| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Hike Mount Rubidoux | Scenic hikes with historic landmarks and panoramic views. |
| Tour the Historic Mission Inn Hotel | Explore the architecture and history of a famous hotel. |
| Visit Historic Homes | Tour historic homes showcasing early Riverside lifestyles. |
| Stroll Through Fairmount Park | Enjoy green spaces, lakes, and recreational facilities. |
| Attend Festival of Lights Switch-On Ceremony | Experience a vibrant holiday lights festival. |
| Visit March Field Air Museum | Discover aviation history and aircraft exhibits. |
| Drive Along Historic Victoria Avenue | Scenic drive showcasing Riverside’s heritage homes. |
| Hike Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park | Enjoy nature trails and wildlife in a wilderness park. |
| Visit Heritage House | Explore a museum reflecting early Riverside history. |
| Attend Festival of Arts Workshops | Participate in creative arts workshops. |
| Shop at Riverside Farmers Market | Browse local produce and artisanal goods at a market. |
| Cheer on the Riverside Aquatics at Shamel Park | Watch aquatic sports at a renowned facility. |
| Cruise Historic Main Street Pedestrian Mall | Explore shops and cultural sites on a historic street. |
Hike Mount Rubidoux
Name and Location: Mount Rubidoux is a landmark volcanic dome mountain and city park in downtown Riverside, California. The main trail entrance is at the end of Ninth Street.
History and Significance: Mt Rubidoux was a spiritual place for Native Americans. Since 1907 it’s been improved with trails and markers about its history and the 43-acre park is beloved by locals and visitors.
What to Expect: Hikers can follow paved and dirt trails totaling about 5 miles that loop up to the top of Mount Rubidoux. There are benches, interpretive markers about the mountain’s history, and scenic viewpoints of Riverside and the Santa Ana River.
Visitor Information: The park is open daily sunrise to sunset. Pack water and wear sturdy shoes for the hike. Do the hike early to beat the heat.
For sweeping views of Riverside, hike to the top of the 1,329-foot Mount Rubidoux. This iconic city landmark has a rich history and features the historic Peace Tower monument at the peak. Three paved trails, including the easy 1-mile long Santa Ana Loop, wind their way to the top making it a doable climb for most fitness levels. Embrace the journey up as you pass historic markers and statues depicting the Stations of the Cross. Once at the top, take time to read the plaques describing the San Gabriel Mountain panoramas labeling visible peaks in the distance. Descend along the Sunset Trail to check out Father Serra Cross Park recognizing early Spanish missionaries. Whether you walk, run or bike, a trip up Mount Rubidoux is one of the classic things to do in Riverside.
Tour the Historic Mission Inn Hotel
Name and Location: The Mission Inn Hotel is located at 3649 Mission Inn Avenue in downtown Riverside. This National Historic Landmark resort is renowned for its Spanish-Colonial architecture.
History and Significance: The Mission Inn dates back to 1876 and has hosted multiple US presidents. It features unique design details like flying buttresses, domes, bells, and an iconic rotunda.
What to Expect: Visitors can tour parts of this historic riverside hotel daily. Tours showcase the ornate interior design and artwork. You can also just visit for a meal or drink at one of the inn’s restaurants.
Visitor Information: Free self-guided tours are available daily from 9:30am-4pm with maps provided. Guided docent tours require booking ahead and cost $15 per person.
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is Riverside’s cherished historic hotel that grew from humble beginnings as a small adobe boarding house in 1876 to today’s sprawling complex. Visitors can take a complimentary one-hour walking tour to explore the inn’s evolution, architecture and lore seven days a week. Knowledgeable docents share stories spanning over 230 years of history related to the old guest quarters, the Presidential Lounge and iconic bell tower. Along the route you’ll discover hidden tunnels and the Spanish Art Gallery showcasing religious paintings. Don’t miss seeing Frank Miller’s eclectic collection of artifacts ranging from Tiffany lamps to medieval armor suits assembled from his world travels. With magnificent architecture and an air of antiquity, touring The Mission Inn is a top way to experience Riverside’s past.
Visit Historic Homes
Name and Location: Riverside boasts many impressive 19th and early 20th century historic mansions open for tours including the Harada House, Fox Theatre, and Budinger Home.
History and Significance: These lavish estates reflect Riverside’s prosperous citrus agriculture business and the lifestyles of early elite residents. They’ve been carefully preserved for their architecture and history.
