About Riverside California

Riverside California

About Riverside:

The city of Riverside, California (founded in 1883) is the county seat of Riverside County, Southern California. Riverside, CA is the 61st largest city in the United States, and the 12th largest city in California.

Where Is Riverside, CA Located?

Riverside, CA is the most populous city in what’s known as the “Inland Empire“. The Inland Empire is a major metropolitan area that includes the cities of Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ontario. It is located 47 miles from the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, about 60 miles east of Los Angeles and considered to be part of the Greater Los Angeles area.

Mount Rubidoux - View From The Peak Of Mount Rubidoux, a Mountain - Foothill in Riverside California

The city is surrounded by mountains, and the most impressive is Mount Rubidoux. To the north lies the Santa Ana River (for which Riverside was named), and Santa Ana River Regional Park; To the south is Lake Mathews. Three notable hills are in Riverside’s immediate landscape: Box Springs Mountain, Evans Hill (aka Jurupa Hill), and Tecolote Hill.

For further reference, our physical knife store (Grommet’s Knife & Carry) located in Riverside County at 1960 Chicago Ave, Riverside, CA 92507 is:

Distance in miles to Riverside California From:

Brief History Of Riverside California

The area was home to the Serrano and Cahuilla tribes in the late 1700s and early 1800s. The first ranches were established in the early 19th century. In the 1860s, the land became a colony for silk-growing when Louis Prevost founded the California Silk Center Association.

In 1870, the city – originally named Jurupa (or Rancho Jurupa) – was renamed Riverside upon its founding, and grew to become a wealthy citrus town.

Riverside California Citrus Industry - View of the front entrance of California Citrus State Historic Park
Eliza Tibbets and the Parent Navel Orange Tree
Population Boomed From The Growth Of The Riverside, California Citrus Industry

The citrus industry in Riverside was established in 1873, when Eliza Tibbets was sent three Brazilian navel-orange trees by William Saunders. The resulting Bahia oranges were a huge success. Originally planted on Tibbets property, after one was trampled by a cow the trees were relocated: one at the Mission Inn in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt (lost in 1922), and another at the intersection between Magnolia and Arlington avenues. This last tree is still standing in the same spot today.

The southern California climate was ideal for the trees and the navel-orange industry grew quickly. In just a few years, thousands of Brazilian navel orange trees were successfully cultivated. California had more than half a billion citrus trees by 1882, and nearly half of these were located in Riverside CA. Thanks to the fortuitous invention of refrigerated railroad cars and new irrigation systems, Riverside was the richest American city (in terms per capita income) by 1895.

The southern California climate was ideal for the trees and the navel-orange industry grew quickly. In just a few years, thousands of Brazilian navel orange trees were successfully cultivated. California had more than half a billion citrus trees by 1882, and nearly half of these were located in Riverside CA. Thanks to the fortuitous invention of refrigerated railroad cars and new irrigation systems, Riverside was the richest American city (in terms per capita income) by 1895.

The Mission Inn in Riverside California - aerial view of the Mission Inn in Riverside California

The Mission Inn in Riverside California

Many people began moving to this warm, dry climate to avoid harsh winters. A small hotel in the Mission Revival style was built as the city grew. Originally called the Glenwood Tavern, it was later renamed the “Mission Inn” (and remains as such today). In fact, there are many historical landmarks that still exist in modern day Riverside, such as the Riverside Historic Courthouse, the Riverside Fox Theater, and one of the last remaining Queen Anne style houses from the 1800s.

Historical Landmarks in Riverside, CA

There are more than 100 city landmarks and over 20 different locations that have been registered as historic sites. This rich heritage can be enjoyed on the downtown Riverside walking tours (View the Historical Riverside Downtown Walking Guide), available here, Riverside City Hall, Riverside Metropolitan Museum, and the Mission Inn Museum.

More recent landmarks include the Riverside National Cemetery, the Eastern Division of the Federal District Court for the Central District of California, and the very first golf course and polo field in Southern California.

