Discover Riverside, California, a city where rich history meets a vibrant cultural scene. This Southern California gem offers diverse attractions for every type of traveler. Whether you love exploring Historic Sites, seek exciting entertainment, or plan a family outing, Riverside has something special for you. The city’s appeal is clear, as Riverside County’s tourism industry generated over $8 billion in visitor spending in 2023. Places like The Cheech Marin Center alone injected more than $29 million into the local economy. Get ready to explore all the best things to do in Riverside!
Key Takeaways
Riverside has many historic places, like The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, which shows old Spanish building styles.
You can find fun entertainment in Riverside, such as live shows at the Fox Performing Arts Center or games at The Game Lab.
Riverside offers many attractions, including parks like Mount Rubidoux Park and museums like the March Field Air Museum.
The California Citrus State Historic Park teaches about the area’s citrus farming history.
Castle Park is a great place for families with many rides and games for all ages.
Riverside’s Historic Sites
You can explore Riverside’s rich past by visiting its many historic sites. These places tell unique stories about the city’s development and its role in California’s history.
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
You can’t talk about Riverside’s history without mentioning The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. This National Historic Landmark is a stunning example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. You will see grand archways, flying buttresses, and domes. The inn blends Moorish, Renaissance, and Byzantine styles, giving it a unique castle-like feel. It started as a simple boarding house in 1875. Frank Augustus Miller transformed it into the magnificent Mission Inn you see today. During the holidays, the Mission Inn hosts the famous Riverside Festival of Lights. You will see incredible Christmas light displays that draw visitors from all over California. It’s a truly magical festival. The Mission Inn is a must-see.
Heritage House
Step back in time at the Heritage House. This beautiful Victorian home shows you what life was like in Riverside during the late 1800s. You can explore its rooms and see period furnishings. It offers a glimpse into the city’s early days and its rich heritage.
Harada House
The Harada House is another important historic site in California. This house holds a powerful story of civil rights. Jukichi Harada, a Japanese immigrant, bought it for his American-born children in 1915. This challenged a law that stopped “aliens” from owning property. A court ruled in favor of the Harada children in 1918. This affirmed the 14th Amendment’s protection for American-born citizens. It is a strong symbol of the fight for freedom and citizenship. This Mission is a testament to the enduring struggle for justice.
Riverside Metropolitan Museum
Visit the Riverside Metropolitan Museum to learn about the region’s natural world and culture. You can explore exhibits on local Native American heritage, geology, and the city’s development. It’s a great place to understand the area’s past. This museum helps you connect with Riverside’s roots.
Riverside Art Museum
The Riverside Art Museum is a must-see for art lovers. This museum has a permanent collection of about 2,000 objects. You will find paintings, drawings, sculptures, and many prints. They focus on California landscapes and regional art. It also features nearly 500 works from the Cheech Marin Collection, highlighting Chicano art. This Mission is to celebrate diverse artistic expressions.
Fun Things to Do in Riverside: Entertainment
Riverside offers many exciting options for entertainment. You can find live performances, interactive games, and delicious food events. Downtown Riverside also has many antique shops, bars, and restaurants for you to explore.
Fox Performing Arts Center
You can find great entertainment at the Fox Performing Arts Center. This historic venue, originally the Riverside Fox Theater, opened in 1929. It was a cinema and vaudeville house. Architects Clifford Balch and Floyd E. Stanberry designed it in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. The theater became famous for first showing ‘Gone With the Wind’ in 1939. The City of Riverside bought it in 2006 and spent $35 million on renovations. It reopened in 2010. Now, Live Nation manages the Fox Performing Arts Center. You can catch many live shows and events here. It is a key spot for entertainment in Southern California.
The Game Lab
For interactive fun, visit The Game Lab. This place offers unique virtual reality experiences. You can play “Slingshot,” like a real-life ‘Angry Birds,’ launching objects to cause destruction. Try “Longbow,” an archery game where you defend a castle. “Xortex” puts you in a spaceship for a “bullet hell” challenge. You can also take a “virtual holiday” with “Postcards,” visiting scenic places and playing with a robot dog. Explore the “Human Medical Scan” to learn about the human body in 3D. Or, play with planets in the “Solar System” minigame. These are truly fun things to do in Riverside.
Riverside Food Lab
The Riverside Food Lab offers a new kind of dining entertainment. It is a communal food hall with 14 different artisan food and drink vendors. You can find ramen noodles, craft beers, Mexican food, pizza, and vegan burgers. They also have sweet waffle desserts, coffee, Lebanese food, pork sandwiches, and Caribbean dishes. You can even get fresh juices and craft cocktails. One spot always changes, letting chefs try new food concepts. This ensures fresh and exciting culinary events. It is a great place to enjoy diverse food in Riverside, California.
Downtown Riverside Art Walk
Experience the Downtown Riverside Art Walk for more entertainment. This event happens on the first Thursday of every month, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. You will see an eclectic mix of visual and performing arts. Art is displayed in over 22 downtown locations. These include museums, galleries, and studios. You can also find many antique shops, bars, and restaurants in Downtown Riverside. This makes for a lively evening of cultural events. Remember the annual Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn, a major entertainment festival in Riverside during the holidays.
Top Riverside Attractions
Riverside offers many diverse attractions. You can explore beautiful parks, fascinating museums, and unique cultural centers. These spots provide fun for everyone.
