Location: Riverside
Top Things to do in Riverside
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10 Things to Do in Riverside That You Shouldn't Miss
Riverside is a city in Riverside County, California, United States, located in the Inland Empire metropolitan area. Riverside is the county seat of the eponymous county and named for its location beside the Santa Ana River. It is the most populous city in the Inland Empire and in Riverside County, and is located about 60 miles (97 km) east of Los Angeles. It is also part of the Greater Los Angeles area. Riverside is the 59th most populous city in the United States and 12th most populous city in California. As of the 2010 Census, Riverside had a population of 303,871.
Restaurants in Riverside
1. Riverside National Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 164 reviews
Reviewed By Merrill H
Riverside National Cemetery is the 3rd largest National Cemetery of the 131 cemeteries administered by the VA in the United States. It is also the most active National Cemetery in the US with an average of 25-30 internments every day. It covers almost 1000 acres and is probably one of the most accessible National Cemeteries you can visit, located alongside and just off Interstate 215 South (use VanBuren Exit).
The Cemetery features a large Medal of Honor Memorial that lists every Medal of Honor recipient since this award was created, grouped by the War or Conflict in which they fought. As a side note, 5 Medal of Honor recipients and at least one double recipient of the Navy Cross are interred at Riverside National Cemetery. There are also separate Monuments/Pavilions dedicated to POWs/MIAs and US Veterans of all Wars. The only Memorial in a National Cemetery dedicated to the sacrifices of Native American Veterans will soon be built at Riverside National Cemetery, where more than a few Native American WWII code talkers are buried. At least 7 Tuskegee Airmen are also interred at Riverside National Cemetery.
Riverside National Cemetery is the resting place of a number of celebrities who were veterans, to include actors, musicians, and sports figures. They include actor & travel host Bill Burrud, Astrologer Sydney Omarr, singer Dub Jones of the 1950s group The Coasters, and Col. Aaron Bank, founder of the US Army Special Forces. Also Sgt. Lena Mae Basilone USMC, wife of WWII hero Gunnery Sergeant “Manila John” Basilone, is interred here. Their inspiring love story was depicted in the popular TV mini-series The Pacific.
If you or your family have never been in a National Cemetery and are visiting in Southern California, Riverside National Cemetery is a great place to visit for several hours to see how our nation honors and respects its military veterans and their families in their final resting place. Ceremonies with military honors are conducted monthly for unclaimed veterans, as well as more extensive ceremonies on Memorial and Veterans Day. The Visitors Center can provide information on specific burial sites and upcoming events. I am inspired every time I visit this beautifully landscaped and serene locale. It is also located just across the freeway from the excellent March Air Field Museum.
2. Mount Rubidoux Park
3. California Citrus State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
A 377-acre park dedicated to the preservation of California's citrus heritage. Docent guided grove tours (Tour & Taste) start PROMPTLY at 1030, 1200, & 2pm on weekends (depending on docent availability). Not all docents give grove tours. No reservations required. Tour group size limited to 15 guests. It is advised that you call the Visitor Center to make sure tours are available on the day you plan to visit the park.
Reviewed By BeachGrandmax4 - Seneca, South Carolina
California Citrus State Park was on my list of things to do while in Southern California. We were not disappointed! This park preserves some of the rapidly vanishing cultural landscape of the citrus industry and tells the story of this industry's role in the history and development of California. The visitor center/museum was full of informative exhibits and all of the volunteers are informed and engaging. Be sure to call ahead to take part in the guided tour through the grove. From the initial tastings upon entering to the samples our guide gave us fresh off the trees, we had generous samples of most of the fruit grown there. This is certainly one of our favorite hidden gems we've discovered while traveling and recommend you take time to visit if in the area.
4. March Field Air Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 319 reviews
Reviewed By panama2000 - Providence, Rhode Island
The museum it self is nothing special, so pay the $3 extra and take the guided cart tour of the outdoor airfield. It is well worth it. If you are lucky you will see the F16s practice. That was a real thrill.Thanks for the review !
5. Mission Inn Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 260 reviews
Nonprofit Museum and Foundation which preserves, interprets, and promotes the history of the National Historic Landmark Mission Inn Hotel & Spa.
Reviewed By icedogs15 - Riverside, California
The women who were working both times I visited were exceptionally helpful in finding what I was looking for.
6. Fox Performing Arts Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 133 reviews
Reviewed By 256howardb - Riverside
Located in downtown Riverside, it is a very historic theater. For many years was a movie theater, and now it hosts live shows and concerts. A little larger than "intimate." but not too large. Historic, because on Sept. 09, 1939 it hosted the unannounced first showing ("preview") of the yet unfinished "Gone With The Wind." Amazing! Well worth seeing. If you are an old movie buff, it is worth a picture at least (or a visit). Enjoy.
7. University of California Riverside Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By ANonyMouse45 - Long Beach, California
Very well done and well-marked, educational, excellently laid out with good trails. Some very steep slopes, some dusty, but very well designed and maintained-- neat, trimmed, clean. Wide variety of plants in natural settings and beautiful views/photos.
8. Whitewater Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By 707clayg - Lomita, California
We drove up to see the Whitewater Preserve on a nice winter Saturday afternoon. When we arrived the parking lot was full and cars were parked along the road at least 1/2 mile down and there were people everywhere we looked. Did not stop to join in the crowd.
Will not recommend going on a weekend unless you want to hike to the trail head so you can start your hike. Picnic area was full of tents and people and a line of people waiting to use the restrooms. Nowhere open to sit or eat.
I will try again some day during the week, never again on a weekend.
9. Van Buren Drive-In Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By Daniel A - Beijing, China
My wife had only seen drive-in theaters in the movies and didn’t know they actually still existed. So, on our trip to my hometown we had to check it out. I have been many times to the drive in with my family growing up. Later, I still went because it was just a fun time. If you really want to see a movie with a great sound and a picture, then don’t venture out here but if you’re looking for family fun, come and enjoy.
The real treat of this place for me besides the nostalgia is the surprisingly delicious Mexican food that is sold inside the concession stands. There are some lovely elderly Mexican ladies that can sure whip up an outstanding burrito that would compete against a burrito from another Mexican restaurant. If the price is not right for you, bring a family style chicken meal from a local grocery store right next door and it’s a perfect evening.
10. Lake Hemet
Overall Ratings
4 based on 57 reviews
Located one hour from Palm Springs, this scenic lake at an elevation of 4,500 feet offers overnight camping, hiking, fishing and boating.
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, California
We had a great time at Lake Hemet. There are places to enjoy walks, fishing, and picnics. We did a day trip, but if you want to stay for a couple of days, there is also camping.
Its a well maintained park. We very much enjoyed the lake. We liked the scenic drive to reach the lake as well.
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