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 African American Museum of Beginnings has art, artifacts and cultural events that feature and highlight the African arts, culture and civilization from the bygone era. The Pomona gallery displays art and sculpture from various African cultures as well as those from the United States and beyond. Their assemblage features creative exhibits made by the town's preschoolers, apart from some breathtaking art works depicting the heritage, milestones and contemporary issues of the African community spread in different parts of the world.
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.
The Planes of Fame Air Museum started in 1957 as a project by Edward Maloney, who was an avid collector of WWII aircraft. Ever since his idea, the museum has been collecting historic flying machines, some of which are the only remaining ones of their kind. The museum also features the largest collection of Japanese aircraft in the world and since it's a living history museum, some of these can still fly, so make sure to catch the air shows to see history in action.
The Robinson Memorial is fittingly located a few blocks from where the legendary athlete and trailblazer was born. After facing constant scrutiny by the community for being part of the only black family living in the area, Jackie Robinson went on to become a star athlete at Pasadena City College and UCLA. He eventually became the first African American in major league baseball and the rest, as they say is history. The memorial depicts the visages of both Jackie and his older brother Mack, who also contributed to the civil rights movement.
Located on South Lake Avenue, The Commons can be better described as a meeting point for locals on the east of the Playhouse District. The charming venue offers a good range of unique services, stores and eateries like the Green Street Restaurant and more that are lined along its shady courtyard. It's a spot where you can combine work with a fine dining experience. Besides, the California Institute of Technology and the famous Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens lie a short distance away.
The California Welcome Center in Santa Ana, welcomes visitors to the city and is a helping hand for the first timers. Located in the Westfield Mainplace, the center provides any information needed by travelers to Santa Ana. For a general visit to the city, the center provides you with guides, maps, information and a lot of tourism based services. Be sure to find reliable information from this source.
Established post World War II to serve the Polish immigrants in South California, the Pope John Paul II Polish Center aims to preserve the cultural heritage of its Polish members. Operating since long, the first official mass at this center was however held in 1983, after which this place has become a hub for Polish activities. The center hosts and conducts allied activities like Polish classes, festivals catering to the community as well as events that reflect the culture. The center also takes care of the recreational aspect by conducting regular contests, sports activities and interactive sessions. Music artists and performers are also welcome here.
Discover the railroad mode of transport in the 20th Century at the RailGiants Train Museum. Established in the year 1954 this museum is managed by the Railway and Locomotive Historical Society. The collection includes trains like the Union Pacific Caboose, Southern Pacific, Santa Fe Caboose and many more. The museum is housed in a train station that belongs to the Topeka and Santa Fe Railway which is constructed in gingerbread Victorian architecture. The museum displays a number of artifacts related to the railways.
Yorba-Slaughter Adobe, built in the 1850s, is one of the last few typical-styled houses that replicate the ones that were present during the Mexican governance and was built by Raimundo Yorba. After a few years, the house was then bought by veteran Fenton M. Slaughter and hence the name of Yorba-Slaughter abode came into existence. It is a one storey house and is accessible to the public from Tuesday to Saturday. The museum consists of documents and artifacts that enable a better understanding of the way of life of that particular century and group tours are also provided.