Last Updated on September 30, 2026
Riverside, California has been holding up medals for being very perfect for vacations and tourist trips.
It is located about 30 miles West of Los Angeles. And The University of California is situated here.
You can be sure not to get bored in this city. It had everything fun you can think of.
Perfect for a family timeout or if you just want a getaway from work.
Be sure you clicked on the right article if you want to know about fun things you can enjoy in this city.
Fun Things To Do in Riverside (CA)
You can not run out of options for interesting places and things to do in this city.
Here are the 37 best things to do in Riverside.
1.Visit California Citrus State Historic Park
Here is a good place to visit. You might want to know that Riverside happens to be housing California’s Citrus growing industry.
Visitors are given samples of the oranges.
You might not want to miss out on tasting the fresh pulp of California oranges.
The Historical Park also has a picnic area you can rent if you want to host a picnic with friends.
Trust me when I say the fee is very affordable.
And it will only be thought wrong if you don’t pay a visit to
2. Have a Day Out in the Mission Inn Museum
I, for one, have always had a thing for Museums.
That’s why it’s difficult for me to concur with people who say Museums are boring.
Frank Miller, the owner of the inn made sure to fill it in with eye-catching artifacts.
Which shows his love for aviation, fine arts, and intelligence in handling marketing strategies.
The inn is a beauty to behold indeed.
3. University of California Riverside Botanic Garden
I told you there is something for everyone here.
Now, you can see something set aside for botany lovers.
The garden is filled with shrubs, trees, flowers and grasses of different species.
You can get to see plants from even South Africa.
And guess what! Admission here is totally free.
4. Riverside Metropolitan Museum
This Metropolitan Museum was opened in December 1924.
Ever since the opening, the Museum has gotten so many donations from both local sponsors and Private citizens.
Which has helped it at test of time.
The Museum is said to have three central collections.
That’s on the history, culture, and nature of the Riverside neighborhood.
The best place to be if you want to know more about this city.
5. California Museum of Photography
In my opinion, this is a perfect spot for friendly dates.
Something different from the usual.
Thanks to the University of California, the Museum has been able to gather a lot of thrilling photographs from all over the world.
Something unique in each portrait you look at.
6. White Water Preserve
This preserve was made as a savior safe and guiding the environment.
The plants and animals in this area are said to be fragile.
People are allowed to watch the bears, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife found in this area.
The view is magnificent.
7. Castle Park
An outing for the whole family.
Activities here range from roller coaster rides to golf courses, carnival games, and even a retail shop for your local shopping.
Everybody goes home happy at the end of the day.
8. Riverside Art Museum
The 1929 historical building hosts artworks from talented artists.
You are sure to find work by a famous artist if you are a dying lover of art.
They host classes also. Ranging from the novice stage to almost perfect.
9. Heritage House
This 1891 house is owned by the Riverside Museum Metropolitan.
But was formerly owned by the James Bettner couple.
Now the home exhibits victorian-style architecture. A sure thrilling thing to see.
Visitors are freely welcomed here.
10. Jurupa Mountain Discovery Center
Another fun place to visit during your stay at Riverside is the
Jurupa Mountain Discovery Center.
Especially if you are vacationing with the kids.
This discovery center is very enlightening.
The 10 large dinosaur structures are thrilling to kids.
it’s something they will keep talking about even after they go back to school.
11. March Field Air Museum
Another must-visit Museum for history lovers.
This museum has been open since 1979.
It is home to the bomber jets that were used in d War II and more than 70 aircraft in history times.
Another thrilling in that the Museum allows events to be hosted like birthday parties, get together.
I’m sure you too love how educational and entertaining they are like I do.
12. Fox Performing Arts Center
This art center has three to five shows exhibiting every month.
The show varies and leaves something for everyone.
There are comics, dance performances, and musical shows.
Kids and the entire family can participate in having fun.
You can also get to see the upcoming events beforehand by subscribing to the online newsletters.
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13. Van Buren Drive-In Theatre
This theatre is perfect for a family time out.
It proves a point that old fashion can also be fun too.
Bad weather has never been an issue in hosting their shows.
People are so much in love with those shows that they come with pillows from their houses just to meet up with tickets.
It’s a good thing the theatre is open every day.
14. Gourmet Detective
The best thing about this place is the entertainment.
They always have a new trick to show.
No matter how many times you have been in this place, they will always catch you off guard.
As the play goes on, the innocents and actors are revealed with time.
