Things To Do
in Riverside
Riverside is a vibrant city located in Riverside County, California, known for its rich history and cultural diversity. It is home to the historic Mission Inn, a stunning example of Mission Revival architecture, and the University of California, Riverside, which adds a youthful energy and innovative spirit to the city.
Riverside also boasts lush parks, a lively arts scene, and the famous Riverside Festival of Lights, making it a dynamic and attractive destination in Southern California.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by exploring the Riverside Art Museum. Enjoy the latest exhibitions and take a stroll around the beautiful surrounding gardens.
Head over to the California Citrus State Historic Park for a guided tour. Learn about Riverside's citrus history and enjoy the scenic views.
Finish your day with dinner at one of Riverside's local restaurants. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and sample some regional cuisine.
Begin with a peaceful walk in Mount Rubidio Park. The trails are perfect for a morning hike surrounded by nature.
Visit the Riverside Botanic Gardens, where you can explore diverse plant species. Take your time to enjoy the beautiful landscapes.
Grab a coffee at a nearby café and enjoy the sunset views. This is a perfect way to unwind after a busy day.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Affordable cost of living compared to other major cities in California.
- Proximity to natural attractions such as the Santa Ana River and various parks.
- A growing economy with job opportunities in various sectors.
- Cultural diversity and a variety of restaurants and community events.
- Access to educational institutions, including universities and colleges.
- Higher crime rates compared to some neighboring cities.
- Traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
- Limited public transportation options.
- Hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 100°F.
- Air quality issues due to pollution and proximity to industrial areas.
Best Activities in Riverside
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Hiking and walking trails with scenic views of Riverside and the surrounding area.
Offers activities such as picnicking, fishing, pedal boating, and walking or jogging around the lake.
Explore the history of the citrus industry and enjoy walking trails through the citrus groves.
Tours
Uncover the best of Riverside with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Riverside
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of Riverside and the surrounding mountains, with several photo opportunities along the walking trails.
Provides scenic views of the city and the surrounding landscapes, ideal for capturing beautiful photographs.
Features diverse plant life and picturesque gardens, offering great photo opportunities amidst natural beauty.
Food in Riverside
Riverside Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A burrito typically filled with carne asada, French fries, guacamole, and sour cream, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Visit Alberto's Mexican Food for an authentic taste of this local favorite.
Must-Try!
A refreshing and fragrant beverage made from orange juice, club soda, and a hint of orange blossom water, reflecting the region's agricultural heritage. Look for it at local juice bars or cafes.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Riverside better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore a vibrant array of fresh produce, artisanal food products, and delicious street food offerings every Saturday morning, showcasing the best of Riverside's local flavors and culinary talent.
Embark on a delightful culinary adventure by sampling authentic Mexican street tacos from the numerous food trucks scattered across Riverside. Look for popular spots like Tio's Tacos for a true taste of street food culture.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Riverside, it's important to be mindful of personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when initiating a conversation or interaction.
Politeness and courtesy are highly valued in Riverside. It's common to say 'please' and 'thank you' and to maintain a friendly and respectful demeanor in social interactions.
Riverside is a diverse city, so it's important to be open-minded and respectful of different cultures, traditions, and beliefs. Embracing diversity and practicing tolerance is essential.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Riverside with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Riverside
Ensure a smooth experience
In Riverside, tipping is a common practice in the service industry, including restaurants, bars, hotels, and taxis. It is customary to tip around 15-20% of the total bill for good service.
Payment in Riverside is primarily done using cash, credit/debit cards, and digital payment methods such as mobile wallets. Most businesses accept major credit cards, and it is common to use cards for transactions. Contactless payment methods are also gaining popularity in the city.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Riverside.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Riverside in spring is from March to May when the weather is mild and pleasant. You can expect blooming flowers, particularly the famous California poppies, and various outdoor events and festivals.
Summer, from June to August, is great for enjoying warm weather and outdoor activities in Riverside. Be prepared for hot temperatures and the chance of occasional heatwaves, but also enjoy the long days and opportunities for water sports and community events.
The fall season, from September to November, brings comfortably warm days and cooler nights to Riverside. It's an ideal time for outdoor adventures, such as hiking in nearby nature reserves and enjoying seasonal culinary events like food festivals and farmers markets.
Visiting Riverside in winter, from December to February, offers milder temperatures compared to other parts of the country. While it can occasionally get chilly, you can still explore the city's attractions, take part in holiday celebrations, and enjoy the festive lights and decorations.
Riverside at Night
Hiking in Riverside
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination in Riverside, offering a moderate trail with scenic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
A vast area with multiple trails ranging from easy to moderate, featuring lush vegetation and wildlife viewing opportunities.
A local park with trails suitable for all skill levels, ideal for a quick hike or a family outing.
A scenic canyon with well-marked trails that provide beautiful views and a chance to see local flora and fauna.
Offers several trails with varying difficulties and rewarding views at the top. Great for both hiking and mountain biking.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Riverside through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Riverside by plane.
The primary airport serving Los Angeles and one of the busiest in the world, located about 60 miles southwest of Riverside.
The airport serving Orange County, located approximately 35 miles southwest of Riverside.
An international airport located about 20 miles to the northwest of Riverside, serving the Inland Empire region.
Located about 90 miles south of Riverside, it serves the greater San Diego area.
Located around 45 miles east of Riverside, it serves the Coachella Valley region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of Riverside's population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, reflecting the cultural diversity of the area.
The non-Hispanic white population makes up a substantial demographic group in Riverside.
African American individuals represent a notable percentage of Riverside’s residents, contributing to the city's cultural richness.
The Asian demographic, including communities from various countries, adds to the diversity of Riverside.
An increasing number of individuals in Riverside identify as multiracial, reflecting changing demographics.
The Native American population, while smaller, contributes to the historical and cultural fabric of Riverside.
Pacific Islanders are a smaller demographic group in Riverside, representing a unique aspect of the community.
This category includes various smaller ethnic groups not specifically listed in the major categories.
The Soul of Riverside
Discover the essence of Riverside through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A competitive sport played by two teams of five players each, where the aim is to score points by shooting a ball through the opponent's hoop.
A bat-and-ball game played between two opposing teams who take turns batting and fielding, popular in both youth and professional leagues.
A team sport played by two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball, with the objective of scoring goals by getting the ball into the opposing team's net.
An American version of football played by two teams of eleven players on a rectangular field with goalposts at each end, where the objective is to score points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone.
A variant of baseball played on a larger diamond with a larger ball, typically played by women but enjoyed by all genders in various leagues.
A competitive water sport involving various strokes, where participants race over specified distances in pools or open water.
A team sport where two teams of six players are separated by a net and try to score points by sending a ball over the net to land in the opponent's court.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Riverside.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Riverside's dining scene is accommodating with several eateries offering vegetarian and vegan dishes. Check out Anchos Southwest Grill for flavorful vegetarian fajitas or The Mighty Mushroom burger for a satisfying vegan option.
For those seeking gluten-free options, places like The Upper Crust and Market Broiler provide menus with clearly marked gluten-free selections, ensuring a worry-free dining experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Riverside with these cultural adventures.
