Pomona City Guide

Food reflects Southern California's diversity with Mexican, Asian, and American eats. Many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options. Some fast-food and diners stay open late.

Nightlife is growing around the Downtown Arts Colony with bars, breweries, and live music.

Coffee scene is mixed with chains and some specialty cafes especially near the Arts Colony.

Tipping is expected in restaurants, bars, taxis, and personal services, usually 15-20%.

SIM cards are sold at AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon stores, and Best Buy. Coverage and speeds are good. eSIM use is growing. Prepaid SIMs don't require registration but contracts may need ID.

Cleanliness varies; commercial areas are well-kept, residential neighborhoods less so. Waste services are regular.

24/7 services include some pharmacies, 7-Eleven stores, and some fast food or diners. Urgent care centers have extended hours.

Groceries include international goods, especially Hispanic and Asian products. Supermarkets like Ralphs, Vons, Stater Bros., and Food 4 Less are common. Pomona Farmers Market offers fresh local produce.

Most businesses take major credit and debit cards, but cash is still widely accepted.

ATMs are common in banks, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Out-of-network ATM fees range from $2.50 to $5.00.

Pomona Unified School District serves the area with English instruction. International schools are rare locally but can be found nearby.

Pomona has a small digital nomad scene with few dedicated meetups. The Arts Colony serves as a creative hub. Nearby cities offer more networking.

Green spaces like Ganesha and Washington Parks have shade and running areas.

Popular routes include Ganesha and Washington Parks. Safety is generally good during the day. Air quality can be affected by wildfires.

Several gyms and sports facilities are available, plus parks for outdoor activities.

Public tennis courts available in parks. Clubs and coaching exist but rentals are less common.

Padel courts are not common locally, more available in wider LA area.

Several yoga studios offer classes including Hatha and Vinyasa, mostly with English-speaking instructors.

Several dojos offer Taekwondo, Karate, BJJ, and boxing. English-speaking instructors and drop-in classes are common.

Ski resorts like Mountain High and Big Bear are 1.5-2 hours away. Both beginner and advanced terrain available.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are options at nearby lakes and coastal areas. Rentals and guided tours exist.

Surf spots are 40-60 miles away on the coast, with both beginner and advanced waves. Wetsuits often needed. Fall is a good season for waves.

Diving is done mostly near Catalina and Channel Islands. Visibility and marine life vary. Gear rental and certification available.

Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center has English-speaking staff. US healthcare is high quality but costly without insurance. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are common and well stocked.

Tap water meets all state and federal safety standards.

Parks like Ganesha and Washington have playgrounds. Kid-friendly restaurants are common. Attractions include the Fairplex and the American Museum of Ceramic Art.

Pomona is generally accepting with legal protections in place. Inclusive spaces are mostly in the wider LA area.

Pet services and parks like Ganesha Park are available. Many pet-friendly spots exist but policies vary.