12 Fun Activities and Exciting Things to do in Riverside

In Los Angeles’ Inland Empire, Riverside is counted among the largest cities. This stunning city has a lot to offer when it comes to tourism. Be it the palm trees-packed sidewalks or southern California-style architecture, you will have plenty of options to enjoy a perfect day out. In addition to this, it has numerous historical monuments to make Riverside a must-visit destination. However, before you decide to visit, you should know the activities and things to do in Riverside. Without knowing this aspect, you may have a clueless time in this city. 

To help you a bit more, we have come up with this post. So, continue reading this post to learn about the places where you can go and enjoy various things.

Things to do in Riverside California

1. Mission Inn

This is a precious yet historic piece that defines the beauty of Spanish architecture. Mission Inn occupies the whole block of the area with a beautiful castle. Even though it offers a historic feel, tourists can have the most luxurious and modern comfort in this hotel.

There are so many reasons to visit Mission Inn. First and foremost, it is quite popular among people for its delicious cuisine. It is best known for its seafood dishes and steaks. Apart from this, you can come here to witness stylishly designed rooms, and eye-pleasing gardens. 

2. Mount Rubidoux Park

It is more like a landmark of Riverside. And yes, Mount Rubidoux is also a hole to popular hikes. Numerous routes will take tourists to the peak of the mountain. You will be amazed to see how wildflowers and cacti have covered the routes.

Even though it has many historical points, Peace Power is the most popular among all. It has the largest national flag that is waving in the air proudly. Additionally, you can view the whole Inland Empire by going to the top of Mount Rubidoux. When it comes to the things to do in Riverside this weekend, you can come here to capture mesmerizing views and enjoy a delicious lunch with your loved ones. Meeting locals is yet another fun thing to do in Riverside, CA.

3. California Citrus State Historic Park

Expanded in the area of 250 acres, the California Citrus State Historic Park is located in the downtown’s southwest part. This is one of the parks that are fully dedicated to the legacy of citrus in this state. Called the 2nd Gold Rush of California, you will get to see colorful groves here. There is also a visitor center where you can go to understand the history of this industry. For this, there are many exhibits and interpretive displays.

One of the most attractive things about this park is that there is a giant orange along with palm trees placed at the entry gate. It is done to welcome visitors. When you are here, do not miss out on the Sunkist Center. It provides visitors an opportunity to try fresh citrus. It is a perfect family spot too.

4. UC Riverside Botanic Gardens

There are multiple botanic gardens. Each of them has a lush environment with trails for easy exploration. So many benches are also placed wherein you can sit and do some rest. This place also includes the South African Garden, North American Desert Section, Lilac Lane, and so on. If you admire flowers and butterflies, then it is a must-visit place for you as it has a butterfly garden and a wide rose garden.

People who are interested in plants and flowers can also meet the experts here to learn more about the local flora and fauna. Due to its educational significance, a lot of schools, colleges, and normal members conduct a tour of the UC Riverside Botanic Gardens.

5. Van Buren Drive-In Theater

If you are still wondering about the activities or asking yourself what to do in Riverside, then this place could be the answer for best things to do in Riverside at night. This drive-in theater is one of the most favorite family spots at present. After a long and hectic week, you can come here with your near and dear ones to enjoy the novelty of the drive-in theater.

More than 300 vendors are also there where you can go and do some shopping. However, you will need to note down the opening hours of this drive-in theater and the shops. 

6. March Field Air Museum

This museum showcases thousands of artifacts related to the aviation industry along with more than 70 aircraft. All these possessions are 100+ years older. As soon as you enter the March Field Air Museum, you will get to see generations of airplanes on the display. Some bigger planes are also parked in the hangar.

Apart from this, you can capture many unmanned aircraft, bombers, spy planes, and helicopters here. To enjoy your visit, you should take the tram tour that will last around 45 minutes. This will not only entertain you but educate you at the same time.

7. Main Street Mall

It is one of the main pedestrian corridors of the downtown as it connected historic sites, small shops, and the local flavors. The Main Street Mall is landscaped with fountains, colorful trees, and gardens. It offers numerous opportunities for visitors to sit here and enjoy their day.

The cultural and historical attractions of this place include the California Museum of Photography, the Mission Inn, and so on. If you think that walking is the only thing that you can enjoy here, then you are wrong. It is because so many cafes and restaurants offer local dishes and casual bites.

8. Riverside Art Museum

As an art lover, visiting the Riverside Art Museum is a must-things to do in Riverside with kids. This museum exhibits around 1500 artworks. In addition to this, you can also see watercolor paintings, posters, and lithographs in this museum. 

Before you visit this museum, you should note down that you also participate in the Arts Walk. It takes place in the Riverside Art Museum on the 1st Thursday of every month. Furthermore, admissions are free and you can have unlimited cultural entertainment. Please remember that this museum is not open on Mondays.

9. Santa Ana River Trail

This under-construction trail will cover 110 miles between Huntington Beach and San Bernardino National Forest. This Santa Ana River Trail has some notable stops that include Mount Rubidoux and Fairmount Park. In the southern part, Martha McLean-Anza Narrows Park is also a popular spot for golf enthusiasts. 

This trail will provide the safest paths to walkers, horseback riders, runners, and bicyclists and can be the best things to do in Riverside for couples. This park still has a water facility, but it is good to have some extra bottles in your bag, particularly when you are visiting here on summer days.

10. Riverside Metropolitan Museum

This museum dates back to 1920. Initially, it was known as the Riverside Municipal Museum. But after some time i.e. 1991, the name was changed to showcase a broader focus. However, the museum has a rich collection related to natural sciences, anthropology, and history.

In addition to this, visitors can also gain knowledge about the citrus industry, native minerals, and rocks. To make the displays even more eye-catching, they have set up the same in the form of photographs, videos, and 3D dioramas. It is a perfect place to visit with your kids as they can have so many things to learn about various topics.

11. Fairmount Park

It is one of the top place for fun things to do in Riverside. Situated next to Mount Rubidoux Park, it has scenic trails for biking, cycling, and walking. Fairmount Park mainly defines the water features and connects it to other amenities such as historic boathouses, tennis courts, playgrounds, and a bandshell.

The park also consists of a beautifully decorated rose garden that is just near Lake Evans. If you want to see roses fully bloom, then you must visit to Fairmount Park in May. At this time, the park looks so pleasant and colorful.

Check more places to visit in California:

• Things to do in La Jolla
• Things to do in Fresno 
• Things To Do in Fullerton
• Things To Do in Merced
• Things to Do in South Lake Tahoe
• Things to Do in Capitola

12. Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park

To explore the region’s wildlife at its best, your must-visit spot should be Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park. Available in a massive area of 1500 acres, it has open spaces, long trails, and wildlife. It is a popular spot among those who love mountain biking, running, and hiking. You can enjoy these activities in the late evenings or early morning. 

When it comes to wildlife, this park is home to different types of snakes and various reptiles. Additionally, you will also see native plants such as Fremont Cottonwood and Scarlet Monkey Flower along with some rare flora and fauna. It is the best park to collect information about the local wildlife.

Closing remarks

Ravishing Riverside is a popular town among keen travelers. You can also visit this beautiful town and have endless fun. Here, you can have top-rated and fun activities and things to do in Riverside CA. You just need to make a list of the areas where you want to visit. Lastly, make the necessary arrangements in advance so that you have more time to enjoy your vacations. 

Trip to Palm Springs, California in November can be wonderful for shopping and hiking due to cooler temps. Shops, boutiques, and galleries are well.