Did you know Riverside County spans over 7,300 square miles, making it larger than nine U.S. states? This vast Southern California region stretches from wine country to desert oases, offering an incredible diversity of landscapes and experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, or culinary delights, Riverside County delivers unforgettable experiences in its sun-drenched terrain.
Getting to Riverside County
Located between Los Angeles and San Diego, Riverside County is easily accessible by air, car, or public transportation. The Palm Springs International Airport serves the eastern portion of the county, while Ontario International Airport is convenient for the western areas. Most visitors find that having a car provides the most flexibility for exploring this expansive region.
Plan Your Riverside County Adventure
Ready to experience all that Riverside County has to offer? Start planning your trip today with these essential travel resources:
Best Time to Visit Riverside County
Riverside County enjoys near-perfect weather throughout much of the year, but timing your visit depends on what you want to experience. Spring (March-May) brings wildflower blooms and comfortable temperatures across the county. Fall (October-November) offers ideal conditions for wine tasting in Temecula Valley and exploring desert attractions. Winter (December-February) is peak season in Palm Springs and desert communities, while summer (June-September) brings hot temperatures but great deals on accommodations.
Spring & Fall (Best Overall)
- Temperatures between 70-85°F
- Wildflower blooms in spring
- Wine harvest festivals in fall
- Ideal hiking conditions
Winter (Desert Peak Season)
- Temperatures between 65-75°F in desert
- Major events and festivals
- Higher accommodation prices
- Perfect golf weather
Top Attractions in Riverside County
From historic sites to natural wonders, Riverside County offers diverse attractions that showcase Southern California’s rich heritage and stunning landscapes. Here are the must-visit destinations that should be on every traveler’s itinerary:
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa stands as the crown jewel of downtown Riverside. This National Historic Landmark began as a modest adobe boarding house in 1876 and evolved into the country’s largest Mission Revival-style building. Wander through its labyrinthine corridors adorned with flying buttresses, archways, domes, and a circular wrought-iron staircase. The property houses valuable artifacts, including Tiffany stained glass and ancient bells. Even if you’re not staying overnight, take the guided museum tour to appreciate this architectural marvel.
Temecula Valley Wine Country
Riverside County’s answer to Napa Valley, Temecula Valley Wine Country boasts over 50 wineries producing award-winning varietals. The Mediterranean-like climate creates ideal conditions for growing Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Viognier grapes. Spend a day hopping between tasting rooms, many offering spectacular views of rolling vineyards. Don’t miss the underground wine cave at Oak Mountain Winery or the De Portola Wine Trail for smaller, family-owned establishments.
Joshua Tree National Park
The northern portion of Joshua Tree National Park extends into Riverside County, offering otherworldly landscapes where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet. The park’s namesake Joshua trees dot the terrain alongside massive boulder formations that attract rock climbers from around the world. Hike the Hidden Valley Trail, a moderate one-mile loop that showcases the park’s diverse desert ecosystem. For spectacular views, visit Keys View overlook, especially at sunset when the vista extends to the Salton Sea.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Experience the world’s largest rotating tramcar as you ascend 2.5 miles from the desert floor to the alpine wilderness of Mt. San Jacinto State Park. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes visitors from the heat of the desert (often 100°F) to the cool mountain station (typically 30° cooler) in just 10 minutes. At the top, explore over 50 miles of hiking trails, enjoy spectacular views, or dine at one of two restaurants. During winter months, the area transforms into a snowy wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Outdoor Adventures in Riverside County
With its diverse topography spanning from desert plains to mountain peaks, Riverside County is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The region’s near-perfect weather makes outdoor recreation possible year-round, though early mornings are recommended during summer months.
Lake Activities
Riverside County’s “10Lake Valley” region offers abundant water recreation opportunities. Lake Perris State Recreation Area provides 8,800 acres for swimming, fishing, boating, and camping. Lake Elsinore, Southern California’s largest natural freshwater lake, is perfect for jetskiing, wakeboarding, and fishing. Diamond Valley Lake near Hemet offers excellent bass fishing and scenic hiking trails along its shoreline.
