Pomona, California
Neighbourhoods of Pomona, California
- Downtown PomonaCultural heart with galleries, music and eateries, ideal base for live-music and arts lovers.
Dining: Diverse Nightlife: Live Music Shopping: Boutiques Stays: Mixed- Fox Theater: Restored 1930s movie palace serving as a concert venue and cultural anchor.
- American Museum of Ceramic Art (AMOCA): Compact museum with an impressive ceramics collection and rotating shows.
- dA Center for the Arts: Gallery and community space showcasing local painters, makers and pop-up events.
- Fairplex / FairgroundsLarge event campus best for families and bargain-hunters on event days.
Dining: Street Food Nightlife: Event-driven Shopping: Markets Stays: Budget- Fairplex (Pomona Fairgrounds): Regional fairgrounds hosting year-round events, including the LA County Fair.
- Pomona Swap Meet: Large weekend market with antiques and food stalls at the Fairplex.
- Pomona Antique Row (nearby): Cluster of antique shops popular with treasure hunters.
- Arts DistrictLow-key creative quarter with studios and galleries, ideal for slow afternoons.
Dining: Cafés Nightlife: Laid-back Shopping: Galleries Stays: Mixed- Pomona Arts Colony: Cluster of artist-run studios and small galleries open on weekends.
- Railroad District galleries: Independent exhibition spaces hosting pop-up shows.
- Local cafés & bakeries: Small coffee spots and bakeries frequented by students and artists.
Pomona, California at a Glance
Costs: $90-160 per day - moderate Southern California prices; cheaper than coastal LA but still higher than rural areas.
Safety: Mixed - take common-sense precautions - mixed safety - safe in busy areas, avoid certain neighborhoods after dark.
Best Time: March-May, September-November - spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures and fewer summer crowds.
Pomona mixes a growing arts and cultural scene with major event venues like the Fairplex. The city draws visitors for fairs, vintage shopping, live music at the Fox Theater and proximity to Cal Poly Pomona.
Getting around: Ride Metrolink (Pomona-North, Pomona-Downtown), Foothill Transit buses, or drive via I-10 and SR-71; Fairplex events are easiest to reach by car.
Infrastructure & convenience: Downtown Pomona offers galleries, the Fox Theater and parking; internet and services are reliable, but some neighborhoods have limited transit and uneven sidewalks.
Local tips: Plan around Fairplex event dates and LA County Fair; explore the Artist Colony and Antique Row, be mindful of parking fees and nighttime safety downtown.
Dining: Dine along Downtown’s Second Street for farm‑to‑table and American bistros, enjoy classic Mexican taquerias near Garey Avenue, and check local breweries for tasting rooms.
Why Visit Pomona, California?
An overlooked hub of Southern California culture where arts, car culture and community events come together. Visit the Fairplex for the LA County Fair and large-scale shows, wander the Pomona Arts Colony and First Street galleries for cutting-edge street art and ceramics, and spot Route 66 relics that hint at the city’s roadside past. Compact and accessible, Pomona mixes craft breweries and a diverse food scene-especially lively Mexican and comfort-food options-without the crowds of nearby L.A.
Who's Pomona, California For?
Families
Pomona is practical for families: the Fairplex hosts kid-friendly fairs and exhibits, and downtown Pomona has museums and public parks. Nearby Claremont Colleges offer safe walking areas and easy day trips to the Claremont Hills for easy hikes and picnic spots.
Foodies
Downtown Pomona and the Warehouse District have an eclectic mix of taquerias, gastropubs, and late-night bakeries. You’ll find affordable Mexican and Filipino spots alongside newer farm-to-table restaurants-expect $10-$25 main courses in most midrange places.
Business
Pomona’s Fairplex is a regional exhibition and conference hub (LA County Fair), and proximity to Ontario and LA airports makes meetings practical. Light industrial zones and corporate offices around the 60/10 freeways support regional commerce and trade shows.
Nature Buffs
You can reach the Claremont Hills and the San Gabriel foothills in 20-30 minutes for trails and views. Local parks like Ganesha Park and nearby San Dimas Wilderness offer short hikes and cleaner, quiet green spaces away from the county bustle.
