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Things to Do

Riverside offers a charming blend of history, culture, and nature, and we invite you to explore all that makes this city a captivating destination! Below, find local places to visit, dine, and drink.

 

Note: The locations listed below are not affiliated with UC Tech, and there is no benefit to the conference or UC Riverside if you patronize the establishments. Inclusion on this page is not an official endorsement.

Visit Downtown & Beyond

Dubbed as the cultural and urban hub of the Inland Empire, Downtown Riverside is overflowing with dozens of historical and cultural sites within walking distance from our discounted conference hotels.

If you are looking for more locations to explore, we have you covered. Locations with an asterisk (*) are outside of the Downtown area, and are must-visit during your stay!

  • Riverside Art Museum & The Cheech

    Located in the historic Mission Inn district, the Riverside Art Museum & The Cheech (RAM) displays a diverse range of artistic expressions. RAM’s vibrant galleries feature local, national, and international artists who challenge your perception of what art is through contemporary and traditional art styles.

     

    The Cheech showcases Chicana/o/x art that honors and explores its social, cultural, and political impact. Its paintings, sculptures, photography, and multimedia installations take you on an enriching cultural journey. Plan accordingly by purchasing your ticket in advance and viewing the museum’s hours of operation.

     

    Entrance of the Riverside Art Museum
    Riverside Art Museum
    Beast exhibit inside the Riverside Art Museum
    Riverside Art Museum: Beast Exhibit
    Entrance of the Riverside Art Museum The Cheech
    The Cheech
    Chicano exhibit in The Cheech
    The Cheech: Chicano Exhibit
  • Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties

    The Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties honors the legacy of Miné Okubo (1912-2001), a Japanese American woman artist who gained attention for her memoir, Citizen 13660, that depicts Japanese American incarceration during World War II. Okubo’s exhibit includes artwork, professional and personal papers, and memorabilia that she collected for over 50 years.

     

    Front entrance to the Center for Social Justice
    Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties
    Exhibit at the Center for Social Justice
    Miné Okubo Collection
  • UCR ARTS

    Within a single block downtown is the UCR ARTS, an arts and cultural hub consisting of the Culver Center of the Arts and California Museum of Photography. The Culver Center of the Arts houses contemporary art galleries and film and video screening rooms, meanwhile the California Museum of Photography showcases the history of photography across more than 500,000 pieces. At both locations, you can find artwork from UCR students and regional artists. Plan accordingly by viewing the rules for visiting UCR ARTS.

     

    Entrance of the Culver Center of the Arts
    Culver Center of the Arts
    Sweeney Art Gallery's hanging miniature car installments
    Culver Center of the Arts: Sweeney Art Gallery
    Entrance of the California Museum of Photography
    California Museum of Photography
    Exhibit the California Museum of Photography
    California Museum of Photography Exhibit
  • Mission Inn Museum

    Housed within the iconic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, the Mission Inn Museum offers a captivating journey through the landmark’s storied past. Immerse yourself in the architectural grandeur, and learn about the vision of its founder, Frank Miller. View artifacts, photographs, and artwork highlighting the museum’s significant events and prominent figures associated with the Mission Inn. Plan accordingly by reserving a guided tour to access areas that are not open to the public.

    Entrance of the Mission Inn Museum
    Mission Inn Museum
    Aerial view of the Mission Inn Museum
    Spanish Mission Architectural Style
    Chapel entrance to the Mission Inn
    Chapel Entrance
    Aerial view of the Mission Inn's Grand Rotunda staircase
    Grand Rotunda
  • *March Field Air Base & Museum

    Located on the active flight line at March Field Air Reserve Base, the March Field Air Museum offers a comprehensive look at the evolution of flight through an impressive outdoor collection of over 119 aircraft, spanning more than 120 years of aviation history. There is even more fascination to be had inside the museum; Explore treasure troves of artifacts, from aircraft to flight gear and photos to personal letters, and much more.

     

    Aircraft collection at March Field Air Museum
    Aircraft Collection
    Outside of the Frank Zizzo Radio building at the March Field Air Museum
    Frank Zizzo Radio Room
    Heritage Courtyard at March Field Air Museum, featuring a head statue
    Heritage Courtyard
    Mission Control pods at March Field Air Museum
    Mission Control Exhibit
  • *Mount Rubidoux Park

    Featuring 3.5 miles of widely paved roads, Mount Rubidoux Park is a moderate hiking destination with breathtaking views of mountain ranges as you ascend to the summit. At the top, you will find many historical markers and memorials such as the cross dedicated to Father Junipero Serra and the Testimonial Peace Tower. If you plan to hike, make sure to prepare accordingly — bring water, sunscreen, and a hat to shade yourself.

