Best Things to Do in Riverside, California

Are you moving to Riverside, CS, sometime soon? If so, you’re probably wondering what it’s like to live here. Luckily, there are many fantastic activities and restaurants in Riverside. To help you move and settle in, we gathered the best things to do. So, read on to discover all the best things to do in Riverside, California!

Explore Riverside’s Citrus-Filled Past in California Citrus State Historic Park

Riverside, California, is where the California citrus industry started. Indeed, it was so huge that it became known as California’s second gold rush! Later on, the citrus boom made California a world leader in citrus fruit production. It was also a massive boost to Riverside’s local economy. Today they celebrate all things citrus at the California Citrus State Historic Park. You can walk through the park and explore 400+ acres of citrus species. For example, the citrus trees include oranges, grapefruit, and lemons. Yum!

Tip: The walking tour of the Park is fun and interesting, and the aromas are intoxicating.

Enjoy one of the many Festivals in Riverside

Few cities have as many fantastic festivals as Riverside, California! That’s because the city is incredibly diverse, with a wide variety of cultures and traditions. All the different holidays are celebrated during specific times throughout the year. So, there is always something to do in Riverside, CA! Some of the best festivals in Riverside include the following:

Riverside Tamale Festival– Celebrating Mexican culture in a big, fun way!
Riverside Arts Walk– This premier arts walk happens the first Thursday of every month!
Ghost Walk Riverside – An outdoor celebration of all things spooky!
Kronenburg Renaissance Festival– Go back in time and explore the arts and culture of the time. And make sure to come dressed in your Renaissance attire for the best experience!
Riverside Dickens Festival– The annual celebration of this famous twentieth-century storyteller!

Hike the Santa Ana River Trail

The weather in Southern California is famously fantastic all year. So that makes getting outside and enjoying nature much easier and more enjoyable. One of the best places to do that is the Santa Ana River Trail. The trail extends for over 50 miles along, you guessed it, the Santa Ana River. Even better, it ends at Huntington Beach on the Pacific, so you can jump in and cool off! You can hike, bike, or walk the trail as it passes through several inviting neighborhoods. Also, there are restaurants and shops along the way. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy Riverside and Southern California’s many charms!

Tip: Bring plenty of water and sunscreen when you explore the trail.

Plan a Family Fun Day at Castle Park

Finding fun activities for the entire family can sometimes be a challenge. In Riverside, however, there’s Castle Park which opened way back in 1976. With nearly 30 rides and attractions, Castle Park is fun for everyone! For the smallest family members, there’s Buccaneer Cove. At this water playground, the little ones can splash all day! Castle Park also features an 18-hole championship mini-golf course. In addition, they have an arcade with 200+ video games! If you’re looking for things to do in Riverside, California, with kids, Castle Park is perfect!

Get in some Golf on one of Riverside’s many Courses

Golfers will love Riverside, California! The city was one of the first in Southern California to have a golf course. As a result, today, there are several excellent courses to choose from including:

Enjoy Riverside, California’s World-Class Craft Beer

Fans of handcrafted, delicious beer will love Riverside, California! There are 10 breweries located in the city and several more nearby. Many folks come here for the beer alone! And we can understand why! Several of the best breweries are below when you need to relax and sip some suds.

Wicks Brewing – 20+ taps and award-winning west-coast IPAs.
Thompson Brewing– 30 taps and fantastic food.
Route 30 Brewing– Traditional ales and kettle sours set this brewery apart.
Packinghouse Brewery- As the city’s oldest brewery, this spot has gorgeous views of downtown!
Euryale Brewing. Pollux Glazed Donut Beer?! Yes, please, and may I have another!

See Riverside from above at Mt. Rubidoux

There’s nothing more exciting than seeing Riverside, California from on high at Mt. Rubidoux! At nearly 1,400 feet, the view from the top is breathtaking (and so is the walk to get there). The mountain has a 3-mile trail that’s perfect for jogging and walking, and it’s also dog-friendly. Near the summit, you’ll find the World Peace Tower and Friendship Bridge, a great place for selfies!

Tip: Mt. Rubidoux is open from dawn until dusk, so plan your visit accordingly.

Enjoy one of Riverside’s Many Museums

Riverside is known for art, culture, and fun. So it’s not surprising there are many excellent museums to enjoy. There’s a museum that will appeal to everyone here, even the kids! For example, there’s the Jurupa Mountain Discovery Center. At this outdoor museum, you’ll get great exercise exploring all the attractions. Don’t miss Eddy the Columbian mammoth! And to see the works of local artists, try the Riverside Art Museum. However, if learning about Riverside’s industrial history is your goal, check out the Museum of Riverside. They have more than 200,000 artifacts! Wow!

Are gorgeous plants and flowers more your style? Then the Botanical Garden at UC Riverside is a must-see! (You’ll find over 500 plant species there!) Take a day to stroll and enjoy the blossoms here! Also, the March Field Air Museum is an interesting look at some of the greatest planes in history. Their yearly airshow is one of the best in the country. One last museum that’s worth noting is the California Museum of Photography. It’s filled with fascinating photos of Riverside’s past. Plus, they have antique cameras and photo equipment.