things to do in pomona range from exploring a lively arts district to visiting a major fairground, a hands-on ceramics museum, and a university garden. Pomona is a city in Southern California, United States, between Los Angeles and the Inland Empire.
It is known for its historic downtown, vintage shops, cultural venues, and the Fairplex grounds, home to the Los Angeles County Fair. Pomona is spread out, so planning transport and checking opening hours before setting off can make a big difference.
This guide covers what to see, where to eat, how to get around, and useful advice for a first visit. Some attractions have limited or event-based opening hours, so confirm details directly before making a special trip.
20 Best Things to Do in Pomona
Tip 1 – Explore Downtown Pomona and the Arts Colony
Downtown Pomona is a good starting point for a walk, with murals, galleries, cafes, older storefronts, and independent businesses around the Arts Colony. The area feels most active when galleries or venues are hosting events, but it is worth a daytime stroll even on a quieter day.
Wear comfortable shoes and take time to look down side streets as well as along the main blocks. Check local listings before you go if you want to catch an exhibition, market, or performance.
Tip 2 – Browse Pomona Antique Row
Pomona Antique Row is a fun stop for vintage furniture, collectibles, clothing, and unusual souvenirs. Shops vary in size and style, so browsing is part of the appeal. It is a better choice for travelers who enjoy looking around than for anyone with a strict shopping list.
Opening days and hours can differ between stores. If you find something large, ask about shipping before buying, especially if you are visiting from overseas.
Tip 3 – Visit the American Museum of Ceramic Art
The American Museum of Ceramic Art, often called AMOCA, presents exhibitions focused on clay, ceramics, and the artists who work with them. It offers a quieter cultural break from larger attractions and is a good option for visitors interested in design or craft.
Look up current exhibitions, admission details, and hours on the American Museum of Ceramic Art website before visiting. Allow extra time if a workshop or special event is part of your plan.
Tip 4 – See a Show at the Fox Theater Pomona
The Fox Theater is a historic downtown venue that hosts concerts, comedy, and other live events. Its restored exterior and marquee add character to the neighborhood, but the best way to experience the theater is to plan around a performance.
Check the event calendar, age restrictions, bag rules, and door times before booking. For a show night, arrive early enough to find parking and have dinner nearby rather than rushing in at the last minute.
Tip 5 – Make Time for the Fairplex
Fairplex is a large events and exhibition complex in Pomona. Its calendar includes major public events, trade shows, and seasonal attractions, so it can be a highlight of a visit if the timing works with your trip.
Do not assume every part of the grounds is open for general sightseeing. Check the Fairplex event calendar and visitor information for entry details, parking, accessibility, and any event-specific rules.
Tip 6 – Experience the Los Angeles County Fair
The Los Angeles County Fair is one of the best-known events held at Fairplex. It typically brings together rides, food stalls, exhibits, performances, and family activities, but dates and attractions change from year to year.
It can be busy and hot, especially on popular days. Buy tickets ahead when available, review the venue map, and plan a meeting point if your group will split up. Check the official Fairplex calendar for the current schedule rather than relying on old dates.
Tip 7 – Visit the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum
Car fans can look for the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum at Fairplex, which focuses on drag racing and American motorsports history. Exhibits may include racing vehicles, memorabilia, and stories about the sport.
Confirm the museum’s current opening arrangements before traveling there, as access can vary. Pair it with another Fairplex event or attraction if you want to make the trip worthwhile.
Tip 8 – Find Local Food in Downtown Pomona
Downtown is a practical place to look for casual meals, coffee, and independently run restaurants. You can find a mix of cuisines, including Mexican and other Latin American options, alongside familiar American comfort food.
Menus and business hours change, so check current listings and recent reviews. If you have dietary needs, contact a restaurant in advance, as not every small venue publishes detailed allergen information online.
Tip 9 – Look for Pomona’s Murals and Public Art
Murals and public art add color to the downtown area and make a casual walk more interesting. The pieces can change over time, so treat the search as an informal neighborhood stroll rather than expecting a fixed, complete art route.
Visit during daylight, be respectful of businesses and residents, and avoid blocking sidewalks while taking photographs. A phone map can help you keep track of what you have seen.
