Riverside California is settled in the heart of the Inland Empire and holds a rich history and a natural beauty that has made it a city of attractions, with offerings for visitors and long-time residents alike. So what is Riverside known for and how has it shaped this southern California city?
The Riverside Orange Blossom Festival
The primary highlight Riverside boasts is its annual Riverside Orange Blossom Festival, a day celebrating the city’s deep history in agriculture and more specifically, its pride as the birthplace of the California citrus industry. The Riverside Orange Blossom Festival showcases the city’s history of citrus growing through parades and offers exhibits and tasting of the region’s famed oranges. The festival was originally called the Riverside Citrus Fair, back when it was founded in the late 19th century as a way to celebrate the area's thriving industry as well as a way to promote the city’s reputation as the "Navel Orange Capital of the World.” Over the years the festival has evolved and grown and has become a beloved community event.
The University of California, Riverside
Riverside is home to one of California’s most prestigious institutions of higher learning, the University of California, Riverside (UCR). This university is known for its excellence in research and its very diverse student body. UCR has become a building block of the city’s educational and intellectual foundation, earning it a reputation as an educational hub in its area.
Riverside Parks
Riverside is known to nature lovers and outdoor adventurers as a phenomenal city for outdoor recreation. Riverside has an extensive park system including parks like Fairmount Park and Mount Rubidoux Park which provide space for walking, hiking, biking, picking, and more, all with scenic views and landscapes. The city’s proximity to the Santa Ana River also allows for many opportunities for kayakers, birdwatchers, and fishermen to enjoy the city from the waterside.
More Festivals
Apart from just the Riverside Orange Blossom Festival, Riverside has a number of well-known annual festivals that showcase the diversity, history, and culture of the city. The Riverside Festival of Light is held during the winter holiday season. It transforms downtown Riverside with festive lights and live entertainment. The Riverside Festival of Lights dates back to the 1880s when the city created its first Christmas light display in celebration of the city’s citrus heritage. The Riverside Airshow is another event honoring the city with incredible aerial displays and aircraft exhibitions, drawing aviation enthusiasts of all ages from around the country.
Conclusion
Riverside has much to offer beyond these amazing events and locales, with museums, art exhibitions, performing arts centers, community events, and more. If you live in Riverside, maybe in apartments for rent in Arlington South or in rentals downtown, you are sure to love the culture and history of this city and enjoy the annual celebrations and incredible opportunities there are here.
