All Aboard! This California Town Is Brimming With History and Culture
Known for its academic prowess and shady tree-lined streets, Claremont is SoCal’s small-town gem with a scholarly twist. Home to seven prestigious colleges and a vibrant downtown village, this city at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains is where vintage charm meets cultural cool. Think art museums, indie bookshops and enough elevated eats to satisfy any foodie’s bucket list. Whether you’re wandering through a botanic garden, sipping a craft cocktail or soaking in public art, this is your sign to plan the perfect Claremont day trip by train. Guide to Claremont
Ready to explore somewhere new—without the stress of traffic? Save this guide, share it and hop on the train. Let’s make your Claremont getaway one for the books.
Getting There via Metrolink
There’s something undeniably freeing about skipping the traffic and hopping on a train—and Metrolink makes visiting Claremont easier (and more scenic) than ever. With direct service from DTLA’s Union Station to Claremont Station on the San Bernardino Line, you can be in the heart of Claremont Village in just over an hour. Trains run during peak times, and the journey itself is part of the adventure—think mountain views, citrus groves and zero freeway stress.
Planning is simple: use Metrolink’s interactive trip planner online or in the app to map your route, buy your ticket and even track your train in real time. The $10 Weekend Day Pass is a steal for unlimited rides, and SoCal Explorer members earn points with every trip. Once onboard, settle into the spacious double-decker train, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and bring snacks or a coffee for the ride. Bonus: tickets include free transfers to local transit, so exploring beyond the station is totally seamless.
Coffee + Cool Vibes at Harvard & Yale
Your first stop: Harvard & Yale. This hybrid coffee bar and curated retail space is quickly becoming Claremont Village’s artsy hangout. With its minimalist setup and rotating merch from brands like Carhartt WIP and Stüssy, this spot is more than a coffee shop—it’s a community hub. Sip on a bold cold brew or a matcha latte, and snag a sunlit seat outside. Founder Frank Rodriguez has big plans for this lifestyle brand, and with its blend of design, drinks and downtown energy, you’ll want to linger a little longer.
Stroll Through the California Botanic Garden
Once you’re caffeinated, take a short walk to the California Botanic Garden, an 86-acre oasis showcasing more than 22,000 native plants. From blooming buckwheat to ancient oak groves, this lush expanse is the largest botanic garden dedicated to California flora. Book a guided tram tour or wander the meandering paths solo—either way, you’ll feel worlds away from city life. Pro tip: Keep your eyes peeled for butterflies, lizards and local art installations tucked among the blooms.
Explore Art and Light at Skyspace
A quick walk north brings you to Pomona College and one of Claremont’s most immersive art experiences: James Turrell’s Dividing the Light. This open-air Skyspace plays with light, color and perception, and it’s especially stunning at sunset or sunrise. Designed to make you pause, reflect and literally look up, this is a must-see moment of calm during your day in Claremont.
Lunch + Wine Flights at Grafted Cellars
For a lunch that goes beyond the usual, grab a seat at Grafted Cellars, an urban winery with a casual yet curated vibe. Their artisan pizzas (the Hot Honey Pepperoni is chef’s kiss) and fresh salads pair perfectly with in-house wines made from sustainably farmed grapes. Whether you’re splitting a bottle or enjoying a solo glass, the warm interior and inviting patio make this a lunch spot worth lingering over.
Discover Claremont’s Paleontology Past
Fossils on a high school campus? Only in Claremont. The Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology—tucked into the grounds of The Webb Schools—is the only nationally accredited museum of its kind. Wander through the Hall of Life and Hall of Footprints to see fossilized trackways, ancient skulls and even specimens discovered by Webb students. It’s a quirky, fascinating detour for science fans and curious minds alike.
Let the Good Times Roll at The Quarter
New Orleans meets Claremont at The Quarter, a soulful Creole kitchen run by a family with deep Louisiana roots. The menu is packed with generational recipes that have been passed down and perfected—think crawfish étouffée, jambalaya and buttery shrimp Yvonne served shell-on with a side of jazz. Chef Norm Théard’s flavors are as rich as the restaurant’s story, and the energy inside feels like a love letter to the French Quarter. Don’t skip the beignets, and if you’re lucky, you might catch some live music or a surprise visit from a local legend!
