Golf Course
Opening hours: 5am - 8:30pm (daily)
Price: 28 USD onwards
10. Watch a thrilling race at Auto Club Raceway
The Auto Club Raceway a.k.a ‘The Pomona Raceway’ is probably the most famous drag racing strip of North America. This 0.25 mile (0.4 km) dragstrip is directly operated by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), and on each year it holds two of NHRA’s annual lead events. But that doesn’t mean the track is reserved only for the association and stays blank throughout the year. The club actually receives more than a couple of drag days each month, which includes pro-street and ET motorcycle drag racing. Drag racing is super-quick and it’s even enjoyed by people who are not a fan of the racing genre.
Auto Club Raceway
Address: 2780 Fairplex Dr, Pomona, CA 91768, USA
Website: Auto Club Raceway
11. Try amazing beer at Innovation Brew Works
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Situated in the campus of Cal Poly Pomona, this small brewery café is managed by the faculty, alumni, and the students of this polytechnic university. They make craft beers, which is, as a matter of fact, a part of their curriculum. You can also visit their little brewpub to have all the information and education regarding their crafted drinks. And perhaps, you may also want to have a glass to taste the difference. Along with the beer, you can also have some of the fast foods. The rates are not very cheap, but you can always visit them during the happy hour.
Innovation Brew Works
Address: 3650 W Temple Ave, Pomona, CA 91768, USA
Website: Innovation Brew Works
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 6:30am - 9pm; Thu - Fri: 6:30am - 10pm; Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm
Price: 10 USD onwards
12. Plan an intimate dinner at Pomona Valley Mining Company
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Pomona Valley Mining Co. on Sunday, November 29, 2015
Formerly, this place was a mining company, but today it’s a restaurant. The décor is still kept rusty, so you will definitely find this place noteworthy as the interiors are almost similar to a mining saloon from the 18th century. The restaurant is situated over a hilltop, which overlooks the whole of Pomona Valley and Los Angeles at a distance. This is amongst the premium venues of this city, and they offer a huge selection of menu. So the next time you are looking for a casual dinner or a banquet arrangement in or around Pomona, make sure to consider Pomona Valley Mining Company restaurant.
Pomona Valley Mining Company
Address: 1777 Gillette Rd, Pomona, CA 91768, USA
Website: Pomona Valley Mining Company
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 5pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 10pm; Sun: 10am - 3pm, 4:30pm - 9pm
Price: 30 - 60 USD
13. Catch a concert at Fox Theater Pomona
This Art Deco movie palace was built in the 1920s and had the prosperity for the next few decades. But with the arrival of new cinema screens with better technology, it just couldn’t keep the charms and was eventually shut down in the year 1977. Several attempts have been made to reopen this venue but nothing lasted for long until one day in the year 2009, its current owner did a reboot after a full restoration. This venue now boasts state-of-the-art lighting and sound technology and turned into a regular address for concerts, film festivals, events, and parties.
Fox Theater Pomona
Address: 301 Garey Ave, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
Website: Fox Theater Pomona
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12:30pm - 8pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Varies
14. Admire the remarkable architecture of Phillips Mansion
A wealthy rancher had constructed this mansion in the year 1875 and installed the most up-to-date features of that time. For example - this was the first house in the valley that had gas lighting arrangement. The architecture is also inspired by the Second French Empire style. The locals claim that this house and the nearby cemetery are haunted, which is why Phillips Mansion always bears a long queue for reservation. Supernatural or not, this place is definitely worth a visit; reserve a tour by contacting the historical society of Pomona if you’re interested in a historical house.
Phillips Mansion
Address: 2640 Pomona Blvd, Pomona, CA 91768, USA
Website: Phillips Mansion
15. Don't miss the annual LA County Fair
The residents of the Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area are forever excited about this annual county fair. Uninterruptedly since the year 1922, the Los Angeles County Fair is being held at the Pomona’s Fairground every year. And because it is a long tradition now this event receives an immense crowd, as a matter of fact, the fair has received over one million visitors last year. LA County Fair gets celeb performances, several competitions, and every entertainment that you can expect from a large-scale funfair.
LA County Fair
Address: 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768, USA
Website: LA County Fair
Opening hours: 30 Aug - 22 Sept
Price: 20 USD onwards
16. Visit the tasting room at The Old Stump Brewing Co.
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you happen to be a beer lover then you will surely like this place. It’s a microbrewery which is bigger than a regular microbrewery. They, in fact, have a total of 23 types of beer from 5 varieties. So it’s almost certain that you will get your preferable drinks. The Old Stump Brewing Co. not only offers delectable beers they also serve food. They have a television so people can watch sports, and the place organizes live band performances as well. It’s an affordable place with friendly staff, what else could you ask from such small beer factories.
The Old Stump Brewing Co.
Address: 2896 Metropolitan Pl, Pomona, CA 91767, USA
Website: The Old Stump Brewing Co.
Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 8pm; Mon, Wed - Thu: 3pm - 10pm; Fri: 3pm - 11:30pm; Sat: 12pm - 11:30pm (closed on Tue)
17. Taste traditional Mexican food at Tropical Mexico
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
There's truly no substitute for the meal of your dreams. Get the best of the best here with us!...
