This is probably the most unique place I've ever visited in Southern California. Three of our…read moredocents were actual workers on the castle, so we got an inside view of its origins. I'll never forget the experience and highly recommend that you make it a priority to visit. When a person has a vision and spends 25 years fulfilling it with hundreds of friends and neighbors, you have a masterpiece! Go as soon as you can!

I cannot say enough wonderful things about our experience here at Rubel Castle. Our host, guide,…read moreand local "Rubelligent" volunteer, Ms. Kathleen had all the intel about this historical property. She was so knowledgeable and helped set the stage for us to slip into a forgotten era and get a glimpse of how imagination met inventiveness with a DIY charm. ~ A LITTLE BACKSTORY FOR YOU ~ It's not pronounced Rubel as Barney from Flintstones. Rather, it's like Target is to Targét when we are trying to be fancy. So that's Rubel as in "Roo-bell." Unlike modern-day construction, Rubel Castle wasn't built overnight. It was made of collected recyclables and construction rubble that spanned many decades and took several friends and volunteers to build it. For Michael, however, the lifetime inspiration was first sparked at the age of 9. His love for canons was where it started and the rest is history you can hear about on the tour. But don't just show up like we did randomly one day. To book, visit RubelTours.org and make a reservation. ~ OUR TOUR EXPERIENCE ~ It's as if Michael Rubel, the creator and mastermind of this enchanted dominion had intended it to be--magical. Built in the castle period of wood and tin, every corner captured our interests, from antique cars to the 1890's Seth Thomas Tower Clock with a unique backstory (and only six in existence today). There were old vending machines, tools, trinkets, and machinery that time had long forgotten. Did I mention there was a drawbridge? Yes, and a dungeon too. I was just waiting for a dragon to come swoop down on us next. Walk in the footsteps of famous visitors like Alfred Hitchcock, Dwight Eisenhower, Jack Benny, and Bob Hope. It's a feast for the eyes no matter where you glance. I particularly enjoyed the bottle house that Michael built in 1968 as his "home" as a kid. That independent spirit was quite charming to see. ~ WATERCOLOR NATURESCAPE ~ We were fortunate to have our gracious host lead us on a tour and organize a special art crafting experience outdoors. It was absolutely lovely beneath the trees and between rusted vintage cars from the turn of the century. We each got a small canvas to paint our flowers in watercolor. (This particular experience takes place in the Spring and Fall, weather permitting.) We heard the squirrels rattling in the leaves and birds chirped and sang in the trees above. We discovered that peacocks apparently originated from this property, compliments of Michael Rubel. And did I mention that on the far side of the property, a custom garden was in full bloom? BOOK A TOUR Help support the Glendora Historical Society and keep this magnificently unique city-castle maintained. It's worth it.

First about logistics if you haven't been here before (because we had difficulties):…read more - go to gate 17 at the fair ground. Not wherever Google takes you (to a sheriffs place?), Not gate 1 (if you call the listed number it says To go to gate 1 and proceed to the security but the security at gate 1 laughed at us and said the event was closed early and we almost turned around). Plenty of parking. Really cool to see a bunch of trains up close. You can climb aboard some. The kids really loved it. You probably could go through the whole thing in an hour or less. Everyone working there, maintaining the trains and working the store were friendly. This event isn't open every weekend but specific weekends only. Check their website or call the phone number (voicemail says the dates) before you head over.

Such a great free activity to attend with kids or family. Railgiants is only opened once a month…read moreand everyone that works there donates their own personal free time to keep this place up and running. You can tell everyone who volunteers there genuinely enjoys the train and the mesuem and are always happy to provide demonstration, the history, and explanations behind the trains. My kids love that they can ring the train bell and it's great way to kill some time on the weekend.

Wow what a hidden gem!! The Raymond M Alf Museum of Paleontology is tucked away in Claremont on the…read moreWebb school campus. Since it is a high school, you must show your IDs at the gate to be given a badge to get onto campus. The museum is closed Sunday-Tuesday. Wednesday -Friday from 11am-5pm, and Saturday from 11am-5pm. Admission Pricing (March 2026): $12 General $9 Youth/Senior $9 Student with ID FREE 4 and under FREE CA teachers, EBT & WIC cardholders This museum is 2 levels. The top is a chronological walk through history and the bottom level is more of a hands-on interactive play area for kids. We spent about an hour at this museum. We had so much fun exploring history. In order we went through the Precambrian, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic periods. The fossils and skeletons were so fascinating. This would have been such a great spot for a field trip back in grade school. I had a lot of fun exploring history and taking selfies. Highly recommended for those who enjoy dinosaurs, fossils, or history!

Although small, it was well designed and I left more educated. $12 for entrance which was worth it…read more Parking is free but you need to talk to the parking security guard first since it's in a school.

California Botanic Garden was absolutely beautiful! I loved exploring the different trails…read morethroughout the garden. There was so much nature and wildlife to enjoy along the way. We got to see bunnies, rabbits, turtles, and so many different types of birds. It was such a peaceful and beautiful experience being surrounded by nature. Whether you're looking for a relaxing nature walk, want to explore the trails, or enjoy a nice hike, this is a great place to visit. I definitely recommend coming here if you love nature and wildlife!

