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airplanemode_activeFlights to Riverside ()
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filter_dramaUnderstandWith a population of over 300,000, the city plays host to a diverse cross-section of people and has a rich history. Located approximately 55 miles east of downtown [wiki=d0aa2dffa0da83f1f34681308d04db5d]Los Angeles[/wiki], Riverside is a center for higher education, with one community college, a large state university, and two private universities. Along with it's twin city [wiki=02f2ee81a58d82c1830cacff754a2e91]San Bernardino[/wiki], it is a hub of regional commerce and transportation, it is a city with an intriguing past and a promising future, and is worth a visit. Stop by sometime!
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Climate
Riverside has a very dry and a somewhat arid climate. In August, the hottest month, daytime highs average 95(F) degrees; and some days may reach over 100(F) degrees. Nighttime lows average 62(F) degrees. In December, the coldest month, daytime highs average 67(F) degrees, and nighttime lows average 42(F) degrees. Some winter nights will have temperatures in the 30s(F) as well. Winter and spring are the wettest seasons.
Any city that is sunny, warm, dry, and has a large number of motor vehicles will have air quality issues. Such is the case with Riverside. The city must not only deal with the smog it generates, but also must deal with the pollutants that are blown in from the Los Angeles area. Smog is often a problem in Riverside, and it has to endure more smog than it actually creates.
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filter_dramaGet in
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By plane
Riverside is located in the Inland Empire of [wiki=68731e74eac6e5073e7034c81f1f1fd7]Southern California[/wiki]. Travelers looking to come into Riverside, or the Inland Empire in general, should consider Los Angeles/Ontario International Airport [url=http://www.lawa.org/nt/welcomeONT.cfm]]located in the city of [[Ontario (California)|Ontario[/url]]. This medium-sized airport has nonstop flights to many American cities (and to [wiki=8dbb07a18d46f63d8b3c8994d5ccc351]Mexico[/wiki]), an uncrowded terminal, and generally easy freeway access. Flying into the other Los Angeles-area airports to reach Riverside is certainly possible. But LAX, Burbank Airport, Long Beach Airport, and Orange County's John Wayne Airport are all about an hour's drive away; and that's without traffic congestion, which isn't likely. If you have your own aircraft, Riverside Municipal Airport is centrally located and offers easy access to the city. No commercial passenger flights currently serve this airport.
After arriving at the Ontario Airport, you can use Southern California's infamous freeway system to get to Riverside. Follow the signs for Interstate 10 East, then get on the I-15 South, and get on the CA-60 East. You will spend only about 2 miles on the I-15, so stay in the two right-hand lanes. After that interchange, you're only about 15 miles outside of the city.
It is possible to take public transport from Ontario International to Riverside. However, it is not the most convienent. For non-drivers or frugal travelers, here's the information: Take the airport shuttle around to the Omnitrans [url=http://www.omnitrans.org]]bus stop on Airport Dr, and wait for the Omnitrans 61 bound for Ontario/Fontana. This will cost you $1.15, exact change only. If it is during commute hours on weekdays, get off at the Ontario Mills transit center, near the mall. Board a red Riverside Transit Agency [http://www.riversidetransit.com[/url] route 204 bus headed towards "Riverside". It will cost you $3.00 and take about half an hour. If it is not during commute hours on the weekdays, buy an Omnitrans day pass ($3.50) on the #61 and ride it to Fontana Metrolink. From there, board either the #10 or #14 to San Bernardino, and get off downtown. Cross the street and board the #215 to Riverside. Either will eventually drop you off at the Downtown Riverside Bus Terminal. -
By bus
Express bus service to/from [wiki=05c27bf00932572de28bf65a0539ba97]Las Vegas[/wiki]. Double Deck Coaches with WiFi, Restrooms, Power Outlets and seats starting at $1.
