Tourists typically overlook Riverside, California, despite the fact that it has everything they could ever want from a vacation spot. Riverside is a great place to get a real feel for the laid-back culture and attitude of Southern California, even though it lacks the number of significant attractions seen in other places within the country. However, join ViewCation as we identify some of the best things to do in Riverside, California.
Riverside Art Museum’s Exhibits
.In addition to displaying works by local artists, the Riverside Art Museum also provides educational opportunities for those interested in the visual arts, such as gallery talks, seminars, and even the opportunity to purchase some works. There are about 1500 works in the museum’s permanent collection, and about 20 temporary exhibits are displayed there every year.
Among the oldest structures in Riverside, this one is so significant that it earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States. Its remarkable beauty is the result of an innovative fusion of classical and Mediterranean design elements, including concrete, glass, terracotta, and wood.
Box Springs National Reserve Park.
The Box Springs Mountain Reserve Park is an ecological park that spans over 1,100 acres (or 445 hectares) and is centred around the Box Springs mountains. It’s a great place to experience the outdoors because there are 15 miles (24 km) of trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding.
The peak of Box Springs Mountain is 3,080 feet (940 meters) above sea level, making it a great spot to take in panoramic views of Riverside and its environs.
Citrus State Historic Park
The California Citrus State Historic Park is an outdoor museum, park, and garden that preserves the history of California’s booming citrus business in the 20th century. The doors to the park were opened in 1993. The cultural, environmental, and political components of the movement are all explored through several exhibits and accounts from people engaged.
Due to the park’s continued citrus fruit production, it serves as an excellent educational resource for those interested in learning more about this sector of California’s economy. It’s a great place to combine fun, learning and relaxation.
Enjoy a round of golf at Fairmount.
Located in the northern part of Fairmount Park, the Fairmount Golf Course features a modest course and driving range for golfers.
The fact that it is a shorter course and features a driving range makes it an excellent choice for novice golfers. Nonetheless, more seasoned players will also find the course to be enjoyable on account of its beautiful surroundings.
All of the amenities are first-rate, and the pro shop and snack bar are well-stocked at reasonable prices.
Explore Mt. Rubidoux
Although it sits in the middle of Riverside, Mt. Rubidoux is one of the most easily accessible hiking sites in the entire Inland Empire. Over 500 feet tall, the mountain towers over the city and can be seen from almost anywhere. The mountain is most well-known for hosting the longest continually held outdoor worship in the United States, the Easter Sunrise ceremony. In addition to that, it is also a superb year-round trek that leads to a breathtaking vantage point of the city below. There are several options for those seeking an easy stroll or a strenuous trek, so be sure to pack along your hiking boots.
Mission Inn Hotel and Spa.
For almost a century, the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa in the heart of Downtown Riverside has welcomed movie stars, heads of state, and ordinary tourists alike. The hotel has had extensive renovations throughout that time and is now a stunning example of the Mission Revival architectural style. Spending a half-day at this hotel, exploring the grounds, and dining at one of the restaurants is a delightful way to experience Riverside. The hotel also boasts one of the best spas in the region. During the holiday season, they put on a show called Festival of Lights, which is widely considered to be among the best such shows in the entire country. Naturally, it gets crowded around the holidays, but it’s hard to find a better option than this one.
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Van Buren Drive-In theatre.
The outdoor drive-in theatre screens of the Van Buren Drive-In Theatre and Swap Meet date back to 1964. With the decline of the drive-in theatre, this venue offers a last chance to enjoy a classic or contemporary film in the setting of a vanishingly popular American tradition.
Every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m., the facility organizes a trade meet for people who aren’t interested in movies or who just can’t get enough of the setting.
You will find over 300 different merchants, giving you the opportunity to pick up some deals while still having fun and appreciating the historical surroundings.
Tio’s Tacos
Tios Tacos is an interesting and entertaining eatery in Riverside. There is a wide variety of bizarre sculptures and other forms of original artwork on show throughout the restaurant. The restaurant is a lot of fun to go to, and because it is regularly updated, you can expect to see something different each time you go there. In addition, you may enjoy some delicious Mexican cuisine there while you take in all of the entertaining art that is on display.
Lake Matthews-Estelle Mountain Reserve.
Lake Matthews-Estelle Mountain Reserve is a nature preserve that spans over 4,000 acres and is located in the general vicinity of Lake Matthews.
The lake was created artificially as a reservoir in 1961, and it now offers visitors the chance to go for a swim in beautiful surroundings.
Float around in the lake and soak up the California sun while taking in the sights and sounds of the local fauna, which includes kangaroo rats and a variety of bird species. It is an incredible way to spend the afternoon, whether you do it by yourself, with your family, or with your friends.
Gothic Hills Cemetery.
Southwest Riverside is home to a haunted house called the Gothic Hills Cemetery. The attraction features elaborately designed sets that are meant to evoke a cemetery, replete with tombs and crypts and an eerie atmosphere.
If you are the type of person who gets a kick out of ghosts, ghouls, and other terrifying things, then this event in Riverside is the ideal chance for you to have some laughs and put your nerves to the test.
UCR ARTS
The University of California, Riverside (UCR) Art Museum is also known as the California Museum of Photography. It features exhibitions relating to the intersection of art, history, and technology through the medium of photography. The museum is divided into four connected sections, and it houses what is often regarded as the largest collection of pictures in the western United States.
Anyone even mildly interested in photography should check out this archive, which has hundreds of thousands of negatives, prints, cameras, and other photographic equipment.
Chill in Fairmount Park
Located in north-central Riverside, the 250-acre Fairmount Park is a sight to behold. The three stunning lakes provide opportunities for fishing, swimming, and pedal boating, while the surrounding rose gardens, meadows, forests, and picnic spaces are perfect for visitors looking to take a leisurely stroll. The facility includes amenities like a bandshell, bowling green, gazebo, golf course, playground, jiu-jitsu garden, workout courses, and more.
The park is a popular gathering spot for the community and plays host to a wide variety of public activities.
Fox Theatre.
The Fox Performing Arts Center is one of the best places to check out your favourite movies. It was built in 1929 and features an eclectic mix of Mission and Spanish Colonial Revival architectural elements. The world premiere of “Gone With the Wind” in 1939 cemented the theatre’s reputation as the cultural epicentre of Riverside.
Recognized as a significant Riverside landmark, it was given a $35 million facelift between 2006 and 2009.
Since its reopening, it has played host to some of the biggest and best concerts, Broadway revivals, and showings of classic films, giving it a terrific location to take in the best entertainment in distinguishable settings.
Bike Along the Santa Ana River Trail
The Santa Ana River Trail is a series of cycling routes that, at some point in the future, will extend all the way to the coast. The Santa Ana River, which is normally only a trickle here, runs through a big chunk of Riverside, and the city also has a good portion of the path that goes past various parks along the river. For the most part, the track is scenic and separates riders from the busy road below. The park is accessible from all throughout the city, but especially conveniently from Ryan Beniamino Park, which is located next to Mt. Rubidoux.
It is now time for us to hear from you. Let us know in the comments which fun activity piqued your interest the most. And, for those who have vacationed in Riverside, California, what was the most memorable aspect of your experience? Remember to show your support by liking this video and subscribing to the channel. Enabling post notifications will ensure that you don’t miss any of our daily uploads. Catch you in the next one.