Places to Visit in Riverside

Riverside is one of those cities that surprises you with its depth and character. With its rich citrus heritage, stunning Mission Revival architecture, vibrant arts scene, and easy access to some of Southern California's most dramatic natural landscapes, it offers a travel experience that is both genuinely unique and deeply rewarding. Whether you are visiting for history, outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, or a relaxed alternative to the busier cities of the region, Riverside has something memorable for every kind of traveller.

This guide covers the best places to visit in Riverside, popular things to do, flight information, food tips, transport apps, and currency basics to help you plan your trip with ease.

Places to Visit in Riverside

Riverside is home to a remarkable collection of landmarks and attractions that tell the story of California's development in vivid and fascinating detail. The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa is the undisputed crown jewel of the city, a breathtaking National Historic Landmark that has been welcoming guests since 1902. Its extraordinary blend of Mission Revival, Spanish Colonial, and Gothic architectural styles makes it one of the most visually stunning buildings in all of California, and a walk through its courtyards, chapels, and galleries is an experience unlike anything else in the region.

The California Citrus State Historic Park is a wonderfully unique attraction that celebrates Riverside's pivotal role in establishing California's citrus industry. Visitors can walk through working groves of oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, learn about the history of the navel orange, and enjoy sweeping views across the groves to the surrounding mountains. It is a genuinely charming and educational experience that few other cities in America can offer.

The Riverside Art Museum, housed in a beautiful 1929 Julia Morgan-designed building, presents an impressive programme of contemporary and historic exhibitions. The University of California, Riverside Botanic Gardens offers 39 acres of diverse plant collections and peaceful walking trails, making it one of the most underrated green spaces in Southern California. The Fox Performing Arts Center, a beautifully restored 1929 movie palace, anchors the city's downtown cultural life and hosts concerts, theatre productions, and community events throughout the year.

Things to Do in Riverside

Riverside rewards explorers who enjoy discovering a city's character through its streets, neighbourhoods, and local culture. Downtown Riverside has undergone a vibrant revival in recent years, with independent restaurants, craft breweries, art galleries, and boutique shops breathing new life into its historic commercial district. The pedestrian-friendly Main Street and Mission Inn Avenue area is particularly enjoyable for an afternoon stroll.

The annual Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn is one of the most spectacular holiday events in Southern California, transforming the hotel and surrounding streets into an extraordinary display of lights and decorations that draws visitors from across the region every November and December. Planning a visit around this event is a truly magical experience.

Outdoor enthusiasts are exceptionally well served in Riverside. The Box Springs Mountain Reserve offers excellent hiking and mountain biking trails with panoramic views across the Inland Empire and beyond. Mount Rubidoux, a beloved local landmark, provides a scenic and accessible hike to a hilltop cross with sweeping views of the city and the Santa Ana River valley. The Santa Ana River Trail is a popular cycling and walking route that connects Riverside to the wider regional trail network.

The nearby Lake Perris State Recreation Area offers swimming, boating, camping, and rock climbing just a short drive from the city, making it a favourite weekend escape for locals and visitors alike.

Flights to Riverside

The closest dedicated airport to Riverside is Ontario International Airport (ONT), located approximately 20 to 25 minutes west of the city and offering a convenient, uncrowded travel experience with direct domestic services to many major US cities. Airlines including American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, and United operate regular services through Ontario, making it an excellent gateway for visitors to the Inland Empire region.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) offers the broadest range of international and domestic routes, served by carriers including British Airways, Qantas, Emirates, and virtually every major global airline, and is approximately 60 to 75 minutes from Riverside depending on traffic. Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) provides another practical alternative for domestic travellers, sitting roughly 45 minutes to the northwest. From any of these airports, Riverside is conveniently reached by rental car, rideshare, or the Metrolink commuter rail service. Booking flights in advance is recommended, particularly during peak travel periods and around the Festival of Lights season when visitor numbers in the area increase significantly. Compare flight options and plan your journey with us to find the best routes and fares for your Riverside visit.

Riverside Food and Transportation Apps You Must Know

Riverside's food scene has developed into one of the most exciting in the Inland Empire, driven by a growing community of independent chefs, craft brewers, and food entrepreneurs who have made downtown Riverside their home. From elevated California cuisine and authentic Mexican food to craft cocktail bars and artisan coffee roasters, the city offers a dining experience that consistently surprises first-time visitors. Apps like Yelp, OpenTable, and Google Maps are invaluable for discovering the best local restaurants and checking current opening hours.

Getting around Riverside is most convenient with your own transport, as the city is spread across a wide area. Google Maps handles driving, cycling, and walking routes effectively throughout the city and surrounding region. The Metrolink commuter rail connects Riverside to Los Angeles and other Inland Empire cities, making car-free regional travel a practical option. Uber and Lyft operate throughout Riverside for reliable on-demand travel. The Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) bus network covers most parts of the city at affordable fares, and the city has invested in expanding its cycling infrastructure in recent years.

Places to Visit in Riverside For Free

Riverside offers an appealing selection of free experiences that showcase the best of the city without any cost. Mount Rubidoux Regional Park is free to visit and its hilltop hike rewards walkers with some of the finest views in the entire region. The UC Riverside Botanic Gardens are free to enter for all visitors and offer a beautifully tranquil escape from the city.

The grounds and public areas of the Mission Inn are free to explore, and simply walking its remarkable exterior and courtyard spaces is a rewarding experience. Downtown Riverside's street art, historic architecture, and public plazas are all free to enjoy at your own pace. The California Citrus State Historic Park charges only a modest vehicle fee, making it one of the most affordable and distinctive attractions in Southern California.

Riverside Currency

The official currency in Riverside is the US Dollar (USD). ATMs are readily available at banks, petrol stations, shopping centres, and hotel lobbies throughout the city. Credit and debit cards are accepted at all restaurants, attractions, and shops. Carrying a small amount of cash is practical for farmers markets, food trucks, and local street vendors, as well as for tipping at restaurants and hotels where gratuity is the customary standard.

Wrapping Up Your Riverside Trip

Riverside is a city that rewards every traveller who takes the time to look beyond the obvious. From the jaw-dropping grandeur of the Mission Inn and the living history of its citrus groves to a thriving downtown food scene and outstanding access to nature, it offers a travel experience that is rich, varied, and genuinely satisfying. Whether you are drawn by architecture, outdoor adventure, local culture, or simply the appeal of exploring a California city with real character and history, Riverside delivers it all with warmth and authenticity.

Ready to compare flights and plan your Inland Empire adventure? Book your Riverside journey with us today. With the right planning, your Riverside trip can be relaxed, surprising, and truly unforgettable.