Riverside, California: A Fun-Filled 4-Day Getaway

Experience the vibrant charm of Riverside, where adventure meets relaxation.

22 April 2023

Riverside, California is a vibrant destination full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore iconic architecture like the Mission Inn or take a stroll through the lush landscapes of the botanical gardens. There are also numerous museums, festivals, and outdoor activities to enjoy in this picturesque city.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Explore the City

  • Check in at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, a historic gem with charming details like a hidden chapel and rotating art displays in the hallways.
  • Visit the Riverside Art Museum, housed in a former YWCA building and showcasing contemporary art by California artists.
  • Stroll through the Riverside Downtown Pedestrian Mall, a lively area with street performers, quirky shops, and a statue of Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Enjoy dinner at ProAbition, a vintage-inspired speakeasy with handcrafted cocktails and decadent American cuisine.
  • Catch a show at the Fox Performing Arts Center, a restored 1929 theater with ornate decor and a packed schedule of concerts and plays.
Day 2

Outdoor Adventures

  • Drive to Mount Rubidoux Park, a hiker's paradise with well-maintained trails and panoramic views of the city skyline and surrounding mountains.
  • Rent a bike or kayak at Lake Evans, a peaceful reservoir perfect for a relaxing afternoon of outdoor activities.
  • Visit the California Citrus State Historic Park, a fascinating open-air museum that tells the story of the region's citrus heritage, with fragrant groves and vintage farming equipment.
  • Treat yourself to a spa day at Glen Ivy Hot Springs, a luxurious wellness resort with hot mineral springs, mud baths, and a full range of pampering treatments.
  • End the day with dinner at Sevilla, a lively Spanish restaurant with flamenco shows, tapas, and paella.
Day 3

History and Culture

  • Start the day at the Riverside Metropolitan Museum, a fascinating institution with exhibits on local wildlife, Native American history, and the science of geology.
  • Take a guided tour of the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, a Spanish-style masterpiece with hidden courtyards, stained glass windows, and historical artifacts.
  • Visit the UC Riverside Botanic Gardens, a lush paradise with plants from around the world and peaceful trails for nature walks.
  • Stop by the Riverside Fox Theater Foundation, a nonprofit organization that preserves and promotes the architectural and cultural heritage of the Fox Theater and surrounding area.
  • Have dinner at Anchos Southwest Grill, a colorful Tex-Mex restaurant with hearty dishes and margaritas.
Day 4

Family Fun

  • Head to Castle Park, a family-friendly amusement park with rides, arcade games, mini-golf, and water attractions.
  • Visit the Riverside Art Center, where kids can participate in creative workshops and classes.
  • Explore the Riverside Zoo, a charming small-scale zoo with exotic animals and interactive exhibits.
  • Walk through Fairmount Park, a picturesque park with a lake, vintage carousel, and picnic areas.
  • Have a farewell dinner at the Salted Pig, a trendy gastropub with inventive dishes, craft beer, and a bustling atmosphere.

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.

More travel plans

Riverside Adventure: A 3-Day Budget Guide

Riverside, located in Southern California, offers several affordable attractions that are perfect for limited-budget travelers. You can go hiking in Mount Rubidoux or explore exhibits at the Riverside Art Museum for free. For a nominal fee, you can take a stroll through the botanical gardens or visit the historic Mission Inn.

Riverside in 2 Days: Budget-Friendly Fun!

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.

Riverside Rendezvous: A 4-Day Family Adventure

A family friendly trip to Riverside, United States offers a wide range of activities for everyone to enjoy. Explore the beautiful outdoors at Mount Rubidoux Park or Fairmount Park, perfect for picnics and nature walks. Visit the fascinating Riverside Art Museum or the kids will love the interactive exhibits at the Riverside Metropolitan Museum.

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.