Source: Steve Carroll
This lavish hotel and museum in Riverside resides in the largest Mission revival–style building in the United States. The massive block-long inn boasts flying buttresses, stained-glass windows, soaring archways, romantic courtyards, a bell tower, a circular wrought-iron staircase, a chapel with a gold altar and more than $7 million worth of antiques. If you are not able to spend a night make time for the daily 75-minute tour – the building and grounds are astounding. Be sure to head up to the rooftop for 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains.
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Featuring 3.5 miles of paved and dirt hiking trails with plenty of beginner rock-climbing spots, this popular city park is just west of downtown Riverside. The mountain also features a paved, one-mile trail leading to the summit. You might encounter kids on a field trip, but it’s a fun and easy hike that is ideal for a relaxing stroll, a quick run or a dog walk. Gorgeous wildflowers are on display in the spring months and the views from the top of the trail are outstanding. As you begin to hike, you’ll see a few different paths that you can take but they all lead to the top. Keep in mind that the mountain’s natural beauty and close proximity to downtown draws in many hikers everyday, so expect to have company while you are there.
Source: Ron Kroetz
The San Bernardino National Forest is located north of downtown San Bernardino and offers a plethora of outdoor activities. There are scores of hiking trails for all skill levels and plenty of opportunities for mountain biking, fishing, swimming and camping. There are 11 “yellow post” free campgrounds for use that are open throughout the year. Autumn is particularly entrancing as the weather remains comfortable and the trees change colors. If you can make it up to Big Bear Lake you will be rewarded with an alpine experience that rivals anything in the country.
Source: Mathew Mendoza
The UC Riverside Botanic Gardens are located on the campus atUniversity of California Riverside and include 45 acres of plants, birds, flowers, butterflies and reptiles. The picturesque gardens are a great place to spend a day with scenic photography options, idyllic walking tours and unbeatable photo opportunities. Although there are some moderately difficult hills on the tour, it’s mostly an easy stroll through massive gardens displaying over 3,500 plant species from around the world. In addition to being open to the public, the Botanic Gardens are used for teaching, research and demonstration purposes. At the gardens, there is a focus on plants from Mediterranean climates and arid lands similar to California and the desert southwest of the U.S.. However, the variable elevation and topography of the Gardens and Riverside's subtropical climate create several microclimates that provide a surprising amount of diversity. The University keeps around one-third of the Gardens unplanted to allow native plant communities to flourish.
Source: UCR ARTSblock Facebook Page
This little gem in downtown Riverside includes two small museums that host a variety of exhibits that extend beyond just a photographic focus. There are displays featuring local artists, as well as internationally known photographers such as Ansel Adams and Walker Evans. In addition to photographic art, visitors can enjoy drawings, paintings, sculptures and videos by emerging and established contemporary artists. If you’re looking for a small yet stimulating place to explore, this is it.
Source: Riverside Live Facebook Page
Built in 1929, this Spanish-Colonial-style theater hosted the first ever public screening of Gone With the Wind! Luckily for us, this one-of-a kind facility underwent a major renovation beginning in 2007 and reopened in 2010 with a new 1,600-seat state-of-the-art performing arts theater. Great care was taken to ensure that the original grandeur of the building was maintained and it is now a magnet for touring Broadway shows, musicians such as Lyle Lovett and speakers like Malcom Gladwell. If you don’t have time to take in a show, save a moment to enjoy the exterior, and if you get lucky, a sneak peak of the lobby and stage.
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Before it became the cinematic capital of the world, Southern California was a citrus hub, luring farmers from all over the country who yearned for a better life. This 300-acre park does an excellent job of preserving the cultural landscape of the citrus industry that is slowly slipping away from the Inland Empire. Exhibits range from horticultural and environmental to historic, explaining the role the citrus industry played in the growth of the state. Learn some history, take a stroll in the idyllic groves and enjoy an orange slice tasting station where docents walk you through freshly picked oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit. Entrance to the museum/visitor center is free with paid $5.00 parking fee.
Source: Rabert and Francis Fullerton Museum of Art Facebook Page
Located on the San Bernardino campus of California State University, the Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art features an impressive array of art from Asia, Africa and the Middle East. It is best known for its collection of Egyptian artifacts, one of the largest collections west of the Mississippi River, such as mummy boards, ceramic figurines and statues. There are also beautiful ceramic vases from ancient Korea, China, Southeast Asia and pre-Columbian America. The museum’s collection of modern and contemporary art includes around 400 works by famous artists such as Dali, Picasso, Warhol and Rauschenberg.
