Between LA & San Bernardino Is A Walkable College Town With A Botanic Garden & Mountain Trails

For many travelers, a trip to California is all about that beach life, since the state is jam-packed with coastal cities. However, the Golden State shines even when you venture farther inland, as evidenced by places like Palm Springs, a laid-back city with restaurants, art, and family fun. But you don't have to be in the literal desert to get the most out of a beach-free California vacation. Even cities that fly under the radar are worth visiting, such as the college town of Claremont.

Home to Pomona College, Claremont is situated about 90 minutes east of LA (depending on traffic) and 40 minutes west of San Bernardino. This puts the city in the Pomona Valley, within reach of central LA.

But what makes Claremont a worthy addition to your travel itinerary? First, it offers notable green spaces, including the California Botanic Garden and hiking trails in Claremont Hills Wilderness Park. Second, it has a walkable downtown, complete with tasty eats and art galleries.

As with most cities, one of the best ways to experience Claremont is to wander through its downtown area, which ranges from about First Street to Fourth Street and from North College Avenue to about Cornell Avenue. This district is heavy on the arts, with various sculptures and other public artworks scattered throughout. For more curated selections, check out the Benton Museum of Art, which is part of Pomona College and features rotating exhibits. Similarly, the Claremont Lewis Museum of Art is another option housed in the historic Claremont Railroad Depot, showcasing rich architecture along with the artworks.

Another benefit of strolling through downtown Claremont is that you can enjoy a variety of restaurants and delicious cuisines. For Asian fusion, try House of Pong, featuring dishes like lobster tacos, beef bulgogi fries, or a soft-shell crab burger. Or, if you want to get a taste of the "other" LA (Louisiana), head over to The Quarter Creole Cuisine, which offers authentic New Orleans options like crawfish, étouffée, gumbo, and more.

If you can't decide what you want, the Claremont Packing House offers restaurants, shops, and art spaces. In addition to restaurants serving burgers, barbecue, and other assorted dishes, you can visit the Sake Museum to explore sake culture, Japanese aesthetics, and contemporary art. There are also an arcade, art studios, and a chef's academy where you can learn to cook from the experts.

Although the closest international airport to Claremont is the Ontario International Airport, which is about 15 minutes southeast by car, it may not be the best travel hub for all travelers. Fortunately, the Hollywood Burbank Airport, the subject of a $1.3 billion terminal project, is less than an hour west, so you have options. Claremont has several lodging options within its city limits. One notable accommodation is the Hotel Casa 425 + Lounge near downtown, which offers a stylish getaway. Other lodging options include a DoubleTree, a Residence Inn, and local motels.

As we mentioned, Claremont is notable for its outdoor activities, and one of the best options is the California Botanic Garden. The garden spans 86 acres and features over 22,000 California native plants, so you can really take your time to appreciate all of its greenery. For more garden inspiration, explore these beautiful botanical gardens across America. Another option is the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park on the northern edge of town. The park covers over 2,000 acres and features over 20 miles of trails, so you can get a workout and enjoy sweeping views of the San Gabriel Valley. One trail in this area is the Claremont Loop, which stretches for five miles and is dog-friendly if you want to bring a furry friend along.