Riverside has a Greyhound [http://www.greyhound.com] bus terminal located between Mission Inn and University Avenues in Downtown. This is a full-service terminal with routes to most domestic destinations, ticketing, and a restroom that they will let transit customers use, as the Greyhound terminal is across the street from the main city bus terminal.
Address
RIVERSIDE GREYHOUND STA
3911 UNIVERSITY AVE
Riverside, CA 92501
Telephone Numbers
Main: 951-686-2345
Greyhound Package Express: 951-686-2345
Greyhound Charter: 800-454-2487
Due to the diligent work of community activists, Riverside's Greyhound terminal will remain open until it is moved to the future multi-modal transit center. Please disregard any rumors about its closure. -
By train
Riverside is a hub of the Metrolink [url=http://www.metrolinktrains.com/]]commuter rail system, served by the Riverside, 91 and Inland Empire-Orange County lines on weekdays, and by the San Bernardino and Inland Empire-Orange County lines on weekends. The Metrolink station is about a mile outside of the city center, with ample parking. The only facilities available are public telephones and ticket machines- no restrooms. The station is served by RTA 1, 16, and CommuterLink 208, 210 and 212.
There is a second Metrolink station, Riverside-La Sierra, in the south of the city. It is served by the 91 and Inland Empire-Orange County lines on weekdays, and the Inland Empire-Orange County line only on weekends. It has the same facilities, and is served by RTA 12 and 15. Interesting to note is the city utility has installed solar generating arrays over much of the parking lot.
Amtrak [url=http://www.amtrak.com[/url]]serves the Downtown station with one trip per day on the long-distance Southwest Chief. Arrival from Los Angeles/Departure to [[Chicago[/url]] is at 8:03PM each evening, and arrival from Chicago/Departure to Los Angeles is at 5:48AM each morning. Traveling to Riverside from out-of-area by rail is not convenient or cheap, but it can be done. Note that no Amtrak personnel are available at Riverside station- if you are boarding the train in Riverside you MUST have advance reservations. (For spontaneous trips, this is as simple as a call to 1-800-USA-RAIL.) You may pick up your ticket from the Metrolink kiosks at the station, or from the staffed stations in Fullerton, Anaheim, and Los Angeles.
Amtrak California also runs four buses each day to the Riverside Downtown station, which connect to the San Joaquins in Bakersfield for train journeys to/from points north.
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filter_dramaGet around
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By car
Most of the time, getting around in Riverside will involve some form of car, and traffic congestion can ruin your day, and the aggressive driving habits of some other drivers may be intimidating
The CA-60/I-215 runs along the north side of the city. (Confusingly, the two freeways merge at the Riverside 60/91/215 interchange and then split again at the Moreno Valley Interchange, which is still actually within the city limits.) The Market Street exit provides access to Downtown, the 3rd/Blaine and University exits allow easy entry into the University neighborhood, and the Martin Luther King exit will allow you run of the mostly-residential Canyon Crest area. Note that if you proceed on the CA-60 just past the interchange, get off at Day Street and you'll arrive at one of two area malls, the Moreno Valley Mall. It isn't in Riverside proper, but many people shop there rather than brave city traffic to go to the Galleria at Tyler.
The CA-91 runs from it's origins at the 60/215/91 interchange in the north of the city, and runs the length of Riverside, eventually extending into Corona, Orange County and terminating in Long Beach. Notable exits include University Ave., which borders Downtown, Central Ave., which is near the new, upscale Riverside Plaza, Tyler St., immediately next to the Galleria at Tyler mall, and La Sierra Ave., which is near the city's second Metrolink station, and Castle Park.
