Top 25 Exciting Things to Do in Riverside, US: Travel Guide

Experience the thrill of an adventurous climb to the cliffs of Chino Canyon aboard the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. You'll be enchanted by the breathtaking views of the valley floor and the impressive San Jacinto Mountains. Bring your hiking boots to explore the trails at the top, and don't miss the spinning streetcar cars, a feature found on only two streetcars in the world! Just a short drive away, the Riverside Botanical Gardens offer another dose of stunning flora and fauna.

Treat yourself to a relaxing excursion to Mount Rubidoux Park, Riverside's secret treasure. An easy hike here will take you to breathtaking views of the city and sunsets. Don't miss the peaceful and spiritual vibe emanating from the iconic cross or bell tower! Visit on a Sunday, when it's less crowded, and stop by the authentic Tio's Tacos for a hearty Mexican meal. Don't miss the weekly community walks where you can mingle with the locals.

Immerse yourself in history at the March Field Air Museum! With over 70 aircraft on display, embark on an exciting journey through aviation's past, present and future. This museum is a treasure trove of military aircraft, displays, and American wartime memorabilia - something you don't see every day! One hidden gem is the SR-71 Blackbird, a spectacular sight! And that's not all: the University of California Riverside Botanic Gardens are just 8 miles away, a wonderful retreat for nature lovers.

Fairmount Park is an oasis of tranquility in Riverside with lush greenery, a beautiful rose garden and two fishing lakes. It's ideal for picnics and outdoor recreation and is also home to a historic amusement park and an 18-hole golf course. Don't miss feeding the ducks - the locals' favorite pastime! Just around the corner, you'll find the Riverside Metropolitan Museum, which offers a fascinating look at the area's cultural history. Get ready to turn back time!

Experience a nostalgic throwback to the past at the First Original McDonald's Museum in Riverside. It's a beloved institution that showcases the humble roots of the iconic U.S. franchise and features a wealth of memorabilia, old signs and vintage advertising. A little tidbit: the place isn't actually a working McDonald's, but the site where the first one was ever built. If you're in the area, don't forget to visit the historic Riverside Mission Inn, just a few miles away. Have fun on your retro trip!

When you venture into Box Springs Mountain Reserve Park, breathtaking panoramic views of Riverside and beyond await. The hiking trails are filled with native flora, fauna and majestic rock formations. Conquer the 3.6-mile trail to the park's highest point and enjoy the sunrise or sunset. Visit the "Big C," a landmark set by University of California Riverside students. Afterward, head to the nearby UCR Botanical Gardens for a tranquil and colorful conclusion to your natural Riverside adventure.

Experience Riverside's rich agricultural heritage and enjoy the tantalizing scent of orange groves at California Citrus State Historic Park. Stroll through this living museum to learn about the history of the citrus industry and feel the nostalgic charm of old California. Don't miss the free fruit tasting on weekends. In the mood for more nature? Mt. Rubidoux Park is just a short drive away and offers spectacular views of the city from its famous cross!

Visit the UC Riverside Botanic Gardens, a 40-acre living plant museum where you can explore the fascinating world of flora. Find rare and unusual plants and enjoy serene landscapes with over 3500 plant species from around the world. Various hiking trails and scenic vistas provide ample photo opportunities. Pssst... don't miss the butterfly garden, it's a true spectacle! After your excursion, head to nearby Mt. Rubidoux Park, where a rewarding view awaits you at the summit. Take advantage of the right time to experience an unforgettable sunset in Riverside!

Visit Castle Park in Riverside, an exciting amusement park that offers a unique experience with over 35 rides and attractions. Be enchanted by the charming miniature golf courses or test your skills in the huge, state-of-the-art arcade. Enjoy delicious food in delectable eateries. Daredevils can conquer the thrilling rapids of the Log Ride. Just 5 miles away, you'll find the insightful California Citrus State Historic Park, an additional side trip for nature and history lovers.

Immerse yourself in the magnificent natural surroundings of Prospect Park in Riverside. The purpose-built park, with its vibrant lily ponds, lush orange groves and exquisite rose gardens, is the perfect place for a peaceful retreat. Attend the free outdoor concerts, a favorite of insiders, and enjoy the tranquility with an on-site picnic. Don't forget to explore the Ameal Moore Nature Center, just a few miles away, where you can learn about local wildlife and ecology on an exciting hike.

Discover the hidden gem that is English Springs Park, a tranquil oasis in Riverside. Spend hours navigating flowering gardens and unique water features and watching playful, lively peacocks. The park's natural spring water tastes sweeter than anything bottled. Enjoy a quiet picnic against the stunning backdrop of the picturesque lake. Just around the corner is Chino Hills State Park, famous for its stunning wildflower blooms - a perfect place to soak up the charm of English Springs.

Breathe in the beauty of California flora at Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park. The 1,500-acre park features a series of hilly, unpaved trails that welcome hikers, mountain bikers and wildlife enthusiasts. From its summit, on a clear day, you'll have unparalleled views of the region, including downtown Riverside peeking out from a verdant grove. Experience the thrill of spotting a bobcat or red-tailed hawk! Pro tip: Try to stop by at sunrise or sunset for a truly impressive panorama. Nearby, don't miss the nature-rich University of California Riverside Botanical Gardens.