Claremont, CA This…read morebotanic garden has grown on me. There are so many varieties of California native plants and they do have a nursery that is usually open a few days a week but is closed for Summer and reopening in October, 2026. What I love about this property is the sprawling amount of walkway to take a nice walk. You'll find enough shade along the way but many parts are not shaded. The pathways are decomposed granite, concrete and or asphalt so it's like hiking in nature but without the dirt road or elevation gain. I also really love that it's not crowded here. It's also smack dab in the middle of nature so you will occasionally see wild animal poop on a path, cracks that have not been repaired, but none of that really bothers me. There are plenty of benches along the path and a restroom on one side of the property so plan accordingly. They used to have a nice gift shop here and novelties like hats, t shirts, children's toys, books are now displayed in a small outdoor kiosk near to where you check in. California Botanic Garden is a member of the American Horticultural Network of Gardens (AHS). So if you have an annual membership at one of the participating Gardens associated with AHS Gardens you automatically have access to visit all of the gardens in network, unlimited visits for no additional charge. It is nice being a member at one garden and having access to visit hundreds of gardens. Currently, 380 gardens participate in this Network throughout parts of United States and Territories of U.S.A., Canada, and Cayman Islands. https://ahsgardening.org/ahs-garden-network/ I copy and pasted the exerpt below from AI but it has been a treat to see the blooms and how they change color, specifically Native California Buckwheat which can be seen along many hills and roadsides in California. To observe how the plant changes and matures in different seasons is quite fascinating: "Native California Buckwheat flowers start out white (or pale pink/creamy) and transition through shades of orange, cinnamon, rust, and deep red-brown as they age and dry out into summer and fall. Flower Color Changes Fresh Blooms (Spring): Tiny clusters open up as bright, clean white or pale pink. Aging and Drying (Summer): As the weather heats up and soil dries, the petals shift into rusty orange, copper, and tan. Late Season (Fall/Winter): The spent flower heads mature into deep rust-red and chocolate brown tones across the hillsides." I truly enjoy seeing the change of colors on each visit, they are so bright and vibrant! Look for it, and you will find a lot of beauty in the varied California native plant foliage and blooms on this property. Visiting seasonally gives the best picture. For example, The 1000's of large Matilija poppies which resemble a crinkly giant sunny side up egg just finished peak bloom a few months ago. They will be back!

The idea is nice, but for what they charged I expected much more maintenance and upkeep with the…read moremuseum itself. A lot of the structures feel dated, with old and broken toys. The lights are dim which makes the museum look even more dated. The place is also very small and only kept my child entertained for less than 30 minutes. There are many more kid indoor areas that are of similar concepts and much, much more worth the cost.

My kids and I had a playdate at the Chino Youth Museum to try to get out of the summer heat and it…read morewas totally worth it. We spent three hours here and I'm sure the kiddos would have been happier to stay longer. Price was great since we used a Groupon which you can find online. It was clean and the environment is calm. It was a mini city for the kids to explore (bank, fire truck, police motorcycle, a farm, a house). Staff were nice and the restrooms were clean! We will for sure be coming back!

Happened to see this place on my way going somewhere else. Had some time and decided to check this…read moreplace out. Free admission and private parking lot. Although, the lot was almost full, there were only a handful of people inside the museum. Anyway, I was greeted by two nice ladies and brought to various sections of the museum. The art (paintings and sculptures) were preserved well and the museum was cool and clean. It's not very big so I was able to walk the entirety of the museum in less than 45 minutes.

Stopped by after waiting for a spot in a local business for brunch, stumbled upon this museum by…read moreaccident and thanks to the two lovely staff we had a great time. We were kinda in a rush but had enough time to explore the whole place. Highly recommend to go checkout the art!

I'd say a solid 4.5! Free museum that's really small, but a huge section of the museum is closed…read moreoff for renovations right now. They really only have their two main exhibits, one of which is a history of Ontario and the other is about water conservation in Ontario. AC is really strong, clean facility, super nice staff... but honestly there really isn't much to see unless you're a local and really interested in your area's history. I think if they had their art exhibits open, it'd be an easy 5/5 despite being small because it is free.

A pretty nice local museum that has rotating exhibits. I came here on a weekend visit and it was…read morebusy here and there. People seem to just stop in shortly here, with a few people that stuck around longer to really take in the art. You walk in to the security desk and check-in with your location. They only need your zip code and you're free to check out the exhibit. There's about two museum security persons in the exhibit areas They don't really greet you, but they're there. I came in for their Chicana(o) art exhibit as well as their water exhibit. Both were good. They also had a special historical exhibit that features the history of the City of Ontario. That was an okay exhibit. Facility has some nice historical architectural feel. Kind of like some of the art deco styling in the L A. buildings. Parking lot is small, but you can also park on the street. Also just a very close walk the Ontario train station.

