Location: Riverside
Top Things to do in Riverside
What to do and see in Riverside, California (CA): The Best Nature & Parks
Riverside is a city in Riverside County, California, United States, located in the Inland Empire metropolitan area. Riverside is the county seat of the eponymous county and named for its location beside the Santa Ana River. It is the most populous city in the Inland Empire and in Riverside County, and is located about 60 miles (97 km) east of Los Angeles. It is also part of the Greater Los Angeles area. Riverside is the 59th most populous city in the United States and 12th most populous city in California. As of the 2010 Census, Riverside had a population of 303,871.
Restaurants in Riverside
1. California Citrus State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
This 300-acre park preserves some of the rapidly vanishing cultural landscape of the citrus industry and tells the story of this industry's role in the history and development of California. Fruit Tastings at the Visitor Center/Museum Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, please stop by our museum/visitor center. You can roam the museum, and we will have fresh fruit to taste on the back patio! Tastings are offered from 10 am to 3:30 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Entrance to the museum/visitor center is free, with paid $5 parking fee. Guided Tours Join us for a free guided grove tour where you can learn about California's historic citrus industry and experience the horticultural aspects of a working grove. Our tours are offered Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 11:00am and 2:00pm.
Reviewed By where_is_ozis_food - Nijmegen, The Netherlands
A short history of citrus, how CA became a citrus center, orange trade with iced wagons, and more. You can also walk around orange trees. A small museum and shop. You can bring your guests to show CA history. 5$ for parking.
2. University of California Riverside Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By andreacD5634HH
I went to the botanic gardens with my family on January of this year. We got there around 11 in the morning, and were able to find parking. I would recommend getting there earlier if you want parking that is right by the entrance. We had to park (not free) and walk to the entrance of the gardens, which isn't that far. This is totally worth it! The botanic gardens have multiple trails. My favorite things to see here in the summer are the rose garden, herb garden, and the butterfly garden. We visited again in January, which didn't look as pretty as the summer and spring. However, we still enjoyed the trails, be careful some areas are steep! I also liked how the trails have accessible paths for areas that may be difficult to walk or hike. Overall, this was great experience! The trails are not as crowded. The different flowers, trees, and plants you see is amazing. I would recommend smelling the popcorn tree that is near the herb garden. Also, make sure to take a tour and leave a donation! This is a great place to go if you want to experience and explore nature with your family.
3. Mount Rubidoux Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 289 reviews
Reviewed By 309solenes - Riverside, United States
This is a great way to spend with family, and enjoy spectacular views and exercise all at once. A very manageable walk up paved paths surrounded by green cactus and beautiful yellow flowers in the spring.
4. Whitewater Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By 767joeg - Los Angeles, United States
While this is in Riverside County, Whitewater Preserve is much closer to Palm Springs or Desert Hot Springs. We visited on a perfect sunny day in February and were not disappointed. (I'm not sure I'd recommend this place for summer). It's a good 10-minute drive off the highway into wilderness. But then, what a nice place to get startlingly open desert mountain views. Even if the parking lot looks busy upon arrival, once you get away from the pretty manicured public welcome area there's plenty of space to spread out, hike and take in the views. Easy trails take you right to unexpected flowing water from the snowmelt in mountains hours away. Again, I'm sure this varies monthly, depending on weather conditions. But we were so startled and just sat there next to the mountain and the flowing stream for a peaceful moment. If you take some trails further, you'll cross the famed Pacific Crest Trail and serious hikers. This place is very serious about pack-out, as there are no trash cans or dumpster anywhere - take whatever food or trash you brought in back home with you in your car or truck, to help keep it pristine. No vending machines anywhere. The picnic area, bathrooms, trails and grass area by the welcome center are so well done, it renewed my hope in humanity.
5. Hunter Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada
The name of this park is Hunter Park. However there are no hunters. It is all about sports, especially: baseball and basketball. There is a playground for the youngest ones. Worthwhile to see!
6. Ryan Bonaminio Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By sdwilson1010 - Riverside, United States
Its great to have a park nearby and nice that people play baseball, walk dogs and there's a community garden. Sometimes there's an "unwanted" person there..
7. Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park
8. Lake Hemet
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 85 reviews
Located one hour from Palm Springs, this scenic lake at an elevation of 4,500 feet offers overnight camping, hiking, fishing and boating.
Reviewed By Aubjoi2010 - Palmdale, United States
We had Three cabins and they were so cute and cozy. Everything was so clean and smelled of bleach. We felt very comfortable and the restrooms and showers were only for those who rented cabins and were stocked and very clean as well!
9. Fairmount Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By A1547XZmartinb
There is a very nice country club attached to the park and open to the public. Beautiful historic golf course offers many challenges for both amateur and accomplished golfers. The plush interior is very accommodating for a relaxing atmosphere after your day on the links.