California Citrus State Historic Park
You can step back in time at the California Citrus State Historic Park. This park tells the story of the citrus industry. It shows how “Citrus was King” in Southern California. You will learn about the Navel orange from Riverside. This fruit helped shape the region. The park uses exhibits to show the industry’s impact. It also highlights the diverse groups who worked in it. This park is a monument to California’s past. It shows how an “orange desert sun” became a “citrus empire.”
University of California Riverside Botanic Gardens
Explore the University of California Riverside Botanic Gardens. These gardens cover 40 acres. You will find many plant collections here. Walk through Alder Canyon with its native trees. See over 300 types of roses in the Rose Gardens. The Herb Garden has aromatic and medicinal plants. The Cactus Garden shows hundreds of cacti. You can also visit sections like the South African Garden or the Australian Section. These gardens offer amazing outdoor adventures.
Mount Rubidoux Park
Mount Rubidoux Park is a great place for outdoor adventures. This park spans 161 acres. It has 3.5 miles of paved roads and dirt hiking trails. You can enjoy accessible hiking here. Mount Rubidoux is a Riverside City Landmark. You will find historic markers and memorials. A large cross at the summit honors Father Junípero Serra. Enjoy the views from Mt Rubidoux.
March Field Air Museum
Visit the March Field Air Museum. This museum has 114 aircraft and over 30,000 artifacts. You can see massive planes like the B-52 Stratofortress. Look at World War II icons like the B-17G Flying Fortress. The museum also has a Vietnam-era Fire Base. You can explore Firebase Romeo Charlie. It features period helicopters. This museum helps you understand aviation history.
The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture
The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture focuses on Chicana/o/x art. It houses Cheech Marin’s amazing collection. This center is a place for art and dialogue. It explores the art’s roots in the Chicano Movement. You can see how art responds to social conditions. This center celebrates Chicanx culture. It aims to inspire you through its rich resources.
George & Sakaye Artani Japanese Garden
Find peace at the George & Sakaye Artani Japanese Garden. This tranquil garden offers a quiet escape. You can enjoy its beautiful design and serene atmosphere. It is a lovely spot for reflection.
Castle Park
Castle Park offers fun for the whole family. This park has over 25 rides and attractions. It is one of the best family-friendly attractions in Riverside. You will find options for all ages. There are kiddie rides and rides for taller guests. Enjoy classic rides, Mini Golf, and the Castle Carousel. During summer, Buccaneer Cove offers splash-worthy fun. Your family will make unforgettable memories here.
Visiting Riverside Tips
Planning your trip to Riverside is easy when you know a few things. Here are some tips to help you enjoy your visit to this great city.
Best Time to Visit
You can visit Riverside any time of year. The weather is generally pleasant. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures. You will find mild days perfect for exploring. Look at the average temperatures below to help you decide:
Month | 10-Year Avg High (°F) | 10-Year Avg Low (°F) | 30-Year Avg High (°F) | 30-Year Avg Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
January | 69 | 45 | 68 | 44 |
February | 69 | 45 | 68 | 45 |
March | 72 | 48 | 72 | 47 |
April | 79 | 52 | 76 | 50 |
May | 80 | 55 | 80 | 55 |
June | 88 | 60 | 87 | 59 |
July | 94 | 65 | 93 | 64 |
August | 95 | 66 | 95 | 65 |
September | 92 | 64 | 91 | 62 |
October | 85 | 57 | 83 | 55 |
November | 75 | 49 | 75 | 47 |
December | 67 | 45 | 67 | 43 |
Year | 81 | 54 | 80 | 53 |
Consider visiting during one of Riverside’s many annual events. You can enjoy the Multicultural Youth Festival, the Riverside Community Flower Show, or Cinco de Mayo. The Indian Pow Wow and Vintage Home Tour also draw crowds. Don’t miss the famous Festival of Lights in winter.
Getting Around
You have several ways to get around Riverside. The Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) offers bus services. These buses connect you to nearby cities like Moreno Valley and Corona. For longer trips, use the Metrolink train service. It runs from the Riverside-Downtown station. You can reach Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Bernardino. Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available. You can even explore many bicycle-friendly routes, including the Santa Ana River Trail.
Local Dining
Riverside offers many great dining choices. You will find everything from casual eateries to fine dining. Explore downtown for diverse restaurants and bars. Remember the Riverside Food Lab for a unique culinary experience. It has many artisan food and drink vendors. You can try different cuisines all in one spot.
You have seen that Riverside, California truly offers something for everyone. From its rich history and fascinating historic sites to vibrant entertainment and engaging city attractions, you will find a memorable experience. This Southern California city promises rewarding entertainment. Plan your visit to Riverside today and discover its unique charm!
FAQ
What is the most famous landmark you should visit in Riverside?
You must visit The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. This historic landmark showcases stunning architecture and hosts the Festival of Lights. It is a true gem in Riverside.
What kind of entertainment can you find in Riverside?
You can enjoy live shows at the Fox Performing Arts Center or interactive fun at The Game Lab. The Downtown Riverside Art Walk also offers a lively cultural experience.
Are there attractions for a family in Riverside?
Yes, Castle Park is perfect for a family outing. It offers over 25 rides and attractions, including mini-golf and a water play area during summer. You will find fun for all ages.
What is the best time to visit Riverside, California?
Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for exploring. You will enjoy mild temperatures perfect for outdoor activities and events.