Exploring the Best of Pomona in 5 Days

• Day 1: Fairplex, Downtown, and Art Walk
  Start in the morning at the Fairplex, home to the annual LA County Fair. Afterward, head to Downtown Pomona for lunch and boutique shopping. In the evening, attend the Downtown Art Walk to view the local art scene.
• Day 2: Pomona Valley Mining Company, Museum, and Theater
  Begin the day with a hearty breakfast at Pomona Valley Mining Company Restaurant that features scenic views of the valley. Afterward, visit the Wally Parks NHRA Museum for a look into the history of the American hot rod lifestyle. Finish the day with an evening show at the Fox Theater.
• Day 3: Cal Poly Pomona Campus, Botanic Garden, and Ranch
  Explore the esteemed Cal Poly Pomona university campus and the impressive Bronco Student Center. Next, take a peaceful walk through the Botanic Garden, which features over 1700 different species of flora. End the day at The Ranch, where you can indulge in classic American cuisine.
• Day 4: Antique Row and Auto Club Speedway
  Spend the day hunting for treasures among the many antique shops in Pomona's Antique Row. In the afternoon, attend a racing event at the Auto Club Speedway.
• Day 5: Ganesha Park, Phillips Mansion, and Shopping
  Begin the day with a scenic walk and picnic at Ganesha Park. Afterward, visit the historic Phillips Mansion for a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the 1800s. End the trip with some last-minute shopping at the Pomona Antique Mart.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Fairplex (3-4 hours, $25)
• Art Walk (2 hours, free)
• Pomona Mining Company Restaurant (1 hour, $20)
• Wally Parks NHRA Museum (2 hours, $15)
• Fox Theater (2-3 hours, $35)
• Cal Poly Pomona Campus (2 hours, free)
• Botanic Garden (1-2 hours, $5)
• The Ranch (1-2 hours, $25)
• Antique Row (4-5 hours, varies)
• Auto Club Speedway (4-5 hours, $50-100)
• Ganesha Park (2-3 hours, free)
• Phillips Mansion (1 hour, $10)
• Pomona Antique Mart (2-3 hours, varies)
Total Estimated Costs: $205-$260

Transportation

To travel around Pomona, renting a car is an ideal option as the city is designed for driving, and it is the most convenient way to get around. For those that want to travel the city on an even tighter budget, utilize the Metrolink train service that connects Pomona with San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, and several other cities. However, it may take a while to reach destinations as the trains only pass through the city once an hour. A budget of about $150 is recommended for gas and parking.

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, go on a strawberry-picking tour at Tanaka Farms or attend the annual Pomona Swap Meet for automobile enthusiasts. If you have less time, eliminate Antique Row or Auto Club Speedway from your itinerary. Don’t forget to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen as Pomona tends to get hot, especially during summer months.