Delve into the wonders of earth science at the Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center in Riverside. Here you'll have the opportunity to step back in time amid kaleidoscopic mineral collections and a dinosaur garden with life-size sculptures! On Saturday mornings, a walk through eight botanical gardens is a must. After you've digested the allure of this garden, be sure to visit nearby Box Springs Mountain Reserve, with its delightful wilderness trails in spring when wildflowers bloom. Riverside indeed reveals nature's living canvas!

Experience the natural splendor of Riverside at Rancho Jurupa Park. This gem is a recreational paradise with campgrounds, fishing, miniature golf and much more. The park has two stunning lakes and unique geological features that offer spectacular photo opportunities. Be sure to explore the park's rare Engelmann Oak Forest! Not far from here is the famous Mount Rubidoux, whose hiking trails lead to a memorial cross and breathtaking views of the city - a must-see for any Riverside visitor.

Explore the tranquility of Sycamore Highlands Park in Riverside. This stunning urban oasis offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Box Springs Mountain Range. The park is also home to diverse wildlife, blooming spring wildflowers and a challenging hiking trail. Look for the hidden swing overlooking the city, a perfect spot for Instagram. The park is just 3 miles from the UCR Botanic Gardens and makes for a great day trip with two destinations for nature lovers.

Venture into the jewel of Riverside, Ryan Bonaminio Park. This oasis is more than just a park; it's a tribute to a local hero, Officer Ryan Bonaminio. Get lost in the 40-acre area with its many sports fields and playgrounds. Take a moment to rest in his poignant memorial garden. Delight in its insider's tip - the breathtaking view of Mount Rubidoux, which is especially magical at sunset. Just a stone's throw away is the historic Mission Inn, an architectural marvel you must visit.

For history buffs and hero worshippers, Riverside National Cemetery is a must-see. It is the third largest cemetery administered by the National Cemetery Administration and is famous for its impressive Medal of Honor Monument - one of four sites across the country that honor Medal of Honor recipients. It is deeply moving and steeped in history. Also nearby is the Riverside Metropolitan Museum, home to California culture, history, and nature-related exhibits, just a short drive away.

Ortega Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder in Riverside, worth a visit for its impressive waterfall that cascades down a jagged rock face. Perfect for hikers and photographers alike. On rainy days, the beauty of the waterfall is enhanced when torrents dramatically pour over the rock formations. Don't forget to explore the surrounding forest trails and observe the local wildlife. Nearby, you can also discover the captivating vistas of the Cleveland National Forest.

Don't miss the Riverside Convention Center, praised for its sleek, modern architecture and world-class facilities! Enjoy the lively range of exhibitions, conferences and cultural events guaranteed to open up new perspectives. The proximity to the city center allows you to explore other highlights as well! The historic Mission Inn is just a stone's throw away. The service also includes excellent in-house catering, which is something to be proud of. It's more than just a convention center - it's a Riverside experience in itself!

Idyllwild Regional Park in Riverside offers a delightful blend of nature and adventure. Surrounded by lush pines, it's an outdoor lover's paradise, perfect for hiking, picnicking or simply meditating amidst nature. The breathtaking views, especially at the summits, make for Instagram-worthy photos. For experienced hikers, the 10-mile Deer Springs Trail is a must. Just a stone's throw away, Mount San Jacinto State Park invites further exploration. Don't miss the mesmerizing sunset over the San Jacinto Mountains.

Martha McLean-Anza Narrows Park offers an exquisite glimpse of Riverside's natural beauty. It is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise with hiking trails and picnic areas overlooking the breathtaking Santa Ana River. Don't miss the rare birds and colorful wildflowers - a true nature lover's delight! The park is steeped in history, as it is part of the route taken by explorer Juna Bautista De Anza. Nearby, you can admire the historic architecture of the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, another must-see Riverside gem!

Discover a touch of European elegance in Riverside at the Kimberly Crest House & Gardens. This stunning Victorian mansion and Italian Renaissance-style gardens transport visitors to a bygone era. The historic furnishings and artwork provide a glimpse into the lives of California's elite in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Enjoy picturesque views of palm trees. And don't forget the hidden gem, the "secret garden," which is thought-provoking. Just a short walk away is Prospect Park, another botanical delight to explore.

Immerse yourself in Riverside's cultural offerings at the Fox Performing Arts Center, an architecturally stunning center restored to its 1929 Spanish Colonial style. Today, it hosts Broadway shows, concerts and comedy performances that add to the evening's entertainment. Admire the magnificent artwork inside, which dates back to Riverside's unique era. Fans of Art Deco will be especially delighted! And just steps away is the magnificent Riverside Art Museum, perfect for a day of aesthetics and culture in the heart of downtown Riverside.

Venture off the beaten path and explore whimsical Pumpkin Rock, one of Riverside's best-kept secrets. Not only is this huge, pumpkin-shaped rock popular with locals, but the hiking trail that leads to it offers mesmerizing views of the city and nearby Lake Norconian. Did you know that locals repaint the rock every October to keep its pumpkin face? A visit to Riverside really isn't complete without this unique sight. Have your cameras ready!

Arlington Heights Sports Park in Riverside is a haven for sports enthusiasts and families looking to have fun. The park offers several soccer and baseball fields, basketball courts and a playground for the little ones.