3 Best Sights in Claremont, The Inland Empire

Founded in 1927 by Susanna Bixby Bryant, a wealthy landowner and conservationist, the garden is dedicated to the preservation of native California plant species. You can meander here for hours enjoying the shade of an oak tree canopy or take a guided tour of the grounds, whose 86 acres of ponds and greenery shelter California wild lilacs, big berry manzanitas, four-needled piñons, and other specimens. Countless bird species also live here.  Guided tram tours are offered the third Sunday of the month (reserve by the 15th of the preceding month).

This teaching museum exhibits contemporary art, works by old masters, and American Indian art and artifacts. The new building, opened in 2021, is its own work of art designed by Machado Silvetti. Among the 18,000 items spanning 22 centuries are a mural by Mexican artist José Clemente Orozco, first-edition Goya etchings, and 15th- and 16th-century Italian panel paintings. 

College walking tours, architecture tours, and art tours are conducted quarterly by Claremont Heritage. The organization gives 2½-hour guided walking tours ($10) by reservation. Self-guided tour maps can be found on the group's website.