Top Rated Attractions in Claremont

This museum is not named after that lovable alien character from the 80's sitcom, but after high school teacher and amateur paleontologist Raymond Alf. He began as a hobbyist in 1936 and with trip-after-trip into the Mojave Desert, Alf garnered a vast collection of fossils. The museum is located on the campus of The Webb Schools, a private high school founded by Thompson Webb and it is the only museum in the U.S. with its location at a prep school. There are two main exhibits, the Hall of Footprints which features some of the most varied fossil 'trackways' in the world and the Hall of Life that expounds upon the Earth's 4.5-billion year history.

Situated just north of Claremont University, California Botanic Garden is a conservatory dedicated to native Californian plants. This 86-acre (35-hectare) green oasis is home to more than 6,000 varieties of native species, some of which include exotic seasonal ones like the Manzanita, Dutchman’s Pipe, Catalina Crossosoma and many more. A stroll through this beautiful garden allows visitors to see squirrels, red-tailed hawks, butterflies and other avian life. The garden is open throughout the year, however, the best time to visit is in the spring of course, when the plants are in full bloom.

Located in the city of Claremont, the Pomona College Museum of Art is a teaching museum which features student artwork from the private liberal-arts college as well as pieces from more established artists. The exhibitions are definitely eclectic, some of the past ones have included exhibits on Chinese snuff bottles, stencil drawings, sculpture and paintings from writer-composer and Pomona alumnus John Cage. Needless to say the varied media is impressive. Moreover, the James Turrell Skyspace is an architectural wonder which focuses on the nature of light and how it is emitted. The lighting programs within the room are timed for sunrise and sunset in order to amplify the color in the space.

The Ontario Museum of History and Art aims to expand the community's knowledge of local culture through educational programs, exhibits and special events. The museum exhibits in detail, the life and people of the Inland Empire and the docents organize various outreach programs and field trips throughout the year. One of the highlights during Autumn is the Dia de los Muertos festival, when local artists showcase the macabre through painting, sculpture and crafts. Every year the event draws in thousands over the Halloween season.

Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. Here, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor pursuits. The park features a large reservoir known as Puddingstone Lake, where fishing, boating, and swimming are popular pastimes. Anglers can cast their lines in search of catfish, bass, trout, and more, while boaters can take to the water in canoes, kayaks, or paddleboats. Some of the other facilities include an RV Park, hot tubs, an equestrian area and a boat house. The park also boasts numerous picnic areas, hiking trails, and expansive open spaces perfect for picnics, barbecues, and outdoor gatherings. There's also a playground for children, making it a family-friendly destination.

Located on the Chaffey College campus, the Wignall Museum of Contemporary Art is a teaching museum that primarily highlights work from students, but it also hosts other temporary exhibits from artists in the Inland Empire. In addition to contemporary art, the Wignall hosts talks and conferences for the benefit of the college as well as the community. Admission is always free and the galleries are closed on Fridays, Sundays and Holidays.