Plan Your Visit to Pomona, California
Best Things to Do in Pomona, California
Building
Disneyland
Historic Anaheim theme park with Disney character attractions
Building
Disney California Adventure
Disney theme park featuring Pixar and California-themed lands
Amusement Park
Knott's Berry Farm
Southern California theme park blending Western history and rides
Mountains
San Gabriel Mountains
Mountain range east of Los Angeles, popular hiking
Park
Angel Stadium
Major baseball stadium home to Los Angeles Angels
Church
Christ Cathedral (Garden Grove, California)
Large modern cathedral in Garden Grove, former Crystal Cathedral
Museum
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
Research library, art museum, and gardens in Pasadena
Museum
Norton Simon Museum
Pasadena museum housing European and Asian art collections
Pomona, California Bucket List
Don't Miss
Fairplex (Los Angeles County Fairgrounds) - Home of the LA County Fair, major events, exhibitions, and year-round attractions.
Pomona College Museum of Art - Small but influential college museum with diverse contemporary and historical art collections.
Downtown Pomona (First Street Arts District) - First Street’s galleries, restaurants, and nightlife anchor Pomona’s creative, walkable urban center.
Fox Theater Pomona - Restored 1930s movie palace hosting concerts, comedy, and community events nightly.
American Museum of Ceramic Art (AMOCA) - Extensive exhibitions of historic and contemporary ceramics in a dedicated gallery space.
Hidden Gems
Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum - Compact museum celebrating drag racing history with cars, memorabilia, and informative displays.
RailGiants Train Museum - Outdoor collection of classic locomotives and railroad artifacts popular with families and enthusiasts.
Pomona Arts Colony (select downtown galleries) - A cluster of independent galleries and artist studios showing experimental local artwork.
Mount San Antonio College Arboretum - Quiet campus arboretum showcasing regional plants and peaceful walking paths often overlooked.
Day Trips
Disneyland Park (Anaheim) - Iconic theme park offering rides, parades, and immersive Disney experiences short drive away.
Joshua Tree National Park - High-desert landscapes, Joshua trees, bouldering, and nocturnal stargazing roughly two-hour drive.
Big Bear Lake - Mountain lake for hiking, boating, and seasonal snow activities about one-and-a-half hour drive.
Santa Barbara - Mediterranean-style waterfront city with beaches, wine tasting, and historic State Street promenade.
Palm Springs - Desert resort town with mid-century architecture, tramway, shopping, and spa options nearby.
Nearby Cities #
Best Time to Visit Pomona, California
Visit Pomona in spring or late fall when inland heat eases and skies are usually clear-great for outdoor exploring and Fairplex events. Winters are mild with some rain; summers are hot and dry, so schedule outdoor activities for mornings or evenings.
Winter
Mild, occasionally rainy days with crisp mornings-perfect for museum visits and quieter streets; pack a light jacket for cool nights and sporadic rain.
Spring
Blooming parks, comfortable warmth, and low smog make mornings ideal for hikes; afternoons warm up-bring layers and sunscreen for shifting temperatures.
Summer
Hot, dry afternoons often hit 90-100°F; plan outdoor activities early or late, and expect busy events at the Fairplex and area venues.
