It is considered part of the Greater Los Angeles Area which means with its relatively close proximity to Hollywood, you may just catch a star, or a movie or show being filmed! One of the largest cities in California, Riverside is largely known as the birthplace of the citrus industry in the state which produces nearly half of all of the fruit we eat in the U.
From its humble beginnings in the s, Riverside has without a doubt used its lemons to make some very sweet lemonade! The weather is mild, usually ranging from fifty degrees Fahrenheit to about eighty degrees throughout the year which makes any season a good time to visit the beautiful town.
There are many festivals and events at any time of year, including the Riverside Dickens Festival held every February to celebrate literacy, the spectacular Riverside Airshow in March, The Riverside International Film Festival that has to date showcased over one hundred and seventy-five films from across the world, The Festival of Lights and the Festival of Trees--just to name a few! Many of Riverside's year round attractions showcase its agricultural environment, such as the California Citrus State Historic Park where you can get an up-close and picturesque view of how the city got it's start as well as where most of the oranges, lemons, limes, and other tangy treats get their own start before they end up in your fruit salad; the Riverside campus of the University of California also features a spectacular botanical garden that no nature lover should miss.
There are many other local attractions such as golf courses, the open air Riverside Plaza for shoppers looking to get their fix, and multiple museums and amusement parks to keep both thrill seekers and the more historically inclined entertained. After a full day of enjoyment in the city you can wind up your evening by catching the renowned murder mystery dinner show, The Gourmet Detective, where you can interact personally with the play and actors around you while you dine in an environment that is fun, unconventional, and unforgettable.
For good food without the theatrics, you can visit any one of the highly decorated and diverse selection of restaurants and eateries available to you in Riverside, California. While you can always opt for the all American favorite sports bar, there is also a huge variety of cuisine in the area to try. With heavy Southwestern and Asian influences in the culture, new and delicious experiences are waiting for you all over the city and afterwards there are countless clubs for you to dance the rest of the night away!
