What to do in Riverside, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

Riverside
Riverside
Monument Peak Panorama
One of my favorite places at the Mission Inn is a bit hard to find. It's near the back of the property where there's a several story open atrium with a gorgeous spiral staircase that seems to float in mid-air. It's absolutely stunning to see in person. #details
roses over looking gazebo

Riverside Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Riverside has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Riverside is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Riverside to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Riverside Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Riverside.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Riverside attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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Most fun & popular experiences in Riverside

Tours & day trips

See all 12 activities
Mandir and Temple Tour

Mandir and Temple Tour

Activity duration is 6 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $204 per adult
Mandir and Temple TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 4 activities
Joshua Tree National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour

Joshua Tree National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour

Activity duration is 14 hours and 37 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $22 per traveller*
Joshua Tree National Park Self-Guided Audio TourOpens in new tab

Attractions

See all 3 activities
Two Flight Indoor Skydiving Experience

Two Flight Indoor Skydiving Experience

Activity duration is 1 hour
4.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $170 per traveller
Two Flight Indoor Skydiving ExperienceOpens in new tab

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What to do in Riverside

Discover the most popular places to visit in Riverside

View from along the perimeter trail

University of California, Riverside

Explore the campus of University of California, Riverside, during your travels in Riverside. Amble around the area's riverfront or attend a sporting event.

University of California, Riverside
a gorgeous summer landscape at the Long Beach Convention Center with tall lush green palm trees and skyscrapers and office buildings in the skyline with blue sky in Long Beach California USA

Riverside Convention Center

Learn about the events happening at Riverside Convention Center during your trip to Riverside. Wander the area's riverfront or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Riverside Convention Center
Ducks in lake at Lake Perris State Recreation Area

Lake Perris

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lake Perris during your travels in Moreno Valley. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Lake Perris
Hills and Mountains in Lake Perris State Recreation Area in Moreno Valley California

Lake Perris State Recreation Area

You can take time to visit Lake Perris State Recreation Area during your travels to Moreno Valley. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Lake Perris State Recreation Area
Another very good Aviation museum, aircraft outside and nicely spaced out for photos

March Field Air Museum

You can study the exhibits at March Field Air Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to March Air Reserve Base. Wander the area's riverfront or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

March Field Air Museum
Cabazon Dinosaurs

Cabazon Dinosaurs

Enjoy a stop at Cabazon Dinosaurs, an entertaining place to visit in Cabazon. Check out the casinos and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Cabazon Dinosaurs
fruit trees and palms in California Citrus State Historic Park

Citrus State Historic Park

You can study the exhibits at Citrus State Historic Park, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Riverside. Discover the top-notch restaurants and lively festivals in this family-friendly area.

Citrus State Historic Park
Went back to Mt Rubidoux this past weekend to get a better photo then the last time I went here this time I got some color in the sky. This is a great hike with some stunning views of the city and with the peace Bridge and a big cross sitting at the top of the mountain #hometown #bvsexplore

Mount Rubidoux Park

After visiting Mount Rubidoux Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Riverside. Stroll along the area's riverfront, or simply savor its top-notch restaurants.

Mount Rubidoux Park

Morongo Casino

Why not roll the dice with a visit to Morongo Casino during your travels in Cabazon? Discover the restaurants and its entertainment venues while you're in the area.

Morongo Casino

Explore areas of Riverside

Aerial view of the historic skyline of downtown Riverside, California, USA.

Downtown Riverside

4/5(5 area reviews)

Travelers to Downtown Riverside praise its stunning river views. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Fox Performing Arts Center and Riverside Metropolitan Museum.

Downtown Riverside
Getting ready to take the metrolink to Union Station.

Eastside

4/5(1 area review)

Though Eastside might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Fox Performing Arts Center and Riverside Metropolitan Museum.

Eastside
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La Sierra

4/5(1 area review)

While visiting La Sierra, you might make a stop by sights like Castle Park Amusement Park and Galleria at Tyler.

La Sierra
Aerial View of a large Public University in Irvine, California

University

While visiting University, you might make a stop by sights like University of California Riverside Botanic Gardens and SRC Arena.

University
Default Image

Victoria

If you're spending some time in Victoria, Riverside Tennis Center and Andulka Park Tennis Center are top sights worth seeing.

Victoria
palm trees in front of the boathouse in Fairmount park, Riverside

Canyon Crest

While Canyon Crest might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Fox Performing Arts Center and University of California Riverside Botanic Gardens.

Canyon Crest

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Riverside

Ontario showing night scenes and street scenes

Ontario

An aerial view of the town of Banning which lies at the base of Mount San Gorgonio in southern California.

Banning

Aerial view of open rolling hills in suburban Southern California. Radio tower atop hill during sunset surrounded by mountains and ocean

Chino

Clouds in the Mountains

Corona

Beautiful shot of the stone cross tower in the Mount Rubidoux trail in California

Colton

Redlands, CA Mormon Temple; Shutterstock ID 651888730; Purchase Order: -

Redlands

Daytime view of a public trail and city view of Yorba Linda, California, USA.

Yorba Linda

Daytime aerial view of a suburban neighborhood in Moreno Valley, California, USA.

Moreno Valley

Frequently asked questions

Is Riverside worth visiting?
Riverside has a unique mix of local charm, culture and attractions. Whether you're into outdoor activities, history or local culinary flavours, there's plenty you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Riverside?
Start your day with a visit to Castle Park Amusement Park and The Cove Waterpark. Then, tour different areas of Riverside for local dining and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Riverside?
Castle Park Amusement Park is one of the top tourist attractions in Riverside and deserves a spot on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Riverside?
Three days in Riverside is more than enough to enjoy the city's key attractions. Many guests stay for two days on average. The Cove Waterpark, Riverside Metropolitan Museum and Mount Rubidoux Park are highly rated sights. Want to experience more? Hang around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Ontario.
Is Riverside a walkable city?
With popular neighbourhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Riverside is a good destination to discover on foot. Have fun wandering between Riverside Metropolitan Museum and Mount Rubidoux Park. Then take a stroll around Downtown Riverside, located 0.64 kilometres from the centre, and Eastside, which is about 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Riverside with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Riverside with kids.

What to do in Riverside for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Riverside, with activities for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to CBU Events Centre or California Museum of Photography.
Are there free things to do in Riverside?
In Riverside, Mount Rubidoux Park is an unmissable spot for anyone wishing to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a top way to learn about the best free things to do in Riverside.

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