The major crosstown arteries are Arlington and Magnolia Avenues. Congestion on these streets is interminable, and travelers would be well-advised to use other routes. Jurupa Ave. largely parallels Arlington, and Indiana and Victoria avenues parallel Magnolia. Victoria avenue is lightly-used, and is quite scenic. If you're willing to drive slightly out of your way, it's well worth the extra distance to cruise among the city's old orange groves. -
Public transport
While the vast majority of people in the city do use automobiles, there is public transit available in Riverside. The Riverside Transit Agency [url=http://www.riversidetransit.com]]provides fixed-route bus service on around 15 routes in the city, as well as three express commuter services and a few new community-based trolley-bus routes. Trips up and down Magnolia Ave. on route 1, on University Ave on route 16, and on route 15 along Arlington Ave are relatively frequent, with 20, 30, and 40 minute headways, respectively. Weekends and other routes can cause more delay. But a note of warning -the entire Riverside city bus service essentially stops running at 8:00pm; with a few routes running through 10:00pm. There is simply no service at night. So if you're planning to be out late, make sure you have a way home.
One notable exception to the early evening shut-down of the transit system is the RTA 53- Bear Runner[url=http://www.riversidetransit.com/downloads/routes_pdf/053.pdf[/url].]This line tends to have students returning home from campus late at night, but of course it is open to anyone to ride. The service runs Monday-Thursday nights from 6:00pm to 12:30am, but during the school year only (late September-early June). The loop serves the University and Canyon Crest neighborhoods every half hour, and can be somewhat useful in returning home from a night of revelry at local eateries and drinking establishments -so long as you're staying near its route.
The Riverside bus system has two main hubs -the Downtown Terminal, and the Galleria at Tyler in the south of the city. Chances are you will have to travel to one of these transfer points to get anywhere in the city. Commuter express routes 204 and 216 stop at the Downtown Terminal with destinations of Montclair/Ontario and Orange County, and 216 and OCTA [http://www.octa.net[/url] 794 stop at the Galleria, both headed towards Orange County. Local routes serve all surrounding areas.
Taxis have been known to congregate on Fairmount Ave. between the Greyhound and city bus terminals. This is helpful if you end up caught by the sudden unavailability of public transport at night.
Trip planning is available on the web site, on Google Maps, and by calling 1-800-800-7821 between 7:00am and 7:00pm M-F, and 8:00am and 5:00pm weekends. -
Taxis
Taxi services are available in the city at the following telephone numbers:
Friendly Cab Co. (951)353-2222
Bell Cab- (951) 684-1234
AA Inland Empire- (951) 248-0709
More can be found in any telephone directory.
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filter_dramaSeeThe museum rotating exhibits on various topics and standing exhibits on local history, geography and culture. It's a half-hour's walk-through, but well worth the price.
* The museum has rotating exhibits featuring a variety of local artists, including projects from the University of California-Riverside.
* Located on the ground floor of the historic Mission Inn, this space showcases the history of the building, including a chair crafted for the legendarily girthy President Taft.
* The newly-renovated UCR Culver Center for the Arts contains two institutions: the Sweeney Gallery, which shows a rotating collection of artistic endeavours from various, often UCR-affiliated, artists; and the UCR-California Museum of Photography, which offers a collection showcasing the artistic and historical uses that photography has been put to over the years. Admission covers both institutions. There is also a performance space in the center which showcases artistic and independent films.
*These impressive botanical gardens are hidden in the hills above campus. They are usually lightly-visited and offer fantastic views of the city, as well as a large collection of exotic flora. Parking is highly limited, and metered at $0.50/hour.
*For a panoramic view of the city, try climbing Mt. Rubidoux! Well…to say climb is a bit strong. The route up Mt. Rubidoux is a steady, sometimes-paved but mostly sandy incline lined with tall, prickly pear cactus and humongous rocks. A steady gait makes for about an hour round trip. Don’t forget to bring a camera. If it’s a clear day, one can see clear into nearby Corona to the West and Moreno Valley to the East. The sunsets from this vantage are beautiful, too! Be sure you are able to make it down before the sky gets too dark though as there are no lights lining the path.
Also, bringing a bottle of water is a good idea as there are currently no fountains or vending machines anywhere on or around the mountain. The entrance to the park is in a residential area. The park entrance is at the west end of 9th street, under a large iron gate. Parking is extremely limited in the surrounding neighbourhoods.
