5alive

Fangfang, I would suggest you stay closer to UCLA campus.

Here is one example of an Airbnb near campus. If you don't like this property go on map view and see what else is close to campus.

Or, you could stay between UCLA and USC in Wilshire.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/9574148...02-23&guests=1

Or, you could stay between UCLA and USC off Wilshire:

http://www.booking.com/Share-7YrZkz

ltr

Just a word about the traffic situation in Los Angeles. I left my home near 'Pomona College at 6 am last Thursday for a 9:30AM Doctor Appt at UCLA. It took 3 1/2 hours. I left UCLA at 230 PM and it took 3 hours to return home as well. Stick to Metrolink as much as possible because Uber and Lyft are at premium rates most of the mornings and afternoons.

If you have not already booked airfare, I would suggest flying into Ontario Airport and taking an Uber to the Doubletree Hotel in Claremont. After your tour of Pomona College is done, take the metrolink to someplace near UCLA for the rest of the time. Fly back home from LAX.

By the way, Claremont is really a very nice college town. People love to walk places, there are small little restaurants that students and locals frequent. They do not allow fast food chains (other than Starbucks and Coffee Bean) although the surrounding towns do have them. It is very quiet and much smaller than USC or UCLA, so if she is looking for that big college campus Pomona will not have it but it does feel like a small Midwest college town.

5alive

Oh I love your idea to fly into Ontario. She has not returned though.

Fangfangzhang

Oh, thank you all for wonderful suggestions!
I've booked air tickets to LAX. I may stay at Motel Plaza hotel one night for Pomona campus visit and then find an airbnb near UCLA campus or one between UCLA and USC.

clarkgriswold

From the Metro Plaza, USC is a short trip on the metro....red line to expo line. Or there is bus service too.

UCLA would be a 45 minute bus ride, Commuter Express bus in the morning or Rapic city bus all day (not quite as comfortable). The bus ride is pretty long but get window seats and think of it as a mini tour of the city.

For UCLA you could also take a combo of Expo Rail and Uber, or if it's an afternoon tour you could take Expo Rail to visit Santa Monica and then a 20 min bus ride from Santa Monica to UCLA on the blue bus.

If you can find the time,, visit The Getty Center near UCLA, it's just a 12 min hop on the city bus from UCLA to the Getty entrance.

And FYI from LAX to Union Station there is FLYAWAY BUS transport, $8 p p, picks up outside of baggage claim (look for the "flyaway" sign)

MonicaRichards

Fangfangzhang

Wa, thank you so much! really helpful transportation tips!!

Fangfangzhang

Thank you, Monica! The Pie is a restaurant's name?

ltr

I think the name is I Like Pie. It is tucked away in a little plaza right by the movie theatre on Indian Hill Dr between 1st and 2nd street.

MonicaRichards

Fangfangzhang

Thank you! We'll look for and find the place!

Fangfangzhang

Thank you! We'll explore and hunt for the Pie!