Ah, Riverside, California.

A city rich in history and culture that is often overlooked by travelers on their way to more wellknown destinations in the Golden State. But dont let the lack of recognition fool you this hidden gem has much to offer the intrepid explorer who is willing to venture off the beaten path.

First stop: downtown Riverside (3666 Main St). This area boasts historic buildings, charming cafes and boutiques, as well as a lively art scene. For a quirky and unique activity, head over to The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa (3649 Mission Inn Ave) for their daily rooftop walk tour where visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding city while learning about its history.

Another mustvisit destination is Fairmount Park (2601 Fairmount Blvd), an oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life. Take a stroll around Lake Evans or have a picnic under one of many shady trees lining your path. And if youre lucky enough to visit during late April/early May festivities include Cinco de Mayo Carnival featuring rides, games, live entertainment along with great food.

For those interested in exploring local art scenes check out UCR ARTSblock (Culver Center 3834 Main St), which features rotating exhibits from artists both locally and globally renowned an impressive display indeed! Or take part in monthly ArtWalks at Downtown Riversides Arts District hosted by some truly talented artists such as James OKeefe who does amazing work with recycled metal arts.

Of course no trip to Riverside would be complete without sampling some delicious local cuisine make sure not miss out on Inland Empire favorite Farmer Boys Burger located at multiple locations throughout CA including here too(3525 Merrill Avenue). But our true insider tip for scrumptious tacos al pastor? Look no further than Taquizas El Taconazo Truck (The Corner) parked near corner street edges near freeway exits particularly around Madison and Indiana Street.

For those interested in history, take a stroll through the historic Santa Ana River Trail (3127 Jefferson St), which runs along the Santa Ana River. This trail is steeped in local lore and provides an unparalleled glimpse into Riversides past.

And if youre looking for some live entertainment, head over to The Box Theater (3635 Market St) where locals can catch everything from standup comedy acts, musical performances, or even full theatrical productions typically featuring an impressive range of talents from youth theatre groups to Broadwaycaliber performers!

So there you have it just a few of the many secret places that make Riverside such a charming and unique destination. Dont be afraid to step off the wellworn tourist path and explore all that this vibrant city has to offer.

Websites:

https://www.riversideca.gov/

https://missioninn.com/

http://www.ucrarts.ucr.edu/

https://theboxriverside.com/

Twitter handles:

@RivCityGovernment

@MissionInnHotel

@UCRARTSblock

@TheBox_Riverside