* This park provides a look back to the time when orange groves dominated what is now the city of Riverside, and reminds us where Orange County got it's name. A small museum resides at the center of this park, surrounded by a working citrus orchard. If you go, be sure to pick up a sack of fresh oranges, which should run you around $4-$5. Riverside is the birthplace of the naval orange, and we still do it best.
*Speaking of that "birthplace of the naval orange" stuff, the original naval orange tree, to which all other naval orange trees trace their lineage, is still growing. It's on a traffic island on the corner of Magnolia and Arlington. There's a bench and a marker, and you can pick oranges off it- if any are ripe. Just don't take them all, it's rude.
*Part of the UC system. Huge campus with a gorgeous botanical garden on site. Admission to the garden is a suggested $5 contribution.
* The museum rotating exhibits on various topics and standing exhibits on local history, geography and culture. It's a half-hour's walk-through, but well worth the price.
*A local school with botanical garden. -
filter_dramaDoRiverside has many activities to occupy your time. The local amusement park, Castle Park [url=http://www.castlepark.com],]is located just off the 91 freeway at La Sierra and a short walk from the 1 and 15 buses. It has a small roller coaster, as well as numerous carnival-like rides, a log flume ride, an arcade, and miniature golf. An unlimited ride wristband will run adults $20 and children around $14, depending on height.
Hiking and biking are available in the Box Springs Mountain Preserve, a large open space to the north of the city. Trailheads are accessible at the end of Big Springs St. and Blaine St. (an easy walk from the terminus of the #10 bus) as well as off of Central Ave and Chicago Ave (accessible from the #20 and #22 bus). Parking is free, but trail information is scarce. A popular pastime of local college students is hiking to the large, concrete "C" on the side of Box Springs Mountain. What they do while at said location is their own business.
While in Riverside, you might want to take in a movie at one of the two operating drive-in movie theatres in the Riverside area. The first, the Van Buren Cinema 3 is on Van Buren Blvd. just off of the 91 freeway in the south of the city. The price of admission is $6 for adults, with children 9 and under free. Double features are common.
The second, the Rubidoux Drive-In, is just outside of the city limits off the 60 at Valley Way. In addition to holding Swap Meets every weekend, the Rubidoux Drive-In shows double features nightly. $7 for adults, and $1 for children 9 and under.
Local concerts are often held in various venues around the city. The college's independent FM radio station, KUCR [url=http://www.kucr.org[/url]]88.3, has a reasonably good listing of cultural events in the area.
There are a few night clubs around the city, most notably Club Sevilla off the 91 at University, near the Metrolink station (and routes 1 and 16), El Castillo off of Chicago and University Avenues (1, 16, 22 and 25), and Incahoots, a few blocks south of the Galleria at Tyler on Magnolia (1 and 15).
The City of Riverside Parks and Recreation [url=http://www.riversideca.gov/park_rec/[/url]]department maintains a number of park facilities around the city, with the crown jewel being Fairmount Park. Fairmount, just off the 60 freeway at Market St. and served by the 25 and 29 buses, was designed by Frederick Olmsted, the architect of New York's Central Park. Other facilities, including skate parks, pools, and sports areas, dot the city.
If all else fails, the Riverside Public Library [http://www.riversideca.gov/library[/url] has the third-largest collection in the southwestern United States, after Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Just visiting the Main Library in Downtown Riverside (near the downtown bus terminal) is an architectural treat. -
filter_dramaBuyThe city has a few major shopping venues.
The Downtown area, centered around the Downtown Pedestrian Mall, consists mainly of upscale and specialty shops. It is an entertaining walk, but in most cases serious shopping is better left to one of the local malls. This area is just a short walk from the Downtown bus terminal (routes 1, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 22, 29, 49, Omni 215, CommuterLink 204, 208, 210, 212, 215), and can be accessed via the Market exit off of the 60 freeway, and the University exit off of the 91. It is also served by the Red line trolley, route 50, running around the downtown area for only $0.25.
