Claremont: Discover Nature, Trails, and Culture

Claremont combines expansive landscapes, botanical diversity, and places with historic character.

Nature Among Trails and Wildflowers

Claremont Hills Wilderness Park spans more than 2,000 acres and includes more than 20 miles of trails. It lies at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers natural landscapes as well as seasonal wildflowers. This opens up various ways to experience Claremont on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback. The 5-mile “Claremont Loop” is a specifically named trail within the park.

The park is suitable as inspiration for different day plans, without requiring you to commit to a single mode of transportation. Those planning longer distances can find more than 20 miles of trails in the park; those who prefer a clearly defined route can consider the “Claremont Loop.” The seasonal wildflowers also add a seasonal accent to the nature experience.

Botanical Collection and Paved Trail

The California Botanic Garden is dedicated to California native plants and is considered the largest botanical garden of its kind. Covering 86 acres, it features curated collections with more than 22,000 plants, including some rare or endangered species. For travelers who want to discover the landscape not only along trails but also through carefully arranged plant collections, the garden offers a distinct focus.

Another option for exercise is the Thompson Creek Trail. The paved trail is 2.8 miles long and accessible at many points along its route. It is used by walkers, runners, and cyclists.

Culture, History, and Food in Claremont

The Claremont Lewis Museum of Art presents exhibitions at the Historic Claremont Depot. The museum welcomes groups during public and nonpublic hours. Garner House complements Claremont’s cultural offerings: Built in 1926, the house is designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style and serves as a center for historical programs and community engagement in Claremont.

Those who want to combine nature and culture can include the California Botanic Garden, the museum, and Garner House in their personal travel plans. The Claremont Packing House, which houses a food hall in Claremont Village, provides a culinary point of reference. Thus, in addition to trails and plant collections, historic sites and a food destination are among the themes that can be considered when choosing accommodation in Claremont.

Getting There and Choosing Accommodation

Claremont can also be reached by public transportation. Metrolink takes visitors from Los Angeles Union Station to the Santa Fe Depot in Claremont. The California Botanic Garden is accessible by bus: From the Foothill Transit Rt. 188 stop at Dartmouth Ave. and Foothill Blvd., it is a five-minute walk. From Claremont Metrolink Station, it is about a 20-minute walk or a short bus ride via Rt. 188.

When searching for a vacation rental, you can use your preferred travel rhythm as a guide: Would you rather structure your days around a fixed focus or around changing experiences? This allows accommodation in Claremont to fit into an individually planned stay.

More Places for Travel Planning

If you would also like to consider other destinations, you can view the entries for Pasadena, Redondo Beach, Burbank, Hawaiian Gardens, Hidden Hills, Montebello, Hacienda Heights, and Pomona.

For the higher-level travel overview: Los Angeles.