Riverside

Once the USA's wealthiest city on a per capita basis, Riverside prospered as a center of citrus in the late 19th century. Today this county seat at the gateway to the Inland Empire is a thriving modern metropolis and university town with high-tech industries. But it's the past that primarily lures. The California Citrus Park educates visitors about the rapidly vanishing cultural landscape of the citrus industry; and architectural buffs "ooh" and "ahh" at the splendid Mexican-Spanish features of this city, an hour's drive east of Los Angeles. The most notable building is the Mission Inn, renowned for its flying buttresses and gargoyles. The ...

Once the USA's wealthiest city on a per capita basis, Riverside prospered as a center of citrus in the late 19th century. Today this county seat at the gateway to the Inland Empire is a thriving modern metropolis and university town with high-tech industries. But it's the past that primarily lures. The California Citrus Park educates visitors about the rapidly vanishing cultural landscape of the citrus industry; and architectural buffs "ooh" and "ahh" at the splendid Mexican-Spanish features of this city, an hour's drive east of Los Angeles. The most notable building is the Mission Inn, renowned for its flying buttresses and gargoyles. The architectural A-list is long: Benedict Castle, Heritage House, Riverside County Courthouse, to name a few. Visitation booms for two annual car races hosted here – the Winston Western 500 (January) and the California 500 (early September) – and in March for the Riverside Airshow, featuring WWII aircraft, at the March Field Air Museum. Despite its urbanity, Riverside hasn't forsaken nature lovers. Hikers are fond of the clamber to the top of Mount Rubidoux for a panoramic view over town. And the University of California Riverside's Botanic Gardens offer 40 acres of delightful exploring.

About the Expert

Christopher P. Baker has authored guidebooks to Costa Rica, California, and various Caribbean islands for Frommer's, Lonely Planet, and National Geographic, among others.