14 Best Things to Do in Riverside, CA

Located about 60 miles east of Los Angeles, Riverside, California, is the largest city in the Inland Empire and the 12th-most populous in the state.

As the place that started California’s world-famous citrus industry and home of SoCal’s first golf course and polo field, Riverside boasts a rich history. Its storied roots offer lots of archival interest and must-see landmarks, but that’s not all there is to do in the city.

Whether you’re an outdoor adventurist, a wellness enthusiast, a curious tourist, traveling as a family, or planning a date or weekend getaway, the city has plenty to offer. From gorgeous mountain vistas, hikable trails, and tree-lined parks to museums, eateries, and a bustling downtown area, there are plenty of things to do in Riverside.

Outdoor Things to Do in Riverside

Riverside is an often underestimated city. Though it’s not a stereotypical beach town, as California is known for, it’s got a genuine identity and is a big draw for folks who like to spend time outside.

1. Hike Mount Rubidoux

Just outside downtown Riverside, Mount Rubidoux is among the city’s most iconic landmarks. The public hiking trail is a three-mile loop with city views from the top, where you can also check out the castle-like, historic Peace Tower.

This stunning hike is dog-friendly and accessible for most fitness levels. Depending on the time of year, you may want to head over in the morning before the heat builds.

2. Run or Ride the Santa Ana River Trail

The Santa Ana River Trail is a paved, multi-use trail that runs through Riverside, with multiple access points. Once the upcoming expansion is complete, it’ll span 110 miles, from the San Bernardino Mountains to the Pacific Ocean at Huntington Beach.

You can walk, run, or cycle the trail, no matter your preferred distance or destination. This practical, everyday option is a great way to get some exercise that doesn’t require a drive.

3. Explore Box Springs Mountain Reserve

Box Springs sits on over 3,000 acres overlooking Riverside and the neighboring Moreno Valley. The reserve has various multi-use trails for hiking, jogging, and mountain biking, ranging from easy to moderate, plus picnic tables and bathrooms.

Go for the breathtaking Inland Empire views, low crowds, and back-to-nature experience of non-paved paths among rolling hillsides.

4. Spend an Afternoon at Fairmount Park

Fairmount is a classic city park in Riverside with lots to do for all ages. It’s home to Lake Evans, which has pedal boats, fishing, and sailing. There’s also an open grass area, a reservable picnic space with a gazebo and public barbecues, a playground, lawn bowling, tennis courts, and a golf course.

Whether you spend all day there or come by for a morning walk and a pedal boat ride, Fairmount Park is just the thing for a laid-back, active experience.

Arts, Culture, and History in Riverside

There’s no shortage of historic landmarks, galleries, and cultural destinations in Riverside. Here’s where we recommend going.

5. Visit the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa

The Mission Inn opened 150 years ago and became a full-service hotel in the early 20th century. It’s a National Historic Landmark and considered one of the most architecturally significant buildings in Southern California.

Even if you don’t book a room, it’s worth walking through to take in the gorgeous building. The spa and award-winning restaurants at the Mission Inn’s Food Emporium make it a full-day destination on its own. Riverside’s annual Festival of Lights, running from late November through December, turns it into one of the most photographed spots in the region.

6. Stop by the Riverside Art Museum

The Riverside Art Museum is a well-curated, mid-size museum with rotating exhibits showcasing California artists and regional history. Admission is affordable, and a visit is easy to pair with a downtown walk.

The building the museum is located in is, in and of itself, an attraction. It was designed in 1929 by Julia Morgan, a pioneering architect most famous for designing Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California.

7. Check Out the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture

The first museum of its kind, the Cheech features Chicana/o/x art to honor the culture’s substantial social and political impact. It’s among the Inland Empire’s most significant historic and cultural institutions.

Browsing the exhibits in a restored Carnegie library building, you’ll see comedian and humanitarian Cheech Marin’s extensive art collection. It’s genuinely impressive to see in person—worth a dedicated visit while you’re in Riverside rather than a quick stop.

8. Tour the California Museum of Photography

The Museum of Photography is an off-campus arm of the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at UC Riverside. Free to explore and open to the public, the exhibits feature a robust collection highlighting the history of photography as an artistic medium.

