Background

Palomares Adobe: A Window to California's Rancho Era

Explore the Palomares Adobe in Pomona: A preserved 1850s rancho home showcasing California's transition from Mexican to American ownership.

4.4

Step back in time at the Palomares Adobe, a beautifully restored 1850s adobe home in Pomona, California. Once the heart of Rancho San Jose, this museum offers a glimpse into the lives of the Palomares family and the blending of Spanish and American cultures in early California.

A brief summary to Palomares Adobe

Local tips

  • Tours are available on select Sundays; check the Pomona Historical Society website for the schedule and to make reservations.
  • Parking is conveniently located next door at Palomares Park.
  • Consider visiting nearby Ted Greene Park or the Palomares Park Community Center for a complete outing.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    The Palomares Adobe is located at 491 E Arrow Hwy, Pomona, CA 91767. From the I-10 freeway, exit at Garey Avenue and head north. Turn right onto Arrow Highway. The Adobe will be on your left, with parking available in the adjacent Palomares Park. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    The Palomares Adobe is accessible via Foothill Transit bus routes. Check the Foothill Transit website for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. From the Pomona Transit Center, several bus lines connect to stops near the Adobe. A single Foothill Transit fare is typically around $1-$6. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the Adobe.

  • Walking

    If you are near Palomares Park Community Center, simply walk west along Arrow Highway to reach the Palomares Adobe. The walk is short and straightforward. Ensure to use pedestrian crosswalks.

Unlock the Best of Palomares Adobe

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Palomares Adobe

The Palomares Adobe, also known as the Ygnacio Palomares Adobe, stands as a testament to California's rich history. Built between 1850 and 1854 by Don Ygnacio Palomares and his wife, Doña Concepción López de Palomares, the 13-room adobe home was the center of Rancho San Jose, a sprawling 22,000-acre rancho. Originally intended as a wedding gift for his daughter, the adobe became the family's residence and a hub of hospitality in the Pomona Valley. The adobe's construction reflects the changing times, blending traditional Mexican adobe techniques with American milled lumber for the floors and ceilings. The home featured two wings connected by a central building with a large living room and bedrooms, a kitchen, storeroom and even a 'tienda' or store. The Palomares family operated a sheep and cattle ranch, welcomed travelers, and hosted religious services in their home. By the 1880s, the adobe was abandoned and fell into disrepair. In 1937, the City of Pomona acquired the land, and the Historical Society of Pomona Valley undertook a restoration project in partnership with the Works Progress Administration. Today, the Palomares Adobe serves as a museum, furnished with period antiques and artifacts, offering visitors a glimpse into life during the Rancho era. Visitors can explore the rooms, admire the architecture, and learn about the Palomares family's contributions to the region. The grounds also feature a traditional 'horno' or outdoor oven. Reservations for tours must be made online.

Popular Experiences near Palomares Adobe

Popular Hotels near Palomares Adobe

Select Currency