Posted by Tropical Mexico Restaurant on Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Who doesn’t love the Mexican food, despite its strong-n-spicy aroma one just cannot resist this cuisine. The pizza and rolls are fine, but our tongue certainly asks for some taco or burritos once in a while. If your food liking is similar to what we have just outlined above, then visit them once. Because Tropical Mexico has extensive food options, they have probably more Mexican recipes on their menu card than you have ever seen. It’s an authentic diner thus the flavors will be genuine, and the price range, reasonable.
Tropical Mexico
Address: 1371 S East End Ave, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
Website: Tropical Mexico
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 8am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 8am - 11pm
18. Check out the wonderful artworks at Latino Art Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Latino Art Museum on Sunday, July 12, 2020
Latino Art Museum at Pomona is an art gallery, and since the visitor admission is free here, we propose you to take a tour. The museum is run by an NGO, which has the vision to promote the nameless Latino artists living in this country. If you have even a slight interest in art, they will be more than happy to teach you at the museum’s workshop. But if you are not more than a casual spectator, you can check out their monthly themed exhibition and permanent collection.
Latino Art Museum
Address: 281 S Thomas St, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
Website: Latino Art Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 3pm - 6pm (closed from Sun - Tue)
Price: Free entry
19. Go on fun rides at Fairplex
Fairplex Ground Pomona will host the annual county fair event this year as well. And if you’re living around the Greater L.A. Metropolitan, or visiting this city in September; you can get lucky to experience this funfair. We understand that such carnivals are always colorful, and you have a lot to see there - like, live musical events, shopping, etc. But a fairground is incomplete without its fun rides; thus, you will also have the opportunity to access plenty of rides at the L.A. County Fair. It features Ferris wheels, roller coaster rides, ropeway, and so on.
Fairplex
Address: 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768, USA
Website: Fairplex
20. See the beer garden at Homage Brewing
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Homage Brewing on Wednesday, June 23, 2021
We have addressed a couple of microbreweries in some previous headings, and they all were lovely. This means that we never really needed another establishment for this list; but now that we’ve already added this point, wouldn’t you like to know what the difference is. Actually, those locations were nice but they still had a pub-like impression. A bottle of beer usually tastes better in the open, try it yourself if you’re skeptical. Homage Brewing has a beer garden, so you can come anytime if you also like to have your glasses this way. By the way, they don’t serve food here but they are also okay with guests bringing their own food.
Homage Brewing
Address: 281 S Thomas St #101, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
Website: Homage Brewing
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 3pm - 11pm; Sat: 1pm - 11pm; Sun: 1pm - 8pm (closed from Mon - Tue)
Price: Free entry
21. Learn about the history of Pomona at La Casa Primera de Rancho San Jose
Pomona Valley was mostly barren prior to the 19th century before the governor of Alta California passed a massive land-grant in favor of two men in 1830s. Mr. Ygnacio Palomares obtained 2/3rd part of this 22,340-acre (9040.7 hectares) ranch and built this house for himself. This way, Casa Primera officially became the oldest remaining house of the Pomona Valley, almost 40 years older than the Phillips Mansion. Today, this abode is taken over by the Historical Society of Pomona Valley and is a museum. But this venue is regularly used as traditional Mexican and Spanish folkloric ground. Come here to know about the detailed history.
La Casa Primera de Rancho San Jose
Address: 1569 N Park Ave, Pomona, CA 91768
Website: La Casa Primera de Rancho San Jose
Opening hours: Sun: 2pm - 5pm (closed from Mon - Sat)
Price: Free entry through the reservation
22. Go cycling at Palomares Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
It’s a park in downtown that has sports facilities, and also one Palmores Adobe. It has two playing sections, one reserved for the children and another for adults. People visit this park for either a casual walk or to play their preferable outdoor games. Although this park makes a regular venue for the city’s skateboarders, it’s also a very fine cycling track. It’s rectangular circuit is extended to slightly over a kilometer (0.6 miles), and the view to the park is gorgeous from the entire track. Try cycling at the Palomares Park if you’re a cycling enthusiast.
Palomares Park
Address: 499 E Arrow Hwy, Pomona, CA 91767, USA
Website: Palomares Park
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Price: Free entry
23. Enjoy music at The Glass House Pomona
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you are a fan of rock music, then you will surely love this live music venue. The Glass House Pomona is a concert hall in the downtown that stays active several days every month. This place is not very spacious but also not too small, and the compactness of a concert hall is not at all a downside in our opinion. Because, limited space means more public interaction, but that also means that tickets will get sold out quickly. So if your favorite band is on the schedule of The Glass House, be sure to book your tickets in advance. The price is usually cheap, and parking is also free.