Quiet, endlessly interesting, and arguably underrated, the museum surprises many first-time visitors. Plus, the air-conditioned space is a good indoor option during the hotter months in Riverside.

9. Catch a Show at the Fox Performing Arts Center

The Fox Performing Arts Center opened nearly a century ago in 1929. Nestled in the heart of downtown Riverside, the restored historic building hosts concerts, comedy shows, and year-round touring productions.

Whichever season you find yourself in Riverside, it’s worth checking the events schedule and getting tickets to a show.

Where to Eat and Drink in Riverside

Riverside has something for pretty much everyone in terms of food and drink. We’re rounding up some crowd favorites below.

10. Walk Market Street and Mission Inn Avenue

This downtown Riverside dining corridor has a strong mix of locally owned restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops, all within a walkable stretch. You can get anything from farm-to-table options to craft beer and some of the best tacos in the region.

11. Visit the Riverside Food Lab

Market Street’s Riverside Food Lab is a modern food hall with a wide range of curated eateries. The vibe is casual with communal seating and a bustling, inviting atmosphere. It’s great for groups who might have different food tastes and those who want to try a bit of everything.

Things to Do for Active and Health-Minded Visitors

For people who like to stay active or do wellness-focused activities, there’s plenty to do in Riverside that’ll help you feel refreshed and healthy when you return home.

12. Explore Downtown Riverside on Foot

Riverside’s downtown core is highly walkable and an excellent neighborhood for those who want to explore the city. When strolling around, you’ll see murals, historic architecture, independently owned boutiques, and coffee shops.

Downtown also has access to parks and other outdoor activities, plus a growing food and arts scene. With many destinations stacked on top of each other and located in a concentrated area, it’s a fun way to connect multiple stops without getting back in the car.

The best time to visit downtown is in the spring or fall. Summers can get fairly hot, but heading out in the morning can help you beat the heat. There’s also a decent amount of parking available, plus public transportation and ride-share options.

13. Head to California Citrus State Historic Park

This park and living museum is all about preserving the history of California’s centuries-old citrus industry. It spans 250 acres, with citrus tree groves, exhibits, and historic buildings to check out.

14. Train or Recover at Chuze Fitness Riverside

If you’re looking for wellness-focused gyms in Riverside, Chuze Fitness has you covered. Our Magnolia Town Center location is perfect for visitors who want to keep their fitness routine going and those recovering after an active day exploring the city.

Beyond a fully equipped gym, the in-house Recovery Studio has several amenities. We’re talking massage chairs, compression boots, an infrared sauna, and red light therapy.

Find your nearest Chuse Fitness to learn about membership options and our seven-day trial pass.

Sources: 

City of Riverside. Mt. Rubidoux. https://riversideca.gov/park_rec/facilities-parks/mt-rubidoux

San Bernardino County. Santa Ana River Trail & Pkwy. https://parks.sbcounty.gov/park/santa-ana-river-trail-pkwy/

County of Riverside (RivCo). Box Springs Mountain Reserve. https://rivcoparks.org/open-space-areas-and-reserves/box-springs-mountain-reserve

Visit Riverside California. Fairmount Park. https://visitriverside.com/places/united-states/california/riverside/things-to-do/fairmount-park/

Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. Welcome to the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. https://www.missioninn.com/

Historic Hotels of America. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. https://www.historichotels.org/us/hotels-resorts/the-mission-inn-hotel-and-spa/

City of Riverside. The Historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa 33rd Annual Festival of Lights. https://riversideca.gov/fol/

Riverside Art Museum. How Riverside’s YWCA hired Julia Morgan and Defied Mission Inn. https://riversideartmuseum.org/how-riversides-ywca-hired-julia-morgan-and-defied-mission-inn/

Riverside Art Museum. The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture. https://riversideartmuseum.org/visit/the-cheech/

UCR Arts. About UCR Arts. https://ucrarts.ucr.edu/

The Riverside Theater Foundation. History. https://riversidefoxfoundation.org/history/

California State Parks. California Citrus State Historic Park. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=649

Discover Riverside. Downtown Attractions. https://riversidecvb.com/things-to-do/local-attractions/

City of Riverside. Downtown Neighborhood. https://riversideca.gov/athomeinriverside/neighborhoods-downtown.asp