What to do in Riverside, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

Riverside
Monument Peak Panorama
Large Open Field in Hemet, Riverside County
Aerial sunset view of the downtown area of Riverside, California.
Mother with child in Joshua tree National Park, Cholla cactus garden. USA, California.

Riverside Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Riverside has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Riverside, 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 to Riverside 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.

Places of interest in Riverside

Riverside is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Riverside, and make it a breeze to explore Riverside and 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 holiday 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 to Riverside, 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 in Riverside.

Riverside attractions

Riverside 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 in Riverside to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Riverside.

Looking for things to do in Riverside 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 of Riverside or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Riverside attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do

Aerial tram traveling high above the cliffs of Chino Canyon in California

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

£24
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Palm Springs Windmill Tours

Palm Springs Windmill Tours

£45
per traveller
100% of travellers recommend
Palm Springs Windmill Tours
1 Hour Fullbody Massage in Ontario California

1-Hour Full Body Massage near Los Angeles

£148
per adult
1-Hour Full Body Massage near Los Angeles
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Most fun & popular experiences in Riverside

Tours & day trips

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Mandir & Buddhist Temple Tour with Indian Lunch & Chinese Tea

Mandir & Buddhist Temple Tour with Indian Lunch & Chinese Tea

Activity duration is 6 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is £114 per adult
Mandir & Buddhist Temple Tour with Indian Lunch & Chinese TeaOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 6 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 £95 per traveller
Two Flight Indoor Skydiving ExperienceOpens in new tab

Attractions

See all 5 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 £95 per traveller
Two Flight Indoor Skydiving ExperienceOpens in new tab

What to do in Riverside

Popular places to visit

University of California, Riverside

University of California, Riverside

Explore the campus of University of California, Riverside during your trip to 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 in 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. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Lake Perris
Cabazon Dinosaurs

Cabazon Dinosaurs

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

Cabazon Dinosaurs
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. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Lake Perris State Recreation Area
March Field Air Museum

March Field Air Museum

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

March Field Air Museum
Mount Rubidoux Park

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 savour its top-notch restaurants.

Mount Rubidoux Park
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 holiday in Riverside. Discover the top-notch restaurants and lively festivals in this family-friendly area.

Citrus State Historic Park

Morongo Casino

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

Morongo Casino

Where to stay in Riverside

Find the best Riverside areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Riverside
Learn more about Riverside
Aerial sunset view of the downtown area of Riverside, California.

Downtown Riverside

Downtown Riverside is beloved for its stunning river views. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Fox Performing Arts Center and Fox Entertainment Plaza.

Aerial View of a large Public University in Irvine, California

University

If you're spending some time in University, University of California Riverside Botanic Gardens and SRC Arena are top sights worth seeing.

Mission Inn

Arlington

Though Arlington may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Galleria at Tyler and Castle Park Amusement Park.

Daytime aerial view of historic downtown Riverside, California, USA.

Magnolia Center

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Magnolia Center and surrounding area, you can visit Fox Performing Arts Center and Galleria at Tyler.

fruit trees and palms in California Citrus State Historic Park (Riverside, California, USA)

Canyon Crest

While Canyon Crest isn't home to many top sights, Fox Performing Arts Center and University of California Riverside Botanic Gardens are some notable places to visit nearby.

 

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

Ontario

Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption à Beaumont-de-Lomagne

Beaumont

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

Chino

Young girl in wildflowers at Chino Hills State Park in California

Corona

Horse sculpture overlooking "Horse Town" Norco in California

Norco

Sunset aerial view of historic downtown Redlands, California, USA.

Redlands

Sunset aerial view of downtown 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 kms (0.40 miles) from the centre, and Eastside, which is about 2 kms (1 mile) 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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