4 Days of Art, Hiking and Fun in Pomona
Experience the eclectic charm of Pomona without breaking the bank.
21 June 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
A budget trip to Pomona, United States offers an opportunity to explore the city's charming neighborhoods and cultural landmarks, without breaking the bank. Visit the Pomona Art Walk, a free monthly art event, and wander around the historic Downtown Pomona district for unique shopping and dining experiences. Alternatively, explore the great outdoors at the nearby Bonelli Regional Park, with hiking trails, fishing, and picnic areas all available for free.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check in to the Motel 6 Pomona, a budget-friendly hotel that provides basic amenities and a convenient location.
- Start your trip with a visit to the American Museum of Ceramic Art, a fascinating space dedicated to showcasing the history and evolution of ceramics.
- Head to the Pomona Arts Colony to check out the local art scene and support small galleries and independent artists.
- Grab a delicious lunch at Dia de Los Puercos, a popular Mexican restaurant that offers creative street-style tacos.
- Spend your afternoon exploring the historic Mission San Gabriel Arcangel, a beautiful Spanish mission founded in 1771.
- Wrap up your day with dinner and live music at The Press Restaurant, a cozy gastropub with a charming atmosphere.
- Start your day early with a scenic hike at Bonelli Regional Park, a stunning wilderness area with a variety of trails for all levels.
- Grab a quick breakfast at the Pomona Farmers Market, where you can pick up local produce and artisanal foods.
- Spend your afternoon touring the San Antonio Winery, the oldest and largest winery in Los Angeles County, and enjoy a tasting of their award-winning wines.
- Stop by Pomona’s Antique Row to browse through a variety of vintage shops and discover unique treasures.
- End your night with dinner at Pho Vi, a popular Vietnamese restaurant that offers mouth-watering pho and other traditional dishes.
- Start your day at the famous Fairplex, a 487-acre entertainment complex that hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year.
- Visit the Fairplex Garden Railroad, a miniature world where model trains wind around beautifully landscaped gardens.
- Check out the Los Angeles County Fair Museum at Fairplex to learn about the history of the fair and its impact on the community.
- Grab a bite at one of the many food vendors and try some of the classic fair foods like corndogs and funnel cake.
- Spend your afternoon at the NHRA Motorsports Museum, a thrilling space dedicated to showcasing the history of drag racing.
- End your day by catching a movie at Mission Tiki Drive-In Theatre, a classic outdoor movie theatre that will transport you back in time.
- Visit the Phillips Mansion, a historic Victorian-style home over 140 years old that has been beautifully preserved.
- Take a tour of the Pomona College Campus, one of the country’s most prestigious liberal arts colleges.
- Visit the nearby Claremont Village, a charming neighborhood filled with shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
- Stop by the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden , a botanical garden dedicated to the diverse flora of California.
- End your trip by watching a show at the Glass House Concert Hall, a beloved music venue that brings in top acts from across the country.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Pomona by plane is to fly into LA/Ontario International Airport and then take a taxi or shuttle to Pomona.
Car
Driving is also a convenient option, with Pomona accessible via the I-10 and I-60 freeways.
Train
While there is no direct train to Pomona, visitors can take Amtrak to LA Union Station and then transfer to Metrolink to Pomona Station.
Boat
As Pomona is inland, there are no direct boat routes available.
Bus
Taking the Greyhound bus is a cost-effective way to get to Pomona, with buses running regularly from Los Angeles and other surrounding cities.