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!
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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.
Riverside Art Museum Riverside Art Museum: Beast Exhibit 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.
Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties 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.
Culver Center of the Arts Culver Center of the Arts: Sweeney Art Gallery 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.
Mission Inn Museum Spanish Mission Architectural Style Chapel Entrance 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 Frank Zizzo Radio Room Heritage Courtyard 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.
Mount Rubidoux Park Testimonial Peace Tower & Bridge Viewpoint 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 Evans Rose Garden and Gazebo Santa Ana River Trail 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.
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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.
Themed and Horticultural Collection: Rose Garden Lath Structure Dome Geographical Collection: South Africa 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.
The Black Panther Comic 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.
Entomology Research Museum 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.
Bell Tower and UCR Sign Bell Tower at Night Native Garden 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.