Attractions and Places To See in Riverside County - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see in Riverside County include a diverse landscape of desert environments, mountain trails, and significant historical sites. This Southern California region offers opportunities to explore natural features like Joshua Tree National Park and Mount San Jacinto State Park. Visitors can also discover cultural institutions and historical landmarks, providing a range of experiences. The area features over 220 attractions, from natural monuments to man-made structures.
Best attractions and places to see in Riverside County
- The most…
Last updated: April 24, 2026
Hidden Valley Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
Skull Rock
Highlight • Natural Monument
Seeing-usa.com/sightseeing/california/joshua-tree-national-park.html
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Mountain Station
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
Cholla Cactus Garden
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
San Jacinto Peak
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
Forever Marilyn
Highlight • Monument
"Forever Marilyn" is back in Palm Springs! Her new home is at the corner of Museum Way and Belardo Road. Seward Johnson's 26-foot-tall sculpture was a tourist phenomenon …
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Trailhead and Trading Post
Highlight • Rest Area
This land is owned by the local Native American Tribe. When entering the area from Palm Springs a toll …
Tip by
PS I Love You Sculpture
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
Split Rock
Highlight (Segment) • Natural Monument
Tip by
Mount Rubidoux Summit and Cross
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions in Riverside County.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Riverside County
Bikepacking California — Into The Desert
Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada – 4,200 kilometres of wilderness
The tour of your life – music trails on the Pacific coast
Climbing Mount San Jacinto on the Deer Springs Trail
Hiking in Riverside County
Cycling in Riverside County
MTB Trails in Riverside County
Running Trails in Riverside County
Road Cycling Routes in Riverside County
Gravel biking in Riverside County
Other adventures in Riverside County
Tips from the Community
It's easy to miss it because it's at the very beginning of the trail :)
0
0
Probably the most crowded place in Joshua Tree NP - and that's because the skull is right next to the parking lot.
0
0
Parking is directly outside the Trading Post in the dirt lot. This land is owned by the local Native American Tribe. When entering the area from Palm Springs a toll booth where you will pay your entry fee. After paying the fee all of the Indian Canyons trails are accessible and you will notice sings for the three canyons. It is advised to park at the trading post and make sure all your water is toped off before you hit the trial.
0
0
Skull Rock lives up to its name with two hollowed out holes in the shape of eyes. In addition to the eponymous rock, you can take the Skull Rock Nature Trail to see Elephant Rock and other geologic formations that have been eroded into the rocks over millennia.
0
0
The Forever Marilyn Statue in Palm Springs is an iconic landmark that captures the essence of old Hollywood glamour. Created by artist Seward Johnson, the 1,000-foot-tall statue depicts Marilyn Monroe in her famous pose from the 1955 film The Seven Year Itch. The statue is a must-see in the heart of Palm Springs and a popular photo spot.
4
0
Good to walk and not too long. But take water with you. The panorama really impressed me. One of the most beautiful places ever.
0
0
Welcome home! "Forever Marilyn" is back in Palm Springs! Her new home is at the corner of Museum Way and Belardo Road. Seward Johnson's 26-foot-tall sculpture was a tourist phenomenon during its first appearance in Palm Springs (2012–2014). Marilyn Monroe has a rich history with Palm Springs, beginning in 1949 when she was discovered at Charlie Farrell's Racquet Club by William Morris talent agent Johnny Hyde.
5
0
The Hidden Valley Trail is a one-mile loop that offers meander through large rock formations, perfect for families and rock scrambling. Along the trail, you’ll find educational signs about local plants and animals, and you can spot "Cow Rock," a cow-shaped formation on the valley wall. The trail is easy but includes stairs and rock steps at the start and end. It’s a popular hike, so arriving early, especially on weekends, is recommended. The trail has little shade and bad cell service.
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore in Riverside County?
Riverside County offers a diverse range of natural attractions. You can explore the unique desert landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park, home to iconic rock formations like Skull Rock and Split Rock, as well as the Cholla Cactus Garden. For mountain scenery, visit Mount San Jacinto State Park, accessible via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, or hike to San Jacinto Peak. Other notable natural spots include the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, Lake Elsinore, and the California Citrus State Historic Park.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Riverside County?
