Here is a list of some of my favorite things to do in Riverside California.
Artswalk
On the first Thursday of every month, 17 locations in downtown Riverside are open to the public from 6 – 9 p.m. Participating institutions host art openings, performances, tours, talks and more. Start at any location. This event is free.
Benedict Castle
Benedict Castle, a Medieval-Spanish structure with strong Moorish influences, was built in two stages between 1921 and 1931 as a luxurious home for Charles W. Benedict. The castle and grounds have been painstakingly restored. The Castle is located at 5445 Chicago Avenue. For more information on booking a tour visit www.benedictcastle.com .
California Citrus State Historic Park
The design of the park is reminiscent of a 1900s city park, complete with an activity center, interpretive structure, amphitheater, picnic area and demonstration groves. The land contained within the park still continues to produce high-quality fruits. The park recaptures the time when “Citrus was King” in California, highlighting the importance of the citrus industry in Southern California. The park is located at 9400 Dufferin Avenue (Van Buren). For more information about the park and special events call (951) 780-6222 ext.13.
Downtown Farmers Market
Every Saturday on Main Street in Riverside between 5th and 6th Streets from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. vendors offer organic fruits and vegetables, fresh-cut flowers, specialty items such as breads, hummus and homemade honey, fish, cheese and much more! For more information call (951) 826-2370.
Family Fun Days on First Sundays
On the first Sunday of every month October to May, six locations in downtown Riverside are open to the public from 1 – 4 p.m. Participating institutions including the Mission Inn Museum, UCR /California Museum of Photography, UCR /Sweeney Art Gallery, Riverside Metropolitan Museum, Riverside Public Library and Riverside Art Museum, host free hands-on activities for families.
Festival of Lights
The City of Riverside and the Mission Inn present the Annual Riverside Festival
of Lights. This free event kicks-off with the Switchon Ceremony the day after Thanksgiving and runs through early January. Visitors can enjoy outdoor ice skating, carriage rides, free holiday entertainment, unique shopping and dining in the downtown, holiday food and specialty vendors. Free parking weekdays after 5 p.m. and weekends. For more information visit their website.
Heritage House
This 1891 Victorian showplace depicts life in turn-of the century Riverside. An elegant reminder of the affluent homes which once graced Magnolia Avenue. It is open Fridays noon - 3 p.m. and Sat-Sun noon - 3:30 p.m. Closed July and August. Suggested donation of $3 for adults and $1for children and seniors. Heritage House is located at 8193 Magnolia Avenue. For more visit their website.
March Field Air Museum
Located next to the March Air Reserve Base off Interstate 215 at Van Buren Boulevard. The Museum serves as home to over 70 historic aircraft and displays over 2,000 artifacts. The March Field Air Museum commemorates the achievements of our military and civilian aviators; provides educational resources and programs; promotes public awareness of past, present and future air and space technologies; and depicts the history of the March Field Air Base. Open Tuesday – Sunday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is $8 general and $5 for ages 5-11. For more information visit their website at http://www.marchfield.org/.
Mission Inn Tours
Take a 75-minute tour of Riverside's historic Mission Inn on the art, architecture and history of the Mission Inn. This provides an opportunity to see parts of the Inn that are inaccessible to the general public. The regular cost is $12 for adults and senior citizens, children under twelve free with an adult. $1 AAA discount. During Festival of Lights (11/28 to 01/04) the cost is $15 per person. Call the museum at (951)788-9556 during regular business hours for available tour times and reservations.
Mount Rubidoux
Mount Rubidoux is a mountain close to downtown Riverside. There is a hiking trail to the summit. The trails is 3 miles long and climbs in elevation 500 feet. Other than the great views from the top, you can find the Serra Cross in honor of the founder of the mission,Fray Junipero Serra and the Tower of World Peace. Mt. Rubidoux Blvd and 9th street. There is no cost.
Riverside Metropolitan Museum
Located at 3580 Mission Inn Avenue, this is a center for learning as well as a community museum that collects, exhibits and interprets cultural and natural history. The Museum’s collections consist of over 75,000 objects, which include anthropology, natural history and history. The Museum also offers educational programs, workshops, demonstrations and lectures. For more information on current and upcoming exhibitions visit http://www.riversideca.gov/museum/
University of California, Riverside Botanic Gardens
Located at 900 University Avenue in Riverside. 40 acres of botanical gardens containing more than 3,500 plant species from around the world. This wealth of vegetation creates a hospitable sanctuary for wildlife, where nearly 200 bird species have been officially observed. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is a $1 suggested donation and there is limited parking by the entrance. For more information, visit http://www.gardens.ucr.edu/.
If you would like to learn more about real estate in Riverside CA or are interested in buying or selling a home in Riverside or Corona, contact me at vicki@pedersen-team.com Click here to visit my website.
Written and posted by: Vicki Pedersen, ABR, Pedersen Real Estate, Riverside/Corona, California, DRE# 01435715 -- Phone: 951-840-5212 vicki@pedersen-team.com 
