Explore a place. Share an interest.

Meet people in Riverside

Discover travelers heading to Riverside and people who share your interests—before you arrive or while you’re there.

Create your free profile See how it works ↓ Explore profiles, shared interests and travel plans.

How ChatVoyager works in Riverside

  1. Create profile

    Introduce yourself

    Add your interests and languages so others can get to know you.

  2. Choose a city or plan a trip

    Explore Riverside

    Browse profiles with Exploration Mode, or discover travelers’ plans before you arrive.

  3. Connect

    Start a conversation

    Send a Wave to show interest, or introduce yourself with a direct message and suggest something to do together.

Find your shared interests in Riverside

Create your free profile

Before you join

Can I connect before arriving in Riverside?

Yes. After creating your account and confirming your email, use Exploration Mode to browse profiles in the city, or explore shared travel plans.

Do I need to create a trip?

No. Exploration Mode lets you change your profile-search location without publishing a trip. Create a trip when you want to share your own plans.

How do I start a conversation?

Send a Wave to show interest, or introduce yourself with a direct message. A shared interest or travel plan is a good starting point.

About Riverside

Riverside, located in the Inland Empire region of Southern California, is defined by its historic citrus industry and proximity to the Santa Ana River. The city features a blend of Mission Revival architecture and expansive parklands. Visitors can explore the legacy of the California citrus trade, enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding mountains, or engage with the city's academic and artistic institutions. It serves as a central hub for those interested in regional history and outdoor recreation within the Riverside metropolitan area.

Places to visit in Riverside

Historic Landmark

Mission Inn Hotel & Spa

Why visit: It provides a deep look into the architectural history and regional development of Southern California.

About this place

This National Historic Landmark is famous for its elaborate Mission Revival architecture, including towers, domes, and flying buttresses. It serves as a central focal point for the city's downtown area.

Walk through the public courtyards to view the intricate stonework and historic artifacts.

Official information ↗
Outdoor Recreation

Mount Rubidoux Park

Why visit: It is a popular location for walking and observing the local landscape from an elevated vantage point.

About this place

A prominent landmark offering paved trails that lead to the summit, providing panoramic views of the city and the surrounding San Bernardino Mountains.

Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat.

Official information ↗
Public Park

Fairmount Park

Why visit: It offers a quiet, green space that reflects the city's historical approach to urban planning.

About this place

Designed by the Olmsted brothers, this historic park features a large lake, mature trees, and various recreational facilities.

Look for the historic boathouse structure near the water.

Official information ↗
Neighbourhood

Downtown Riverside

Why visit: It serves as the primary hub for local commerce and cultural engagement.

About this place

The city center features a high concentration of historic buildings, local businesses, and pedestrian-friendly streets.

Explore the area on foot to better appreciate the preserved historic facades.

Official information ↗

Museums, galleries & culture

Art Museum

Riverside Art Museum

Why visit: It combines significant architectural history with a focus on local and regional artistic expression.

About this place

Housed in a building designed by Julia Morgan, the museum features a rotating selection of contemporary art and regional exhibitions.

Check the official website for current exhibition schedules before visiting.

Official information ↗
Museum

California Citrus State Historic Park

Why visit: It provides context for the agricultural heritage that shaped the city's development.

About this place

An open-air museum and park that preserves the history of the citrus industry, which was instrumental in the region's economic growth.

Take a guided tour to learn about the various citrus varieties grown on-site.

Official information ↗

Explore the city

Historic Downtown Walking Route

Begin at the Mission Inn and walk through the surrounding downtown blocks. Observe the architecture of the Riverside County Courthouse and the various historic storefronts. This route allows for a direct engagement with the city's civic and commercial history, providing a clear perspective on the urban layout and preserved heritage sites within the city center.

Ice breaker to start a chat

Ready to explore Riverside and Get your kicks on Route 66 with someone new?

Join free

Meeting people and exploring Riverside: questions and answers

What is the best way to travel around Riverside?

Riverside is primarily a car-dependent city. While there is a public bus system, most visitors find that having a personal vehicle or using rideshare services is the most efficient way to navigate between landmarks.

Official information ↗

Is Riverside suitable for outdoor activities?

Yes, the city features numerous parks and trails, such as Mount Rubidoux and the Santa Ana River Trail, which are well-suited for walking, hiking, and cycling.

Official information ↗

More destinations to explore