Source: Captain Jack’s Yelp Page
The friendly and welcoming staff at Captain Jack’s ensures that it is the place to go for cannabis in the San Bernardino area. An extensive selection of CBD and THC-related products are offered at this clean and professional establishment. Jack’s has even been remodeled to include a consumption bar where you can enjoy your recently purchased cannabis. The store also consistently provides discounts on its flower, shatter and CBD that make it even better. Address: 100 W Hospitality Lane, San Bernardino, CA
Source: Original Medical Group Yelp Page
OMG offers both storefront and a delivery services to satisfy your cannabis needs during your visit to the Inland Empire. They have a solid assortment of flower, vape cartridges and CBD treats for pets. Be sure to pick up some of their delectable edibles – especially the cookies. Address: 2618 E Foothill Blvd, San Bernardino, CA
Source: Mission Galleria Facebook Page
There is something for everyone in the four stories of vintage memorabilia, collectibles, antiques, gifts and other funky knick knacks that make up this collective of over 150 independent dealers. Set aside an hour or so to browse and get lost among the maze of unique little shops. Comic books, bizarre figurines, quirky signs, handcrafted furniture, vintage toys, clothes and jewelry are all for sale at the Mission Galleria.
Source: Pain Sugar Gallery Facebook Page
This culturally balanced and well-planned space opened in 2017 to accommodate local and international works of expression. The group behind the gallery has been around for several years, finally finding a space that could effectively present the paintings and prints by local designers and underground Mexican artists. There are always incredible pieces by American industrial artists and other international creators on display here. The gallery also hosts cool events like vinyl listening parties and linocut workshops which are perfect for any visitor to the city. Check their website or pop in to see what’s going on.
Source: Riverside Art Museum Facebook Page
Located down the street from the Mission Inn, the Riverside Art Museum is a small, yet inspiring space that presents thought-provoking exhibits and offers classes designed to instill a love of arts. Originally built as a YWCA, the Mediterranean Revival building is the work of Julia Morgan, the country’s first licensed female architect, best known for designing Hearst Castle. Want to get high and check out some really cool art? In 2020, the museum plans to unveil the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art, Culture & Industry (The Cheech). ‘The Cheech’ will be the world center of Chicano art, including paintings, sculpture, photography and video arts. A substantial portion of Marin’s personal collection of over 700 pieces will be housed at the museum.
Source: Riverside Food Lab Instagram Page
The country’s food hall trend has landed in the Inland Empire in the form of the Riverside Food Lab and that’s a really good thing. This place has enough restaurants to satiate picky eaters and ravenous diners alike. Monty’s Good Burger serves up plant-based burgers, Dhat Creole has Cuban-fusion cuisine, Fufu’s homemade Lebanese food hits it out of the park and Wilson’s can easily handle all of your craft cocktail needs.
Source: Happy Family Vegetarian Restaurant Facebook Page
This hole-in-the-wall restaurant located in San Bernardino is a vegetarian’s dream. The massive menu is 99% vegan with classic Chinese dishes like wonton soup, spring rolls, mapo tofu, chow mein and spicy black bean sauce all expertly created with faux meats, mushrooms and tofu. The vegan shrimps and sizzling “beef” should not be missed.
Source: The Salted Pig Instagram Page
The Salted Pig in Riverside is a gastropub with an extensive craft beer and cocktail list and an eclectic menu. The Pig is relatively new on the scene and locals are now flocking here for the bacon fat popcorn, albacore sashimi and fried chicken schnitzel. The menu changes seasonally to include fresh, local ingredients and vegetarian options. If you are nursing some late-night munchies, the ramen special (served 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.) might be just what you crave.
Source: Milta Cafe Facebook Page
This San Bernardino institution on Route 66 began in 1937 as a modest lunch counter serving the local community and travelers heading west to realize their dreams. Today, Mitla remains family owned and operated serving Mexican and American staples such as huevos rancheros, cheeseburgers, hot cakes and chili rellenos. Legend has it that Glen Bell, founder of Taco Bell, was inspired to start his empire after sampling some tacos at Mitla Café. This historic joint is an attraction for tourists and locals alike, so be prepared to wait as things can get quite busy.
Source: Tio's Tacos Instagram Page
Tio’s Tacos offers a myriad of delicious mexican food options with an impressive collection of folk art, making this spot one of the most unique dining experiences in San Bernardino. Owned by artist Martin Sanchez, Tio’s sprawling courtyard is home to a domed chapel constructed of concrete and glass bottles and a teepee-shaped structure with water continuously flowing down the side to create a maze of streams flowing through carvings in the floor. You will also find bicycles cemented directly into the ground and large figures and statues made from chicken wire and stuffed with discarded items like bottle caps, utensils and maybe even the kitchen sink.