A MUST DO! A FREE EVENT EVENT & FREE PARKING! This is someone's home not a museum so Please be…read morerespectful & DO NOT BOTHER THE HOMEOWNERS they live there. Just take a look from the sidewalk. The Devil's House is the famous house from the movie Hocus Pocus with the Sanderson Sisters Bette Middller, Sarah Jessica Parker & Kathy Najimy. The movie was filmed in multiple locations including Whittier & Altadena California, Salem Massachusetts & Warner Ranch. This is the home where in the movie you meet the Devil - Gary Marshall & Penny Marshall from the TV Show Laverne & Shirley. There are also Trick or Treating Scenes filmed here as well with several houses right next door. There is also a park across the street you can check out as well. You can also drive by East Whittier Middle School which was Jacob Bailey High School in the movie. Some Interior Shots were filmed there on 14421 Whittier Blvd. To make it worth your trip check out some other Cool Local Spots in Whittier. Back to the Future Mill Valley High School was filmed @ Whittier High School on 12417 Philadelphia St. King Richard's Antiques is one of the largest antique shops in California. It is Fantastic with multiple levels with over 60,000 Square Feet of Vintage Merchandise. Also check out Nixon Plaza - Richard Nixon's Law Office was located here in a historic 100 year old building that has now been transformed into a Food Hall There are multiple restaurants with a Large Indoor & Outdoor Dining Area. You can grab something to eat & a brew @ Whittier Brewing Company in the Food Hall. Also check out the Whittier Village Cinema. It is a small beautifully restored Art Deco Movie Theater that was originally called The Wardman Theater which was built in 1932. The Architecture, the Tile & the Lights are really beautiful. It is located in the Uptown Section of Whittier that has lots of nostalgic charm & charisma. Also check out some of the other restaurants & breweries in the area too. So Much Fun in Whittier! It used to be, you had to have Mega Bucks & be really Rich to have the Good Life, not anymore. The Game has changed. You've been Upgraded. Now You Can Live Like a King on a Limited Budget!

How beautiful; a wonderful way to end a romantic evening. It does take time to sit and watch,…read more20-30min from actual start time, but is sooo relaxing to just think or talk quietly to a lover.

James Turrell Skyspace is in the Draper Courtyard, Lincoln and Edmunds Buildings, Pomona College…read more which is at the corner of 6th & College Way in the city of Claremont. It can't be seen from the street. You have to keep your eyes open while you search for this hidden site.  I went during the winter break so I parked in their restricted permit only parking lot which is located about 500 feet north of the Skyspace. Not sure if you can park there during the regular school year.  The light show starts about 25 minutes before sunset and ends about 30 minutes after the sun goes down. Also happens at dawn for a longer time period. There is polished, hard marble, long row banquette seating around the perimeter of this art installation to look up at the ceilIng with a square cut out to expose the sky above. There is a multicolour lighting system that tints the ceiling creating a color contrast to the color of the sky.  Depending on the color of the ceiling, the same sky takes on a subtly different color tone. Keep lookIng up, and your mind plays tricks on you so you start to imagine different colors especially along the edge of the rectangular hole.  Also, your perspective of the ceiling & hole changes so illogically the hole and ceiling meld into a unified whole.  I'm sure people will perceive the Skyspace differently due to their mood, physiology, upbringIng, etc. It's meditative, serene, calming. It's incredible like communing with infinity where there are no bounds at the same time so very personal connecting to your inner self.  Unfortunately, an ADHD family that couldn't shut up and stay still and a clueless young couple who didn't even look up at the Skyspace and blabbed throughout the performance ruined the meditative atmosphere.  When attending the Skyspace, SHUT UP, do some introspection, go deep into your psyche in order to find serenity & peace. Many of us Americans are so much into the hype and being "hip" that we lose sight of what gives us health and sanity. Being in a meditative state allows us to heal and recover from life's stresses and anxieties.  Even with the disruptions, I still got snippets of quality time. I can imagine how incredible this art piece would be if silence reigned.  5 stars for a transformative experience.

Thanks to the research of Super Elite Yelper Gary I., we were able to tour the Phillips Mansion in…read morePomona prior to dinner nearby. The mansion, built in 1875 and maintained by the Pomona Historical Society, was the home of the one-time "richest man in LA County", Louis Phillips. Tours are conducted by reservation only and as of this writing, can be reserved here: https://www.pomonahistorical.org/phillips-mansion for $15. Our docent, pictured below, gave us many interesting details and pertinent history of the building. The grounds are lovingly maintained; the building itself could be called a "fixer-upper". It's good to see the work in progress and the building does seem to be in good hands. This tour is very highly recommended.

We enjoyed immensely the Phillips Mansion and Currier House tours yesterday afternoon. We…read moreappreciated our docents' enthusiasm and knowledge regarding the history and preservation of these buildings. The main goal for the Currier House currently is weatherproofing it from further damage. I hope that the Pomona Historical Society finds success in obtaining funding and the proper skilled craftsmen to restore it again someday.