Riverside CaliforniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Riverside, California.
1. Mission Inn Museum
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL
The Mission Inn Museum is a top attraction in Riverside housed within the historic Mission Inn Hotel and Spa, which has been a popular location for celebrities, presidents, and tourists for over 100 years. Visitors can explore this architectural marvel through guided tours that showcase its rich history and unique design elements. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Riverside's past while highlighting one of Southern California's most distinctive landmarks.
2. Mount Rubidoux Park
SCENIC HIKING DESTINATION
Mount Rubidoux Park features a 3.2-mile loop trail that grants visitors fantastic panoramic views of Riverside and the surrounding landscapes. This beloved landmark in the heart of downtown is steeped in rich history as the site of America's first outdoor nondenominational Easter sunrise service and has hosted illustrious visitors such as Booker T. Washington and Buffalo Bill Cody. With its paved trails and approximately 500 feet of elevation gain, it provides an accessible outdoor experience for hikers of all skill levels.
3. March Field Air Museum
MILITARY AVIATION HISTORY
March Field Air Museum is a highly-rated attraction showcasing the rich history of military aviation in the United States. Visitors can explore an impressive collection of aircraft, artifacts, and exhibits that tell the story of flight and its impact on warfare and society. The museum offers an educational experience that honors the contributions of service members while providing an up-close look at various aircraft from different eras.
4. California Citrus State Historic Park
CITRUS INDUSTRY HERITAGE
California Citrus State Historic Park preserves the cultural landscape of the citrus industry that was crucial to the history and development of California. The park features a visitor center, museum, and historic groves where guests can learn about the industry that transformed Southern California's economy. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, picnic areas, and seasonal fruit tastings that celebrate the region's agricultural heritage.
5. Riverside Food Lab
CULINARY FOOD HALL
The Riverside Food Lab is a dynamic food hall ranked as the 6th Best New Food Hall in the U.S. by Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards. This culinary haven houses a dozen different restaurant stalls offering diverse cuisines from ramen and Mexican food to coffee and hot chicken. While it may be somewhat pricey, the Food Lab provides a fun communal dining experience in downtown Riverside.
6. The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture
CHICANO ART SHOWCASE
The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture, commonly known as 'The Cheech,' is a dedicated museum showcasing Chicano art and cultural heritage in downtown Riverside. The center houses comedian Cheech Marin's extensive collection of Chicano art, one of the world's most significant assemblages of its kind. Visitors can meander through the galleries to experience thought-provoking exhibitions that celebrate and preserve this important cultural expression.
7. Riverside Game Lab
INTERACTIVE GAMING ENTERTAINMENT
The Riverside Game Lab is a dynamic hub for gaming enthusiasts offering everything from video games to board games, tabletop RPGs to virtual reality experiences. Located in downtown Riverside, this collaborative space provides state-of-the-art equipment and a diverse array of events and workshops for gamers of all ages. The Game Lab serves as a catalyst for innovation and excitement in the local gaming scene, creating a welcoming environment for players to connect and unleash their creativity.
8. Tios Tacos
ECLECTIC MEXICAN EATERY
Tios Tacos is an eclectic Mexican restaurant in Riverside that doubles as an extraordinary folk art installation with unique and random sculptures displayed throughout the property. The constantly changing artistic environment ensures visitors always discover something new while enjoying their meal. In addition to its vibrant atmosphere, Tios Tacos serves good Mexican food that complements the visual feast of quirky art surrounding diners.
9. UCR Botanical Gardens
DIVERSE PLANT COLLECTION
The UCR Botanical Gardens, located at the University of California Riverside, showcase over 3,500 different plant species across its expansive grounds. This free-to-visit garden (with paid parking) provides a peaceful environment for walking, exploration, and appreciation of botanical diversity. The gardens serve as both an educational resource for students and a serene retreat for visitors of all ages.
10. Santa Ana River Trail
SCENIC RIVERSIDE PATHWAY
The Santa Ana River Trail is part of an extensive network of bike trails that will eventually extend all the way to the beach, offering cyclists and pedestrians a scenic route through Riverside. The trail runs past multiple parks along the Santa Ana River, maintaining distance from main roads for most of the ride to provide a peaceful outdoor experience. Popular access points include Ryan Bonaminio Park near Mount Rubidoux, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike.
11. Riverside Art Museum
CULTURAL ART CENTER
The Riverside Art Museum showcases contemporary and traditional art in a historic Julia Morgan-designed building in downtown Riverside. The museum features rotating exhibitions of local, regional, and national artists across various mediums and styles. In addition to its galleries, the museum offers art classes, workshops, and community events that enrich the cultural landscape of the city.
12. Castle Park
FAMILY AMUSEMENT CENTER
Castle Park is a family-friendly amusement park in Riverside featuring four different miniature golf courses with themed environments including an Old West Town and international sections. The park also offers various rides, including a water log ride, providing entertainment options for visitors of all ages. Complete with a purple dragon mascot, Castle Park delivers a fun-filled day of activities for families looking for recreation in Riverside.
13. Canyon Crest Country Club
PREMIER GOLF DESTINATION
Canyon Crest Country Club offers golfers a premier experience on its well-maintained course with scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The club provides various amenities including dining options, event spaces, and recreational facilities beyond golf. Visitors and members alike appreciate the club's commitment to quality service and its contribution to Riverside's recreational offerings.
14. Festival of Lights
HOLIDAY ILLUMINATION CELEBRATION
The Festival of Lights is Riverside's signature holiday event centered around the historic Mission Inn Hotel, which is adorned with millions of twinkling lights and animated displays. This annual celebration transforms downtown Riverside into a winter wonderland with activities including horse-drawn carriage rides, ice skating, and holiday vendors. Since its inception, the festival has grown to become one of Southern California's most beloved holiday traditions, drawing visitors from across the region.
15. Riverside Farmers Market
FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE
The Riverside Farmers Market offers residents and visitors access to fresh, locally-grown produce and artisanal food products in a community-centered environment. Vendors showcase seasonal fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and handcrafted items that highlight the agricultural bounty of the region. The market serves as both a shopping destination and a social gathering place where people connect with local farmers and food producers.