From unique shopping experiences to exciting outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone in Riverside. In this article, we’ll take a look at 10 of the best things to do in this wonderful city. So pack your bags and get ready for some fun!
California Citrus State Historic Park
The California Citrus State Historic Park is a living museum that tells the story of the state’s citrus industry. The park includes a restored packing house, which is now a visitor center, and a grove of over hubdreds of citrus trees. Visitors can learn about the history of citrus cultivation in California and see how the oranges were processed for shipping. The park also offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities to view wildlife. While the grove is no longer used for commercial production, it remains an important part of California’s agricultural heritage.
Mission Inn Hotel and Spa
The historic Mission Inn Hotel and Spa is a luxury hotel you’ll find in the center of Riverside. Originally built in the late 1800s by Christopher Columbus Miller, it spans a whole city block! It was registered as a historic landmark in and is known for its annual Festival of Lights, which attracts thousands of visitors every year and starts with a parade on the Friday after Thanksgiving Day. It began back in 1992, when the owner turned his hotel lights on during the holidays. It has since become a tradition that lasts over 40 nights throughout December (sometimes until January).
On top of all that, the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa is also famous for being one of the most beautiful places to have your wedding or honeymoon at! Its Chapel of St. Francis Assisi can hold up to 70 guests while its larger Sacred Heart Chapel can hold up to 130 guests!
The Castle Park
The Castle Park is a family-friendly amusement park with more than 25 rides, miniature golf, and an arcade with over 200 games. It’s been open since 1976, and it’s still one of the most popular things to do in Riverside with the little ones. It has a variety of rides and attractions, including a Ferris wheel, a merry-go-round, and a number of other rides.
It’s open every day of the week, but hours and ticket prices vary by season. Generally speaking, it’s open from 1:00pm to 8:00pm during the week, and 11:00am to 10:00pm during on the weekends. Check out their website for updates on pricing, hours, new rides and attractions!
Mount Rubidoux
Mount Rubidoux is a mountain ridge just northwest of downtown Riverside. It is one of the city’s most notable natural features and most popular things to do in Riverside. Mount Rubidoux park is home to many hiking trails, a playground for kids, picnic areas for families to enjoy and the famous Peace Tower. The tower was built in 1907 by Frank Miller and is dedicated to peace among all nations. The tower has been renovated several times over the years, but still remains a magnificent piece of architecture that many tourists like to visit when they are in Riverside.
University of California Riverside Botanic Gardens
Although the University of California, Riverside Botanic Gardens is free to the public and has been open since 1967, you may still not have heard about it. The gardens are part of a university-run center for conservation and research with an extensive database of member plants. Features include a gift shop, nursery, café and more than 3,000 plant species on display in the gardens themselves – the most diverse collection in North America! Among their most impressive plants are those from South Africa, which they have cultivated in abundance over their fifty or so years of existence.
You can come to the gardens any day of the week from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M., except for holidays and special days when they are closed for events.
Riverside National Cemetery
If you’re looking for more peaceful things to do in Riverside, take a walk down The Riverside National Cemetery. The Riverside National Cemetery is a beautiful place that is full of history. It is the largest cemetery of its kind in the United States, and serves as the final resting place for over 200,000 veterans who have served our country.
The cemetery is also home to the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial, which honors the seven crew members who lost their lives when the space shuttle exploded shortly after takeoff in 1986. With rolling hills lined with headstones on its property of over 1,300 acres, one can take a moment to appreciate some of our nation’s history while getting in a good walk at this national treasure.
Fairmount Park
Fairmount Park is one of the most popular parks in Riverside. Located on the banks of the Santa Ana River, the park features a wide variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and picnicking. The park also features a playground, a basketball court, and a splash pad. In addition, Fairmount Park is home to a number of important historical landmarks, including the Mission Inn and the Riverside National Cemetery. As a result, the park is a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike.
March Field Air Museum
The Marchfield Air Museum is a must-see for any aviation enthusiast. Located on the former March Field military base in Riverside, California, the museum houses a collection of over 30 historic aircraft. Visitors can learn about the history of aviation, from the Wright brothers’ first flights to the Space Age. The museum also features interactive exhibits, such as a flight simulator and a chance to sit in the cockpit of a real airplane. Best of all, admission is free for all visitors. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a fun day out, the Marchfield Air Museum is sure to impress.
Heritage House
The Heritage House in Riverside is a beautiful example of early California architecture. The two-story house was built in 1858 by architect William Richard Allen and is one of the few remaining structures from the early days of Riverside. The house is constructed of adobe bricks and has a number of unique features, including a balcony overlooking the Santa Ana River. The Heritage House is open to the public for tours and is a popular destination for school field trips. Visitors can learn about the history of Riverside and see how early Californians lived.
Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park
Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park is a hidden gem in the Southern California desert. The park covers nearly 8,000 acres of rugged terrain, and is home to a unique ecosystem that includes Joshua trees, yucca plants, and an array of cacti. Hiking trails wind through the canyon, offering views of towering cliffs, eerie rock formations, and the occasional glimpse of wildlife. The park is also a popular spot for camping, stargazing, and picnicking. With its dramatic landscapes and abundance of outdoor activities, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Things to Do in Riverside
Riverside is a beautiful city with lots of fun things to see and do. There are things to do in Riverside for everyone, from families to couples and seniors. You can enjoy a hiking trail, biking path or horseback trail. Riverside offers so much fun to visitors who want to get out into nature and enjoy the great outdoors. Kids will love the local amusement parks and hanging out in the water park. Thanks for reading!
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