The new Riverside Plaza [http://www.shopriversideplaza.com] is a small collection of mostly upscale shops and restaurants just off the 91 freeway at Central Ave. It is anchored by Forever 21, Vons, Borders and a 16-screen cinema. It is served by bus routes 1, 10, 12, 13, 14 and 20.
The Galleria at Tyler is the largest shopping center in the area, a two-story mall with nearly every store one can think of, as well as large commercial developments for three blocks in all directions. Parking is free, but crowded. It's just off the 91 freeway at Tyler street, and served by bus routes 1, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 21, 27, 216 and OCTA 794. Be aware that on Friday nights and weekends this area will be extremely congested with both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
While not technically in the city of Riverside, the Moreno Valley Mall and it's surrounding development has provided an attractive alternative to the residents of the city's northern areas, especially those attending the University of California. This two-story mall is equipped with all the usual amenities, and is usually significantly less crowded than the Galleria. It is accessible via the 60 freeway off the Day Street and Frederick exits, and is served from Riverside by bus route 16 and CommuterLink 208 and 210. (Bus routes 11, 18, 19, and 36 also serve the mall, but travel from neighboring Moreno Valley.) -
filter_dramaEatFortunately Riverside has -or is cursed with, depending on your point of view- the major chain restaurant fare around major establishments. Applebee's is near the train station, TGI Fridays at the Galleria, and Denny's, IHOP, and CoCo's share a corner at Iowa and University near the University of California-Riverside.
There is some local fare to be proud of as well. No trip to Riverside ought to be complete without a greasy hamburger at The Lucky Greek. Located on Magnolia and Merrill, nearest to the 91 at Central and short walk from the #1 and #10 buses, the Lucky Greek has been serving up their signature greaseballs and pastrami for over 20 years. Expect to pay around $5.50 for a burger, fries and a coke. The decor hasn't been updated since they opened, but the food will make you forget about it shortly. (951) 686-2621
Mi Tortilla! on Mission Inn Ave. just east of the 91 freeway and two blocks north of the Downtown train station, serves excellent Mexican food at a decent price. The atmosphere, a Mexican village motif, is a little overdone, but the salsa is excellent and the price will not disappoint. Expect to pay around $7 a plate. (951) 341-5979
For more Mexican food, The Tortilla Grille is located at the corner of Canyon Crest Ave. and Central Ave. The atmosphere is warm, modern and inviting, and a full bar with sports on two flat-screen TV's is also included. Come on Tuesday or Saturday nights for $0.99 tacos, or any other night for reasonably priced, fresh Mexican fare. $7/plate, off of routes 16 and 51. (951) 680-9870
Of course, the best Mexican food in the area is at Templo Del Sol- a run-down looking establishment on University between Iowa and Cranford. The service is friendly but excruciatingly slow, but the food is inexpensive, authentic and excellent. Happy hour specials Monday through Thursday include $2 beer and $1 tacos. $5-7/plate, routes 1, 14, 16, and 51.
