Riverside Rendezvous: Your Ultimate Guide to the City’s Top Attractions

3 minutes read

Visit Riverside, a charming city of the Inland Empire. Discover a rich history and a contemporary cultural scene with some of the city’s top sights. Embark for an immersive experience!

A pinch of history

The Cahuillas and the Serranos were some of the Native American tribes who lived in this area.
In 1870, John North founded Riverside.
Riverside is considered as the birthplace of the California citrus industry.
Mission Inn is the largest Mission Revival Style building in America.

CA Citrus State Park

Explore citrus history and California’s industry touring orchards and museum. Discover citrus diversity and taste these California Golden fruits.

Did you know? By cultivating Valencia and Washington Navel oranges, harvesting respectfully during winter and summer, the CA industry supplies the market all year round.

Location: 9400 Dufferin Ave. Riverside, CA 92504

Mariposa Alley

In 2019, the city commissioned local artist Martin Sanchez for a public art installation. He created colorful metal butterflies from recycled materials.

The orange and black butterflies are Western Monarch. Every year, they migrate on the California coast. They are now in danger due to global warming, pollution, and diseases.

Location: 5644 Sheffield Ave, Riverside, CA 92506

California Museum of Photography

With more than 500,000 works, the three-store museum holds one of the largest photography collections in the United States. Step inside to discover vintage cameras, archives, negatives, and photographic prints.

Location: 3824 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501

Mission Inn Hotel and Museum

Opened in 1876, The Glenwood Cottage was a twelve-room adobe boarding house. From 1903 to 1931, the establishment has been extended and transformed into a Mission Revival Style building. This National Historic Landmark includes today more than 238 luxurious rooms.

Location: 3696 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501

Fox Theater

Historic landmark, the 1,550-capacity Fox Performing Arts Center opened on January 11, 1929. This Spanish Colonial Revival style theater attracted many performers like Bing Crosby.

Besides, Hollywood has been using this stage until 1960 to show previews before final editing and movie release. As an example, Riverside spectators were the first to see Gone with the Wind in 1939.

Location: 3801 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501

Riverside County Courthouse

A pinch of Parisian style in Riverside! Built in 1904 at the cost of $160k, the building was the first courthouse in Riverside County. Burnham and Bliesner’s architectural firm was inspired by the Grand Palais in Paris, France.

Location: 4050 Main Street, Riverside, CA. 92501

Chinese Memorial Pavillon (1986)

Constructed a few blocks from the original Chinatown, the Chinese Memorial Pavillon honors the community who contribute to developing the citrus industry and building railroads. Indeed, Chinese workers shared knowledge and techniques for successfully growing citrus, and for their conservation.

Location: 456 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501

Riverside Art Museum

Since 1967, the two-floor museum showcases permanent and temporary exhibits and events. Also, it includes a gallery for children and a studio classroom.

In 1982, it was designated as a Riverside historic landmark.

Temporary Exhibit at Riverside Art Museum

Location: 3425 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501

Classic car show

If you are visiting Riverside the first weekend in May, don’t miss the classic car show hosted by Riverside East Rotary & Old Farts Racing Team. Since 1997, this free event raises funds for charity.

Location: Downtown Riverside

Website: https://www.showandgo.org/

Mount Riboux Park

Mount Riboux is 161 acres (0.65km) park and landmark in the heart of Riverside. This popular hill includes 3.5 miles (5.6km) of paved road to exercise and enjoys panoramic views.