Although small, it was well designed and I left more educated. $12 for entrance which was worth it…read more Parking is free but you need to talk to the parking security guard first since it's in a school.

Wow what a hidden gem!! The Raymond M Alf Museum of Paleontology is tucked away in Claremont on the…read moreWebb school campus. Since it is a high school, you must show your IDs at the gate to be given a badge to get onto campus. The museum is closed Sunday-Tuesday. Wednesday -Friday from 11am-5pm, and Saturday from 11am-5pm. Admission Pricing (March 2026): $12 General $9 Youth/Senior $9 Student with ID FREE 4 and under FREE CA teachers, EBT & WIC cardholders This museum is 2 levels. The top is a chronological walk through history and the bottom level is more of a hands-on interactive play area for kids. We spent about an hour at this museum. We had so much fun exploring history. In order we went through the Precambrian, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic periods. The fossils and skeletons were so fascinating. This would have been such a great spot for a field trip back in grade school. I had a lot of fun exploring history and taking selfies. Highly recommended for those who enjoy dinosaurs, fossils, or history!

California Botanic Garden was absolutely beautiful! I loved exploring the different trails…read morethroughout the garden. There was so much nature and wildlife to enjoy along the way. We got to see bunnies, rabbits, turtles, and so many different types of birds. It was such a peaceful and beautiful experience being surrounded by nature. Whether you're looking for a relaxing nature walk, want to explore the trails, or enjoy a nice hike, this is a great place to visit. I definitely recommend coming here if you love nature and wildlife!

Claremont, CA This…read morebotanic garden has grown on me. There are so many varieties of California native plants and they do have a nursery that is usually open a few days a week but is closed for Summer and reopening in October, 2026. What I love about this property is the sprawling amount of walkway to take a nice walk. You'll find enough shade along the way but many parts are not shaded. The pathways are decomposed granite, concrete and or asphalt so it's like hiking in nature but without the dirt road or elevation gain. I also really love that it's not crowded here. It's also smack dab in the middle of nature so you will occasionally see wild animal poop on a path, cracks that have not been repaired, but none of that really bothers me. There are plenty of benches along the path and a restroom on one side of the property so plan accordingly. They used to have a nice gift shop here and novelties like hats, t shirts, children's toys, books are now displayed in a small outdoor kiosk near to where you check in. California Botanic Garden is a member of the American Horticultural Network of Gardens (AHS). So if you have an annual membership at one of the participating Gardens associated with AHS Gardens you automatically have access to visit all of the gardens in network, unlimited visits for no additional charge. It is nice being a member at one garden and having access to visit hundreds of gardens. Currently, 380 gardens participate in this Network throughout parts of United States and Territories of U.S.A., Canada, and Cayman Islands. https://ahsgardening.org/ahs-garden-network/ I copy and pasted the exerpt below from AI but it has been a treat to see the blooms and how they change color, specifically Native California Buckwheat which can be seen along many hills and roadsides in California. To observe how the plant changes and matures in different seasons is quite fascinating: "Native California Buckwheat flowers start out white (or pale pink/creamy) and transition through shades of orange, cinnamon, rust, and deep red-brown as they age and dry out into summer and fall. Flower Color Changes Fresh Blooms (Spring): Tiny clusters open up as bright, clean white or pale pink. Aging and Drying (Summer): As the weather heats up and soil dries, the petals shift into rusty orange, copper, and tan. Late Season (Fall/Winter): The spent flower heads mature into deep rust-red and chocolate brown tones across the hillsides." I truly enjoy seeing the change of colors on each visit, they are so bright and vibrant! Look for it, and you will find a lot of beauty in the varied California native plant foliage and blooms on this property. Visiting seasonally gives the best picture. For example, The 1000's of large Matilija poppies which resemble a crinkly giant sunny side up egg just finished peak bloom a few months ago. They will be back!

Tinkerspace is full of resources and ideas for self-directed play and imaginations. I appreciate…read moreKathleen's fun projects as well as the freedom for children to explore, think, and experiment. If you have a child who loves doing art and creative work, this is a place for him/her to enjoy and get inspired. There are plenty of art and craft materials that you can try your hand on as well as toys and puzzles for you to try. It is a great children's museum. They offer both classes (by age), summer camps, and open studio hours. My toddler LOVES every bit of it. Highly recommend!