What to Expect: Several historic homes can be visited on docent-led educational tours. On these tours you’ll gain insight into Victorian and Arts & Crafts era lifestyles while viewing period furnishings and rooms.
Visitor Information: Check individual home websites for tour schedules and pricing. Tours range from $5-$10 per person and must be booked ahead. Some homes are only open on weekends.
Step back in time to the late 19th century by touring two fully-furnished historic homes located right next door to each other in downtown’s Victoria Park Heritage District. The Robidoux Nature Center, housed inside the former home of one of Riverside’s founding fathers, provides a glimpse into privileged Victorian family life. Just steps away, the Chin Lung Museum gives insights into Chinese pioneer history from artifacts like an ornate wedding headdress to displays about immigration hardships and successes. Both sites offer free self-guided tours Friday through Sunday showcasing items arranged just as families decades ago would have displayed them. The two homes provide an interesting contrast of lifestyles from Riverside’s early prominent citizens.
Stroll Through Fairmount Park
Name and Location: Fairmount Park is a large public park located along the Santa Ana River in Riverside, California. Main entrances are at Fairmount Boulevard, 2601 Fairmount Park Drive and Downey Street.
History and Significance: Fairmount Park was established in the late 1800s during a regional “city beautiful” movement emphasizing green civic spaces. Today its trails and paths attract over 500,000 annual visitors.
What to Expect: Visitors can enjoy walking, biking or jogging along the park’s paths. There are also playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas with barbecues, paddleboat rentals on the lake, and a municipal golf course.
Visitor Information: The park is open daily 5am-10pm. Admission is free, just pay for parking. Stop by the Fairmount Park Visitor Center for maps.
Covering over 400 acres in downtown Riverside, Fairmount Park is an oasis of sprawling green lawns, rose gardens, lakes and historic buildings. Have a picnic on the grass or feed the ducks in the small lakes originally constructed in the early 20th century. See where Riverside’s founding fathers stood during pivotal speeches at the Parkview Bandshell opened in 1928. Let kids safely explore at the sizeable modern playground next to the expansive Springbrook Arroyo Park. Basketball courts, tennis facilities and baseball diamonds offer spots for casual players and league teams alike. From festivals to fireworks shows, Fairmount Park provides ample space for Riverside gatherings for over 100 years.
Attend Festival of Lights Switch-On Ceremony
Name and Location: The Riverside Festival of Lights takes place in downtown at The Mission Inn Hotel each November through January. The elaborate Switch-On ceremony is on the day after Thanksgiving.
History and Significance: Since 1990, Riverside’s Mission Inn has hosted this dazzling winter light festival that kicks off the holiday season. The Switch-On event draws thousands.
What to Expect: Visitors can watch the Switch-On show featuring music and fireworks as The Mission Inn’s millions of lights illuminate. Walk around afterward enjoying the decorative light displays.
Visitor Information: The Switch-On event is free to attend. Come early to get a good spot! Festival lights run nightly 5:00pm-midnight until January 6.
A Riverside holiday tradition spanning nearly 25 years, the dazzling Festival of Lights display at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is a must-see spectacle. Visitors can watch the free Switch-On Ceremony held each year on the day after Thanksgiving when the inn’s twinkling holiday lights are illuminated across building facades and palm trees in Main Street pedestrian mall below. Carolers, dancers, musicians and more help ring in the holiday season during this lively community event. Once lit, the Festival of Lights features over 4 million sparkling and animated lights arranged in scenes like the 12 Days of Christmas and Toyland. Coupled with nightly snowfall and elaborate themed decor, the event has made The Mission Inn one of the most festive California holiday destinations.
Visit March Field Air Museum
Name and Location: March Field Air Museum is located at 22550 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, on the grounds of the March Air Reserve Base. It hosts one of the largest collections of aircraft on the West Coast.
History and Significance: The museum opened in 1979 to preserve historic aircraft and artifacts that tell the story of the US Air Force history on the West coast. There are over 70 planes on exhibit.
What to Expect: Visitors can view classic military planes up-close, enter certain cockpits, and watch restoration work in progress. Exhibits highlight aviation technology advancements.
Visitor Information: The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday plus major holidays. Admission is $10 for adults. Free guided tours are offered on Saturdays.
