By Emmanuel Coates ’27
As someone who didn’t grow up with the luxury of a car in the driveway or a SoCal zip code, figuring out how to get around California from Claremont was… a journey. Literally. But after a few years of trial, error, missed trains, and overpriced Ubers, I’ve developed a semi-decent understanding of how to get from our quiet little bubble in Claremont to some of the Golden State’s prime destinations.
So, whether you’re planning a weekend trip with friends or just trying to escape the Claremont heat for a few hours, here’s my very real, very unfiltered guide to navigating California from Claremont—no car necessary (most of the time).
1. L.A. (a.k.a. the most chaotic 35 miles you’ll ever travel)
Method A: Metrolink + Metro
The Metrolink is your best friend here. You can hop on the San Bernardino Line from the Claremont Station and ride it straight into Union Station in DTLA. From there, you’ve got options: the Metro B Line to Hollywood, the E Line to Santa Monica, or catch buses to literally anywhere else. This is by far the most budget-friendly way to get into the city, thanks to the student discount (it used to be free 😭) … as long as you don’t mind transferring three times and accidentally ending up in Glendale. It builds character.
Method B: Uber / Lyft
Fast? Usually. Expensive? Also yes. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $100, depending on traffic, time of day, and how generous the Uber gods are feeling. Carpooling is highly recommended unless you have that infinite money glitch.
Pro tip: Always travel with friends. It’ll make the trip ten times better!
2. San Diego (for when you need a beach, a burrito, or just a break)
This is the scenic route. You’ll need to get to Union Station first (Metrolink again), then transfer to the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner headed for San Diego. The ride hugs the coast and makes you feel like you’re in a movie. It’s long (about three hours according to my friends), but they say it’s surprisingly peaceful if you bring snacks and a good playlist. It’s also a great time to catch up on any work you procrastinated before the trip.
Method B: Drive / Carpool
If you or a friend has a car, it’s about a two-hour drive—three or more if you hit traffic (which you will unless you leave really early or really late). Split the cost of gas, put someone in charge of snacks, and argue about the aux cord the whole way. It’s a classic road trip, and the views along the drive are pretty remarkable, so make sure to keep your eyes open.
3. Joshua Tree (home of the Joshua trees)
( I made NOLA-style Shrimp and Grits at our Airbnb in JTree)
Method A: Car/ ZipCar ( honestly, the only way to do it)
Now this is a trip you’ll definitely need a car for, so either find a friend who’s willing to drive, or have your group split the cost for a campus Zipcar. I’ve been to Joshua Tree a few times since arriving in Claremont, and it’s a really popular spot. My friends and I went during our reading days before finals week, and it was the perfect way to end the year. It’s about a 1-2 hour drive (again, depending on the time of day), and the weekend pass for the national park is only around $15, so feel free to make it a vacation or a day trip.
Method B: For the carless
Now, if you’re unlucky enough to be surrounded by friends with no car and no licence (more common than you’d think), fear not, there’s still hope. Thankfully, a few campus clubs and organizations plan trips to Joshua Tree. People of Color Outside (POCO) is a great one; they organize all kinds of activities and trips, making outdoor adventures more accessible for students. The downside? You’ll have a bit less control over the experience since you’re tagging along with a club, so you might end up camping instead of relaxing in an Airbnb. But at the end of the day, you’ll be with friends, and that’s what really matters.
4. FINAL THOUGHTS
California is home to countless attractions, and attending school here in Claremont gives you the perfect opportunity to explore them, so don’t miss out! head to the Mountains and ski, visit the Tar Pits in La Brea, or simply relax at the beach.
You don’t want to look back on your four years here and realize that you missed out, so go ahead and seize the day. I hope this guide helps you discover the opportunities available to you, and who knows, maybe it’ll even give you a head start on planning your own adventure.