Top 12 Parks in Riverside

History and Significance: Fairmount Park is a large urban park located in the heart of Riverside. It was established in the late 1800s and has been an iconic green space for the city for over a century. The park offers views of the city skyline and the Santa Ana River.

What to Expect: Fairmount Park is a great place to enjoy nature while still being in the city. Visitors can hike the trails, relax by the river, have a picnic, or take in views of downtown Riverside. The park has playgrounds, sports fields, and plenty of shade trees.

Visitor Information: Fairmount Park is open daily from 6am to 10pm. There are restrooms, drinking fountains, benches, and picnic tables throughout the park. Leashed dogs are welcome.

As one of the oldest parks in Riverside, the sprawling 400 acre Fairmount Park is a beloved green space in the heart of downtown. Originally purchased in the late 1800s by one of the city’s founding fathers, it has served as a gathering place for over a century. Take a stroll around the duck filled lake or have a picnic on the Great Lawn while admiring views of the Box Springs Mountain range. Let kids run wild at the playgrounds or explore trails winding through native vegetation and flower gardens perfect for a relaxing walk. With wide open fields, Fairmount Park also hosts community events like art fairs, concerts, and summer movies under the stars all year long.

Hike Trails at Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park

Name and Location: Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, Riverside, CA

History and Significance: Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park is a nature preserve with over 7,000 acres of hiking trails and native habitat. The park is an oasis of wilderness within the city and offers visitors a chance to experience nature and scenic views.

What to Expect: Miles of scenic hiking trails, views of Box Springs Mountain, encounters with wildlife like bobcats, coyotes, and over 200 species of birds. The park features sycamore trees, oak woodlands, and riparian areas.

Visitor Information: The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Leashed dogs allowed. Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes for hiking. Parking available at trailheads.

Escape into nature without leaving Riverside by hiking the rugged trails at Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park. As one of the largest urban parks in Southern California, it spans over 1,500 acres filled with scenic vistas.Native Sycamore trees dot the landscape with an array of wildlife including hawks, owls, deer and bobcats. Almost 10 miles of multi-use trails draw mountain bikers, trail runners, hikers and horseback riders ranging from easy to difficult. Family-friendly trails run adjacent to Sycamore Canyon Creek shaded by lush trees, while more advanced routes climb steep ridgelines with panoramic views. With free entry and ample parking, it’s a perfect outdoor recreation spot right in Riverside’s backyard.

Relax at Martha McLean Park

Name and Location: Martha McLean Park, Riverside, CA

History and Significance: Martha McLean Park is a historic city park located along the Santa Ana River. It was founded in the early 1900s and named after a pioneering settler. The park provides views of the river and city.

What to Expect: Shaded picnic areas, playgrounds, hiking trails, sports fields, river views. A great place for a family outing.

Visitor Information: Open daily from 5am to 10:30pm. Leashed dogs allowed. Parking lot, restrooms, picnic shelters available.

For more than 100 years, Martha McLean Park has been a cherished green space along Riverside’s Victoria Avenue. This lush park features sprawling lawns, rose gardens and winding walking paths under a canopy of mature oak and pepper trees originally planted when the property was a 19th century farmstead. Today visitors enjoy community concerts at the band shell stage on balmy summer evenings. Pack a picnic and relax while kids entertain themselves on the playground and splash pad area. Sports teams take advantage of the baseball and softball diamonds dotting the landscape. Tranquil Martha McLean Park conjures laid-back living sustained through generations of Riversiders.

Take in Mountain Views at Mount Rubidoux Park

Name and Location: Mount Rubidoux Park, Riverside, CA

History and Significance: Mount Rubidoux has been a Riverside landmark and popular hiking spot since 1907. The mountain provides panoramic views of the city, valley, and mountains.

What to Expect: Hiking trails leading to the top of the mountain, scenic overlooks, and a large peace memorial. The trails are paved and good for all fitness levels.

Visitor Information: Open daily from dawn to dusk. Parking lot at the base. Bring water and wear proper footwear.

Named after Louis Robidoux, one of Riverside’s founding settlers, Mount Rubidoux Park covers over 170 acres filled with paths and patches of native coastal sage scrub habitat. Of course the main draw is hiking the paved road to the top of Mount Rubidoux to take in awesome views, especially at sunrise or sunset. At the peak, the historic Peace Tower monument was built to honor early 20th century civic leader Frank Miller. Three interconnecting trails lead up the 1,329 foot summit allowing visitors to make a loop hike on their descent by varying routes. Benches scattered along the way provide spots to rest or take in views of downtown Riverside and the Santa Ana Mountains beyond.