Downtown, Canyon Crest, Mission Grove and Riverside Plaza each have restaurants which are worth visiting. -
filter_dramaDrinkGetaway Cafe, the college pub (beer & wine, but delicious pub grub). 3615 Canyon Crest Dr # B Riverside, CA 92507 (bus lines 1, 16, 51, late-night 53)
*Sire Restaurant, a total neighborhood dive bar. 6440 Magnolia Ave, Riverside CA 92506 (bus lines 1, 13 and 15)
*Lounge Thirty-Three, Riverside's Ultra-Lounge serves up some great cocktails and has a great DJ most nights of the week. 3639 Riverside Plaza Drive Ste 530, Riverside CA 92503 (bus routes 1, 10, 12, 13, 14 and 20)
*El Torito Restaurant, the bar is a pretty good size and they have karaoke nights and Taco Tuesday at this location. 3740 Park Sierra Dr, Riverside, CA (bus route 1)
*The Yard House, conveniently located adjacent to the Galleria at Tyler, the Yard House is an excellent choice for a beverage or two. 3775 Tyler Street, Riverside CA 92503 (bus routes 1, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 21, 27, 216)
*Killarney's, located next to Lounge Thirty-Three, this is a great Irish Pub. Bands perform select nights of the week. 3639 Riverside Plaza Drive, Riverside CA 92503 (bus routes 1, 10, 12, 13, 14 and 20)
*Cafe Sevilla, located off of the 91 freeway and within walking distance of Riverside's Downtown Metrolink Station. Flamenco dancers and live bands perform several nights a week at this upscale tapas bar. 3252 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside, CA 92507 (bus routes 1, 16)
*The Salted Pig, an up-and-coming gastropub within walking distance of the Downtown Metrolink station. This cozy, modern spot regularly has local brews on tap and serves all things wonderful and porcine. 3700 12th Street, Riverside, CA 92501 (bus routes 1)
*The Menagerie, a gay bar in downtown Riverside that has a dance floor, full bar, and showcases the Inland Empire's foxiest and sassiest drag queens and kings, several of whom have competed on LOGO's RuPaul's Drag Race. It's not the fanciest bar, but it's definitely a fun place to go with your friends and test the waters of the Inland Empire's LGBTQ scene (which does exist--surprise!) 3581 University Ave. Riverside, CA 92501 (bus route 210, within walking distance of downtown metrolink station)
*Tio's is a hidden treasure in downtown Riverside. Located right beside the Grey Hound bus station. Looks small from the outside but offers a giant back space full of DIY recycled art created by the owner. The food is great, very authentic mexican style. They sell beer as well as juice made fresh in several exotic flavors. The real attraction is the the art though, there is a small church built entirely out of glass bottles with a guest book to sign for visitors. This is just one impressive installation among many to be seen after a nice lunch/dinner on a sunny day.
*This coffee shop is a great stop off University Ave. The walls are covered in art submitted by local artists that are rotated every so often. They have a basement as well as a loft area and back patio. The first thursday of every month Riverside hosts an art walk, the streets are packed with young people displaying their art. Back to the grind typically opens their basement on nights like these to live artists. Their drinks are great. They sell pastries, gelato, and some small lunch type entrees. Great place to sit back and people watch or enjoy a new book while sinking into one of their many couches. If you're new in town and stop in a few times you'll notice the barista's are like family and the customers as well, often times you'll see the same crowd hanging around. A local watering hole for the "creative types." -
filter_dramaSleep*Free deluxe breakfast, Free WiFi, business center, and spacious parking for tour groups/buses.
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*The glorious historic Mission Inn is one of the great landmarks of California; it features a multitude of quirky architectural features, a pool and spa, and three restaurants.
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filter_dramaGet outRiverside is situated about a 30 minutes drive to the nearest mountains, and an hour's drive to the beaches of Orange and Los Angeles counties, and to the desert. The Orange County beaches are accessible by taking the 91, then 55 freeways; and the Los Angeles County beaches can be reached by taking the 60 or 91 freeways. Beaches have modest day use fees.
Taking the 91 north to the I-215, then following signs for CA-30 and mountain resorts, will have you in the San Bernardino mountains in no time. Big Bear and it's surroundings are a winter playground unparalleled in much of the Southwest. For summer fun, continue up the I-215 all the way until it hits CA-138, head west, and then turn left at CA-2 to go up into the Angeles National Forest. Multitudes of picnic areas and campgrounds dot this winding road between the high desert and Los Angeles. If you turn east at CA-138, you'll run into Silverwood Lake, a large reservoir with swimming and boating facilities.
[[WikiPedia:Riverside, California]]