Pomona, California's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 33°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 5° - 19° | 12° | 86 mm | some cloud | 55% | 2.6 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.0h |
| February | Very Good | 7° - 20° | 13° | 89 mm | mostly sunny | 58% | 2.9 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.8h |
| March | Very Good | 8° - 21° | 14° | 78 mm | mostly sunny | 59% | 3.2 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.8h |
| April | Ideal | 9° - 24° | 17° | 30 mm | mostly sunny | 57% | 3.4 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.9h |
| May | Ideal | 12° - 25° | 19° | 6 mm | clear | 55% | 3.5 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.8h |
| June | Ideal | 14° - 29° | 21° | 1 mm | clear | 47% | 3.4 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 14.3h |
| July | Ideal | 16° - 32° | 24° | 1 mm | clear | 41% | 3.2 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 14.1h |
| August | Ideal | 17° - 33° | 25° | 3 mm | clear | 38% | 3.0 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 13.3h |
| September | Ideal | 16° - 31° | 23° | 9 mm | clear | 40% | 2.8 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.3h |
| October | Ideal | 12° - 27° | 20° | 12 mm | clear | 45% | 2.6 m/s | 1.2 high | 11.2h |
| November | Very Good | 8° - 23° | 15° | 49 mm | mostly sunny | 47% | 2.5 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.2h |
| December | Very Good | 5° - 20° | 12° | 58 mm | some cloud | 55% | 2.4 m/s | 0.5 low | 9.7h |
How to Get to Pomona, California
Pomona sits in eastern Los Angeles County and is easiest to reach by flying into Ontario International (closest) or Los Angeles International (LAX) and then continuing by car, rideshare or regional rail. Los Angeles Union Station is the main regional rail hub for transfers onto Metrolink commuter trains into Pomona.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): From LAX you can take the LAX FlyAway bus to Los Angeles Union Station (fare $9.75; about 30-45 minutes depending on traffic) and then transfer to Metrolink commuter rail into Pomona (one-way Metrolink fares vary by zone - typically allow 35-50 minutes on the train). A direct rideshare or taxi from LAX to Pomona typically costs around $60-$100 and takes roughly 40-80 minutes depending on peak traffic; rental cars are also common at LAX (rates vary widely).
Ontario International Airport (ONT): Ontario is the closest major airport to Pomona. Rideshares or taxis from ONT to downtown Pomona usually run about $25-$45 and take 15-25 minutes. Public-transit connections are more limited from ONT than LAX, so many travelers prefer a short taxi/ride or a rental car for speed and flexibility.
Train: Metrolink commuter rail serves the Pomona area (San Bernardino Line connects to Los Angeles Union Station and points east). Travel time to Union Station is typically around 35-60 minutes; fares are distance-based (budget about $5-$8 one-way as a rough guide depending on zones). For long-distance Amtrak service you generally change at Los Angeles Union Station.
Bus: Regional bus operators Foothill Transit and Omnitrans serve Pomona with frequent local and regional routes connecting to Claremont, Pomona Valley, Pasadena and Ontario. Single-ride fares for local buses are generally in the $1.75-$2.00 range (exact fares depend on agency and passes); trip times vary widely by route and traffic.
How to Get Around Pomona, California
Pomona is best navigated with a mix of car and regional transit: driving offers the most freedom, while Metrolink and regional buses provide reliable connections to Los Angeles and the Inland Empire. For most visitors, a rideshare from Ontario Airport or a Metrolink transfer at Union Station from LAX will be the simplest way to reach downtown Pomona.
- Driving / Rental car (Rental $35-$90/day; parking $1-$4/hr) - A car is the most convenient way to get around greater Pomona and the surrounding Inland Empire - it gives the most flexibility for visiting spread-out neighborhoods and nearby attractions. Rental cars are widely available at ONT and LAX; expect typical daily rates that vary seasonally. Street parking and municipal lots in downtown Pomona are generally affordable but check signs for event parking and meters.
- Metrolink (commuter rail) ($5-$8) - Metrolink’s San Bernardino Line provides reliable commuter service between Pomona and Los Angeles Union Station, and onward toward San Bernardino. Trains are a good option for weekday commuters and for avoiding freeway rush-hour traffic; schedules are sparser on weekends. Buy tickets via the Metrolink app or ticket machines before boarding and allow time for transfers at Union Station for connections.
- Foothill Transit (regional buses) ($1.75-$2.00) - Foothill Transit operates many routes through Pomona connecting to nearby cities such as Claremont, Azusa and Pasadena. Buses are budget-friendly for short and medium trips, though service frequency can be lower outside weekday peak hours. Check route maps and timed transfers; day passes and stored-value options can save money for multiple trips.
- Omnitrans & local buses ($1.75-$2.00) - Omnitrans and local municipal routes cover parts of Pomona Valley and provide connections to Ontario and San Bernardino County. These buses are useful for local errands and for reaching destinations not on the Metrolink corridor, but schedules and frequencies vary by route. Carry exact change or use the agency’s fare app; plan extra time for trips that cross busy roads.
