RIVERSIDE COUNTY, California. Riverside County spans city landmarks, desert resorts, Joshua tree country and wine-growing valleys. Our California58 selection is designed both for first-time visitors and for residents discovering what makes their home region distinctive.

About this list: The initial order reflects editorial travel planning, not reader vote totals. Attractions cannot buy their place. Before traveling, confirm opening hours, admission policies, local road and weather conditions.

13 places to explore in Riverside County

  1. Palm Springs

    Explore desert modernism, museums and nearby mountain views.

  2. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

    Ride toward the San Jacinto Mountains when weather and operations permit.

  3. Joshua Tree National Park southern approaches

    Visit the park’s Colorado Desert region and verify exact entry routes.

  4. Mission Inn, Riverside

    Discover an architecturally distinctive historic hotel and surrounding downtown.

  5. Temecula Valley wine country

    Visit vineyards using responsible transport.

  6. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

    See desert wildlife and botanical collections in Palm Desert.

  7. Indian Canyons

    Explore palm oases on tribally managed land while respecting entry and cultural rules.

  8. Idyllwild

    Find a mountain village and forest trails above the desert.

  9. Lake Perris State Recreation Area

    Enjoy a regional reservoir and outdoor recreation.

  10. Cabazon dinosaur roadside landmarks

    Discover a whimsical desert-highway stop.

  11. Coachella Valley Preserve

    Look for native fan-palm habitat on designated public trails.

  12. Old Town Temecula

    Walk historic commercial streets and restaurants.

  13. Salton Sea north shore

    Observe a dramatic environmental landscape subject to air-quality advisories.

How to organize the trip

This large county has very different temperatures and elevations. Palm Springs, Temecula and Riverside require separate itineraries. Start with Palm Springs and select one nearby experience; don’t rush every stop into a single afternoon. To explore the county more deeply, make time for Indian Canyons and another part of the region.

Resources for county residents

Our Riverside County reference profile connects incorporated cities, public agencies, property records and government pathways. Find public reports and permits, emergency information, and travel conditions.

Readers will shape the community ranking

These destinations are an editorial guide. Our community rankings let registered California58 users vote in existing statewide polls, and county voting is being expanded. Reader rankings will be labeled separately; paid advertisements never affect their order.

Travel beyond the headlines. Build an itinerary with OptionTrip; see Travel California, and advertise in California58 to reach regional readers.

Official resources and travel conditions

For public destinations consult California State Parks, National Park Service, and the site’s operating agency. Visit California offers additional statewide travel inspiration. This guide does not replace current local closures or safety advisories.

Riverside County seasonal events and Halloween 2026

Looking for things to do with children this October? Explore our Riverside County Halloween 2026 family guide, or browse the statewide Halloween-by-county collection. Event dates and admission can change; verify details with the organizer before traveling. These 2026 listings are time-specific and remain labeled by year.

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