Pitzer is a member of The Claremont Colleges Consortium that includes Pomona College, Claremont McKenna College, Scripps College, and Harvey Mudd College. The consortium is a unique grouping, allowing for optimal use of resources shared between the schools. All five colleges have their own campuses, adjacent to one another, each with individual styles of architecture and distinct missions. The colleges are located 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. Spotted with murals and cacti, Pitzer College’s campus is quirky and fun, much like its students. The college attracts students interested in social justice, providing for engaging conversations in the classrooms. Students are given more academic flexibility relative to the other Claremont Colleges.
Visitor Information: Tour Pitzer
Transportation: Claremont is located about 10 miles west of Ontario International Airport (ONT). Other airports in the region include Los Angeles International (LAX), John Wayne/Santa Ana (SNA), Burbank (BUR) and Long Beach (LGB). Each is between 30-50 miles from Claremont. The closest Amtrak station is in Pomona, a few miles from the campus. Metrolink serves Claremont from Los Angeles. The station is south of campus.
Stay: You could choose to make Los Angeles your base, just 30 miles east, but with L.A.’s notorious traffic you might just miss your tour. Roll out of bed at boutique Casa 425, just a mile from campus. The Doubletree is another popular choice in Claremont. Many families choose to stay in nearby Pomona at the Sheraton Suites Fairplex. For a full list of area hotels, many by the Ontario airport click here.
Coffee: Right on campus head to student-run, The Motley, at Scripps College. Serving micro-roasted Klatch coffee, L.A.'s Art of Tea, and student baked pastries and other savories. It has a great vibe, and is full of students from all of the five schools. In downtown Claremont head to Starbucks, The Coffee Bean or Augie’s.
Breakfast: Claremont's original diner, The Village Grille, has been a staple for over 60 years. For a quick meal head to 42nd Street Bagel, located in Claremont village. Euro Café has an extensive breakfast menu serving Portuguese, Italian and Continental cuisine.The Spot serves fresh juices and smoothies.
Lunch: Located at the northeast tip of the campuses, the Pitzer's Grove House serves great sandwiches and salads. The national chain, Le Pain Quotidien, has a spot in the village. Everyone loves Dr. Grubb’s, serving health minded cuisine to a packed house. Crepes de Paris is good not just for their crepes, but also for their sandwiches and salads. Students fill up on falafels and shawarma at Saca’s Mediterranean Restaurant.
Dinner
Casual: It’s all about Belgian beers and gourmet burgers at gastropub The Back Abbey (don’t skip the soft pretzel). Eureka Burger is another favorite spot for burgers. Union on Yale, serving seasonal Californian fare has both indoor and outdoor seating available. If you like Spanish tapas, book a table at Viva Madrid. Two popular eclectic spots are Bua Thai and Walter’s, which has many Afghan specials on their menu, and live music on Fridays.
A Step Up: Enjoy the weather and dine on the outdoor patio at Bardot, one of Claremont’s top spots for contemporary Californian cuisine. For Italian cuisine book a table at Tutti Mangia Italian Grill, or Aruffo’s. At Uno Tre Otto, an extension of Amy's Farm in Ontario the dishes are seasonal, highlighting the local produce on an ever-changing menu. Other good options include the New American menu at The Press Restaurant or The Whisper House, located in The Claremont Packing House, a historic landmark in Claremont Village with artisan shops and restaurants. (Home also to Eureka and Augie’s.)
Sweets: The Fresh Strawberry donut from The Donut Man has been a favorite of generations of Pitzer students. I Like Pie Bake Shop serves seasonal miniature pies. Choose one of the flavors of the day at 21 Choices, serving frozen yogurt till 11 pm weekdays and 12 pm on the weekends.
Local Attractions: One student describes visiting Claremont…”If you have extra time enjoy a walk from the campuses to the village and explore. It’s a great area, with lot’s of big trees, cute craftsman homes, and a quirky, charming center with a record store, cheese cave, and bustling farmer’s market on Sundays. There are fun boutique shops, great frozen yogurt, and a movie theater, plus tons of restaurants. “ Go for a hike at the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park, aka "The Loop", or drive up Mount Baldy and hike one of the trails there. Claremont is 35 miles from Los Angeles, and about a one-hour drive from Disneyland, Southern California beaches, and Joshua Tree National Park. For detailed itineraries for Los Angeles including great places to eat, check out our specialized travel guides below.
L.A. Itineraries
— Quotes From Campus —
“All of the people here have a deep caring for social activism, whether it’s students, faculty, or staff. It’s great to be surrounded by people who genuinely want to make the world a better place.”
PITZER FAST FACTS
Established
1963
Mascot
Sagehens
School Colors
Orange and White
Acceptance Rate
13%
Common Application
Yes
Supplement Essays
Yes
Early Action/Decision
ED 1 and 2
SAT
Average - 1450
ACT
Average - 30
Type
Private
Size
Small - 1,029 Undergraduates
Website
Region
Admissions Office
1050 N. Mills Avenue
Claremont, CA 91711
(p) 909.621.8129
(f) 909.621.8770
admission@pitzer.edu
Sports Divisions
NCAA Division III
Greek Life
No
Noteworthy Alumni
Fabian Nunez
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PITZER COLLEGE
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