Riverside, CA

The Center of Southern California

Named because of its setting along the Santa Ana River and located east of Los Angeles, Riverside, CA, is the center of inland Southern California. While there is lots to do in the City of Riverside, it is also a great place to set off on outdoor adventures. The Angeles National Forest is made up of five wilderness areas, each with its own unique environment that is bursting with native plants and wildlife. Silverwood Lake is the place to go to cool off during the summer and to enjoy watersports, fishing and camping.
Outdoor recreations areas such as Big Bear Mountain, the Angeles National Forest and Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area are nearby and reachable in a short drive. Big Bear Mountain Resort ski area is one of Southern California’s best and is where US Olympic Gold Medalist Shawn White learned to snowboard. The resort features two mountains – Snow Summit and Bear Mountain – with nearly 1000 acres of skiable terrain and 63 trails.

Downtown Riverside is a great place to relax and enjoy the warm weather and the city’s parks, shops and eateries. The centerpiece of Riverside is Fairmount Park, designed by Frederick Olmstead, who also designed New York City’s Central Park. This is more than evident with the many lakes, meadows and rose gardens that are set throughout. A range of recreational facilities are available, including tennis, a golf course and lawn bowling. On the three lakes in the park you can go fishing, rent a pedal boat or just relax on the shore. The Fairmount Gold Course has nine holes of golf, putting greens and a lit driving range.

Riverside is also a great place for aviation enthusiasts with the Thunder Over the Empire and the Riverside Airshow both happening there. For those passionate about cars, The Riverside International Film Festival happens each March at the Riverside International Automotive Museum. At this event, visitors can view racing films and meet some of the legends of racing. During the fall, the Riverside Festival of Lights happens downtown, where over three million lights are put up along with a fireworks show, ice skating and live music, all taking place between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Riverside, with its year-round events, warm weather and location near natural attractions is a great choice for your next vacation.