Tip 10 – Explore Cal Poly Pomona’s Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona offers a peaceful change of pace, with landscaped paths and traditional garden features. It is a pleasant choice for a calm walk or a few quiet photographs.
Campus access, garden hours, and parking arrangements may vary during holidays and university breaks. Check the Cal Poly Pomona visitor information before you go, and leave enough time to reach the garden from the campus entrance.
Tip 11 – Check the Cal Poly Pomona Arabian Horse Center Schedule
Cal Poly Pomona’s W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center is a distinctive local attraction for visitors interested in horses and animal programs. Public events and viewing opportunities are not necessarily available every day, so check the university’s current information before building it into your plans.
Follow posted rules around the animals and avoid feeding or touching them unless staff specifically allow it. This can be a nice family outing when a public program is scheduled.
Tip 12 – See the Phillips Mansion
The Phillips Mansion is a historic Pomona landmark associated with the city’s early development. Its architecture and history make it an appealing stop for visitors who enjoy heritage buildings and local stories.
Access may depend on tours, events, or preservation work, so do not assume you can enter at any time. Check local information before making a dedicated trip, and consider viewing the exterior if no visit is available.
Tip 13 – Plan a Night Around Live Music and Events
Pomona’s evening options depend on the event calendar. The Fox Theater and other local venues host performances at different times of year, while downtown restaurants and bars can make a convenient before-or-after stop.
Check event end times and transport options before going out. If your itinerary also includes Texas, this guide to 20 Fun and Best things to do in dallas at night offers ideas for planning an evening in Dallas.
Tip 14 – Take a Family-Friendly Day Out
Families can combine a fair or Fairplex event with a relaxed meal, a museum visit, or a walk around downtown. The best mix depends on children’s ages and the event schedule, since some attractions are occasional rather than daily.
Bring water, sun protection, and a light layer for evening events. Check height limits, stroller rules, ticket terms, and parking details before booking a fair or show.
Tip 15 – Find Free and Low-Cost Things to Do
For a budget-friendly visit, walk through downtown, look for public art, browse shop windows, and check whether a local gallery or campus garden has free or low-cost access on your chosen date. Not every attraction will be open, so keep a backup plan.
Event admission and parking can add up quickly. Compare the full cost before buying tickets, including fees, food, and transport, rather than looking only at the listed entry price.
Tip 16 – Choose the Best Time to Visit Pomona
Pomona has a Southern California climate, with warm, dry periods and cooler, wetter winter days. Spring and fall can be comfortable for walking, while summer heat makes early starts and indoor breaks useful.
Event dates can matter more than the season. If you want to attend the county fair or a major show, plan around its published schedule and book accommodation early when demand is likely to be higher.
Tip 17 – Get Around by Car, Train, and Local Transit
A car is often the easiest way to visit multiple Pomona attractions, especially if you are staying outside the downtown area. Metrolink also serves Pomona, but check which station and service suit your route, as schedules and operating days can vary.
Use the Metrolink website to check routes, fares, and current service notices. For local trips, compare walking time, transit connections, and rideshare costs before leaving, especially after evening events.
Tip 18 – Stay Aware and Plan for Safety
As in any city, keep valuables out of sight, stay aware of your surroundings, and use well-lit routes at night. Busy events can bring traffic and crowds, so agree on a meeting point if traveling with friends or family.
For immediate emergencies in the United States, call 911. Save your accommodation address and a trusted contact offline, and check current local guidance if there are heat, fire, or severe-weather alerts during your visit.
Tip 19 – Use Helpful Apps and Know a Few Local Phrases
Maps, weather, rideshare, and transit apps are useful for planning around Pomona’s spread-out attractions. Download maps or save key addresses before leaving your accommodation in case mobile service is weak.
English is widely used, and Spanish is also commonly spoken in the area. A friendly “hola,” “por favor,” or “gracias” can be appreciated, but English works for most visitor arrangements. Keep your phone charged and consider carrying a small power bank on long event days.
Tip 20 – Pack for Sunshine and Avoid the Common Tourist Mistake
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, and a light layer for cooler evenings. In summer, schedule outdoor activities earlier in the day and take breaks indoors when the temperature rises.
