Riverside, about 55 miles East of us, might not be the first city you think of when you want to get a quick getaway from Los Angeles.
But hopefully, after this article, you will see why we love this little town about an hour from LA because of its charming restaurants, museums, and beautiful parks.
Of course, we have all that and more right here in Los Angeles but it’s nice to take a short trip and experience some fun activities from other Southern California cities.
In this article we share some of our best tips for hacking a fun day in Riverside!
1 – Mount Rubidoux
Description:
This stunning park and landmark is just West of downtown Riverside. You can see the trail and the giant cross from down below in the city and it looks amazing!
This is the perfect place to get a good run in, right up to the summit where the cross rests. At the top, you will see it offers terrific views and a pleasant panorama that is sure to put you in a great mood.
To get to the top you can take a nice easy paved trail great for beginners who want to bike or just walking. By the way, there is more than just the Giant cross at the top. There are also some other cool structures we will leave as a surprise.
So don’t just leave this gem to the locals. Get over there to take some great pictures, get in some steps, and enjoy this fun free spot in Riverside.
Location:4706 Mount Rubidoux Dr, Riverside, CA 92501
Pic Credit: @californiathroughmylens
2 – March Field Museum
Description:
Have someone in your life who loves planes? The March museum displays amazing aircraft from World War II, also the fastest manned SR-71 Blackbird, sleek fighters, B-17 Starduster, and many more classic planes.
If you are looking for something kids would be interested in while also teaching them a little history let them have fun appreciating all these incredible airplanes and artifacts.
Another bonus to this museum during the age of Covid is that it has over 30 acres of outdoor space and you should be able to easily keep safe social distancing while touring around.
Admission is $12 but free for kids 4 years and younger.
Location: 22550 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518
PIC Credit: @raisingcolors
3 – Riverside Food Lab
Description:
Variety and deliciousness are two things you will definitely find at the Inland Empires first-ever Food Hall! The Riverside Food Lab is located next to the Fox Theater in the heart of Riverside and has become the go-to destination for the town’s local foodies.
Open every day at 11:00 am the Food Lab has about a dozen eateries and something tasty for everyone to choose from.
You can find restaurants featuring good quality ingredients and a variety of flavors including Ramen, Lebanese food with an American flair, Cocktails, good quality burgers, fried chicken, and more.
There are many unique spots from their handpicked vendors including a tasty bowl of Ramen at Soho Ramen featuring a secret recipe inspired in the original traditional Japanese noodle.
Also, you can find Baba’s chicken which delights its customers with amazing fried chicken cooked to perfection using organic spices and high-quality chicken.
Monty’s Good Burger is loved for its locally grown ingredients and Dhat Creole Grill will surprise you with unique Southern/Caribbean dishes.
Also, be sure to try creative sushi burritos or acai bowls.
The Food Lab launched at the end of 2018 as Food Halls have exploded in popularity all over California but of course (as of this writing) they are now dealing with the realities of Covid.
Luckily they have been able to respond with large seating areas, allowing for easier social distancing and the effort to follow all the current state recommended safety precautions. And you of course can always just order food to go!
Location: 3605 Market Street, Riverside, CA 92501
PIC Credit: @riversidefoodlab
4 – Lake Hemet
Description:
One thing we have seen explode in popularity in 2020 for Californians is camping! I personally prefer glamping but if you are one of the many out there who enjoys good old fashion traditional camping, then you should know that at Lake Hemet campsites are now open. (may change due to Covid conditions please research before going).
Each campsite at Lake Hemet can accommodate up to 8 guests. This can be a nice little outdoor in nature break you need from all the indoor stir-crazy you might have going on.
Surrounded by the majestic beauty of the San Jacinto Mountains, this awesome lake gives you spectacular views no matter where you look. You can visit for the day from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm if you don’t wish to camp, however, it is limited based on the number of overnight guests.
Sometimes they even present special events for example in 2020 for Halloween, Lake Hemet is presenting a Halloween Camp and Treat for children 12 and under.
This fun event features a follow the trail to find candy and gifts. The lake will only be open for overnight campers on October 30th and 31st for Halloween weekend, no day visitors on those 2 days.
Location: 56570 CA-74, Mountain Center, CA 92561
PIC Credit: @joshuamm323
5 – Citrus Ranch Park
Description:
Many of us will miss tasting the seasonal juicy fruit at this park this year. On the bright side though the park is open for visitors and even though you can’t take the guided tours, you can still come over and enjoy the pleasant hikes and bird watching.
If you are looking for somewhere fun, unique, and outdoors to take a friend this place hits all three marks. It’s a very pleasant and nostalgic stroll to walk among the trees and imagine what life must have been like years ago when the whole area was non-residential.
There is also plenty of shade a couple of play areas, and BBQ and picnic tables if you want to stay awhile.
So if you want to take a break from the indoors and get some fresh air at a beautiful unique park we highly recommend a visit to the Citrus Ranch Park in Riverside.
Location: 9400 Dufferin Ave.
PIC Credit: @ohre.kilpatrick
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!