Top Rated Attractions in Riverside

Located around 15 miles from Ontario in the Jurupa Valley, this Earth-science museum is dedicated to educating the public about the region's flora and fauna. The museum provides information as well as exhibits about the entire Riverside area and the replica dinosaurs in the Granite Hill Nursery are always fascinating for the kids. Throughout the year, the museum leads tours, field trips and nature camps. All in all, this is the perfect destination for a fun and educational trip with the family.

The citrus industry was one of the hallmarks of California's industrial development in the 20th Century, and California Citrus State Historic Park recognizes and commemorates the significant impact this had on the state. The park has been designed to resemble a historic city park, replete with picnic areas and fruit orchards. Visitors can learn more about the history of the city's citrus industry at the on-site museum.

A popular attraction in the city, Riverside Art Museum is well known for its displays and exhibitions as it is for the building it is housed in. The combination of Classical and Mediterranean architecture is truly impressive, and the 1929 building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. As for the museum itself, it hosts many traveling exhibitions every year, and also organizes educational programs.

Located at the base of the Jurupa Hills, the Mary Vagle Nature Center serves as an educational point-of-interest that highlights the Inland Empire's flora and fauna. The center also works as a good starting point for exploring the hills themselves. In the area surrounding the center, visitors can see myriad wildlife, from birds and butterflies to reptiles and smaller mammals. If you venture towards the top of the hills, the vantage point offers a superb view over the Inland Empire; it also provides a great place to have a picnic.

Located on the Chaffey College campus, the Wignall Museum of Contemporary Art is a teaching museum that primarily highlights work from students, but it also hosts other temporary exhibits from artists in the Inland Empire. In addition to contemporary art, the Wignall hosts talks and conferences for the benefit of the college as well as the community. Admission is always free and the galleries are closed on Fridays, Sundays and Holidays.

The Ontario Museum of History and Art aims to expand the community's knowledge of local culture through educational programs, exhibits and special events. The museum exhibits in detail, the life and people of the Inland Empire and the docents organize various outreach programs and field trips throughout the year. One of the highlights during Autumn is the Dia de los Muertos festival, when local artists showcase the macabre through painting, sculpture and crafts. Every year the event draws in thousands over the Halloween season.