Why Visit Riverside, California? A Hidden Gem in Southern California

Head to California Citrus State Historic Park which tells the story of the citrus industry's rapid development in Southern California.

The citrus economy began in 1873 when the U.S. Department of Agriculture sent two little navel orange trees to Eliza Tibbets, a Riverside local. The trees thrived due to Southern California's temperate climate and healthy soil.

Once locals tasted the sweet fruit grown in Eliza Tibbets' yard, groves of oranges, lemons, and grapefruits began popping up all over the state. At the California Citrus State Historic Park, visitors can join a free guided tour that includes samples of freshly-grown California oranges. The park also has an amphitheater and picnic areas that groups can rent out for a small fee.

Find it at this Address: 9400 Dufferin Avenue, Riverside, CA 92503, Phone: 951-780-6222

Stop by the Mission Inn Museum located in the famous Mission Inn Hotel on the corner of Main Street and Mission Inn Avenue. The museum contains a variety of artifacts from Frank Miller, the founder and owner of the inn.

Miller was well known for his love of aviation, his fascination with fine art, and his marketing brilliance.

Miller and his family also played a key role in turning Riverside into a center of economic and cultural activity. During the Mission Inn Museum tour, visitors can see exhibits on key events from Riverside's history, view artifacts from Frank Miller's life, and learn about the citrus growing industry in California.

Find it at this Address: 3696 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501, Phone: 951-788-9556

Admire the beautiful University of California Riverside Botanic Gardens which contain vast amounts of flowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees. The horticultural collection is comprised of rose gardens, herb gardens, a cactus garden, and Alder Canyon, a shady area with California riparian trees.

At the geographical collection, visitors can see a selection of desert plants and displays with plants from Australia and South Africa. There is also a large plot of plants that grow in California's Sierra Foothills region. Altogether, the park contains hundreds of different plant species from all over the world. Admission to the gardens is free, but guests are encouraged to make a small donation.

Find it at this Address: 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, Phone: 951-827-1012

Attractions for Couples

The Riverside City Council opened the Riverside Metropolitan Museum in December of 1924.

At first, the museum consisted of Native American artifacts donated by the widow of Cornelius Earle Rumsey, who was known for his role in starting the National Biscuit Company (NABISCO). The museum rapidly grew with donations from private citizens and local organizations.

The Riverside Metropolitan Museum made its way on to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, and in 2004, the museum acquired the historic Harada House. The museum has three main collections that focus on the nature, history, and culture of the Riverside area. There is also an extensive archive that includes scores of documents, photographs, and ephemera from Riverside's history.

Find it at this Address: 3580 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501, Phone: 951-826-5273

The UCR/California Museum of Photography contains an array of exhibits dedicated to the art of photography in all its forms. With support from the University of California, Riverside, the museum has amassed thousands of images from photographers around the world. The off-campus facility houses a permanent collection of photography technology artifacts.

The exhibit also explores the impact of photography on history and culture. Film is a major focus of the museum, and there are regular showings of movies produced by American and international directors. The California Museum of Photography also hosts special events, such as lectures, workshops, and performances.

Find it at this Address: 3824 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501, Phone: 951-827-4787

Recommended Activities for Families

Explore the 2,851-acre Whitewater Preserve which was created to protect the fragile environment around the Whitewater River. The area around the river is home to a diverse riparian habitat that includes rare plants like the Southwest willow flycatcher and Bell's vireo. The San Jacinto Mountain Range, the San Bernardino Mountain Range, and the San Gorgonio Wilderness frame the picturesque Whitewater River.

Animal life in the area includes bighorn sheep, deer, bear, and the endangered fringe-toed lizard. Visitors can check out the reserve's numerous trails while watching for unique wildlife and enjoying the ponds that dot the landscape.

Find it at this Address: 9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, Whitewater, CA 92282, Phone: 760-325-7222

Have fun at Castle Park, a family-friendly amusement park that has attracted Riverside locals and out-of-town visitors since 1976. The park has 27 different types of rides, including roller coasters, a drop tower, a water log slide, and a merry-go-round.

Castle Park also has four championship miniature golf courses, a water playground, retail shops, and a massive selection of carnival games.

Lastly, the park features more than 200 fun arcade games for players of all ages. Castle Park has rental options for birthday parties, corporate events, family reunions, and other types of get-togethers. There are also cabanas and lockers at the park so that guests can safely stow their valuables. Out-of-town guests will find plenty of family-friendly lodging options close by.

Find it at this Address: 3500 Polk Street, Riverside, CA 92505, Phone: 951-785-3000

Recommended Attractions

Admire art at the Riverside Art Museum located in Riverside's historic Mission Inn district. Housed in a beautiful 1929 building, the Riverside Art Museum has permanent and temporary exhibitions that showcase the talents of artists from around the world. Visitors can view works from more than a dozen famous creators as well as pieces made by talented local artists and high school students.

The museum also hosts art classes that cater to all different skill levels. At the Blue Door Museum Store, visitors can buy unique handmade souvenirs as well as books and art supplies.

Find it at this Address: 3425 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501, Phone: 951-684-7111

Head to Heritage House for free. Owned by the Riverside Metropolitan Museum, it was built in 1891, and the exquisite home is a prime example of Victorian-style architecture. Mr. and Mrs. James Bettner, a couple who came to Riverside in the late 1800s during the town's horticulture boom, once owned the home.

The Bradstreet Index, published in 1895, identified Riverside as the town with the highest per capita income in the United States at the time. The Bettners' tastes, interests and income level are well illustrated in their meticulously preserved historic home. Admission to the Heritage House is free, although the museum appreciates a donation.

Find it at this Address: 8193 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92504, Phone: 951-826-5273

Check out the dinosaurs at the Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center (JMDC), a fun and educational attraction nestled deep in the hills around Jurupa Valley. JMDC boasts nine acres of beautifully manicured botanical gardens. In the gardens, there are 10 large dinosaur statues that are sure to capture the imagination of young visitors. JDMC also has a collection of live animals, including tortoises, turtles, and goldfish.

JDMC covers an additional 82 acres of land that is primarily used for school field trips, paid expeditions, community events, and private parties. Lastly, there is an onsite gift store where guests can purchase fun souvenirs and educational materials.

Find it at this Address: 7621 Granite Hill Drive, Riverside, CA 92509, Phone: 951-685-5818