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Nestled along the Santa Ana river and located about 50 miles southeast of downtown LA, Riverside is known as a city of innovation and arts. The city was founded in the early 1870s, with the Cahuilla and Serrano indigenous peoples inhabiting the area prior. It would then become the birthplace of the citrus industry in California.
Since then, Riverside has grown into a bustling metropolis. It is the 12th largest city in California, and the 59th largest city in the US. If you have the opportunity to visit this incredible city, you will find that there is something to do there for everyone. Here are some of the best places to visit in Riverside, California.
Cultural Attractions
There are many museums, art exhibits, and other cultural delights to explore in Riverside. Here are some of our favorites:
Mission Inn Museum
This stunning architectural wonder is the largest mission revival style building in the US. The museum offers visitors a glimpse into the past, blending history, art, and architecture all in a single experience.
March Field Air Museum
This aviation museum showcases some of the most incredible and historically significant planes and helicopters, including a replica of the plane that started it all – the Wright Flyer.
Riverside Art Museum
Offering a blend of contemporary and classical art styles in sculpting, painting, photography, and others, the Riverside Art Museum has something for everyone – and often has community events available as well.
Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture
Located in the Riverside Art Museum complex, The Cheech (as it is locally called) highlights Latino art, heritage, and culture, and acts as an amplifier and inspiration for Latino artists both locally and beyond Riverside.
Museum of Riverside
This museum takes visitors back through the metropolitan and natural history of Riverside, from its humble beginnings in the colonial age to its rise in the citrus industry and beyond.
UCR/California Museum of Photography
With over 500,000 pieces in the museum’s collection spanning across the history of photography, you can see a snapshot of everything from the most monumental moments in history to the most gorgeous offerings of nature.
Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center
If you like dinosaurs, Earth science, and natural history, you’ll want to add this family-friendly museum to your travel plans.
Fox Performing Arts Center
From comedians to concerts in all genres to the Rocky Horror Picture Show, there is always a show to catch at the Fox Performing Arts Center.
Local Art Galleries
If you’re craving a more local view of the art scene, the following are some of the best galleries in Riverside:
- Pain Sugar Gallery
- Division 9 Gallery
- Michael Elderman Studio
- Mind & Mill
- The People’s Gallery
Natural Attractions
Even though the bustle and energy of a large city like Riverside is what attracts many of its visitors, the city and surrounding areas also offer some amazing natural attractions.
Mount Rubidoux
Nestled just west of downtown Riverside, this park has paved trails for walking, running, and biking, as well as dirt trails for hiking – with plenty of gorgeous views along the way.
Whitewater Preserve
Whether you’re a day-trip hiker, an avid camper, or simply like to birdwatch, this natural preserve contains stunning Southern California wildlife and geographical features.
University of California Riverside Botanical Gardens
There’s nothing more peaceful than a walk in the gardens, surrounded by the most beautiful natural flora of the region.
Fairmount Park
This public park has plenty of trails along the picturesque Lake Evans as well as gazebos, playgrounds, and other park amenities. Plan a picnic, or simply escape from the surrounding city for a lovely walk.
California Citrus State Historic Park
This state park tells the story of the citrus industry in California and contains a wide variety of orange and other citrus tree species – as well as fruit tastings.
Other Attractions
If you’re not looking for a cultural experience or a full day outdoors and you just want to enjoy being in Riverside, here are some other ideas of cool places to check out in the city.
Shopping
There’s no shortage of places to shop in Riverside, from the small and posh plazas to the largest malls. The following are some of the most-visited stops for that shopping fix:
- Riverside Plaza
- Main Street Mall Downtown
- The Shops at Dos Lagos
- Towngate Promenade
- Galleria at Tyler
Entertainment
From fun and games to movies to live music, there is entertainment to be found all over Riverside. Here are some of the most popular spots:
- GLO Mini Golf – if you thought regular putt-putt golf was hard, try it glow-in-the-dark style!
- Fiesta Village Family Fun Park – a local amusement park with fun for the whole family
- Riverside Game Lab – if you haven’t gotten your pinball or Pac-Man fix in a while, what are you waiting for?
- The Great Park Balloon – a hot air balloon ride offering the most incredible views of Riverside and the surrounding areas
- Castle Park – another local amusement park with rides and games for the family
- Rubidoux Drive In Theater – a blast from the past with movies from the present
Whether you’re visiting Riverside for the first time or the hundredth, the city is full of life and offers no shortage of activities and attractions for people of all ages. There are several museums that will allow you to learn about the rich history and culture of the area, many stunning natural features nearby, and a whole bunch of fun and excitement in the city itself.
References
https://riversidecvb.com/riverside-reimagined/things-to-do/arts-culture/
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g32978-Activities-c49-Riverside_California.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g32978-Activities-c57-Riverside_California.html
