Riverside

Introduction

Located in Southern California, you will find Riverside situated along the banks of the Santa Ana River. As the county seat of Riverside County, this city serves as a major hub within the Inland Empire region.

Positioned within the Greater Los Angeles area, you can reach the city from downtown Los Angeles in about 50 miles. The surrounding metropolitan area provides a sprawling landscape for your visit to this inland destination.

Before you go

Prepare for your visit by recognizing that Riverside functions as a significant urban center within the Inland Empire. While it may be perceived as a suburb of Los Angeles, its size makes it a substantial city in its own right.

You will find the city serves as an important hub and is home to UC Riverside.

Getting there

You can reach Riverside by flying into Ontario International Airport, which provides easy freeway access and a less crowded terminal compared to other regional airports. From there, you can navigate the local freeway system by taking Interstate 10 East, transitioning to I-15 South, and then onto CA-60 East. If you are traveling by car from other regions, Riverside is accessible via the Pomona Freeway from Los Angeles, the Riverside Freeway from Orange County, or through a series of interchanges from San Diego and Palm Springs.

For those arriving by rail, the city serves as a hub for the Metrolink commuter rail system with two stations: Riverside-Downtown and Riverside-La Sierra. The downtown station also hosts one daily Amtrak trip on the Southwest Chief. If you prefer to travel by bus, Flixbus offers connections from cities like Las Vegas and Phoenix, while local Riverside Transit routes provide regional service throughout the county.

Getting around

Navigating Riverside typically involves using a car, though you should prepare for potential traffic congestion and varying driving habits from others on the road. The CA-60/I-215 runs along the north side of the city, providing access to the University neighborhood via specific exits or the residential Canyon Crest area. The CA-91 runs the length of the city toward Orange County and Long Beach, with exits near Downtown, the upscale Riverside Plaza, and the Galleria at Tyler mall. While Arlington and Magnolia Avenues are major crosstown arteries, they experience heavy congestion; you may prefer to use Jurupa Avenue or Victoria Avenue instead. Choosing Victoria Avenue offers a more scenic drive through old orange groves.

Public transit is available through the Riverside Transit Agency, which operates fixed-route buses, express commuter services, and community-based trolley-bus routes. The system features two main hubs: the Downtown Terminal and the Galleria at Tyler in the south of the city. While some local routes run frequently along Magnolia, University, and Arlington Avenues, service generally stops in the evening. Taxis can be found on Fairmount Avenue between the Greyhound and city bus terminals if you need transportation after public transit is no longer available.

Where to stay

You can choose from a variety of accommodations that cater to different preferences for your stay in Riverside. For those seeking historical charm, the Mission Inn stands as a landmark of California, featuring unique architectural details, a pool and spa, and multiple restaurants.

• The Art Deco-style Thunderbird Lodge features an outdoor pool.
• Options along University Avenue include the Comfort Inn, which provides a business center and spacious parking, the Courtyard Riverside, and Motel 6 Riverside East.
• Other nearby options include the Days Inn Riverside Tyler Mall, Motel 6 Riverside South, and the Riverside Marriott.

Food & drink

You can find familiar chain-restaurant fare near major establishments throughout the city. If you prefer local flavors, head to The Lucky Greek for a signature greaseball or pastrami burger in an unpolished setting. For authentic and excellent dishes, visit Templo Del Sol on University Avenue. While the service is slow, the food is highly regarded.

Explore different neighborhoods for your preferred drink:

• Visit Getaway Cafe in Canyon Crest for beer, wine, and pub grub.
• Stop by Sire Restaurant on Magnolia Avenue for a local dive bar experience.
• Head to The Yard House near the Galleria for a selection of beverages.

What to see and do

Explore the local history and culture through various museums located near the downtown bus terminal. You can visit the Riverside Metropolitan Museum to view rotating exhibits on geography and local life, or explore the Riverside Art Museum for works by local artists. The Mission Inn Museum is housed within a historic building and features unique items like a chair crafted for President Taft. For those interested in photography and film, the UCR Culver Center for the Arts houses both the Sweeney Gallery and the UCR-California Museum of Photography, along with a performance space for independent films.

Experience the region's connection to citrus by visiting the California Citrus State Historic Park, which features a working orchard and a museum dedicated to the history of orange groves. You can also find the original navel orange tree growing on a traffic island at the corner of Magnolia and Arlington Avenues. For outdoor adventures, hike the sandy trails of Mount Rubidoux for panoramic views of the surrounding area or explore the Box Springs Mountain Preserve for hiking and biking. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, stroll through the UCR Botanical Gardens in the hills to see exotic flora, or visit Fairmount Park to enjoy its inclusive playground and splash pad.

• The March Field Air Museum features vintage military aircraft like the B-52 and SR-71.
• Castle Park offers a variety of carnival-like rides, a log flume, and miniature golf.
• Catch a double feature at the Van Buren Cinema 3 or experience the local drive-in scene at Rubidoux Drive-In.
• Attend plays, concerts, or musicals at the Fox Performing Arts Center located in the historic Fox Theater building downtown.

Three days in Riverside

Day one, you can begin your journey by exploring the local area and getting familiar with the surroundings of the Inland Empire. You can navigate Riverside to see the sights near the Santa Ana River or explore the grounds of UC Riverside.

Day two, you can travel through the region toward neighboring areas like Palm Springs or Orange County. If you choose to venture further, you can utilize transportation options such as the Metrolink, Amtrak, or Flixbus to reach destinations like Las Vegas or Phoenix.

Day three, you can spend your time in Downtown Riverside or explore the nearby neighborhoods. You can also plan for future travel from the area toward Los Angeles or other points across Southern California.