Enjoy Riverside Views at Fairmount Park

Name and Location: Fairmount Park, Riverside, CA

History and Significance: Fairmount Park is a large urban park located in the heart of Riverside. It was established in the late 1800s and has been an iconic green space for the city for over a century. The park offers views of the city skyline and the Santa Ana River.

What to Expect: Fairmount Park is a great place to enjoy nature while still being in the city. Visitors can hike the trails, relax by the river, have a picnic, or take in views of downtown Riverside. The park has playgrounds, sports fields, and plenty of shade trees.

Visitor Information: Fairmount Park is open daily from 6am to 10pm. There are restrooms, drinking fountains, benches, and picnic tables throughout the park. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Spanning nearly 400 acres only blocks from downtown, Fairmount Park provides wide open green space in the heart of Riverside. Originally a citrus grove plantation in the late 1800s, the park today is filled with sprawling lawns, forested areas, and tranquil lakes. Take an easy stroll around the main lake while getting classic views of the towering Mission Inn and Mount Rubidoux. Have a picnic on the grass while kids expend energy at multiple playgrounds including adventure-style equipment. Basketball and tennis courts also dot the landscape. As one of the city’s original parks, Fairmount hosts many beloved community events from festivals to summer concerts and movies under the stars.

Find Shade at Villegas Park

Name and Location: Villegas Park, Riverside, CA

History and Significance: Villegas Park is a neighborhood park in Riverside that provides green space, playgrounds, and sports fields for the community. It was established in the 1960s.

What to Expect: Playgrounds, basketball courts, baseball diamonds, shaded picnic areas, and walking paths. A great place for families and kids.

Visitor Information: The park is open daily from 6am to 10pm. No reservation required for use of picnic tables and facilities.

A popular neighborhood park in southwest Riverside, Villegas Park spans over 50 acres filled with amenities. Mature oak and pepper trees spread across the grounds offering expansive shaded areas on hot days. Open lawn spaces provide room for picnics, games of catch, or even practicing yoga. The playground with separate areas for tots and bigger kids is a highlight. Villegas Park also features lighted tennis and basketball courts, baseball and softball diamonds, and a community center often used for classes ranging from ballet to karate. Leashed dogs are welcome across most areas of the park minus the sports fields. With abundant shade and recreation facilities, Villegas Park appeals to Riversiders of all ages.

Enjoy River Views at Martha McLean Park

Name and Location: Martha McLean Park, Riverside, CA

History and Significance: Martha McLean Park is a historic city park located along the Santa Ana River. It was founded in the early 1900s and named after a pioneering settler. The park provides views of the river and city.

What to Expect: Shaded picnic areas, playgrounds, hiking trails, sports fields, river views. A great place for a family outing.

Visitor Information: Open daily from 5am to 10:30pm. Leashed dogs allowed. Parking lot, restrooms, picnic shelters available.

For over 100 years, Martha McLean Park has welcomed visitors to its lush grounds just over a mile from downtown Riverside. This scenic park features tidy rose gardens and mature oak trees that provide shade across its expansive lawns. Walk the loop trail to take in tranquil pond views that attract local and migratory ducks. Sports teams take advantage of the baseball and softball diamonds while families picnic on the grass. The stage area hosts community concerts and events during warmer months. Visitors can also cool off at the playground with modern equipment and a splash pad area for kids. Historic Martha McLean Park sustains Riverside’s long tradition of picturesque parks.

Find Urban Nature at Fairmount Park

Name and Location: Fairmount Park, Riverside, CA

History and Significance: Fairmount Park is a large urban park located in the heart of Riverside. It was established in the late 1800s and has been an iconic green space for the city for over a century. The park offers views of the city skyline and the Santa Ana River.

What to Expect: Fairmount Park is a great place to enjoy nature while still being in the city. Visitors can hike the trails, relax by the river, have a picnic, or take in views of downtown Riverside. The park has playgrounds, sports fields, and plenty of shade trees.

Visitor Information: Fairmount Park is open daily from 6am to 10pm. There are restrooms, drinking fountains, benches, and picnic tables throughout the park. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Boasting nearly 400 acres just blocks from downtown Riverside, sprawling Fairmount Park has served residents since the late 1800s after originally being an orange grove. The park provides plenty of room to enjoy classic activities from hiking the Sage Trail loop to fishing the lake teeming with carp and catfish. Kids delight at playgrounds like the Fairytale Town themed area while sports teams take advantage of baseball and soccer fields. Many gather for events at the 1928 Parkview Bandshell. Don’t miss the Hall of Fame Courtyard honoring prominent Riversiders or the reflecting pool with fountain displays. Upside: easy accessibility to abundant urban nature at Fairmount Park.

