Riverside is located about 55 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles near San Bernardino. Approximately 300,000 people live in Riverside, and many more live in the surrounding metropolitan area. Perhaps you’re planning a visit to Riverside, or maybe you’re thinking about shopping for a home in the area. Either way, if you’re aiming for adventure, you’ll want to check out a few of these best things to do in Riverside, CA.
1. Visit California Citrus State Historic Park
9400 Dufferin Ave, Riverside, CA 92503
The citrus industry first got started in Southern California in the late 1800s. In 1873, the US Department of Agriculture sent two navel trees to a Riverside resident named Eliza Tibbets. Eliza planted the trees and watched as they began to thrive, thanks to Riverside’s healthy soil and pleasant climate. Locals began to taste Eliza’s citruses and developed an interest in planting trees of their own.
While these fruits are now popular throughout the state, it is still hard to find anything that tastes as good as the California oranges that grow from the ground that used to be Eliza’s front yard. When you travel to the California Citrus State Historic Park, you can enjoy fresh samplings of the oranges as you participate in a free guided tour. There’s also an onsite amphitheater and multiple picnic areas that anyone can rent for a small fee. The park is open seven days a week from 8 am until 5 pm.
2. Learn at the Mission Inn Museum
3696 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501
Photo courtesy of Mission Inn Museum
Located at the corner of Main Street and Mission Inn Avenue, the Mission Inn Museum details the history of the famous Mission Inn Hotel. The inn was originally founded by Frank Miller, who was known throughout the region for his marketing expertise and his love of fine art and aviation. Many of his personal possessions and artifacts detailing his career are on display at the museum. While anyone unfamiliar with Riverside may struggle to understand why an inn is so important to the town’s history and development, locals know how key a role Frank Miller played in the city’s economic and cultural development. The museum is open seven days a week from 9:30 am until 4:30 pm — don’t miss this unique spot!
3. Check out The University of California Riverside Botanic Gardens
1 Botanic Gardens Dr, Riverside, CA 92507
You’ll observe various types of flowers, trees, shrubs, and grasses as you walk through the outdoor botanic gardens at UC Riverside. Like the citrus trees, these plants thrive in the area because of the mild climate and the superior soil. Some of the featured areas include an herb garden, a cactus garden, and a shady area that is home to many California riparian trees. Various plants have been brought in from Australia and South Africa to be displayed in the garden. In total, you’ll find over 100 different species of plants that are native to various countries around the world. The garden is closed on Saturday, but they open at 8 am for visitors Sunday through Friday. Closing times vary based on the day. Small donations are encouraged, but admission to the park is free.
4. Marvel at Riverside Metropolitan Museum
3580 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
Photo courtesy of Riverside Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Riverside Metropolitan Museum is preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary in the coming years. The museum initially held various Native American artifacts. It has since grown, thanks to donations and support from various individuals and organizations throughout the Southern California area. The museum holds a spot on the National Registry of Historic Places and aims to educate locals and tourists about the unique history of the Riverside area. There are three main collections inside the museum that shed light on the unique culture, nature, and history of the Riverside community.
5. Enjoy the thrills at Castle Park
3500 Polk St, Riverside, CA 92505
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
If you’re up for a bit of an adrenaline rush, Castle Park is an amusement park with 27 different rides that first opened in 1976. The park contains a water log slide, a merry-go-round, and multiple roller coasters, in addition to several other attractions. You’ll find various carnival games and retail shops spread out throughout the park, along with a mini golf course and a full water playground. Castle Park is a fun destination for all ages.
6. Watch a performance at the Fox Performing Arts Center
3801 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
The Fox Performing Arts Center is perhaps most famous for being the site where “Gone With the Wind” was first shown in 1939. The theater continues to show plays, films, and special events throughout the year. The main theater offers enough space to hold nearly 1,700 guests. You can expect to find anywhere between three and five performances scheduled inside the theater each month. Different programs cater to a variety of age groups, but if you’re in the area long enough, you’re sure to find something the entire family will enjoy. A full schedule of upcoming events is available on their website, along with links to purchase tickets to an exciting show.
7. Catch a show at Van Buren Drive-In Theater
3035 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92503
Drive-in movie theaters are no longer as common as they once were, but you wouldn’t know it if you visited Van Buren Drive-In Theater in Riverside. The movie theater first opened in 1964 and continues to play films on a regular basis today. Tickets start at $9 for each adult and $1 for every child, but one ticket allows you to stay and see two movies. You can bring pillows, blankets, and lawn chairs to stretch out and get comfortable as you enjoy whatever happens to be playing at that time. They also sell popcorn, nachos, candy, and other concessions on-site.
Ready to get started?
If you are intrigued by all that Riverside has to offer, you want to team up with a local expert to guide you in your search for Riverside homes.
Diana Renee of Diana Renee Homes is well-versed in the Riverside scene and knows all about what
Riverside real estate has to offer. She is a trusted local Realtor® who takes great pride in partnering with her clients throughout the entire process of buying or selling. Reach out today!
*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash
