Intro
Overall, Jum-Pawn-It has six locations, one of which is in the heart of Riverside, CA, not far from some wonderful ways to spend your time, and hard – earned money. As the world is start to reopen post COVID-19, many people are interested in getting out of the house and back into city life. Since we not only do business in Riverside, but some of us are also residence, we are sharing our area expertise to give our insider info on the best, and sometimes cheapest, things to do in Riverside, California.
Outdoor
Mt Rubidoux Park
One of the gems of Riverside, this hiking trail is a perfect way to spend a weekend morning or even an weekday evening. The trail at Mt Rubidoux is an easy 3.5 mile loop, making it great for a brisk jog, pushing your kids in strollers, or taking your dog for his daily walk. Most people complete the whole trail in 30 minutes when running and 1 hour when walking briskly, although sometimes it is fun to just walk it slow and steady with friends and family.
Park at Ryan Bonaminio park and walk to the entrance of the trail up San Andreas Dr. The trail is open from dusk until dawn. Be sure to check out the cross at the top of the mountain.
To get more information about My Rubidoux go to https://www.riversideca.gov/park_rec/facilities-parks/mt-rubidoux
California Citrus State Historic Park
If museums are more your speed, The California Citrus Museum is one you definitely need to visit. This state park located in Riverside, CA, spans 248-acres and hosts fruit tastings, guided tours, and open-air walking trails. Stop by to explore the long and amazing history of citrus, and how it got from Asian to Riverside.
Definitely stop by and check out the fruit tastings which are offered on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Entrance to the museum is free, but parking is $5.
To get more information about the California Citrus State Historic Park go to https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=649
UCR Botanical Gardens
University of California, Riverside, is an undeniable landmark of Riverside, and their Botanical Garden is a top-tier, must – visit landmark. This 40 – acre garden hosts 3,500 different plant species and has 4 miles of trails. This makes this garden a perfect way to spend a relaxing morning or early afternoon when the grind of daily life is weighing you down. This garden has plants that are sure to interest everyone, from rose and lilac gardens to cacti and herbs, but don’t forget the alder garden which is the home of many riparian trees. On top of all that, the UCR Botanical garden sells plants at a fair cost.
The UCR Botanical Garden is open M-W, 9am-12pm and TH & F, 9: am to 2pm, and the 1st & 3rd Sunday, 8am to 2pm. There is a parking lot nearby but since this is a walking event, don’t stress about getting to close anyway, we suggest you enjoy the time outside and get a light workout in.
To get more information about the UCR Botanical Gardens go to https://gardens.ucr.edu/
Entertainment
Fox Theatre
From your favorite band to your favorite comic, the Fox Theatre is the place for you. This theatre was first opened in 1929, and was renovated and reopened in 2010. Not only a gorgeous building, the Fox Theatre, also known as the Fox Performing Arts Center, was the first place to play “Gone With the Wind” in 1939. This is the perfect place for a date night or taking the whole family, depending on what is playing there. 3
The Fox Theatre is located in Downtown Riverside on the corner of Market Street and Mission Inn, not from from the Mission Inn itself. There are ample parking garages around the Fox Theatre to park. We suggest one of the few parking garages in downtown Riverside that are an easy walk away.
To get more information about the Fox Theatre, go to https://venue.riversidepac.com/
Riverside Game Lab
Located between the Fox Theatre and The Food Lab, the Game Lab is a wonderful place to spend an evening or host a party. With arcades, VR rooms, and food, everyone is likely to have a great time here. We recommend getting one of their many styles of hot dogs and getting into a Street Fighter 2 competition personally, but regardless of how you plan to spend your time there, this place is a huge win.
Being in Downtown Riverside next to the Fox Theatre we, again, suggest that you park in a parking structure and walk the short distance to the Riverside Game Lab.
To get more information about The Riverside Game Lab, go to https://www.riversidegamelab.com/
Shopping
Made
One of Riverside’s more unique shopping locations, Made has “Handcrafted + Custom Furnishings & Uncommon Goods.” In other words, Made is full of amazing things, that you won’t find anywhere else. Located right next to Jum-Pawn-It, this makes for a quick but interesting shopping route through Riverside. In fact, from Jum-Pawn-It and Made, might as well hit Burnout clothing and Mrs. Darling, which round out to be quite a nice little route.
Made it open 10am-5pm and has shared parking in the rear with Jum-Pawn-It.
To get more information about Made, go to https://www.madeshopriverside.com/
Riverside Plaza
A mecca for shopping, and eating too, the Riverside Plaza is a great place to get everything you need in one place. From retail stores like Nordstrom Rack and GNC to restaurants like El Torito and one of our personal favorites, Wang Cho, this place has it all, even two grocery stores, Vons and Trader Joe’s. After one visit, you can clearly see why their tagline is “Shop. Dine. Play.” We highly suggest bringing the family here for a casual weekday dinner and maybe a stop Cold Stone or Crumbl Cookies for dessert. If that isn’t enough, take the family to a movie at the Regal theater located on the east side of the plaza.
The Plaza is located near the 91 freeway off of central. There is ample parking in the huge lots surrounding the Plaza, so just make sure you park near your destination.
To get more information about The Riverside Plaza, go to https://shopriversideplaza.com/
Jum-Pawn-It
Located near the corner of Central and Magnolia, Jum-Pawn-It has been a part of the Riverside community for 20 years, previously being called Inland Jewelry and Loan. Although we may be slightly biased, we heavily suggest making pawnshops and thrift stores one of your stops when shopping. Most, if not all, pawn shops have a wealth of random and unique items, from jewelry to instruments, to collectables. Jum-Pawn-It has parking in the rear and is open 9:30am to 6:30pm Mon – Sat, and 11am to 4pm Sunday. To get more information about Jum-Pawn-It, go to http://www.jumpawnit.com/
Food
The Salted Pig
opening on Valentine’s Day 2011, The Salted Pig was the Inland Empires first gastropub. With that, this place has grown its fan base beyond Riverside, becoming a southern California favorite. With some of the cities best food and cocktails, this is the perfect place for celebrations, dates, or just friendly get together. Our favorite things at The Salted Pig are their Roasted Brussel Sprouts or their homemade ketchup. There is also a legend of an old cocktail called the Edna Crabapple that used a very rare and special apple juice in it, thus will never be made the same again.
The Salted Pig moved to Downtown Riverside in 2020. It is open Weds-Sun until about 10ish. You can park in any downtown parking structure or along the streets.
To get more information about The Salted Pig go to http://www.thesaltedpig.com/
Antone’s
This Italian food joint may look humble but it packs a major punch. Stepping into Antone’s no frills, what-you-see-is-what-you-get establishment makes things very clear that their reputation is all the food. That is not to say the interior is bad, it is definitely quaint though–not that we thing that is a bad thing. The best thing about this place is that they something for everyone. From grinders to pasta to salads to pizza, Antone’s is a great place to meet up for lunch any day of the week.
Antone’s is open 10am-4pm daily, and has ample parking in their own parking lot, definitely check it out for a business lunch or to meet up with your special someone on those long work days.
To get more information about Antone’s go to https://www.facebook.com/antonesitalianfood/
Food Lab
Maybe one of the coolest spots to check out food in Riverside is the Food Lab. Talk about something for everyone, that is what this place’s modus operandi is. Literally, a big food court, located in Downtown Riverside, the Food Lab has ramen, vegan options, cocktails, ice cream, coffee, pizza, and much more. Everything at the food lab is amazing, but many employees here bonded over the Fufus, the Lebanese restaurant, since we love shwarma.
The food lab is open 11am-11pm and has a dedicated parking garage, located downtown next to the Riverside Game Lab and Fox Theatre.
To get more information about The Riverside Food Lab go to https://www.riversidefoodlab.com/
NightLife
The Sire
One of the oldest and best bars in Riverside, The Sire is a great place to meet friends for a drink and good conversation. With a cozy interior and a large patio, this place has something for everyone. The staff and the regulars instantly become friends and you surely will feel at home here. Don’t overlook the food at The Sire either, Friday’s are a big hit with their Prime Rib and Wednesdays Taco nights are not to be missed.
Located near Magnolia and Central, 500 feet east of that intersection on Magnolia, this place is hard to miss. There is ample parking in their parking lot.
To get more information about The Sire, go to https://www.facebook.com/sirebarandgrill/
The Lobby
Looking for more of a club-like experience? Then the Lobby is the perfect place for you, adorned with neon lights, it’s modern interior and DJ make this place a happening and hip spot to hang. Not a place for family, but a great place for friends to meet and enjoy a weekend night. We here at Jum-Pawn-It especially like their Tiki Tuesday where they serve traditional, classic tiki drinks like Zombies and Mai Tais, or their own house made tiki drinks like Hala Kahiki Bourbon.
The Lobby is downtown, not far from the Salted Pig or Mission Inn. You can park in a parking structure or along the streets. Aside from TikiTuesdays,s we suggest checking out Happy Hour from 4pm-7pm M-F.
To get more information about The Lobby, go to https://lobbyriverside.com/
Lake Alice Trading Co.
Another Riverside staple, and favorite, Lake Alice is the perfect downtown spot to go for a casual night with good friends. With a huge bar, pool tables, the occasion band on stage, and front-facing patios perfect for people watching, there is something for everyone here. We also love this place because of its size, with two stories, and ample room, this place never feels too crowded even when it is lively and full. We highly suggest checking this place out and playing a game of pool.
This is another downtown spot, so park in a structure or along the street.
To get more information about Lake Alice Trading Co. go to https://www.lakealicetradingco.com/
Seasonal
Festival of Lights – Nov-Dec
The Festival of Lights, or colloquially, the Mission Inn Lights are one of the biggest events that happen in Riverside, which also brings a lot of tourism during the month of December, and after seeing them one time, that is no surprise. After seeing these impressive, and gorgeous lights once you will be hooked and like many other Californians, make this a December family tradition. The lighting starts the day after Thanksgiving and continues throughout the month of December, and we promise, is one that you should no miss! Put on a big comfy seater, grab a hot coco or spiced cider and take your family, your significant other, or a date the the Mission Inn for the Festival of Lights, you will not be sorry!
The Festival of Lights is at the Mission Inn in Downtown Riverside. Like all downtown places on this list, street parking and parking garages are available.
To get more information about the Festival of Lights, go to https://www.missioninn.com/experiences/events/festival-of-lights?gclid=Cj0KCQjwkIGKBhCxARIsAINMioKfnpomvv-fWgR3B2PR0ocosCMHBhXKe3VMabGCS2D5DBkDx-4pi3EaAiSeEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Riverside Lunar Festival – Jan
Another wonderful seasonal event that takes place in the beautiful downtown Riverside is the Lunar Festival, in fact, the lunar festival is a double whammy because it is cultural and seasonal. Best of all, admission to the Lunar Festival is free! Ok ok, by now you are wondering what the festival is all about–well it is about the Chinese New Year, and has food, parades, the lions dance, and more. Taking place in three blocks in downtown, this is a must visit event. This is the perfect family outing to get some fresh air and learn about the Chinese New Year and as mentioned, it is free!
Being in downtown, there is ample parking as long as you watch out for the blocked off streets.
To get more information about Riverside Lunar Festival go to https://riversideca.gov/calendar/event/2020-riverside-lunar-festival
Reichland Asylum Haunted Attraction – Oct
Is spooky season more your speed? Do you like to be scared? Then the Reichland Asylum Haunted Attraction is for you! This scary haunted house is a must-visit for any thrill seekers or Halloween lovers. The Reichland Asylum Haunted Attraction is located off Bandini in the Wood Streets, about 1 mile from Jum-Pawn-It Jewelry and Loan. Beware though! This Event is not for the faint of heart!
This is definitely not an event for young kids or families, but the perfect way to spend the night for teens and young adults. Parking is available all over the wood streets with a small walk.
To get more information about Reichand Asylum go to https://www.facebook.com/ReichlandAsylum