Step Back in Time at the Sumner House
Next, take a slow stroll through Claremont Village and stop by the historic Sumner House. Though it’s not open for interior tours, the exterior of this 1887 Queen Anne Victorian—complete with gingerbread trim and original paint colors—is a gorgeous photo op and a reminder of the city’s rich academic roots. Fun fact: the entire house was relocated (with the Sumner family inside!) from four miles away back in 1901.
Strike a Chord at the Folk Music Center
Tucked along Yale Avenue, the Folk Music Center is part shop, part museum and 100% Claremont charm. Since 1958, this family-run gem has been a gathering place for musicians and music lovers. It offers everything from handmade instruments to global artifacts and local history. Owned by the family of Grammy-winner Ben Harper, it’s more than a store—it’s a legacy. You’ll find banjos hanging beside sitars and percussion instruments you’ve never seen before. Whether you’re browsing, taking a lesson or soaking in the vibe, this place is a celebration of sound and community.
Retail Therapy at the Claremont Packing House
Ready to shop? The Claremont Packing House is a revitalized citrus-packing plant turned lifestyle destination with indie boutiques, galleries and cafes. Browse vintage finds at Replay Vintage, snag a scent at Smell House or pick up a bottle at Packing House Wines. It’s a vibey mix of old-school charm and modern flair. Don’t forget to swing by the Claremont Lewis Museum of Art nearby. Its restored train station home and rotating exhibitions highlight the city’s creative core.
Grilled Cheese Fridays at Cheese Cave
If you’re visiting on a Friday, make sure to stop into Cheese Cave before 2 p.m. Their beloved Grilled Cheese Fridays feature a perfectly gooey three-cheese blend on brioche. This is served with creamy tomato soup and a pickle. Sisters Marnie and Lydia Clarke curate their shop with passion. Whether you’re stocking up on cheese, wine or salumi, you’re in good hands.
Dinner at Casa 425
For dinner, head to Casa 425, where California cuisine meets a chic courtyard vibe. The Lounge’s 2024 refresh introduced more fire pits, cozy couches and crowd-pleasing games like giant Connect Four. Share a few standout small plates like the Wagyu sliders or nopales-infused artichoke enchiladas, and don’t skip the Dirty Duchess martini—it’s dessert in a glass with vanilla vodka, dark chocolate liqueur and cinnamon.
Feast on Southern Comfort at Gus’s Barbecue
If you’re in the mood for a more casual dinner and a little Southern hospitality, Gus’s Barbecue in the Claremont Packing House delivers in spades. This longtime favorite serves up a mouthwatering lineup of slow-smoked meats, from jalapeño cheddar sausages to tender Carolina pulled pork. The Smokehouse Chili is a sleeper hit—loaded with brisket, black beans and just the right amount of heat. Pair it with a cold beer or a whiskey flight, and you’ve got yourself a proper feast. With its warm, wood-accented dining room and Route 66 roots, Gus’s brings a hearty slice of the South to SoCal.
Cocktails at The Whisper House
Round out your evening at The Whisper House, a moody, Prohibition-style bar with a standout mixology program. Watch expert bartenders craft concoctions with housemade syrups and fresh ingredients while you sip on the bold Almond Gardens or banana-laced Kong is King. With its copper bar, vintage flair and warm hospitality, this is the kind of place where one drink turns into two…or three.
Late-Night Scoop at Bert & Rocky’s
Before you catch your train back, swing by Bert & Rocky’s for a scoop (or two) of homemade ice cream. This old-school scoop shop serves over 200 rotating flavors, including hits like Coffee & Cookies and Kauai Pie. Order your favorite in a freshly baked waffle cone and enjoy one last taste of Claremont charm.
Don’t Miss!
Upland Lemon Festival
If you’re planning your trip for early June, tack on a visit to the Upland Lemon Festival. Just a few minutes from Claremont via Metrolink, this sunny celebration is one for the whole family. It features carnival rides, food vendors, live music across multiple stages and plenty of lemon-flavored everything. Enjoy options from lemonade to lemon churros. With free admission and a lively local vibe, it’s the perfect citrus-sweet way to cap your Claremont weekend.
Date: June 6-8
Location: Historic Downtown Upland