     

    Aerial view of Mount Rubidoux Park
    Mount Rubidoux Park
    Landscape view of Mount Rubidoux park's Testimonial Peace Tower
    Testimonial Peace Tower & Bridge
    Wide paths at Mount Rubidoux Park
    Viewpoint
    Serra Cross at Mount Rubidoux Park
    Serra Cross

     

  • *Fairmount Park

    Relax and unwind by taking a walk at the beautiful Fairmount Park where towering palm trees are reflected over Lake Evans, lush rose gardens provide a perfect backdrop to the pristine white gazebo, and children play with water at Universal Park. Experience this joyous and relaxed atmosphere with an abundance of shade and open areas.

    Lake with ducks at Fairmount Park
    Lake Evans
    Rose garden and gazebo at Fairmount Park
    Rose Garden and Gazebo
    Lake and trees at Fairmount Park
    Santa Ana River Trail
    Universal playground for children at Fairmount Park
    Universal Park

Visit UC Riverside Campus

Nestled around the lush Box Spring Mountains, UC Riverside is home to a vibrant campus community that thrives on diversity, creativity, and collaboration. Explore this academic hub where groundbreaking research and innovation take place.

  • Botanic Garden

    Over 3,500 plant species and thousands of specimens from around the world live at the UCR Botanic Garden. This 40 acre space stands as an appreciation of nature through its diversity of plants from variable elevations, topography, and climates. Your visit to this living museum will change how you view the natural world and inspire you to protect it.

     

    People walking in a flower section of the Botanic Garden
    Themed and Horticultural Collection: Rose Garden
    Outside of the Botanic Garden dome
    Lath Structure Dome
    South Africa geographic collection of the Botanic Garden
    Geographical Collection: South Africa
    Turtle sunbathing on a wooden log in the Botanic Garden
    Turtle Pond in Alder Canyon
  • Eaton Collection of Science Fiction & Fantasy

    Calling all book lovers! If you are looking for the world’s largest, richest, and deepest collection of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and utopian literature, it is located at the UCR Eaton Collection of Science Fiction & Fantasy. Immerse yourself in thousands of books, pulp magazines, fanzines, film materials, comic books, and collectibles from the 19th to mid-20th centuries. Find this collection at the Tomás Rivera Library, Special Collections & University Archives.

     

    Old The Black Panther comic
    The Black Panther Comic
    Collage of Sci-Fi novel covers and text
    Novel by A.E. van Vogt: Slan
  • Entomology Research Museum

    The UCR Entomology Research Museum is the second oldest of the UC insect collections with over four million specimens, and is renowned for its collection of native bees and parasitoid wasps. Marvel at the unique life histories of insects and gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate world that surrounds us. 

     

    Preserved bugs pinned on a wall
    Entomology Research Museum
    Wooden display case of preserved butterflies
    Entomology Research Museum
  • Bell Tower

    Rising 161 feet into the sky, the UC Riverside Bell Tower is both the symbolic and literal center of campus. Gifted in 1966 by UC Regent Phillip Boyd and his wife, Dorothy, the tower is home to 48 bells that span four octaves and weigh from 28 to 5,000 pounds. These bells chime everything from classical melodies to modern tunes. Stroll around this beautiful monument and experience one of the largest carillons in California.

     

    Aerial view of the UCR Bell Tower, with trees and the sky in the background
    Bell Tower and UCR Sign
    UCR Bell Tower at night
    Bell Tower at Night
    Circular seats at the Native Garden, with the Bell Tower in the distance
    Native Garden
    Bell Tower and arches walkway
    Arches Walkway
  • Self-guided Campus Tours

    Immerse yourself in the atmosphere at UC Riverside and get to know everything that the campus has to offer! Expect to see dynamic learning spaces to cozy study spots, spacious recreation centers to relaxed social hubs, and beautiful outdoor art installations to famous local attractions.

    Download a campus map, grab a parking pass, and bring a refillable water bottle (stations can be found in nearly every building). Learn more about self-guided tours.

     

 

Eat Local!

All of the locations listed below are local to Downtown Riverside and are within a five to 15 minute walk from the Riverside Convention Center. We have provided the approximate price point for each restaurant ($ to $$$). Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of the amazing restaurant offerings in the area. We recommend checking operating hours before heading to any of the spots listed below.  Some locations may also need a reservation.

 

Grab a Drink!

Most of the locations listed below are local to Downtown Riverside and are within an approximate five to 15 minute walk from the Riverside Convention Center. Locations with an asterisk (*) are outside of this area, and will require transportation to reach. We have provided the approximate price point for each ($ to $$$). We recommend checking operating hours before heading to any of the spots listed below.

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