A common mistake is assuming Pomona’s attractions are all within an easy walk of one another or open every day. Check exact addresses, operating hours, and transit options before setting out, and group nearby stops together.
Quick Reference: Planning a Pomona Visit
| Plan | Useful Details |
|---|---|
| Best for | Live events, local art, historic downtown, motorsports, and fairground attractions |
| Getting around | Car or rideshare is convenient; check Metrolink and local transit for specific routes |
| Good walking areas | Downtown Pomona and the Arts Colony |
| Before you go | Confirm opening hours, event dates, ticket rules, and parking arrangements |
| What to pack | Walking shoes, sun protection, water, and a light evening layer |
| Emergency number | Call 911 for immediate emergencies in the United States |
Visa & Entry Requirements
Pomona is in California, United States, so international visitors must meet the entry requirements that apply to travel to the United States. There is no single visa rule for every visitor. Visa, passport-validity, authorization, vaccination, customs, and permitted length-of-stay rules depend on your passport, travel purpose, and current government policy.
Before booking, check the U.S. Department of State’s official U.S. visa information and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection travel pages. Travelers who may qualify for the Visa Waiver Program should verify the current conditions and apply through the official Electronic System for Travel Authorization site. ESTA is not a visa, and eligibility is not universal.
Check your passport’s expiry date and condition, and confirm whether your route or airline requires a certain amount of remaining validity or blank pages. Requirements can differ by passport and circumstances. Apply for any required visa or electronic authorization well before departure, and make sure the information matches your travel documents.
It is sensible to carry details of your return or onward travel, accommodation in Pomona, and the purpose of your visit. Officials may ask questions at the border, but having documents does not guarantee admission. Travel insurance is also worth arranging for medical care, trip interruptions, or lost belongings, even when it is not an entry requirement.
Review current customs rules before packing food, medicines, gifts, or items you plan to bring into the country. Declare goods when required and follow instructions from border officials. Vaccination and other health requirements can change, so check official U.S. government guidance close to your departure date. For a final decision about your individual case, use the relevant U.S. government or embassy source. This is general travel information, not legal advice.
FAQs About Things to Do in Pomona
What is Pomona, California, best known for?
Pomona is known for Fairplex and the Los Angeles County Fair, its historic downtown and Arts Colony, live events at the Fox Theater, and attractions such as the American Museum of Ceramic Art.
Is Pomona worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you enjoy local arts, historic venues, fairs, motorsports, or a less tourist-focused Southern California city. Check attraction schedules in advance because some places are only open for events or at limited times.
How many days should I spend in Pomona?
One or two days can cover downtown, a museum or garden visit, and a scheduled event. Add time if you are attending a large fair or show, or using Pomona as a base for other parts of Southern California.
Can you get around Pomona without a car?
It is possible to visit some central spots on foot and use regional rail or rideshare for other trips. However, attractions are spread out, so a car can make a short visit easier. Check current Metrolink and local transit schedules before relying on public transport.
What are some free things to do in Pomona?
Walking around downtown, viewing public art, and browsing the Arts Colony can be low-cost options. Access to gardens, galleries, and events varies, so confirm current hours and admission before visiting.
When is the Los Angeles County Fair held?
The fair is a seasonal event at Fairplex, and its dates and operating details can change each year. Check the official Fairplex calendar for the current schedule, tickets, parking, and visitor rules.
Is Pomona safe for visitors?
Visitors should use the same common-sense precautions they would in any city: keep valuables secure, stay aware at night, and plan transport after events. For immediate emergencies in the United States, call 911.
Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Pomona Trip
Pomona offers a rewarding mix of local culture, historic downtown streets, live entertainment, museums, and major events. The best things to do in pomona depend on the dates of your visit, so start by checking the Fairplex calendar and the opening hours of any smaller attractions you want to see.
Plan your transport between neighborhoods, leave room for a relaxed meal or an unexpected gallery stop, and prepare for warm sunny weather. With a little checking ahead, things to do in pomona can make a distinctive and enjoyable Southern California city break.
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