What a place to let Your imagination soar! I brought my toddler who I wasn't sure about bringing…read more Although she was too young for some aspects she found a way to have fun for 3 hours straight and still didn't wanT to leave! She enjoyed the cardboard fort the most but she Tried and enjoyed most of the centers. The doll house was right up her ally but she also enjoyed making some crafts to take home. We can't wait to have some play dates here with friends. Be in the look out for their mommy and me class they are starting soon. This place reeally is one of a kind and I'm glad we have found it!

Volunteered here as a teen action committee member for the 2026 artful earth day and loved the…read moreexperience, the museum was also a wonderful place. Would recommend.

I'd say a solid 4.5! Free museum that's really small, but a huge section of the museum is closed…read moreoff for renovations right now. They really only have their two main exhibits, one of which is a history of Ontario and the other is about water conservation in Ontario. AC is really strong, clean facility, super nice staff... but honestly there really isn't much to see unless you're a local and really interested in your area's history. I think if they had their art exhibits open, it'd be an easy 5/5 despite being small because it is free.

I've long wanted to see this historic, artsy house, and since Maloof attended Chino schools, as did…read moremy cousin, I took my cousin for a look-see. We booked the 1.5 hour tour, which was a guided tour of the house that Maloof built and lived in until his death, and a self-guided tour of an art space, some grounds, and a wood working shop. Filled with his beautiful, handmade pieces of furniture and decor from others, this house is a real treasure to behold. Traveling from room to room, we learned Maloof's history and influences, and of those who admired his work, and learned about his dynamic wife Alfreda. (Not a word was said about Sam's second wife!) I wish I would have met Alfreda, as she sounds like she was really something! Our tour guide could have been better: I though he was boring, talked a lot about himself, and neglected to tell us certain things, like alerting us to the wall in the final room that showcased photos of prominent admirers of Maloof's work (like President Jimmy Carter), as well as the fact that he had been awarded a MacArthur Fellowship Grant. It would be fun to take a class in this environment. There was a live music performance, free for all.

After years of saying 'One of these days...' we finally took the plunge. First of all the parking…read morelot is small, but very nice and easy to turn around. It turns out the day we were there was also the same day as an open workshop. My daughter was expertly guided, with great care, to create the project of the day. She was elated. After we walked the large grounds, which included a couple homes, workshops, and gardens. The stroll through the gardens felt like we were off season, as drought conditions were impacting the foliage. We finally made a stop in the gallery, where another workshop was wrapping up. Great experience. Will be back with the kids for the next event.

The history of Rancho Cucamonga has it all. Historical figures, cowboys, wealthy landowners,…read moreinheritances, murder, cattle, grapevines, conspiracy, political connections. All of it is centered around the John Rains house. Judy takes you on a great tour and with photographs, architecture, furniture and incredible heirloom quilts and clothing, she walks you through the important history of the area. Even though you are near busy streets and shopping centers, it is easy to imagine what it was like to be on the property 150 years ago. There are fantastic improvements on the way. A new vineyard, gazebo, updated restroom facilities, landscaping and eventually wine winetasting, will make this a perfect place for a wedding or family gathering. If you like history, the John Rains house is definitely worth your time. A great place to learn about your home town. Younger kids will like the grounds, older kids will be interested in the history.

A Very Merry Merced is a must visit!! Santa was onsite!…read more There was live music during the event. A little treat at the end of the self-guided tour. A person was in every room describing the interiors and such.

How beautiful; a wonderful way to end a romantic evening. It does take time to sit and watch,…read more20-30min from actual start time, but is sooo relaxing to just think or talk quietly to a lover.

