Things to do in Riverside, California
- The city is home to the original parent navel orange tree, which sparked a multi-million dollar agricultural boom in the late 19th century.
- The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, a National Historic Landmark, introduced the bells that are now a signature sound of the downtown area.
- Riverside sits at the base of the Box Springs Mountains, influencing its unique microclimate that differs significantly from coastal Southern California.
- The city was the site of the first Easter sunrise service in the United States, held atop Mt. Rubidoux in 1909.
- Riverside occupies a significant portion of the Santa Ana River watershed, which has historically dictated the city's development patterns and park placement.
About Riverside, California
Riverside serves as the birthplace of the California citrus industry, a heritage showcased through the groves at California Citrus State Historic Park. The city is geographically anchored by the Santa Ana River and the prominent Mt. Rubidoux Peak, which offers panoramic views of the inland valley. Residents and visitors utilize diverse green spaces like Fairmount Park and the UC Riverside Botanic Gardens for outdoor recreation. Its strategic location in the Inland Empire makes it a regional hub for education and historic preservation.
Highlights of Riverside, California
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
Walk through working orange groves that highlight the city's agricultural roots.
Parks
Hike to the summit for a bird's-eye view of the city and its surrounding mountain ranges.
Parks
Explore diverse flora across various climate zones ranging from desert to subtropical.
Parks
Enjoy the classic park architecture and lake views designed during the early 20th century.
Amusement parks
Access a variety of thrill rides and family-oriented amusement attractions in one central location.
Parks
Utilize extensive aquatic recreational facilities including water slides and activity pools.
Parks
Camp and fish along the Santa Ana River within this expansive regional nature preserve.
Top things to do in Riverside, California
The 36 highest-rated places in Riverside, California, ranked by travellers.
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Parks
Fairmount Park in Riverside is a historic 127-acre municipal park centered around two man-made lakes, Lake Evans and Fai...
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Parks
Mount Rubidoux Park is a 161-acre landmark in Riverside, California, known for its paved trail system that winds to the...
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Amusement parks
Castle Park Riverside is a long-standing amusement park featuring over 25 rides, including the historic 'Fireball' coast...
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Parks
Ryan Bonaminio Park is a 37-acre recreational facility in Riverside, California, named in honor of a Riverside Police Of...
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Parks
Rancho Jurupa Regional Park is a 200-acre recreational facility situated along the Santa Ana River in Riverside, Califor...
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Parks
Hunter Hobby Park is a specialized recreational space in Riverside, California, best known as the home of the Riverside...
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Parks
Andulka Park serves as a premier municipal tennis hub in Riverside, California, featuring 12 lighted tennis courts. The...
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Parks
California Citrus State Historic Park commemorates the 1870s citrus boom that shaped Southern California's cultural and...
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Parks
The UC Riverside Botanic Gardens span 40 acres of hilly terrain nestled in the foothills of the Box Springs Mountains. T...
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Parks
Martha McLean-Anza Narrows Park is a riverfront recreational space situated along the Santa Ana River in Riverside, Cali...
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Parks
The Cove Waterpark is a public aquatics facility in Riverside, California, operated by the Jurupa Community Services Dis...
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Museums
The Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center serves as a regional hub for earth science education, featuring extensive displays...
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Parks
Rancho Jurupa Regional Sports Park is a dedicated athletic and recreation complex located along the Santa Ana River in J...
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Parks
Mt. Rubidoux Park is a 161-acre landmark in Riverside, California, featuring a paved 3.5-mile loop trail that reaches an...
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Museums
The Riverside Art Museum is housed in a building originally designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan in 1929, serving...
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Parks
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Temples
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Historical places
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Museums
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Venues
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Temples
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Riverside, California on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Riverside, California
March through May or October through November, as temperatures are mild and ideal for exploring outdoor parks.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to hike local trails and visit historic botanical sites.
A car is essential for navigating the spread-out geography, though the downtown area maintains some pedestrian-friendly pockets.
Stay in the downtown area to remain near historic landmarks and the Mission Inn district, or choose neighborhoods near the university for a quieter atmosphere.
Mid-range; lodging and dining costs are generally lower than those in coastal Los Angeles or Orange County.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 36 curated attractions in and around Riverside, California, ranked by traveller ratings.
Fairmount Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Riverside, California right now.
The largest category is parks, with 20 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Downtown Los Angeles, Bayonne, New Jersey, Washington, D.C..
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