Hiking and Nature Trails
The Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve features 9,000 acres of protected wilderness with trails winding through oak woodlands, grasslands, and seasonal vernal pools. In Palm Desert, the Bump and Grind Trail offers a moderate 4-mile hike with panoramic views of the Coachella Valley. For desert enthusiasts, the Coachella Valley Preserve protects a pristine palm oasis fed by water from the San Andreas Fault.
Ready for Adventure?
Explore Riverside County’s natural wonders with comfortable accommodations as your base.
Cultural Experiences in Riverside County
Beyond its natural beauty, Riverside County boasts a rich cultural heritage and thriving arts scene. From world-class museums to historic districts, the region offers numerous opportunities to engage with art, history, and diverse cultural traditions.
Museums and Art Galleries
The Riverside Art Museum showcases diverse exhibitions in a historic Julia Morgan-designed building. Nearby, The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture houses actor-comedian Cheech Marin’s renowned collection of over 700 works by Chicano artists. In Palm Springs, the Palm Springs Art Museum features impressive modern and contemporary art collections, while the Palm Springs Air Museum displays one of the world’s largest collections of flyable WWII aircraft.
Historic Districts
Old Town Temecula preserves its Wild West heritage with wooden boardwalks, antique shops, and historic buildings dating to the 1860s. The Mission Inn District in downtown Riverside features Spanish Revival architecture and important historic sites. In Palm Springs, the Palm Canyon Drive area showcases the city’s famous mid-century modern architecture through preserved buildings and design elements.
Culinary Delights in Riverside County
Riverside County’s diverse culinary scene reflects its agricultural heritage and multicultural influences. From farm-to-table restaurants to international cuisine, the region offers memorable dining experiences for every palate and budget.
Local Specialties
Don’t miss the chance to sample dishes featuring the county’s famous citrus. The California Citrus State Historic Park offers tastings of rare varieties during guided tours. In Temecula Valley, restaurants like The Goat & Vine and EAT Marketplace showcase locally-sourced ingredients paired with regional wines. For an authentic taste of the region’s Mexican heritage, visit Tio’s Tacos in Riverside, a unique eatery combining traditional cuisine with folk art installations.
Wine and Craft Beer
Beyond Temecula’s wineries, Riverside County boasts a thriving craft beer scene. Riverside’s Food Lab features multiple craft breweries under one roof. In the 10Lake Valley region, try local favorites like The Mason Jar Brewing Company in Menifee or 8 Bit Brewing in Murrieta. For wine enthusiasts, the annual Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival offers tastings from dozens of local wineries alongside spectacular hot air balloon displays.
Practical Tips for Visiting Riverside County
Make the most of your Riverside County adventure with these essential tips for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Weather Considerations
- Desert areas can exceed 100°F in summer
- Bring layers for temperature changes
- Mountain areas can be 30°F cooler than valleys
- Winter brings snow to higher elevations
Transportation Tips
- Rental car recommended for exploring
- Consider rideshare for wine tasting tours
- Electric vehicle charging stations available in major cities
- Check road conditions before mountain trips
Visitor Etiquette
When visiting Riverside County’s natural areas, practice Leave No Trace principles by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash. In desert environments, respect the fragile ecosystem by avoiding disturbing wildlife or vegetation. When visiting wineries, it’s customary to pay a tasting fee, though this is often waived with bottle purchases. Most importantly, stay hydrated, especially when exploring outdoor attractions in warmer months.
Ready to Experience Riverside County?
Start planning your perfect getaway with these essential travel resources:
Exploring Riverside County
Riverside County covers a vast area in Southern California, stretching from the greater Los Angeles area to the Arizona border. This map shows the major cities and attractions mentioned in this guide.
Why Riverside County Should Be Your Next Destination
From the sun-drenched vineyards of Temecula to the otherworldly landscapes of Joshua Tree, Riverside County offers an incredible diversity of experiences within a single region. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural discoveries, or culinary delights, this Southern California gem delivers unforgettable memories. With near-perfect weather year-round and attractions to suit every interest, Riverside County invites you to explore its natural wonders, historic treasures, and warm hospitality. Start planning your journey today and discover why this dynamic region deserves a prime spot on your travel bucket list.
