This Walkable Southern California College Suburb Is A Peaceful Escape With Mountain Views

You'd never expect one of the coziest college towns you'll ever visit to be situated just 30 miles east of the bustling city of Los Angeles, but alas, Claremont exists as a thriving suburban gem. The town hosts seven different collegiate institutions, making it a student hotspot. But aside from its educational promise, Claremont offers a quiet, community-driven getaway for those looking to get some time away from the noise. Situated at the bottom of the San Gabriel Mountains, Claremont's views are as breathtaking as they are serene. With a variety of affordable community events, you can safely add Claremont to your list of budget-friendly SoCal destinations.

Claremont is the perfect spot for nature lovers and artsy folks alike. Hikers looking for a challenge can face the journey up Mount San Antonio, also known as Mount Baldy. While this California hike is not for amateurs, the sights at the top of this mountain are worth the effort. Mount Baldy also serves as quite a challenge for cyclists, as it was once the start of part of the Amgen Tour of California. At the heart of the city is Claremont Village, a community-based downtown area with an array of boutiques, events, and restaurants to catch the eye of any visitor. The Village is also the home of Claremont's prosperous arts scene.

One of the best ways to say thank you to a city for hosting you for a trip is by making an effort to support local art and community members. While Los Angeles was named one of the best U.S. cities for art lovers to visit, Claremont is equally bursting with theaters, museums, and festivals to keep everyone who passes through inspired. On Friday nights, you can stop by the Claremont Village for live music as you stroll around downtown. From movie screenings to yoga classes, keep your eyes peeled for events at the California Botanic Garden, and stop by in April for the Annual Wild Flower Show and Festival to appreciate Claremont's native flora.

You can support local vendors every Sunday in the Claremont Village, at the Claremont Farmer's Market held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pick out some fresh fruit, sniff the handmade soap, and spark up a charming conversation with a local. All vendors are verified by the state of California to ensure authentic, farm-grown goods are sold at the market.

For Angelenos, Claremont is the ideal quiet suburb to escape to just outside the city. If you're lucky with traffic, you can make it there in around 45 minutes, or opt for an hour-long train ride via the Metrolink. For those flying in, Claremont is just under 15 minutes from the Ontario International Airport, making this a convenient trek from the terminal to lodging. There are four main hotels in the Claremont area: Hotel Casa 425, Doubletree by Hilton Claremont, Motel 6 Claremont, and Claremont Lodge. With nightly rates at Claremont Lodge starting around $100, each hotel offers a different price range to suit any budget visiting Claremont.

This quaint trip is perfect for people looking to escape everyday stressors and noise. While ideal for parents looking to get away from the kids for a weekend, there are still plenty of family-friendly activities to bring the kids along. With endless options in nature, arts, and dining, there will be no shortage of things to do that will excite every member of the family.