It’s a good thing they have tasty meals too.
15. Fairmount Park
The park is loaded with everything felt worthy to give satisfaction to all ages.
There is a playground for the kids, tennis courts, a golf course, and even picnic facilities.
Water sports are also carried out here because of the three tranquil bodies of water in the park.
It’s a good thing the golf course is open every day. Even on Sundays.
16. Oak Quarry Golf Club
Is one place you should not miss out on.
The spectacular view of your empty land is one worth seeing.
Not to mention the clubhouse and restaurant.
The restaurant is my favorite part because it serves breakfast and lunch every day.
You will love to see for yourself.
And if you don’t have training in golf training but wish to learn don’t worry.
There are classes prepared for you too, hosted by professionals.
17. Riverside Live Steamers
Thisthewas a dream of one man, Joe Hunter.
To keep the locomotive alive. Although he died still working on the project.
Today millions of people come from all over the world to ride in his historical locomotive train.
The organization was founded in 1950.
18. Ballet Folklorico de Riverside
The main aim was to preserve the culture of the Mexican people through their dance, songs, and costumes.
It’s a beautiful thing to watch these performers.
The group was founded in 1977.
Now they have over 75 members.
You should watch them perform at festivals and parties.
They are amazing.
19. California Riverside Ballet
They are known for being one of the best choreographers.
They have a different pattern than the ones you have seen before.
They hold two major performances every year.
If you are lucky you can partake in one at least
It’s an experience you will love.
20. Riverside Certified Farmers Market
Why would you want to visit a town and not shop at Farmer’s market?
It might even end up being the most exciting thing you do in Riverside.
There is a large variety of fresh produce from fresh cow products to baked bread.
The market happens every Saturday. You are sure to find something you love.
21. Grier Pavilion, Riverside
This can pass as a fun place to be in Riverside. Especially if you are a fan of civil rights activists.
The walls are decorated with all sorts of quotes from famous activists.
The likes of John Kenedy, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, and Abraham Lincoln amongst others.
It was given its deserved recognition in 2008 as a symbol of Equality and Togetherness.
22. Entomology Museum
This is that which has a different specialty.
The University of California houses this museum also.
Since 1923 they have maintained astonishing efforts in preserving specimens.
With the help of sponsors and donors, they are rising to over three million specimens.
Though it is open to the public only by appointment. I can’t think of a better way to learn about insects.
23. Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties
This is a perfect place to take your kids who are eager to learn about politics.
This site is all about enlightening people about American politics and their culture.
You get to see the picture of what happened in the 20th century between the Japanese Internment and the civil rights activists.
There is more about this place than this. But It’s best if you see for yourself.
24. The Cove Waterpark, Riverside, CA
The Park has many attractions but I love the pool.
The pools entertain local divers.
It’s always fun to watch them swim.
It’s open to the general public some days of the week.
The park is often rented out for events and they have swimming tutorials at the junior Olympic-size pool.
25. Go shopping
Take time out to go shopping. Get gifts for your loved ones back home.
And get for yourself too.
Make sure you look out for something that will remind you of the amazing times you had back in Riverside.
26. Take pictures
Take as many pictures as you can. I always tell people that memories are to be preserved.
And they would be cherried in future times.
27. Lodge around the city
It’s always advisable to take lodges within the city.
That way you blend well with those already living there.
It makes your vacation more pleasurable.
You will hardly have problems visiting tourist centers.
Take up lodges too that are pocket friendly as long as it makes you comfortable.
The place you stay during a tour has an add-up in determining how many fun options you have opened to you.
28. Make New Friends
The people of Riverside are said to be fun people and full of life. You might end up making a good friend that will always keep you coming back.
It will also help in networking. And might be profitable for you if you are business inclined.
It might be your most fascinating experience during your stay in Riverside.
29. Take a Stroll
We all know how hard adulting can be. We all need to ease out once in a while.
You can participate in all fun activities and yet just a stroll will give you your magical experience in Riverside.
30. Visit food joints and Restaurants
This is for foodies like me.
This is one of my favorite parts of traveling.
Trying out new delicacies.
You can never get enough good food. Try out new recipes.
31. Learn to Cook the Local Dishes
Trying out some recipes of some local dishes can be of great help to you.
Taking cookery classes will do you good especially if you plan to stay for a long time
And it can be fun.
Seeing how much they love cheese. You should get an idea of how it is being prepared.
I recommend the formagella. It’s easy to make and you can ask
Conclusion
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