4 Day Budget Adventure in Riverside, CA

Discover Riverside: Budget-friendly fun in the heart of California.

21 June 2023

Riverside, located in sunny Southern California, is a great destination for those on a budget. With affordable accommodations, such as budget hotels and Airbnb options, visitors can explore the city's historic sites, including the Mission Inn and Mount Rubidoux Park. Additionally, there are plenty of free outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and picnicking in the nearby Santa Ana Mountains.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Adventure Awaits

  • Check into the Mission Inn Hotel, a historic landmark with unique architecture and a charming courtyard.
  • Head to Mt. Rubidoux Park to hike up to the top for stunning views of Riverside.
  • Visit the Riverside Art Museum to see the latest contemporary art exhibitions.
  • Enjoy a craft beer at Wicks Brewing Company, which offers a relaxed atmosphere and tasty pub fare.
  • End the day with a movie at the historic Fox Performing Arts Center.
Day 2

History and Culture

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Simple Simon’s Bakery & Bistro. Try the quiche!
  • Take a guided tour of the historic Harada House, a preserved 1915 home in a Japanese farming community.
  • Visit the UC Riverside Botanic Gardens to see a vast array of plant species from around the world.
  • Experience the vibrant culture of the city at the annual Riverside Dia de los Muertos festival.
  • End the day with dinner at The Salted Pig, with its urban-rustic décor and unique “pig-centric” menu featuring house-made sausages.
Day 3

Discover the Outdoors

  • Start the day with a coffee at Augie's Coffeehouse, an artisanal coffee shop with a local vibe.
  • Go on a scenic drive to Lake Perris State Recreation Area, where visitors can enjoy hiking, boating, and fishing.
  • Take a picnic lunch to Fairmount Park, with its vast expanses of green and sparkling lake.
  • Visit the Riverside Municipal Museum to learn more about the history of the city.
  • End the day with dinner at Tio’s Tacos, a quirky Mexican restaurant known for its unique atmosphere featuring colorful sculptures made from recycled materials.
Day 4

Shop 'til You Drop

  • Start the day with brunch at The Food Lab, with its locally sourced menu and industrial-chic décor.
  • Spend the day exploring the boutiques and shops of the Riverside Plaza, a charming outdoor shopping center with a wide range of stores.
  • Visit the California Citrus State Historic Park, where visitors can learn about the history of the state’s citrus industry.
  • Catch a show at the Riverside Community Players Theater, which hosts a variety of productions throughout the year.
  • End the day with dinner at Punjab Palace, a family-owned restaurant serving authentic Indian cuisine.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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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

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Type of trip

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More travel plans

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's Thrilling Family Getaway: 2 Days of Fun

Riverside, located in southern California, offers a perfect destination for a family friendly trip. Known for its abundance of parks, the city provides endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking. With attractions like the Riverside Metropolitan Museum and Castle Park, families can explore the city's history and enjoy thrilling rides and games, making Riverside an ideal choice for a memorable and enjoyable family getaway.

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 on a Budget: 5 Days of Fun

Visiting Riverside, United States on a limited budget can still offer a great travel experience. Opt for affordable accommodations like budget hotels or vacation rentals. Explore attractions in the Riverside area like the California Citrus State Historic Park and Mount Rubidoux Park for free or low cost entertainment.