Located just 10 miles outside downtown Riverside, the March Field Air Museum is a top attraction to learn about aviation history with over 70 aircraft on display spanning 90 years. See one-of-kind experimental planes developed at March Air Force Base, like the gargantuan XB-19 prototype bomber from 1941. Other highlights include the SR-71 “Blackbird” stealth plane, a WWII-era B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber, and a replica of The Question Mark plane that set early flight-endurance records. Inside the museum, exhibits detail the roles March Field has played in every U.S. conflict since World War I along with the Tuskegee Airmen program. With free admission and parking, March Field Air Museum makes for an educational and inspiring visit.
Drive Along Historic Victoria Avenue
Name and Location: Victoria Avenue in Riverside is designated a National Scenic Byway and State Historic Landmark for its historic homes and towering eucalyptus trees. The avenue stretches from Central Avenue to Harrison Street.
History and Significance: Planted in 1891, Victoria Avenue became the most prestigious residential street on the “Mile of Palms.” It remains a striking sight today lined with heritage homes.
What to Expect: Visitors can take a slow drive or stroll along Victoria Avenue admiring the restored Victorian mansions and taking in the scenic palm tree canopy overhead. Interpretive markers explain the avenue’s history.
Visitor Information: Victoria Avenue is public and can be accessed anytime. Guided walking tours of the avenue’s key homes are also available through the Riverside Historical Society.
Get a feel for Riverside’s early prosperous citrus ranching roots by taking a drive along Victoria Avenue, home to many of the town’s prominent families at the turn of the 20th century. This nearly 4-mile boulevard stretching from downtown to UC Riverside is dotted with historic mansions and houses bankrolled during Southern California’s early citrus boom era. Magnolia Avenue offers a particularly stunning section lined with mature palm trees and restored Craftsman and prairie-style architecture now converted into group homes and psychology offices affiliated with the university. The drive along Victoria Avenue captures Riverside’s enduring elegance through preserved residences from a halcyon era.
Hike Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park
Name and Location: Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park is a hilly 1,500 acre wilderness recreation area with over 7 miles of trails. The main entrance is on Central Ave in north Riverside.
History and Significance: Set at the base of Box Spring Mountains, Sycamore Canyon park preserves invaluable regional habitat and is an oasis for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.
What to Expect: Visitors can follow dirt trails through chaparral, woodlands, and riparian areas spotting wildlife. Some trails are strenuous so prepare accordingly. The scenery is beautiful.
Visitor Information: Sycamore Canyon park is open daily 7:30am-5:00pm November-February and until 7:00pm other months. Entry is free; bring water and sun protection.
Escape city life with a peaceful hike through the lush Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park located on Riverside’s west end. Featuring over seven miles of trails open to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians, it’s one of Southern California’s largest protected wilderness parks within a metro area. While exploring, keep eyes peeled for bright red fuchsia-flowering gooseberry shrubs, wild sage scrub, and wildlife like red tailed hawks, roadrunners, mule deer and coyotes. Easy creekside trails appeal to families while more advanced switchback paths offer a workout with rewarding scenery. Leashed dogs are also welcome. With free access and parking, it’s a natural oasis close to downtown.
Visit Heritage House
Name and Location: Heritage House is an 1890 Queen Anne Victorian house museum located at 8193 Magnolia Avenue in downtown Riverside.
History and Significance: Built in 1890, this historic house museum provides a glimpse into late 19th century life. It has been carefully restored and filled with period furniture and objects.
For insight into Riverside’s early days, make a stop at the Heritage House museum found alongside the lush greenery of Fairmount Park. The simple 19th century cottage contains folksy exhibits and vignettes detailing various aspects of life for initial pioneers and citrus colony settlers attracted to Southern California’s temperate climate. Browse medical tools showcasing early health practices alongside vintage wedding gowns in the Victorian bedroom scene. Other displays shine a spotlight on citrus growing, a vibrant industry sustaining Riverside’s early economy. Outdoors, stroll through the Citrus Garden containing 60 varieties of trees preserving the town’s origins. With free admission, Heritage House makes California history approachable for visitors.
Attend Festival of Arts Workshops
Name and Location: The Riverside Festival of Arts takes place annually in November at the Riverside Convention Center. It offers a variety of arts education workshops for all ages and levels.
History and Significance: This multiday festival begun in 1980 promotes visual and performing arts in Riverside. The diverse workshops are a chance to nurture local creative talent.
What to Expect: Visitors can sign up for workshops in painting, photography, jewelry-making, ceramics, dance and other creative disciplines. Instruction is provided by experienced artists and teachers.
