Riverside Summer Bucket List: Local Insiders Share Their Must-Do Picks

Summer in Riverside hits different when you know where to go — and who better to ask than the people who live, work and breathe our city every day? We tapped our Gazette team, city leaders and community partners for their can’t-miss picks for making the most of these long, warm days. From sunset picnics overlooking the canyon to legendary Zambian psychedelic rock concerts, their bucket lists capture the essence of a perfect Riverside summer. Whether you’re a lifelong local or new to town, consider this your insider's guide to everything worth seeing, doing, eating, drinking and experiencing while summer's in full swing.

Justin Pardee

Founder/Publisher, The Raincross Gazette
Something that’s been on my Riverside bucket list for years—and that I’m finally set on doing this summer—is a sunset picnic with my whole family at Sycamore Highlands Park. If you’ve been, you know the view from up there is unbeatable. I picture us grabbing dinner from Smoke and Fire, laying out blankets, chasing the kids around the playground, then settling in with brisket fries as the sun dips behind Mt. Rubidoux. You should totally come!

Ken Crawford

Community Reporter, The Raincross Gazette

The Mission Inn Foundation's new tours
At least one picnic in at least one park
Take someone to The Cheech who’s never been
Twilight Tour at UCR Botanic Gardens
WITCH at the Farmhouse Collective on Sept. 3 — legendary Zamrock pioneers from 1970s Zambia. Watching Jagari Chanda lead this resurrected force of psychedelic rock just a few miles from home feels like a rare gift and the perfect way to close out summer.

Amy López

Content Manager, The Raincross Gazette
I can't miss August Artswalk, happening the first Thursday of the month in Downtown. Main Street fills with artist vendors selling unique, handmade works—paintings, prints, jewelry and more—and all the museums are free to explore. With so many great spots nearby to cool off, it’s easy to turn the night into a full experience. My favorite move: grab a pizza from Antonious Pizza and take it to Brickwood for a cold drink and a perfect mid-walk dinner break.

Norm Ellstrand

Naturally Riverside, The Raincross Gazette

Benedetto’s Gelato
Condron Coffee
The Outpost for pizza
UCR Botanic Gardens before it gets too hot
Leave town for cooler destinations during peak heat

Larry Burns

Creative Prompts, The Raincross Gazette

Culver Center of the Arts film screening
Buccaneer Cove at Castle Park
Sunrise summit at Mt. Rubidoux
Sunset at Sycamore Canyon
Dairy Queen on Magnolia/Brockton (Midtown)

Mike Gardner

Gardner Gauge, The Raincross Gazette

Sub Station sandwiches at UCR Botanic Gardens
Concerts in the Park at Fairmount Park
Dairy Queen
Evening drive through the orange groves (ideally in a convertible)
Playing in the front yard with kids or grandkids

Kim Malstrom

Riverside Garden Tips, The Raincross Gazette

Backstreet summer nights (date night)
Kramer’s Coffee with a visit to Elliott’s Pet Emporium
Morning walks along Gage Canal or at UCR Botanic Gardens
Volunteer at Overflow Farms or Gable Farms

Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson

Morning walk along the Gage Canal, end at California Citrus State Historic Park for a picnic
Hike Mt. Rubidoux and have lunch at Butch’s Grinders
Visit World Museum of Natural History and Oasis Vegetarian Café
Concerts at Fairmount Park
Movies in the Park

Councilmember Phillip Falcone, Ward 1

Mt. Rubidoux tour with Mission Inn Foundation
Sunday breakfast at Arts Bar & Grill
Dinner at Dapper Dine & Lounge
Catch a concert at The Farmhouse Collective
Tuesday lunch before council at The State

Councilmember Steven Robillard, Ward 3

Devereux House – Thurs–Sat: wine, pizza, and small bites
Night swimming at Shamel Park Pool (Tues & Thurs, 7–8:30 p.m. through Aug. 14)
The Sire – Classic American food
Brunch at Airport Café – watch planes and sip bottomless mimosas
Dairy Queen
Midtown Classic Car Show

Museum of Riverside

Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center

Early morning or evening Mt. Rubidoux hike with a dog (stay hydrated!)
Shady park strolls + a treat stop at Three Dog Bakery
Become a Riverside Rover – explore the city with an adoptable dog
Take a mural tour with your pup — guaranteed Instagram gold

Ready to make your own Riverside summer memories? Start checking off these local favorites — and don’t forget to share your own bucket list adventures with us. After all, the best recommendations always come from neighbors who know exactly where to find the magic in our city.