A High Day in Riverside: Where to Eat, Explore & Chill.
Riverside, California, is a vibrant Inland Empire hub. The city played a leading role in California’s citrus boom, has an impressive arts scene, and is home to a variety of architectural landmarks, a major university, and even the world’s largest paper cup.
It’s also an important city in embarc’s history. embarc opened Riverside's first licensed cannabis dispensary and now has two locations in town: 10921 Magnolia Ave. and 1601 University Ave., both open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Popped into Riverside for some weed and now you want to make a day of it? We’ve rounded up some of the best options for spending a day in the city.
Where to Visit
From high hikes to a stoner icon’s art collection, these are spots worth checking out in Riverside.
California Citrus State Historic Park
To understand Riverside, you need to understand its citrus history. California Citrus State Historic Park preserves more than 250 acres dedicated to the industry that once helped define the region. With citrus groves, historic buildings, exhibits, trails, and guided tours, it is part history lesson and part excuse to wander through nature’s beauty.
Riverside Art Museum
Downtown’s Riverside Art Museum is worth the trip before you even step inside. Its 1929 location was designed by Hearst Castle architect Julia Morgan, and today it houses a rotating collection of exhibits that showcase a diverse mix of artists and perspectives.
And don't miss The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture: the Riverside Art Museum’s second location on Mission Inn Avenue. Opened in 2022, The Cheech is dedicated to Chicano art and culture and grew out of actor and comedian Cheech Marin's renowned collection.
UC Riverside Botanical Gardens
Craving some greenery? Look no further than the UC Riverside Botanical Gardens, known as a nature oasis and living museum. Stretching 40 acres, miles of trails wind you through thousands of plant species and themed gardens. This is a great place to slow down and wander.
Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
This is Riverside’s most recognizable landmark. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa takes up an entire city block in the downtown area. It features an eclectic mix of architectural styles, courtyards, towers, arches, and winding passages that have all accumulated over time. Presidents, celebrities, and other high-profile guests have graced it throughout the years—and now, you.
Where to Eat
Following the list above, you’ll have worked up quite the appetite. Good thing we’ve rounded up some of the best spots to find some grub in the IE.
Riverside Food Lab
Traveling with a group of people who can never figure out what to eat? You’ll find something for everyone at the Riverside Food Lab, the Inland Empire’s first food hall. The hall has more than a dozen locally-owned food and drink vendors, where you’ll find everything from Nashville hot chicken and birria to sushi, ramen, Lebanese food, and ice cream.
Mario’s Place
If you’re looking for something a little more fancy, head to Mario’s Place. With light jazz and housemade pasta and wood-fired pizza on the menu alongside seafood, wine, and cocktails, this is a great place for a date night.
Back to the Grind
Back to the Grind has been part of downtown Riverside since 1996. The coffee shop and inclusive community space has long housed art, poetry, music, meetings, and other creative events. Come for the coffee, tea, smoothies, and desserts—stay for everything else.
Cheba Hut
It wouldn’t be an embarc local’s guide if we didn’t include a cannabis-themed sandwich shop. Cheba Hut is a local staple, with toasted subs built entirely around the culture we know and love. The spot offers sandwiches like Acapulco Gold and Kali Mist, plus salads, munchies, and cocktails. No cannabis is actually in the food, but the Riverside location definitely knows its audience.
Where to Shop
No good trip is finalized without the perfect souvenir to bring home. Here’s our list for some of the best shopping spots while you’re touring Riverside.
Mission Galleria Antique Shoppe
Make sure you have enough time to hit up Mission Galleria Antique Shoppe before you head home. This downtown treasure has a whopping four floors chock full of antiques, collectibles, gifts, and things you couldn’t even imagine.
Penrose Record Room
This one’s for the vinyl collectors. Penrose Record Room opened in 2023 as an extension of Penrose Records, part of Daptone Records. Located in downtown's historic Life Arts Building, the shop stocks new and used vinyl, merchandise, and limited releases, including exclusive red-vinyl pressings of Penrose and Daptone titles—and the label's recording studios are directly upstairs.
West Coast Luxuries Streetwear
Check out West Coast Luxuries Streetwear for something cool to take home and wear. The Riverside shop specializes in streetwear and sneakers, with a constantly updated inventory of new and pre-owned pieces from brands like Hellstar, Denim Tears, Sp5der, Essentials, and more.
Galleria Mall
There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned mall trip. Galleria at Tyler is Riverside's biggest shopping hub, with more than 140 retailers. Over one million square feet, walk in any direction and you'll find household names like Macy's, Sephora, H&M, Barnes & Noble, AMC, and more.
Ready for a High Day in Riverside?
Riverside has a knack for mixing the old with the new. Historic architecture meets contemporary art, citrus groves meet streetwear, vintage shopping meets the newest local food spots. There’s plenty to explore—just make sure to stop by embarc before heading out for the day.