Riverside in 2 Days: Budget-Friendly Fun!

Affordable adventure awaits in Riverside, USA - explore more for less.

21 June 2023

A trip to Riverside, United States for people on a limited budget is an affordable way to explore California without breaking the bank. You can enjoy natural beauty and cultural attractions without overspending. Tour the historic downtown area, visit popular parks like Mount Rubidoux and explore local museums on a budget-friendly trip to Riverside.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Quaint Side of Riverside

  • Check into The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, a stunning historic property with Spanish-influenced architecture.
  • Stroll around the charming and vivacious Old Town area, admiring the murals, vintage storefronts, and colonial-era buildings.
  • Visit the Riverside Art Museum, housed in a sleek mid-century modern building that's as fascinating as the exhibits themselves.
  • Take a peaceful walk in the serene Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, which offers scenic trails and outdoor activities.
  • Enjoy a delightful meal at Simple Simon's Bakery & Bistro, where mouth-watering croissants and quiches are on the menu.
Day 2

Making a Splash With Fun Activities

  • Start the day off with a splash by visiting the Splash Pad at Ryan Bonaminio Park, which is perfect for kids and adults alike.
  • Take a trip to the California Citrus State Historic Park, where you can learn about the state's citrus industry and sample fresh fruit.
  • Stop by the Riverside Metropolitan Museum, an intriguing attraction that showcases the area's history and culture.
  • Go on a short hike in the Box Springs Mountain Reserve, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Riverside and the surrounding hills.
  • Treat yourself to a scrumptious meal at The Salted Pig, a trendy gastropub known for its craft beers and mouth-watering pork dishes.
  • Riverside may not be as famous as some other California cities, but it packs a punch with its old-world charm, dynamic art scene, and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a relaxing break or an action-packed weekend, Riverside won't disappoint. So pack your bags and get ready to enjoy some SoCal sunshine!

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Riverside, United States by plane is to fly into Ontario International Airport and then take a shuttle or rental car to Riverside.

Car

Driving to Riverside is one option. You can take the I-10 or the SR-60 to get there. It's about a one-hour drive from Los Angeles, depending on traffic. There are parking spots throughout the city, including two parking garages and many surface lots.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no train station in Riverside so it is not possible to get there by train.

Boat

As Riverside is a landlocked city, there is no way to get there by boat.

Bus

Taking a bus from Los Angeles to Riverside is one way to get there. Greyhound has a bus station in Riverside that has services from Los Angeles.

Destination

Riverside

Welcome to the land of citrus and sunshine, where the palm trees sway and the smog never quite clears. This is Riverside - a city that's as quirky as it is charming, and as delicious as it is...well, smoggy.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Riverside: A Budget-Friendly Day of Fun

Riverside, located in southern California, proves to be a budget-friendly destination for travelers aiming to explore without breaking the bank. With cost-effective lodging options, such as Airbnb rentals or hostels, coupled with free attractions like the California Citrus State Historic Park, one can keep expenses low while soaking up the city's natural beauty and history. To further save money, visitors can also opt for walking or biking tours, which allow them to appreciate the city's landmarks and culture at a leisurely pace.

Riverside Romance: A Day Trip Guide for Couples

Riverside, United States offers a perfect romantic getaway for couples. The city is home to several parks and gardens, where couples can spend time together in a serene environment. Additionally, the historic Riverside downtown area offers a wide range of dining options and charming shops to explore.

Riverside Adventure: A 2-Day Urban Escape

Riverside, located in Southern California, offers a combination of natural beauty and urban attractions. Visitors can explore the scenic Mount Rubidoux Park or enjoy a relaxing stroll in the historic Mission Inn Hotel and Spa. Additionally, Riverside offers a vibrant culinary scene with a variety of restaurants and bars for tourists to explore.

Riverside Revelry: A Fun-Filled Family Day Trip

Riverside, located in Southern California, is a perfect family-friendly destination offering a variety of exciting activities. Take your little ones to The Riverside Zoo, where they can enjoy close encounters with animals from all around the world. Explore the lush beauty of the University of California Riverside Botanic Gardens, and end the day with a relaxing picnic along the scenic shores of Lake Evans.