Enjoy City Skyline Views at Mt. Rubidoux Park

Name and Location: Mount Rubidoux Park, Riverside, CA

History and Significance: Mount Rubidoux has been a Riverside landmark and popular hiking spot since 1907. The mountain provides panoramic views of the city, valley, and mountains.

What to Expect: Hiking trails leading to the top of the mountain, scenic overlooks, and a large peace memorial. The trails are paved and good for all fitness levels.

Visitor Information: Open daily from dawn to dusk. Parking lot at the base. Bring water and wear proper footwear.

Named for one of Riverside’s founding fathers, verdant Mount Rubidoux Park features challenging hiking trails and awesome skyline views. The star attraction is the paved road ascending 1,329 feet to the peak of Mount Rubidoux where the historic Peace Tower monument stands. Several trails lead to the top allowing hikers to descend by a different scenic route. Benches scattered along the paths provide perfect spots to admire panoramas of downtown Riverside with the towering Mission Inn and Mt. Baldy beyond. Walkers, trail runners, sightseers and mountain bikers all enjoy exploring the 170 acre park just minutes from central Riverside but seemingly a world away thanks to the natural landscapes and epic city views.

Play at Shamel Park

Name and Location: Shamel Park, Riverside, CA

History and Significance: Shamel Park is a small neighborhood park in Riverside. It was donated to the city in the 1950s by the Shamel family and provides green space for the local community.

What to Expect: Playground, basketball court, picnic tables, and open grass areas. A nice spot for families with kids to enjoy.

Visitor Information: The park is open daily from dawn to dusk. No reservations needed to use the facilities.

In addition to Fairmount Park, the City of Riverside also maintains dozens of smaller neighborhood parks that cater to local families. For over 50 years, Shamel Park has been a favorite community gathering place in the University neighborhood. This well-equipped park checks off every box including lighted tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball diamond, playground equipment, and walking paths circled by verdant lawns. The site also hosts the city’s competitive water polo and swim center bringing elite athletes to the Olympic-sized Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Aquatic Center. With green space, sports facilities and an engaged community, Shamel Park encourages staying active while having fun.

Enjoy Downtown Views at Fairmount Park

Spanning nearly 400 acres only blocks from downtown, Riverside’s expansive Fairmount Park provides wide open green space in the heart of the city. Originally a citrus grove plantation purchased in the late 1800s by noteworthy resident Matthew Gage, today the park is filled with sprawling lawns, meandering trails, tranquil lakes and forested areas. Take an easy stroll around the main lake while getting classic views of the towering Mission Inn Hotel set against the backdrop of Mount Rubidoux. Have a picnic on the grass while kids expend energy at multiple playgrounds and sports facilities. Voted “Best City Park” by Inland Empire Magazine readers, Fairmount Park sustains Riverside’s outdoor lifestyle.

Find Whimsical Play at Fairytale Town

Name and Location: Fairytale Town, Riverside, CA

History and Significance: Fairytale Town is a whimsical park in Riverside featuring fairy tale sets and structures for children’s play. It opened in 1958 and provides a creative, imaginary environment.

What to Expect: Storybook sets like the Old Woman’s Shoe and the Three Little Pigs homes. Play structures, interactive elements, and educational exhibits based on fairy tales.

Visitor Information: Open Tuesday through Sunday. Free admission. Designed for children ages 2-10 but fun for all ages.

For imaginative playtime inspired by childhood stories, visit Fairytale Town located inside Riverside’s sprawling Fairmount Park. This creative playground brings fairytales and nursery rhymes to life through intricately designed structures and buildings. Kids can climb Rapunzel’s tall tower, go down Jack’s giant beanstalk slide, walk through the old woman’s shoe or ring the bell atop Little Red Riding Hood’s chapel. Interactive musical elements and large climbing structures round out the fun. Shady seating rings Fairytale Town making it easy for parents to watch tots expend energy in this safe, whimsical playground that provides hours of entertainment in an idyllic storybook setting.

Savor Hillside Views at Mount Rubidoux Park

For exhilarating views in the heart of downtown Riverside, ascend to the top of iconic Mount Rubidoux within the sprawling 170-acre park bearing its name. The mountain’s peak stands at 1,329 feet where the historic Peace Tower monument pays homage to early 20th century civic leader Frank Miller who developed the iconic hiking trails. Choose from three picturesque paved pathways leading to the top filled with hillside views, native vegetation and benches on which to rest. Once at the summit, enjoy panoramas of downtown Riverside including the famous Mission Inn Hotel set against the backdrop of the Box Spring Mountain range and Mount San Jacinto beyond. Mount Rubidoux offers a convenient urban escape into nature with magnificent vistas.