Riverside gets a weird rap. People usually just see it as that hot spot on the way to Palm Springs or a place you pass through to get to the desert. Honestly? They’re missing out. This city is basically the birthplace of the California dream—citrus gold rushes, architectural flexes that shouldn’t exist in the suburbs, and a weirdly cool art scene that’s finally getting its flowers.
If you’re wondering what to do in Riverside CA, don’t just stick to the first page of a guidebook. You’ve got to know where to hike, where to eat without waiting two hours, and which "tourist" spots are actually worth your time.
The Mission Inn: Not Just a Hotel, It’s a Fever Dream
Look, you can’t talk about Riverside without the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. It’s the law. But here’s the thing: don’t just walk through the lobby and leave. This place is a sprawling, four-story maze of Spanish Gothic, Moorish, and Renaissance styles all smashed together. It’s where Richard and Pat Nixon got married. Teddy Roosevelt stayed here.
If you want the real experience, book the Historic Tour. It’s about 55 minutes, and they take you into the "catacombs"—which are actually just weird underground tunnels used for storage and utilities, but they feel spooky and cool. You’ll see the St. Francis Chapel with its gold-leafed Rayas Altar from the 1700s. It’s flashy, it’s over-the-top, and it’s arguably the most famous thing in the Inland Empire for a reason.
What to Do in Riverside CA for Art Nerds: "The Cheech"
For years, the art scene here was kind of quiet. Then Cheech Marin (yes, that Cheech) decided to house his massive private collection of Chicano art right in downtown. The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture—locals just call it "The Cheech"—is a game changer.
It’s housed in an old mid-century library. The vibe inside is bright and rebellious. Right now, in early 2026, you can catch the Chicano Camera Culture exhibit, which runs through September. It’s not stuffy. It’s vibrant, political, and very "SoCal." It’s located right across from the main Riverside Art Museum, so you can hit both with one ticket.
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Why Mount Rubidoux is the Only Hike You Need
If you’re looking for outdoor what to do in Riverside CA vibes, skip the gym. Mount Rubidoux is the city’s communal backyard.
There are two main ways up:
- The "Easy" Way (Right side): A longer, gentler paved loop. Great if you’re pushing a stroller or just want to chat without gasping for air.
- The "Steep" Way (Left side): This gets you to the top faster but your calves will hate you tomorrow.
The summit has a giant cross and a Peace Tower. It’s the spot for the oldest outdoor Easter Sunrise Service in the U.S. Pro tip: Go for sunset. The 360-degree views of the valley are incredible when the smog clears (don’t judge, it’s still Southern California). Just bring a flashlight or use your phone for the walk down; those paved paths get dark fast.
The "Second Gold Rush" at Citrus State Park
Riverside wouldn't exist without the navel orange. Basically, a lady named Eliza Tibbets planted two trees here in 1873, and suddenly everyone was getting rich.
California Citrus State Historic Park is like a time capsule. It’s 250 acres of groves. You can actually smell the orange blossoms in the air during the spring.
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- Don't skip the tasting: On weekends (Friday-Sunday), the visitor center usually has samples. You’ll realize you’ve been eating mediocre oranges your whole life.
- The "Big Orange": There’s a giant orange-shaped fruit stand near the entrance. It’s a total photo op, but hey, embrace the kitsch.
Eating Your Way Through Downtown
Food in Riverside used to be "fine." Now, it’s actually legit.
If you’re paralyzed by choices, go to the Riverside Food Lab. It’s the city’s first food hall, located right next to the Fox Performing Arts Center. You can get anything from poutine to vegan tacos to some of the best smash burgers in the IE.
For something a bit more "Riverside classic," you have to try Tio’s Tacos. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a massive folk-art installation. The owner, Martin Sanchez, built giant sculptures out of recycled trash—beer bottles, oyster shells, old toys. It sounds chaotic, and it is, but the tacos are solid and the atmosphere is unlike anywhere else on earth.
If you want fancy, Mario’s Place across from the Mission Inn is the move for neo-Neapolitan pizza and jazz. Or check out The Salted Pig if you’re into gastropubs and craft beer.
Specific 2026 Events You Should Actually Care About
Riverside is big on festivals. If you're here in early 2026, there are a few standouts:
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- Riverside Lunar Festival (Late Jan): Downtown turns into a massive party with lion dancers and way too much good food.
- Riverside Dickens Festival (Feb 21-22): People dress up in Victorian gear. It’s nerdy, it’s fun, and the "Evening in a Victorian Pub" is a riot if you're 21+.
- Southern California Air Show (Mid-April): Head over to March Air Reserve Base. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and seeing the jets fly over the valley is a core Riverside memory.
A Few Realities to Keep in Mind
Riverside is inland. That means it gets hot. Like, "don't leave your Chapstick in the car" hot. If you're visiting between June and September, plan all your outdoor stuff for before 10:00 AM or after 7:00 PM.
Also, parking downtown can be a headache during the Festival of Lights (Nov-Jan), but otherwise, the parking garages are usually cheap and easy.
Your Riverside Game Plan
Don't try to do everything in one day.
Morning: Hike Mount Rubidoux early to beat the heat. Grab a coffee at Twee Coffee or Daily Brew downtown afterward.
Midday: Hit The Cheech or the Mission Inn. The thick stone walls of the Inn keep it naturally cool even when it's 100 degrees out.
Afternoon: Drive out to the Citrus State Park. It's about 15 minutes from downtown but feels like a different world.
Evening: Grab dinner at the Food Lab and walk around the Main Street pedestrian mall. There’s usually some live music or a random pop-up market happening.
Riverside isn't trying to be LA or San Diego. It’s got this weird, gritty, historic charm that takes a second to click. But once you see the sun setting over the palm trees from the top of the Peace Bridge, you'll get it.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Weather: If it’s over 90°F, book your Mission Inn tour for the afternoon to stay in the shade.
- Download the LAZ Parking App: It’s how you pay for the Citrus State Park entry fee without fumbling for cash.
- Check The Cheech's Schedule: Some exhibits require timed entry, so peek at their website before you just show up.