A Weekend Guide to Riverside: What Locals Actually Do
People look to Riverside for history, food, and easy time outdoors without making the drive from LA. Locals have a straightforward way to spend the weekend.
Must-Do Stops
Take the short hike up Mount Rubidoux for wide views. It’s free.
Visit the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa for its courtyards, architecture, and the city’s best people-watching.
Spend a quiet afternoon among the groves at California Citrus State Historic Park and learn about their history.
The Cheech Marin Center and Riverside Art Museum are good picks for a culture fix that won’t take all day.
Eat & Drink
Downtown has plenty to choose from, including classic spots, newer restaurants, and easy places for a group. Pair dinner with a walk through the Mission Inn district. For something different, check current events and live music on the I.E. Xperience calendar.
Easy Add-Ons
Take a lakeside walk at Fairmount Park.
Check the schedule at Fox Performing Arts Center and catch a show if one is on.
Head to Van Buren Drive-In for a classic night.
One-Day Version
Spend the morning on Mount Rubidoux, then stroll around the Mission Inn and have lunch. Head to Citrus Park or a museum, then have dinner downtown.
Riverside is better when you treat it as a destination, not a place to pass through. Most of the good spots are walkable or just a short drive apart.
Search events, restaurants, and local listings for Riverside at www.iex.directory.