14 Best Things to Do in Pomona, California

Tucked into the eastern corner of Los Angeles County against the foothills of the San Gabriel Valley, Pomona carries a distinct identity shaped by citrus groves, collegiate campuses, classic car culture, and a thriving grassroots arts scene. Once dubbed the “Queen of the Citrus Belt,” the city has evolved into a dynamic regional destination with a character distinct from neighboring Los Angeles. Whether you are coming into town for an exhibition, an evening concert, or an afternoon architectural tour, you will find no shortage of compelling things to do in Pomona, California.

1. Immerse Yourself in the Downtown Pomona Arts Colony

Centering around 2nd Street, the Downtown Pomona Arts Colony serves as the creative epicenter of the Pomona Valley. The district encompasses dozens of artist lofts, independent galleries, vintage boutiques, and recording studios housed within early 20th-century commercial storefronts.

The best time to experience this neighborhood is during the Pomona Art Walk, held on the second Saturday of every month. Streets fill with local makers, live outdoor music, street performers, and open gallery doors where you can meet regional painters, sculptors, and photographers.

2. Admire Fine Works at the American Museum of Ceramic Art (AMOCA)

Pomona is home to one of the few museums in the United States devoted entirely to ceramic art. Located on South Garey Avenue, the American Museum of Ceramic Art (AMOCA) showcases thousands of pieces spanning historic pottery traditions, industrial ceramics, and boundary-pushing contemporary sculptural work.

Beyond its rotating world-class exhibitions, AMOCA operates an expansive 12,000-square-foot studio space where it hosts workshops, artist residencies, and public ceramic throwing classes. It is an essential stop for anyone interested in functional design and craft arts.

3. Catch a Concert at Fox Theater Pomona

Opened in 1931 as a premier movie palace, the historic Fox Theater features stunning Art Deco and Mission Revival architecture. After an extensive $28 million restoration, the venue reopened as one of Southern California's finest mid-sized concert halls.

The Fox consistently books prominent touring indie rock bands, hip-hop artists, electronic music acts, and Latin performers. The acoustics inside the main hall are exceptional, and the surrounding downtown blocks offer plenty of dining options before showtime.

4. Experience an Intimate Indie Show at The Glass House

Just down the street from the Fox sits The Glass House, an iconic all-ages independent music venue. Since 1996, this no-frills, high-energy room has served as an essential launching pad for punk, alternative, hardcore, and indie acts. A show at The Glass House provides an authentic look at Southern California's underground music heritage.

5. Explore the Cal Poly Pomona Campus and W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona) occupies the former ranch estate of cereal magnate Will Keith Kellogg. Kellogg established a legendary Arabian horse breeding program on the land in the 1920s, which continues today through the W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center.

Visitors can tour the barn facilities, observe the horses in pastures across campus, and attend public horse shows hosted by university equestrian students on selected weekends throughout the academic year.

6. Step Back in Time at Kellogg House

Perched high on a hill overlooking the university campus, the historic Kellogg House offers a glimpse into early California ranch architecture. Designed by renowned architect Myron Hunt and completed in 1926, the home features period furnishings, expansive grounds, and sweeping views across the Pomona Valley. It is open to the public on select dates for historical walking tours.

7. Pick Up Fresh Goods at the Farm Store at Kellogg Ranch

Also located on the Cal Poly campus, the Farm Store at Kellogg Ranch brings the university’s agricultural department straight to the public. Shoppers can purchase locally grown citrus, seasonal produce, custom cuts of meat, nursery plants, and the university’s own award-winning Cal Poly Pomona honey and freshly squeezed orange juice.

8. Relive Drag Racing History at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum

Pomona holds legendary status in the world of American motorsports, serving as the home track for the NHRA Winternationals since 1961. Located at the Fairplex, the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum features an incredible archive of hot rods, dragsters, land-speed record cars, race memorabilia, and historic photographs.

Whether you are a devoted gearhead or simply curious about post-war California car culture, this museum delivers an immersive, beautifully maintained tribute to American speed and engineering.

9. Attend Seasonal Expos at Fairplex

The sprawling Fairplex complex covers nearly 500 acres and operates as Pomona’s premier events center. While it is best known as the longstanding host of the massive Los Angeles County Fair, the grounds maintain a busy calendar year-round. Depending on the weekend, you can attend events such as:

• The Pomona Swap Meet and Classic Car Show (held seven times a year).
• The Grand National Roadster Show.
• Reptile, gem, and hobby conventions.
• Seasonal food festivals and cultural celebrations.

10. Discover Victorian Splendor at the Phillips Mansion

Built in 1875 by rancher Louis Phillips, the Phillips Mansion is a rare example of Second Empire-style architecture in Southern California. Marked by its characteristic mansard roof and classic brick facade, this estate served as a centerpiece for regional ranching society in the late 19th century.

Maintained by the Historical Society of Pomona Valley, the home and adjacent historic curio sites open periodically for guided architecture tours, living history days, and seasonal ghost tours.

11. Relax Outdoors at Ganesha Park

If you are looking for green space, Ganesha Park provides 60 rolling acres of mature trees, picnic pavilions, shaded walking trails, and family amenities. Dating back to the early 1900s, the park sits on high ground that offers panoramic views of the San Gabriel Mountains on clear days. It features a municipal pool complex open in summer, basketball courts, and playground areas.

Top Things to Do in Pomona, California for Food and Craft Drinks

Pomona’s dining scene reflects its rich cultural diversity and university influence, offering standout casual fare alongside acclaimed regional craft beverage makers.

• Craft Beer: Pomona is a destination for beer purists thanks to operations like Homage Brewing, known for wild ales, balanced IPAs, and natural wines. Also nearby is Sanctum Brewing Co., featuring inventive small-batch beers in a relaxed taproom setting.
• Street Tacos & Regional Mexican Fare: The city's Mexican dining options are among the finest in the region. Head to local institutions like Taqueria De Anda or Tacos El Gavilan for straightforward street tacos, or sit down at family-owned neighborhood spots along Garey and Holt Avenues for slow-simmered birria and handmade tamales.
• Downtown Cafes: Coffee lovers should seek out independent shops like Mi Cafecito Coffee, known for creative lattes spiced with traditional Mexican flavors, such as horchata and cajeta.

Tips for Planning Your Visit to Pomona

Getting to Pomona is straightforward due to its central position at the intersection of several major Southern California freeways, including the I-10 (San Bernardino Freeway), SR-57 (Orange Freeway), SR-60 (Pomona Freeway), and SR-71 (Chino Valley Freeway).

For visitors traveling by public transit, Metrolink’s San Bernardino and Riverside lines both service downtown Pomona stations, providing direct train links from Los Angeles Union Station. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather for outdoor exploring, with mild temperatures and clear mountain backdrops framing the valley.