Riverside Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip to Riverside with this comprehensive travel guide including top attractions, hiking routes, must-try dishes, lodging options, and more.


Introduction to Riverside

Located in Southern California, Riverside is a vibrant city in Riverside County, United States of America. It is known for its rich history, picturesque outdoor spaces, and burgeoning food and drink scene. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a foodie, you’re sure to find plenty to explore and enjoy in Riverside.

List of Places to Visit in Riverside

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Riverside is steeped in history, and there are a variety of museums and historical places to visit that highlight the city’s past. Some of the top cultural attractions include:

  • Mission Inn Museum: A beautiful hotel and museum that dates back to 1902 and features intricate Spanish architecture and stunning gardens.
  • Riverside Metropolitan Museum: A museum that focuses on the natural and cultural history of the region and includes exhibits on Native American history, geology, and more.
  • March Field Air Museum: A museum that’s dedicated to aviation history and contains a variety of displays showcasing military aircraft, uniforms, and equipment.

Natural Attractions of Riverside: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Riverside is also home to a variety of beautiful outdoor spaces that are perfect for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Some of the top natural attractions include:

  • Mount Rubidoux Trail: A scenic hiking trail that leads to incredible views of the city and surrounding mountains.
  • Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park: A stunning park that offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and spaces for bird watching and nature observation.
  • Box Springs Mountain Reserve: A natural park that offers panoramic views of the Inland Empire and features a variety of hiking trails, rock climbing spots, and picnic areas.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Riverside

Riverside offers a number of trails and routes for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some of the best options:

  • Santa Ana River Trail: A 30-mile trail that runs through Riverside along the Santa Ana River, with plenty of scenic views and rest stops along the way.
  • California Citrus State Historic Park: A park that showcases the history of the citrus industry in California and features a variety of hiking and biking trails.
  • Martha McLean-Anza Narrows Park: A park with a 2.5-mile trail that runs along the Santa Ana River, with plenty of opportunities for bird watching and nature observation.

Best Things to Do in Riverside: Activities and Tours

Besides exploring the cultural and natural attractions of Riverside, there are also many other fun and exciting things to do. Here are a few recommendations:

  • Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride: Take an unforgettable hot air balloon ride over the city and surrounding areas.
  • Explore the Riverside Innovation District: The Innovation District is home to a variety of unique restaurants, breweries, and arts and culture venues.
  • Go on a Riverside Ghost Walk: Take a spooky ghost walk and learn all about the haunted history of Riverside.

Week-Long Itinerary for Riverside

If you’re planning to spend a week in Riverside, here’s a sample itinerary to help you make the most of your time:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Mission Inn Museum and explore the Spanish architecture and beautiful gardens.
Day 2 Spend the day hiking and exploring the beautiful Mount Rubidoux Trail and Box Springs Mountain Reserve.
Day 3 Take a hot air balloon ride over the city and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Day 4 Tour the Riverside Innovation District and try some of the unique restaurants and breweries in the area.
Day 5 Visit the March Field Air Museum and learn all about aviation history.
Day 6 Spend the day at Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the natural beauty.
Day 7 Take a spooky ghost walk and learn about the haunted history of Riverside.

Food and Drink Scene of Riverside

Riverside has a diverse and exciting food and drink scene, with many different options to suit all tastes. Here are a few must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Riverside Orange Blossom Ale: A locally brewed ale made with local orange blossom honey.
  • California Burrito: A burrito that features french fries along with the traditional rice, beans, and meat.
  • Blue Cheese Fries: A delicious and cheesy appetizer that’s a popular choice on many Riverside menus.

Local Beverages

  • Riverside Orange Blossom Ale
  • Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice: Riverside is known for its delicious oranges, and fresh-squeezed orange juice is a must-try beverage.
  • Riverside Lemonade: Made with local lemons and a touch of sugar, Riverside lemonade is a refreshing drink on a hot day.

Where to Stay in Riverside: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Riverside has a variety of lodging options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are a few recommendations:

  • Mission Inn Hotel & Spa: A historic hotel with beautiful Spanish architecture and luxurious amenities.
  • Hyatt Place Riverside/Downtown: A modern and stylish hotel in the heart of downtown Riverside.
  • Simply Home Inn & Suites: A budget-friendly option with clean and comfortable rooms.

What to Buy in Riverside: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Want to bring home a piece of Riverside with you? Here are a few souvenir and local product recommendations:

  • Riverside Orange Blossom Honey
  • Citrus Candies and Treats: Riverside is known for its citrus industry, and you can find a variety of delicious orange and lemon-flavored candies and treats.
  • Mission Inn Memorabilia: Take home a piece of the city’s rich history with a souvenir from the Mission Inn Museum gift shop.

Local Culture and Customs of Riverside

Riverside has a diverse and friendly local culture. Some key customs to keep in mind include:

  • Dressing casually and comfortably for outdoor activities and hikes.
  • Tipping generously at restaurants and for tour guides.
  • Showing respect for the city’s rich history and culture by not littering or damaging historical sites.

Best Time to Visit Riverside

Riverside can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. Summers can be hot, with temperatures often reaching over 100°F, while winters can be mild and sometimes rainy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Riverside

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Riverside:

Do:

  • Hike and explore the beautiful outdoor spaces of Riverside.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages, including Orange Blossom Ale and fresh-squeezed orange juice.
  • Visit the Mission Inn Museum and other cultural attractions.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage historical sites.
  • Overpack for hikes or outdoor activities.
  • Forget to tip generously at restaurants and for tour guides.

Safety and Health

Safety in Riverside

Riverside is a generally safe city, but it’s important to take basic safety precautions when exploring the area. Some tips include:

  • Staying aware of your surroundings when hiking or exploring outdoor spaces.
  • Using caution when crossing streets and obeying traffic laws.
  • Keeping valuables secure and out of sight in public areas.

Health in Riverside

Riverside has a variety of medical providers and hospitals to ensure visitors have access to quality healthcare if needed. If you require specific medical treatment, be sure to research providers in advance to find the right fit for your needs.

Getting to Riverside: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Riverside

The closest airport to Riverside is the Ontario International Airport, which is about a 20-30 minute drive from the city center. LAX and John Wayne Airport are also within driving distance, at about 60-90 minutes away.

Bus Stations Near Riverside

Riverside is served by a variety of bus stations, with Greyhound and local bus services available. The Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) also provides bus transportation within the city and to surrounding areas.

Other Options

For those driving, Riverside is easily accessible via Interstate 215 and State Route 91. There are also several rideshare services available in the city.

How to Get Around Riverside

Riverside is a walkable city, and many of its top attractions are within walking distance of each other. Public transportation options include the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) bus system and the Metrolink train system, which connects to nearby cities like Los Angeles and San Diego. Taxis and rideshare services are also readily available in the city.

Where to Go Next from Riverside: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Riverside is surrounded by a number of nearby destinations that are worth visiting. Some top options include:

  • Palm Springs: A popular vacation spot that’s known for its hot springs, golf courses, and stunning desert scenery.
  • San Bernardino: A city located just a short drive away that’s home to several museums and cultural attractions.
  • Los Angeles: Just over an hour’s drive from Riverside, Los Angeles offers a wealth of sights and attractions, from Hollywood to the beaches of Santa Monica.

Conclusion

Riverside is a vibrant and exciting city with plenty to offer visitors, from its rich history to its beautiful outdoor spaces, food and drink scene, and more. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’ll be well-equipped to plan your visit and make the most of your time in Riverside.

Mt. Rubidoux Mt. Rubidoux Riverside Art Museum Riverside Art Museum the interior the interior "Spanish Wing" of the Mission Inn