Riverside, California: A Fun-Filled 4-Day Getaway
Experience the vibrant charm of Riverside, where adventure meets relaxation.
22 April 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.