Yes, Riverside County has many family-friendly options. The Hidden Valley Trail in Joshua Tree National Park is an easy one-mile loop with educational signs and rock formations that kids love. The Skull Rock area also features a 1.7-mile nature trail suitable for families. Other attractions include the quirky Cabazon Dinosaurs, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, and The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert.
What historical sites can I visit in Riverside County?
Riverside County is rich in history. The iconic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside is a National Historic Landmark with stunning architecture. You can also visit the Riverside County Historic Courthouse, the Harada House (a civil rights landmark), or the Jensen-Alvarado Historic Ranch & Museum for a glimpse into 19th-century pioneer life. The March Field Air Museum offers a collection of over 80 planes for aviation enthusiasts.
Where can I find good hiking trails in Riverside County?
Riverside County offers numerous hiking opportunities. In Joshua Tree National Park, popular trails include the Hidden Valley Trail and the nature trail around Skull Rock. Mount Rubidoux in Riverside is a popular spot for walkers and cyclists, offering great city views. For more challenging hikes, consider the trails in Mount San Jacinto State Park or the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. You can find more running trails in the region by visiting the Running Trails in Riverside County guide.
Are there opportunities for cycling in Riverside County?
Yes, Riverside County provides excellent cycling routes. You can find various road cycling routes, including scenic loops around Lake Elsinore or longer rides like Box Canyon to Cottonwood Spring. For mountain biking, explore trails such as Palomar Divide Road or The Hub loop. Discover more options in the MTB Trails in Riverside County guide and the Road Cycling Routes in Riverside County guide.
What are some cultural attractions in Riverside County?
Riverside County boasts a vibrant cultural scene. The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture in Riverside showcases Chicano art. The Riverside Art Museum features contemporary and traditional art. For Native American history, visit the Sherman Indian Museum or the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum in Palm Springs. The Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside hosts a variety of live performances.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints in Riverside County?
For breathtaking views, take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the Mountain Station, offering panoramic vistas of the desert and mountains. The summit of Mount Rubidoux also provides excellent views over the city of Riverside. Additionally, San Jacinto Peak and the Cholla Cactus Garden offer unique natural perspectives.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible attractions?
Yes, some attractions in Riverside County are wheelchair accessible. The Forever Marilyn Statue and the PS I Love You Sculpture in Palm Springs are noted as wheelchair accessible. When planning your visit, it's always recommended to check specific venue websites for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
What are some popular towns or cities to visit in Riverside County?
Palm Springs is known for its mid-century modern architecture, luxury resorts, and vibrant art scene. Idyllwild is a charming mountain town offering fresh air and hiking. Downtown Riverside features historic buildings, art galleries, and a thriving culinary scene. Temecula Valley Wine Country is popular for wine tasting and scenic vineyards.
What do visitors enjoy most about Riverside County attractions?
Visitors frequently praise the diverse natural beauty, from the unique rock formations of Joshua Tree National Park to the stunning mountain views from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The historical significance of sites like the Mission Inn and the variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and cycling, are also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the family-friendly trails and the opportunity to connect with nature.
Can I see wildlife in Riverside County?
Yes, Riverside County offers several spots for wildlife viewing. The Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve is a 9,000-acre area known for its diverse plant and animal species. Hidden Valley Wildlife Area, located along the Santa Ana River, also provides opportunities to observe local fauna. Joshua Tree National Park is home to various desert animals, though many are nocturnal.
Are there any lakes or water activities available?
Lake Elsinore, California's largest natural freshwater lake, is a hub for water activities such as jet skiing, water skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Lake Perris State Recreation Area is another popular spot for kayaking, rock climbing, and picnicking, with opportunities for e-biking along its shoreline at Diamond Valley Lake.
Most popular routes in Riverside County
Most popular attractions in Riverside County
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
Are you keen on exploring more awesome places nearby? Browse our guides:
Explore more
Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:
