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 Fox Theater Pomona is an all-purpose venue that has a multitude of entertainment options. The venue first started as a proud movie cinema in 1931 during an era that produced legends on the silver screen. Today it serves as a concert hall, theater, cinema, and event venue, where the theater hosts everything from private parties to romantic dinners. The beautiful Art Deco structure is one of the most sought-after event venues in the city.
This anachronistic drive-in theater opened in 1956 and since then it has entertained legions of Inland Empire denizens over the decades. In your car, you can revisit another era while enjoying the modern comfort of upgraded technology. At the concession stand, they serve burgers, pizzas, hot dogs, french fries and other treats. Moreover, on weekends the entire drive-in area becomes a huge swap meet; it has since become one of the oldest and largest open-air markets in Southern California.
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.
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.
The Coffee Gallery Backstage hosts shows almost every day. The show room is connected to The Coffee Gallery, so patrons can come for the drinks or cafe fare and stay for the entertainment. Tickets are usually around $15-$20, and feature everyone from up-and-comers to established artists. A wide variety of styles are featured, including jazz, bluegrass, country, international, and contemporary. Reservations are highly recommended, as the 49-seat room fills up fast. Parking is available on Lake or in the lot of Ronnie's Service Station. Check the website for a list of upcoming shows.
Listed on the National Register of Historical Places, Saint Michael's Episcopal Church was build in 1876. In 1955, the church was moved to its present location along West South Street. Today the church remains an important part of the community holding weekly events and services. Be sure to visit the website for services times and more information.