Things To Do
in Riverside
Riverside, California is an inland Southern California city known for its historic Mission Inn, citrus-growing heritage, and a lively downtown arts district. It sits at the edge of the Inland Empire with easy access to nearby mountains and desert recreation. Riverside blends small-city charm with the amenities of a university town (UC Riverside) and a growing food-and-brewery scene.
Visitors find a mix of historic architecture, parks, and outdoor activities within a short drive of larger metropolitan areas.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through Riverside's Historic District, where you can admire the stunning architecture of the early 20th century. Visit the iconic Mission Inn Hotel, a National Historic Landmark, and take a guided tour to learn about its rich history. Don’t forget to grab a coffee at one of the quaint local cafes nearby to fuel your adventures.
After lunch, visit the Riverside Art Museum, which showcases contemporary art and serves as a cultural hub for the community. Spend some time exploring the nearby California Citrus State Historic Park, where you can learn about the region's citrus industry and enjoy a walk through the groves. Take in the beautiful scenery and snap pictures of the vibrant landscape.
As the sun sets, head to the Riverside Fox Theater where you can catch a live performance or movie screening. For dinner, indulge in a delicious meal at a local restaurant, experiencing the diverse culinary offerings of Riverside. Wrap up your evening with a stroll along the Santa Ana River, enjoying the tranquil sounds of nature.
Begin your day at the Riverside Metropolitan Museum, where you can explore intriguing exhibits about local wildlife and natural history. Afterward, venture to the Riverside Zoo, home to a variety of animals from around the world, including endangered species. Spend the morning observing the animals and participating in any scheduled feeding or educational sessions.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at the zoo's designated picnic area before heading over to the nearby Mount Rubidioux Park for a hike. The trails offer stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains, making it a perfect spot for photography. Take your time to explore the park's history, including the iconic cross at the summit.
As evening approaches, return to the city and treat yourself to a casual dinner at a local bistro. Consider sampling some of Riverside’s craft beers at a nearby brewery to unwind after a day of exploration. If you're up for it, check out any local events or live music happening in the downtown area.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $5-8 |
| 🚕Short local rideshare | $10-25 |
| 🏨Midrange hotel (per night) | $100-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Historic downtown with unique architecture and cultural sites
- Good access to outdoor activities (hiking, biking, parks) close to the city
- Affordable compared with coastal Southern California and Los Angeles
- Hot summers and occasional poor air quality from wildfire smoke
- Traffic congestion on regional freeways during peak hours
- Less of a major nightlife/entertainment hub compared with larger nearby cities
Places to Visit in Riverside
Visit one of these nice places.
Ornate architecture, detailed carvings, historic courtyards and lighting make the Mission Inn a prime subject for daytime and evening photography.
A short hike with panoramic views of downtown Riverside, the Santa Ana River valley and surrounding mountains—especially dramatic at sunrise or sunset.
Rows of citrus trees, interpretive displays and open sky offer pastoral compositions and a sense of Riverside’s agricultural history.
Colorful murals, street art and the lively food-hall interior provide great urban and lifestyle photography backdrops.
Lakeside views, mature trees and historic boathouse architecture are popular for relaxed nature and portrait shots.
Food in Riverside
Riverside Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh, Baja-style fish tacos and carne asada tacos are widely available at taco stands and casual restaurants; look for places that use grilled meats and house-made salsas.
Must-Try!
Desserts and cocktails highlighting local citrus — orange or lemon tarts, citrus-infused pastries — are a nod to Riverside’s citrus-grove past and show up in bakeries and restaurants.
Bowls featuring avocado, grilled vegetables, whole grains and local produce are common at cafés and reflect Riverside’s emphasis on fresh ingredients.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market with fresh produce, prepared foods and occasional live music; a good spot to try local citrus, baked goods and small food vendors.
A multi-vendor indoor food hall in downtown offering diverse options from tacos and barbecue to pizza and desserts—great for groups with varied tastes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People in Riverside tend to be casual and friendly—hello and a smile go a long way. Dress is generally informal except at more upscale venues.
When visiting historic sites and parks (like the Mission Inn and citrus park), respect signage, stay on paths and follow rules for photography or guided tours.
Spanish is commonly spoken alongside English—attempting a polite Spanish greeting is appreciated in many interactions.
Safety
Tipping in Riverside
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping in restaurants is 15–20% of pre-tax bill for satisfactory service; bartenders generally expect $1–2 per drink or 15–20% of the bar tab. Tip delivery drivers and rideshare drivers around 10–20% depending on service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Keep small cash for farmers’ markets, street vendors or small businesses that may be cash-preferred.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry—daytime highs frequently climb into the 90s–100s°F (32–40°C). Plan outdoor activities for mornings and evenings, carry water, use sun protection, and be aware of heat advisories and wildfire smoke during particularly hot periods.
Warm days and cooler nights make fall one of the most pleasant times to visit; it’s a good season for hiking, festivals and outdoor dining, and citrus harvest activity begins in late fall.
Mild winters with daytime highs in the 50s–60s°F (10–20°C) and occasional rain. Snow is very rare in Riverside itself but nearby mountains may get snow for winter recreation.
Mild weather and blooming wildflowers; spring is ideal for outdoor activities, visiting citrus groves and enjoying riverside parks before summer heat sets in.
Riverside at Night
Hiking in Riverside
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, popular trails with paved sections and a summit offering panoramic views of downtown Riverside—good for sunrise hikes and easy fitness outings.
More rugged trails with longer routes and varied terrain for hikers looking for a longer workout and quiet views of the Inland Empire.
A network of trails through a scenic canyon environment with opportunities for birdwatching and moderate hikes.
Short drive to higher-elevation trails and trailheads offering cooler temperatures, forested routes and access to mountain recreation in cooler months.
Long, mostly flat trail suitable for walking, running and cycling along the river corridor connecting parks and open spaces.
Airports
How to reach Riverside by plane.
About 20–30 miles west of Riverside; convenient for domestic and some international flights with airport shuttles, rideshares and rental cars providing easy access to the city.
Approximately 45–60 minutes southeast depending on traffic; an option for some domestic flights and useful if combining Riverside with desert recreation.
Around 60–80 miles west and typically 1–2+ hours by car depending on traffic; a major international gateway with more flight options but longer transfer times.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large and culturally influential portion of the population, contributing to local cuisine, festivals and Spanish-language businesses.
UC Riverside brings a diverse student population and academic community, shaping cultural events and nightlife.
Riverside has many family-oriented neighborhoods with a mix of long-term residents, newer arrivals and commuter households.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
UC Riverside hosts NCAA Division I teams, with basketball and baseball drawing local fans and student support.
Soccer is widely played at youth and adult levels, with numerous local clubs and community fields.
Trail running, road races and outdoor fitness activities are popular given the city’s park system and nearby trails.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Riverside.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common at cafés, bistros and the food hall; look for vegetable-forward bowls, salads, and plant-based proteins. Many places clearly mark vegetarian dishes or will adapt plates on request.
Vegan choices are available but can be more limited at older, traditional establishments—downtown newer cafés and the food hall tend to have clearly labeled vegan options, and specialty vegan bakeries or cafes can be found within the county.
Gluten-free requests are increasingly accommodated. Ask staff about cross-contamination at bakeries or taco stands; many sit-down restaurants offer gluten-free bread or pasta on request.