James Turrell Skyspace is in the Draper Courtyard, Lincoln and Edmunds Buildings, Pomona College…read more which is at the corner of 6th & College Way in the city of Claremont. It can't be seen from the street. You have to keep your eyes open while you search for this hidden site.  I went during the winter break so I parked in their restricted permit only parking lot which is located about 500 feet north of the Skyspace. Not sure if you can park there during the regular school year.  The light show starts about 25 minutes before sunset and ends about 30 minutes after the sun goes down. Also happens at dawn for a longer time period. There is polished, hard marble, long row banquette seating around the perimeter of this art installation to look up at the ceilIng with a square cut out to expose the sky above. There is a multicolour lighting system that tints the ceiling creating a color contrast to the color of the sky.  Depending on the color of the ceiling, the same sky takes on a subtly different color tone. Keep lookIng up, and your mind plays tricks on you so you start to imagine different colors especially along the edge of the rectangular hole.  Also, your perspective of the ceiling & hole changes so illogically the hole and ceiling meld into a unified whole.  I'm sure people will perceive the Skyspace differently due to their mood, physiology, upbringIng, etc. It's meditative, serene, calming. It's incredible like communing with infinity where there are no bounds at the same time so very personal connecting to your inner self.  Unfortunately, an ADHD family that couldn't shut up and stay still and a clueless young couple who didn't even look up at the Skyspace and blabbed throughout the performance ruined the meditative atmosphere.  When attending the Skyspace, SHUT UP, do some introspection, go deep into your psyche in order to find serenity & peace. Many of us Americans are so much into the hype and being "hip" that we lose sight of what gives us health and sanity. Being in a meditative state allows us to heal and recover from life's stresses and anxieties.  Even with the disruptions, I still got snippets of quality time. I can imagine how incredible this art piece would be if silence reigned.  5 stars for a transformative experience.

The ideal setting for such an incredible display of Claremont's talent; just like a very precious…read moregem, it is small but full of beauty. The Claremont Depot's architecture graciously frames the work of talents such as Millard Sheets, John Edward Svenson, Harrison MacIntosh, Rebecca Hamm (from the new generation of talent) currently on display. What a wonderful experience was to be there. Can't wait for the new exhibition "Tree Speak" to open on April First. A modest admission of $5.00 can open your mind and soul to a wonderful journey in fine art that begins, you are right, at the Claremont Depot.

Cute tiny museum with nice staff!…read more I think entry is normally $5, but they're doing a "pay what you want", which can be anything. I think $5 a fair price considering the museum's size, though-- it's more or less just 3 rooms. To be honest, I didn't like this current set of exhibits that much, but that's probably just a matter of taste. It's also located near a lot of other cool stuff in Claremont.

First about logistics if you haven't been here before (because we had difficulties):…read more - go to gate 17 at the fair ground. Not wherever Google takes you (to a sheriffs place?), Not gate 1 (if you call the listed number it says To go to gate 1 and proceed to the security but the security at gate 1 laughed at us and said the event was closed early and we almost turned around). Plenty of parking. Really cool to see a bunch of trains up close. You can climb aboard some. The kids really loved it. You probably could go through the whole thing in an hour or less. Everyone working there, maintaining the trains and working the store were friendly. This event isn't open every weekend but specific weekends only. Check their website or call the phone number (voicemail says the dates) before you head over.

Such a great free activity to attend with kids or family. Railgiants is only opened once a month…read moreand everyone that works there donates their own personal free time to keep this place up and running. You can tell everyone who volunteers there genuinely enjoys the train and the mesuem and are always happy to provide demonstration, the history, and explanations behind the trains. My kids love that they can ring the train bell and it's great way to kill some time on the weekend.

Originally built around 1915, this is the last surviving Richfield Oil Station along Route 66…read more There used to be many dotted along the entire path, but this one has been dutifully restored by volunteers, two of which we met when we visited this past week. It's important to note they're only open Thursday through Sunday, other days they are not available. There was also a visitor in there while we were stopping by who was inquiring about doing a photo shoot with his classic car, so they accommodate that as well. They also mentioned that they have some of the best and most recently remodeled restrooms in Rancho Cucamonga. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful, and really broke down the history of the place and showed us around the little building. They will be making further additions, but right now it's a small one-room museum that also has merch available for purchase. There is a small free parking lot in back, but there's also a large shopping center right next-door that has a ton of free parking as well. I would highly recommend to any fan of history, especially Route 66, or anyone interested in California or Americana history. It can be a quick stop, or you can really stop and soak it in, the choice is yours. Especially given it is free, I feel it as a really fair deal. Would highly recommend.

Very, very nicely renovated and maintained service station. Loved the fact when we stepped on the…read morehose out front it rang the bell. I worked at a full service gas station as a teenager and it brought back memories immediately. There were two older gentlemen inside to tell us about the history, show us photos and give us our Passport stamp. This is definitely worth at least a brief stop and a photo op.