The Glass House Pomona
Address: 200 W 2nd St, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
Website: The Glass House Pomona
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11:30am - 7pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 8pm
24. Beat the heat at Ganesha Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
It is primarily a fitness park and a preferred destination for the joggers of this area. But most importantly, Ganesha Park has a municipal swimming pool with a water slide. While the periphery of this park is free to explore, swimming at the public pool requires nominal charges. The pool at the park is maintained quite well and it never gets crowded. So when you are feeling too hot during the summers in Pomona, you can always consider Ganesha Park.
Ganesha Park
Address: 1575 N White Ave, Pomona, CA 91768, USA
Website: Ganesha Park
Opening hours: Tue, Thu, Sat - Sun: 1pm - 5pm; Wed & Fri: 1pm - 5pm, 6pm - 8pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 2.5 USD
25. Stroll through the fabulous Country Crossing Park
Nearby the slopes of Ranch Hill, by the sides of Village Loop Road; you will find this green space. Country Crossing Park has no permanent structure to unsettle the scenic panorama; it’s just a soccer playground with trees all around the field. We would like to propose you to come to this park, not to do any activity but just to breathe the freshness of the air. Watch the children play, admire this landscaping, or just relax on the grass. This place has all the characteristics to be a preferred resting ground for an exhausted soul. It doesn’t matter if you’re a tourist or a resident living a hectic life in Pomona, everyone would get peace of mind at the Country Crossing Park.
Country Crossing Park
Address: 10 Santa Clara Dr, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
Website: Country Crossing Park
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Price: Free entry
26. Catch live entertainment at Tony Cerda Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This place was originally known as ‘The Madison Park’, and then got an unofficial tag ‘Sharkie’, due to some street gang connection. Now as Pomona is safe territory, the city council again rechristened this venue as Tony Cerda Park. Tony was a Native American activist and did many efforts during the Chicano civil rights movement. Today, this park is a permanent ground for Chicane community cultural events, and you can also watch their programming on occasions. During the other days, it’s a jungle gym.
Tony Cerda Park
Address: 400 W Grand Ave, Pomona, CA 91766
Website: Tony Cerda Park
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Price: Free entry
27. Dance it out at Carnaval Nightclub
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Carnaval Nightclub on Friday, September 27, 2019
When you’re in a party mood but the concert venue that we’ve shared have zero programmings during your Pomona trip, then you can consider Carnaval Nightclub. This is the most premium Latino nightclub of the entire Pomona, and you will absolutely love this place. Carnaval has the most cutting-edge sound and visual technologies, and they play great music every night. The gender ratio is also very good, and you could make new friends. Don’t pay heed when they say that it’s an expensive nightclub, because as a matter of fact, every entry before 10:30 pm will be free here.
Carnaval Nightclub
Address: 342 S Thomas St, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
Website: Carnaval Nightclub
Opening hours: Thu: 9pm - 2am; Fri - Sun: 9pm - 3am (closed from Mon - Wed)
Price: Free entry before 10:30pm
28. Marvel at local art at Chalk Art Festival
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Downtown Pomona on Sunday, November 13, 2016
Pomona city also hosts a chalk art festival, an annual event and the year of 2019 will be the 13th year since they began. This downtown tradition is held every year on the second Saturday of November at the Shaun Diamond Plaza. The admission to this event is free, but registration will be required. Come and admire the temporary art form by the school students and maestros, in fact, you can also participate as the festival is open for all. They set yearly theme, the 12th Chalk Art Festival had a theme based on Route 66 or your favorite book, let’s see what they have got for this year.
Chalk Art Festival
Address: 171 W 2nd St, Pomona, CA 91766
Website: Chalk Art Festival
29. Get to know the rancho life at Ygnacio Palomares Adobe
If you’ve attentively followed the signboard on the picture, you have also read the name ‘Ygnacio Palomares’; he built the first residential house in Rancho San Jose. As a matter of fact, that first structure ‘Casa Primera’ was just a homestead to the Palomares family, and they lived the better part of their lifetime at their second construction - the Ygnacio Palomares Adobe. It’s a museum today and the adobe exhibits the elements left by the Palomares family that explains the good simple life of Spanish and Mexican ranchos. If you could obtain a reservation, this is the best possible way to understand the history of this valley.
Ygnacio Palomares Adobe
Address: 491 E Arrow Hwy, Pomona, CA 91767
Website: Ygnacio Palomares Adobe
Opening hours: Sun: 2pm - 5pm (closed from Mon - Sat)
30. Admire experimental art at 57 Underground
Editor’s Note: Establishment is permanently closed.
Similar to the other art galleries that we have discussed on this list, this exhibition also has a unique identity. The ‘57 Underground’ is a gallery that has a sole purpose to organize all the art and artists from all around, which desires to make this world a better place again. The art form that you will get here is meaningful, something that is easily understandable to a simple person. Most painting from this gallery speaks about the environment, harmony among religions, and more of such subjects. Visit if you’re interested.
57 Underground
Address: 252-D South Main Street Pomona CA
Website: 57 Underground
Best season to visit Pomona
Based on the tourism statistical data, most people visit this city between the month of May and August. Yes, the summers will be hot, but many local events would fall during these months only. Then, September and October should be fine as well; this is the time of the year when Pomona gets its annual county fair and a few short-lived downtown events.
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