RIVERSIDE HOTEL RESERVATIONS : CALL 800-559-2391

Founded in 1870 by John North and a group of Easterners who wished to establish a colony dedicated to furthering education and culture, Riverside was built on land that was once a Spanish rancho. Investors from England and Canada transplanted traditions and activities adopted by prosperous citizens: the first golf course and polo field in Southern California were built in Riverside.

The first orange trees were planted in 1871, but the citrus industry Riverside is famous for began two years later when Eliza Tibbets received two Brazilian navel orange trees sent to her by a friend at the Department of Agriculture in Washington. The trees thrived in the Southern California climate and the navel orange industry grew rapidly.

More to See In Riverside

Castle Amusement Park:
Offers rides and attractions, four 18 hole miniature golf courses and a three-level video arcade. Ride park 6-11 p.m. Fridays, noon-11 p.m. Saturdays, noon-8 p.m. Sundays. Arcade and miniature golf open daily at 10 a.m. 3500 Polk Street.

Jensen-Alvarado Ranch:
Historic ranch completely restored to portray rural life. You will find cattle, sheep, chickens, rabbits, a duck pond and goats. There are citrus groves, peach, apricot and plum orchards, and a grape vineyard. Observe plowing with horses and general farm life by those dressed in period clothing. The Winery Museum and Gift Corner are open 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekends. 4350 Briggs St..

Jurupa Mountains Cultural Center:
Earth science museum, horticulture information, and Saturday field trips. Museum open 1:00-4:00 p.m.. Tuesday through Saturday. Don't miss the dinosaurs! 7621 Granite Hill Dr.

March Field Air Museum:
Exhibits depicting the history of March Air Force Base, plus 53 vintage aircraft and memorabilia dating from World War I to the present.  The museum is open 10 am - 4pm daily (10-5 weekends in Summer Months).  Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Interstate 215 at Van Buren Boulevard. March Air Force Base.

Mission Inn:
The Mission Inn which now fills an entire block began as the Glenwood Cottages. a family run hotel. In 1876 the C.C. Miller family began taking paying guests into their Riverside home. When the first large construction, the Mission Wing, opened in 1903 the hotel was renamed Glenwood Mission Inn. 3649 Mission Inn Avenue.

Mount Rubidoux:
Walk to the top of Riverside's most historic landform and site of the nation's first outdoor interdenominational Easter Sunrise Service in 1909. Overlooking the Downtown, from this vantage point it's obvious there is lots to see and do here.

UCR Botanic Gardens:
Escape the routine and take a peaceful break amidst birds, bees, blossoms and butterflies by visiting the UCR Botanic Gardens, 39 acres of flowers, trees, woods, and gardens. There are hiking trails. beautiful spots for picnics, and perfect places just to sit and meditate. A gentle pathway for wheelchair access winds through the main features of the gardens. Twice a year, the Gardens hold their very popular Plant Sale. Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. Admission and parking are free.