University Of California Riverside: UC Riverside California

Riverside is home to more than 20,000 University of California Riverside students that bring a vibrant, youthful energy to the area. You can visit the UCR campus, located in the northeastern part of the city, to explore the UCR Botanic Gardens (beautifully tended gardens and 39 acres of lush, green woodlands) as well as the UC Riverside Sports Complex (Home to the UC Riverside Highlanders Baseball team).

Top Attractions In Riverside California: Fun Things To Do In Riverside, CA

Indoor Activities In Riverside, California

The Museum of Riverside - Outside daytime view of the Riverside Municipal Museum building at 3720 Orange St. in Riverside California

Visit The Museum of Riverside

The Museum of Riverside contains more than 200,000 artifacts, and is comprised of three historic sites: Harada House, the National Register listed Museum, and the Victorian Museum Heritage House.

Visit The California Museum of Photography

UCR/California Museum of Photography, a facility of UCR Arts, provides a cultural presence, educational resource, community center and intellectual meeting ground for the university and the general public.

Visit the Riverside Sports Complex

The RSC is the home field for the University of California Riverside Highlanders baseball team.

Visit The Riverside Art Museum

Designed by Julia Morgan (of Hearst Castle fame), RAM is one museum with two locations: the Riverside Art Museum, and The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture.

Visit The Culver Center of the Arts

Exhibitions, installations, dance, music and theatrical performances, spoken word, and a foreign and independent film program: the Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts explores the art of our time in a dynamic setting.

Outdoor Activities In Riverside, California – Outdoor Recreation In Riverside

California Citrus State Historic Park - Entrance Gate Of The California Citrus State Historic Park in Riverside Cal.
Parent Washington Naval Orange Tree - Image of the sign in front of the oldest naval orange tree in Riverside California explaining its historical significance

Visit California Citrus State Historic Park

California Citrus State Historic Park allows a fascinating look at how citrus influenced everything in Southern California. Take a ranger-led tour to discover the variety of oranges, lemons., limes, and grapefruits found on the property.

Visit The World’s Largest Paper Cup

The “Dixie Cup” Corporation’s (now closed) manufacturing plant still has an iconic 68 foot “paper cup” (actually concrete) located on Iowa Ave, Riverside – north of Palmyrita Ave.

Visit The Parent Washington Navel Orange Tree

The original Washington Naval Orange Tree at the intersection of Magnolia and Arlington avenues in Riverside is the last of the original three Bahia navel orange trees in California.

Visit Mount Rubidoux

Mount Rubidoux is a popular Southern California mountain climbing destination, and home to the oldest outdoor non-denominational Easter Sunrise service in the US.

Visit Castle Park In Riverside California

Castle Park is a family friendly amusement park with roller coasters, a Kiddieland, four award-winning mini golf courses, and an arcade.

Visit Downtown Riverside, Southern California, USA

Downtown Riverside is recognized for the quality of its cultural life, concentration of arts, educational programs, and urban living opportunities. Visiting downtown Riverside? Download the Downtown Riverside dining guide & Downtown Riverside parking guide.

Visit One Of The Many Riverside California Parks

Fairmount Park

At the city’s entrance from highway 60 is Fairmount Park, an accessible park designed by the same firm that designed New York’s Central Park.

Lake Perris State Recreation Area

Lake Perris (Perris Reservoir) is an artificial lake in a valley between Moreno Valley and Perris. The lake and adjacent park offers a wide variety of recreational activities.

Sycamore Canyon Park & The Ameal Moore Nature Center

Located at the edge of the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park along Central Ave, entry is completely free, though special events may have a small fee for participants.

Visit Our Knife Store, “Grommet’s Knife And Carry” In Riverside California:

This page about Riverside California is brought to you by the largest retailer of EDC knives, folding knives and fixed blade knives in the area – our very own knife store – Grommet’s Knife And Carry. We sell only the highest quality collections of knives, pens, cutting tools, and everyday carry items.

Stop by to see our collection of high-end knife brands such as: Benchmade Knife Company, Buck Knives, Chris Reeve Knives, Ka-Bar, Lionsteel, Medford Knife & Tool, Microtech Knives, ProTech Knives, Rick Hinderer Knives, Spartan Blades, Spyderco Knives, TOPS Knives, Victorinox, White River Knife & Tool & Zero Tolerance Knives

Riverside, California: About Riverside California