Riverside offers a warm and amiable feel. It is a destination where you can shop downtown, spend a day outstretching on a blanket in one of the town’s beautiful parks, explore the history and art at the museums, admire the architectural beauty, walk up the mountain, and enjoy the outdoors. Whichever of the city’s beautiful spots you plan to see, you’ll be in for an exciting and relaxing experience!
Image by Craig Kinzer via Wikimedia Commons
Breakfast at 9:00am!
Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast as you have a long day of exploring the city. Head off to the Denny’s which serves mouthwatering classic American comfort food.
Address: 1245 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92507, United States
Phone: 1 951-684-6171
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Soak in the history at 10:00am!
First up in your list is the very popular Mission Inn Museum that dates back to the 1800s and is one of the Riverside’s precious assets. The structure features art, architecture and history of this beautiful landmark. It has exhibits and vintage pieces related to the hotel’s history.
Address: 3696 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501, United States
Phone: 1 951-788-9556
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:30am-4:30pm
Distance from Denny’s: 2.3miles or 7minutes drive
Delve into the visual art at 11:00am!
Next, head off to the Riverside Art Museum that features contemporary and traditional art and paintings of different themes. Peruse the work s of art by historic and contemporary Southern California artists at this spot.
Address: 3425 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501, United States
Phone: 1 951-684-7111
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00am-4:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm-4:00pm
Distance from Mission Inn Museum: 0.2miles or 1minute drive
Delight your eyes at 12:00pm!
Head off to the California Museum of Photography that features beautiful prints by well-known photographers like Alfred Steiglitz, Ansel Adam, Mary Ellen Mark and more. Stroll from one exhibit to another and see the evolution of the art medium through artwork.
Address: 3824 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501, United States
Phone: 1 951-827-4787
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Distance from Riverside Art Museum: 0.3miles or 1minute drive
Lunch at 1:00pm!
Stop by The Salted Pig where everything is prepared in-house, from food to ice-cream to wine and beers. Relish the classic American comfort food with craft beers and inventive cocktails at this spot.
Address: 3700 12th Street, Riverside, CA 92501, United States
Phone: 1 951-848-4020
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday: 11:00am-12:00am; Thursday to Saturday: 11:00am-2:00am; Sunday: 11:00am-12:00am
Distance from California Museum of Photography: 0.4miles or 2minutes drive
Glimpse into the science and history at 2:00pm!
Check out the various facets of history and science at the Riverside Metropolitan Museum. The museum features anthropological exhibits, history, Native American artifacts, highlights various faces of the city’s natural history and several period pieces, all are combined together to create a unique experience for the visitors.
Address: 3580 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501, United States
Phone: 1 951-826-5273
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00am-4:30pm; Sunday: 1:00pm-4:30pm
Distance from The Salted Pig: 0.6miles or 3minutes drive
Appreciate the nature at 3:00pm!
Stroll amid the nature at the University of California Riverside Botanic Gardens. Relax along the greenery, birds, flowers and other natural life forms. It is home to over 3,500 plant species and more than 200 bird types from across the world. It also has hiking trails and many scenic places for picnic and children to play.
Address: 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92507, United States
Phone: 1 951-784-6962
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Distance from Riverside Metropolitan Museum: 4.8miles or 9minutes drive
Retail therapy at 4:00pm!
Head over to the Canyon Crest Towne Center, a great spot to shop. Shop at your favorites, like Cline’s Hallmark, Merle Norman, Ralph, and more. From clothing and accessories to items for home, sports and fitness space, this extensive shopping spot has everything you need. Plus there are great restaurants wherein you can grab a quick bite before resuming your shopping spree.
Address: 5225 Canyon Crest Dr, Riverside, CA 92507, United States
Phone: 1 951-686-1222
Distance from University of California Riverside Botanic Gardens: 1.8miles or 6minutes drive
Indulge in some more shopping at Riverside Plaza, a bustling spot in the city. This shopping spot is situated amid the California landscape and is a perfect place for shopping as well as entertainment. Shop at Forever 21, Nordstrom, Daniel’s Jewelry, Chico’s, and other specialty stores. If you’re hungry, there are many restaurants to choose from
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Address: 3545 Central Ave, Riverside, CA 92506, United States
Phone: 1 951-683-1066
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 9:00am-10:00pm; Friday & Saturday: 9:00am-1:30am; Sunday: 9:00am-9:00pm (Hours may differ)
Incredible fun time at 6:00pm!
Time for thrill and adventure! Visit the Castle Park that features rides and attractions to keep you entertained. Adventure seekers will marvel at the Screamin’ Demon, Sky Rider and Dragon Flyer, while small kids will enjoy at the Bumper Cars, Crazy Plane, Little Dipper, Flying Animals, and the park’s famous merry-go-round. Try your luck at 18-hole miniature golf course.
Address: 3500 Polk Street, Riverside, CA 92505, United States
Phone: 1 951-785-3000
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 1:00pm-8:00pm
Dinner at 8:00pm!
All the fun at the Castle Park must have build up your appetite. There are plenty of restaurants near the park to satiate your hunger. Drop by the Greek Street Grill (3312 La Sierra) that dishes out Greek fare, or step into the Kountry Folks (3653 La Sierra Avenue) for Barbecue or American fare. Relish the Mexican cuisine at the Don Jose's (3848 La Sierra Ave), or indulge in some Chinese food at the Dragon House (10466 Magnolia Ave).
Feel the beat and shake a leg and at 10:00pm!
Step into the Morgan’s Tavern (4850 Tyler Street, Riverside, CA 92503, United States) for a relaxed nightlife. Sip drinks, belt out your fav songs at karaoke and enjoy the live bands. Or catch up on old times with friends over drinks and hookah at the Starbuzz Hookah Lounge (10193 Hole Avenue, Riverside, CA 92503, United States).
A Map Guide to 24 Hours in Riverside
