Riverside is the county seat of Riverside County, California, and the most populous city in the Inland Empire with over 327,000 residents. Located about 50 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, it sits at the heart of the Riverside–San Bernardino metropolitan area — the 12th-largest metro area in the United States with nearly 4.75 million people. Named for its location beside the Santa Ana River, Riverside is a city of deep historical roots, cultural institutions, and a growing reputation as a hub for arts and innovation in inland Southern California.
Birthplace of California’s Citrus Industry
Riverside holds a special place in California agricultural history. In 1873, Eliza Tibbets planted two navel orange trees in her Riverside yard — trees that had been shipped from Brazil. Those trees thrived, and their fruit was so superior that they launched California’s entire citrus industry. Within decades, Riverside was the wealthiest city per capita in the United States, and the “Riverside Navel Orange” became famous worldwide. The original parent trees still stand today and are designated as California Historic Landmarks.
The citrus industry transformed Riverside from a dusty railroad town into a prosperous city, funding the construction of grand Victorian homes, civic buildings, and the iconic Mission Inn. While agriculture has given way to other industries, Riverside still celebrates its citrus heritage with festivals, historic groves, and the California Citrus State Historic Park.
The Mission Inn: A National Treasure
The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa is Riverside’s most iconic landmark and one of the largest Mission Revival Style buildings in the United States. Construction began in 1902 and continued in phases for over 30 years, resulting in a sprawling, stunning complex of arches, domes, bell towers, courtyards, and gardens. The inn has hosted every U.S. president from Theodore Roosevelt to Richard Nixon, along with celebrities, royalty, and dignitaries from around the world.
Today, the Mission Inn operates as a luxury hotel and spa, offering guided tours that showcase its remarkable architecture and history. The annual Festival of Lights, held each winter, draws over 300,000 visitors to see the inn decorated with more than 4 million Christmas lights — one of the largest holiday light displays in the country.
University of California, Riverside
The University of California, Riverside (UCR) is one of the top public research universities in the country and a major driver of the city’s economy and culture. Founded in 1954, UCR is known for its programs in entomology, botany, engineering, and the arts. The campus is home to the UCR Botanic Gardens, a 40-acre living plant museum with gardens from around the world, and the Sweeney Art Gallery.
UCR is also home to the Riverside National Cemetery, one of the largest veterans’ cemeteries in the United States, and the Eastern Division of the Federal District Court for the Central District of California.
Arts, Culture, and Innovation
Riverside has a thriving arts scene. The Riverside Art Museum, housed in a historic 1929 building, features a collection of California art and rotating exhibitions. The Fox Performing Arts Center, a restored 1929 movie palace, hosts concerts, theater productions, and film screenings. The city’s downtown has undergone significant revitalization, with new restaurants, galleries, and the Riverside Food Lab — a popular food hall featuring local vendors.
The city’s motto — “City of Arts and Innovation” — reflects its growing identity as a creative hub. The Riverside Arts and Culture Festival, monthly art walks, and numerous public murals and sculptures contribute to a vibrant urban landscape.
Neighbourhoods and Quality of Life
Riverside’s neighbourhoods range from historic districts to modern developments. The Wood Streets area is known for its mid-century modern homes and tree-lined streets. Canyon Crest offers hillside homes with panoramic views. Magnolia Avenue is the city’s main commercial corridor, lined with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.
The city has over 270 parks and 14 miles of hiking and biking trails along the Santa Ana River. The Mount Rubidoux hiking trail offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular local destination for sunrise and sunset walks.
Climate and Geography
Riverside sits at 827 feet above sea level in a valley between the San Bernardino Mountains and the Santa Ana Mountains. Summers are hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C). Winters are mild, with occasional frost in the valleys. The city covers 81.5 square miles and is part of the larger Inland Empire region, which includes San Bernardino County and is home to over 4.7 million people.
The Box Springs Mountains, which form the eastern boundary of the city, are home to the “Big C” — a 60-foot concrete letter “C” built by UC Riverside students in 1959 that has become a symbol of the university and the city.
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