1. Explore Downtown Pomona
Downtown Pomona is one of the best places to begin exploring the city. The area is known for its restaurants, shops, galleries, entertainment venues, and community activities. Spend an afternoon walking around downtown, stopping for food, browsing local businesses, and seeing what is happening around the neighborhood.
Downtown is especially appealing when local events and activities bring additional energy to the area. It is a good starting point for experiencing Pomona’s creative and community-oriented side.
2. Experience Pomona’s Art Scene
Pomona has a strong connection to the arts, with galleries, creative spaces, public art, performances, and community events contributing to the city’s cultural identity. Art lovers can explore local exhibitions and discover work from artists connected to the Pomona community.
Keep an eye on local art events and exhibitions when planning your visit. These experiences can provide a different perspective on the city and introduce you to local artists and creative organizations.
3. Visit the Pomona College Museum of Art
Art and history enthusiasts can explore the Pomona College Museum of Art, which features exhibitions and collections connected to the visual arts. The museum provides an opportunity to experience thoughtful exhibitions while exploring the cultural side of Pomona.
Check the museum’s current schedule and exhibitions before visiting, as programming and hours can change.
4. Discover Local Restaurants
Food is one of the easiest ways to experience a city, and Pomona offers a diverse selection of restaurants and local dining spots. Mexican food, casual restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, and other cuisines can be found throughout the city.
Instead of sticking to familiar chains, consider trying an independent local restaurant. Exploring different dining spots is a simple way to support local businesses while discovering new favorites.
5. Enjoy Coffee at a Local Cafe
Pomona’s local coffee shops provide comfortable places to start your morning, take a break, or meet up with friends. Many independent cafes also contribute to the neighborhood atmosphere and give visitors another way to experience local life.
Try visiting a different cafe each time you explore the city. You may find a new favorite coffee, pastry, or place to relax.
6. Check Out Local Events
Pomona hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including art activities, markets, performances, festivals, community gatherings, and other local experiences. Events can be a great way to see different parts of the city while connecting with residents and local organizations.
Before heading out, check current event calendars and local listings for dates, times, locations, and any admission requirements.
7. Explore Local Shops
Shopping locally can reveal some of Pomona’s most interesting independent businesses. Look for specialty stores, boutiques, vintage finds, markets, and other small businesses where you can discover products you may not find at larger retailers.
Supporting local shops also helps keep money within the community and contributes to the unique character of Pomona’s commercial districts.
8. Visit the Fox Theater Pomona
The Fox Theater Pomona is an important part of the city’s entertainment scene. The historic venue hosts concerts and other performances, giving visitors an opportunity to enjoy live entertainment in a distinctive setting.
Check the venue’s event schedule to see which artists and performances are coming to Pomona during your visit.
9. Explore Pomona’s Historic Character
Pomona has a history that can be seen through its older buildings, neighborhoods, cultural institutions, and established local businesses. Taking time to explore the city’s historic character can add another dimension to a day spent in Pomona.
Look beyond the newest attractions and pay attention to the architecture, streetscapes, and places that have been part of the community for decades.
10. Spend Time at a Local Park
When you want a break from restaurants, shopping, and downtown activities, Pomona’s parks provide opportunities to get outside. Parks can be a good choice for walking, relaxing, spending time with family, or enjoying some fresh air.
Consider adding a park visit to a larger day of exploring the city. A meal or coffee followed by some outdoor time can make for an easy weekend itinerary.
11. Explore the Local Food Scene
Beyond individual restaurants, Pomona’s food scene is worth exploring as a whole. Different neighborhoods offer different dining experiences, from casual local favorites to specialty restaurants and places serving international cuisines.
Follow local food recommendations and try something new whenever you visit. You might discover a restaurant that becomes one of your regular stops.
12. Look for Live Music
Music is another important part of Pomona’s entertainment culture. Local venues and community spaces host performances throughout the year, offering opportunities to see both established and emerging artists.
Check upcoming schedules before your visit and consider building an evening around a live performance.
13. Attend a Community Market
Markets can be a fun way to discover local vendors, handmade products, food, art, and other community offerings. They also provide a relaxed environment for meeting people and experiencing local culture.
Seasonal markets and special events can change throughout the year, so check current listings to find one that matches your schedule.
14. Discover Pomona’s Local Businesses
One of the best ways to experience Pomona is simply to explore its independent businesses. Restaurants, cafes, shops, service providers, creative businesses, and entertainment venues all contribute to the city’s identity.
Make a point of visiting somewhere you’ve never been before. Small discoveries like these can turn an ordinary afternoon into a memorable local experience.
15. Make Your Own Pomona Adventure
You don’t need a complicated itinerary to enjoy Pomona. Pick a neighborhood, choose a restaurant or cafe, explore a few local businesses, and finish the day with an event or cultural experience.
The best way to discover a city is often to leave some room for spontaneity. Pomona has enough local places and experiences to make each visit a little different.
Start Exploring Pomona
From Downtown Pomona and local restaurants to arts, entertainment, shopping, and community events, there are many ways to experience the city. Whether you’re a longtime resident or visiting for the first time, exploring locally can help you discover a side of Pomona you may not have seen before.
Keep following Pomona Pulse for more local guides, event ideas, restaurant recommendations, business spotlights, and things to do around Pomona, California.