- Rideshare & Taxis (Uber / Lyft / local cabs) ($8-$90) - Uber and Lyft are widely used in Pomona for short hops and for airport transfers when public transit is slower or unavailable. Fares are highly time-dependent - short in-town rides are often $8-$25 while airport trips (especially from LAX) can be $40-$100+ during peak demand. Rideshares are generally faster than buses for door-to-door trips, but surge pricing can increase costs.
- Walking - Downtown Pomona (including the downtown arts district, restaurants and some campuses) is compact enough to explore comfortably on foot for short outings. Sidewalks are generally present, but distances between neighborhoods are significant, so walking is best for central areas and short errands. Wear comfortable shoes and be mindful of summer heat.
Where to Stay in Pomona, California
Budget
Near Fairplex / Downtown Pomona - $70-120/night
Affordable options near transit and Fairplex; basic motels and chain inns, mostly clean but simple, good for short stays and event weekends.
Mid-Range
Downtown / Claremont - $120-180/night
Comfortable chains and boutique inns around downtown and Claremont; updated rooms, onsite parking, convenient for Cal Poly Pomona and local dining.
Luxury
Claremont / Ontario - $180-300/night
Higher-end hotels are limited locally; choose upscale options in nearby Claremont or Ontario for full-service amenities and nicer rooms.
Best for First-Timers
Downtown Pomona - $90-160/night
Stay near downtown Pomona for easy access to museums, restaurants, and transit; straightforward options make getting around simple for newcomers.
Best for Families
Near Fairplex / Parks - $90-170/night
Family-friendly motels and suites near Fairplex and parks offer bigger rooms, parking, and easy access to kid-oriented attractions like the fairgrounds.
Best for Digital Nomads
Downtown / Claremont - $100-190/night
Limited coworking-specific hotels; pick a downtown or Claremont property with reliable Wi‑Fi and quiet common areas for remote work.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Pomona, California’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Pomona, California
Pomona’s nights center on its arts-driven downtown and a small but lively live-music scene. Downtown Pomona (Second Street and the Arts Colony) fills with gallery openings, First Friday crowds and casual bars; bigger concerts land at the historic Fox Theatre or the Glass House. If you want cocktails and craft beer, head toward Pomona’s village core or over to nearby Claremont for quieter evening options. Expect venues to wind down around midnight on weeknights and closer to 1-2 AM on weekends; casual dress is fine but some concert venues enforce bag checks and ID.
Best Bets
- Downtown Pomona / Second Street - Main cluster for bars, galleries and First Friday art events.
- Fox Theatre Pomona - Historic concert venue hosting national and local acts.
- The Glass House - Popular mid-size music venue for indie and touring bands.
- Pomona Arts Colony - Cluster of galleries, pop-ups and late-night openings on weekends.
- Claremont Village (nearby) - Quieter restaurants and craft cocktail bars a short drive away.
- Pomona First Fridays (Art Walk) - Monthly night market and gallery hop - vibrant local crowd.
Shopping in Pomona, California
Pomona’s shopping scene mixes old-school flea-market finds with indie downtown boutiques. The Fairplex hosts large swap meets and fairs, while Downtown Pomona (Antique Row and the area around Garey/Second Street) is where vintage hunters and decor collectors spend afternoons. Expect eclectic, locally run shops; bargaining is fair at flea markets but stick to posted prices in gallery boutiques. For more variety, the neighboring Claremont Village is a short drive and worth a detour for artisan goods and specialty food stores.
Best Bets
- Fairplex (Pomona) - Home to regular swap meets, fairs and large weekend markets.
- Downtown Pomona Antique Row - Cluster of independent antique and vintage shops in downtown Pomona.
- First Fridays / Pomona Arts Colony - Monthly art walk with pop-up stalls and local makers selling goods.
- Pomona Farmers Market - Local produce, prepared food and artisan stalls on market days.
- Claremont Village (nearby) - Short drive for boutiques, homewares and specialty food shops.
- Garey Avenue & Downtown Boutiques - Independent clothing, gift and homeware stores clustered in downtown.