Visitor Information: The 2024 Festival of Arts runs November 10-13. Check the website for the schedule of workshops, pricing and registration. Spaces fill fast.
A Riverside tradition since 1977, the two-day Festival of Arts showcases museum-style booths lining 14 downtown blocks to display artwork across all mediums from painting to glasswork to jewelry – all made by local artisans. While entry to peruse the festival is free, many visitors don’t realize low cost workshops provide opportunities to make your own art. Choose from varied sessions like learning metalsmithing basics, weaving a wall hanging, or creating an acrylic masterpiece guided by experienced artists. Options appeal to all ages with plenty of kid-friendly classes too. Sessions last 60-90 minutes for only $5 per workshop making them an affordable way to find your inner creative. Festival of Arts workshops encourage budding artists across Southern California.
Shop at Riverside Farmers Market
Name and Location: Riverside Farmers Market takes place every Saturday morning in downtown at the corner of Orange and Lemon Streets, near the historic courthouse.
History and Significance: This producer-only outdoor market launched in 1991 to support local agriculture. Over 75 farmers and vendors participate, providing fresh, seasonal produce and goods.
What to Expect: Visitors can browse stalls stocked with regional fruits, veggies, baked goods, fresh-cut flowers, arts and crafts. There’s live music too. Arrive early for the best selection.
Visitor Information: The market runs every Saturday 8AM-1PM, rain or shine. Bring cash for purchases. Free parking is nearby. The market has an ATM.
For fresh-picked California produce straight from family farms, visit the weekly Riverside Farmers Market. Every Saturday, the market packs in over 75 farmers and small batch food vendors stretching down 12 shaded downtown blocks. Sample juicy oranges and creamy avocados before selecting seasonal fruits and veggies to take home. Beyond produce, stalls overflow with colorful bouquets, just-baked breads, aromatic olive oils, and sweet dried fruit. Peppered between emerge small eateries dishing up hot breakfast burritos, Korean barbecue tacos, giant cinnamon rolls and more perfect for snacking while you browse. Top it off by letting kids enjoy pony rides or a turn on the interactive playground. Open from 8am to 1pm, Riverside Farmers Market promises European-style flair without big city prices.
Cheer on the Riverside Aquatics at Shamel Park
Name and Location: Shamel Park in downtown Riverside is home to swimming facilities including the Riverside Aquatics complex and pool. It’s located between 9th and University Streets.
History and Significance: In use since 1959, the Olympic-sized Shamel pool has been home to training and championships for local swim clubs and water polo teams.
What to Expect: Visitors can cheer on the Riverside Aquatics swim team at their meets in the grandstands. Check the schedule online. Public swim hours allow use of the 50m pool for a fee.
Visitor Information: Shamel Park’s pools open for public swimming from 2-5pm Monday to Friday during summer. nominal fees apply.
Riverside lays claim to training elite water polo athletes and Olympians at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Aquatics Center located inside the expansive Shamel Park near UC Riverside. Nicknamed “Death Valley” thanks to ardent local fans, catch free summer swim and water polo competitions to witness the next generation of American aquatic champions. USA Water Polo and NCAA league matches fill the calendar for the Riverside Aquatics teams alongside diving exhibitions off the outdoor 10-meter platform. Arrive early to secure pool deck seating and don’t forget sun protection. Year-round public lap swim sessions are also available when elite squads aren’t occupying the Olympic-size pool.
Cruise Historic Main Street Pedestrian Mall
Name and Location: The Main Street Pedestrian Mall in downtown Riverside runs along Main Street from 10th Street to University Avenue. This car-free zone is lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops.
History and Significance: Converted into a pedestrian mall in the 1970s, this section of Main Street preserves early 20th century commercial architecture and storefronts.
What to Expect: Visitors can stroll along Main Street’s brick-paved walkways. Benches, trees, and decorative lighting make this a pleasant place to window-shop, dine al fresco, or just relax and people watch.
Visitor Information: The pedestrian mall is open 24/7. Free two hour parking is available on adjacent streets or public lots. The mall also hosts special events like a weekly farmers market.
Today’s lively pedestrian Main Street mall pays homage to Riverside’s 19th century origins dotted with restaurants and indie boutiques housed inside historic buildings. Pop into antique stores, used bookshops, comic book stores, and art galleries tucked away in second floor spaces reached by creaky wooden staircases.