4 Day Budget Adventure in Riverside, CA

Discover Riverside: Budget-friendly fun in the heart of California.

21 June 2023

Riverside, located in sunny Southern California, is a great destination for those on a budget. With affordable accommodations, such as budget hotels and Airbnb options, visitors can explore the city's historic sites, including the Mission Inn and Mount Rubidoux Park. Additionally, there are plenty of free outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and picnicking in the nearby Santa Ana Mountains.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Adventure Awaits

  • Check into the Mission Inn Hotel, a historic landmark with unique architecture and a charming courtyard.
  • Head to Mt. Rubidoux Park to hike up to the top for stunning views of Riverside.
  • Visit the Riverside Art Museum to see the latest contemporary art exhibitions.
  • Enjoy a craft beer at Wicks Brewing Company, which offers a relaxed atmosphere and tasty pub fare.
  • End the day with a movie at the historic Fox Performing Arts Center.
Day 2

History and Culture

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Simple Simon’s Bakery & Bistro. Try the quiche!
  • Take a guided tour of the historic Harada House, a preserved 1915 home in a Japanese farming community.
  • Visit the UC Riverside Botanic Gardens to see a vast array of plant species from around the world.
  • Experience the vibrant culture of the city at the annual Riverside Dia de los Muertos festival.
  • End the day with dinner at The Salted Pig, with its urban-rustic décor and unique “pig-centric” menu featuring house-made sausages.
Day 3

Discover the Outdoors

  • Start the day with a coffee at Augie's Coffeehouse, an artisanal coffee shop with a local vibe.
  • Go on a scenic drive to Lake Perris State Recreation Area, where visitors can enjoy hiking, boating, and fishing.
  • Take a picnic lunch to Fairmount Park, with its vast expanses of green and sparkling lake.
  • Visit the Riverside Municipal Museum to learn more about the history of the city.
  • End the day with dinner at Tio’s Tacos, a quirky Mexican restaurant known for its unique atmosphere featuring colorful sculptures made from recycled materials.
Day 4

Shop 'til You Drop

  • Start the day with brunch at The Food Lab, with its locally sourced menu and industrial-chic décor.
  • Spend the day exploring the boutiques and shops of the Riverside Plaza, a charming outdoor shopping center with a wide range of stores.
  • Visit the California Citrus State Historic Park, where visitors can learn about the history of the state’s citrus industry.
  • Catch a show at the Riverside Community Players Theater, which hosts a variety of productions throughout the year.
  • End the day with dinner at Punjab Palace, a family-owned restaurant serving authentic Indian cuisine.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Riverside, United States by plane is to fly into Ontario International Airport and then take a shuttle or rental car to Riverside.

Car

Driving to Riverside is one option. You can take the I-10 or the SR-60 to get there. It's about a one-hour drive from Los Angeles, depending on traffic. There are parking spots throughout the city, including two parking garages and many surface lots.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no train station in Riverside so it is not possible to get there by train.

Boat

As Riverside is a landlocked city, there is no way to get there by boat.

Bus

Taking a bus from Los Angeles to Riverside is one way to get there. Greyhound has a bus station in Riverside that has services from Los Angeles.

Destination

Riverside

Welcome to the land of citrus and sunshine, where the palm trees sway and the smog never quite clears. This is Riverside - a city that's as quirky as it is charming, and as delicious as it is...well, smoggy.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

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More travel plans

Five-Day Fun Guide to Riverside, USA

Riverside, located in Southern California, offers an array of attractions for tourists to explore. One of its highlights is the Mission Inn, a historical hotel that features unique architectural elements and a collection of art and artifacts. Additionally, tourists can visit Mount Rubidoux Park for a scenic hike and a stunning panoramic view of the city.

Riverside in 2 Days: Budget-Friendly Fun!

A trip to Riverside, United States for people on a limited budget is an affordable way to explore California without breaking the bank. You can enjoy natural beauty and cultural attractions without overspending. Tour the historic downtown area, visit popular parks like Mount Rubidoux and explore local museums on a budget-friendly trip to Riverside.

Riverside, California: A Fun-Filled 4-Day Getaway

Riverside, California is a vibrant destination full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore iconic architecture like the Mission Inn or take a stroll through the lush landscapes of the botanical gardens. There are also numerous museums, festivals, and outdoor activities to enjoy in this picturesque city.

Riverside Revelry: A Fun-Filled Family Day Trip

Riverside, located in Southern California, is a perfect family-friendly destination offering a variety of exciting activities. Take your little ones to The Riverside Zoo, where they can enjoy close encounters with animals from all around the world. Explore the lush beauty of the University of California Riverside Botanic Gardens, and end the day with a relaxing picnic along the scenic shores of Lake Evans.