Riverside's Most Picture-Perfect Spots: A Starting Guide

Over time, Riverside has welcomed new small businesses that bring in locals and newcomers. The City itself has become a staple location within the Inland Empire. So here is a list that highlights picture-perfect businesses and parks throughout the city.

Coffeecito House- 3882 12th St.

Latin coffee, pastries, and teas are all on the menu at the cafe — perfect for posting your next tasty treat. The cafe built into a 1900s house creates a warm and welcoming environment. The exterior of the house still maintains its vintage charm which stands out in photos while the interior transitions into a modern feel that turns into aesthetic backgrounds.

University of California Riverside, Botanic Gardens- 1 Botanic Gdns Dr.

The garden has become a staple, capturing green wildlife that creates vibrant and beautiful backdrops. The website states that the 40-acre garden is set in a Mediterranean climate capturing great sunlight for clear pictures. The garden has become a home for reptiles, mammals and birds, offering opportunities for animal photography.

Penrose Record Room- 3485 University Ave.

Located in the historic Life Arts Building in Downtown Riverside, the record room first opened its doors in 2023 by Matt Beld and Gabe Roth. The store showcases a variety of music genres such as rock, jazz and blues on vinyl. The rows of vinyls for sale create a setting for capturing candid, off-guard photos. Additionally, the record room hosts in-store performances, making it easy to create memorable videos.

Renaissance Book Store- 3772 Elizabeth St.

The book store is filled to its capacity centering on science fiction, history, philosophy, literature which creates a visually diverse environment. With the commitment of preserving physical media in a digital world, the stacks of books create a nostalgic feeling perfect for capturing a unique shot.

California State Citrus Historical Park- 9400 Dufferin Ave.

Riverside's history is closely tied to citrus production and the Museum at the park highlights its rich history spanning many years. The park offers different scenic spots for photos starting at the entrance with the beautiful palm trees to the rose gardens and gazebos. Greenery and colorful flowers make for a dreamy background.

The Farm House Collective- 1393 University Ave.

The Bailey Family converted the original 1953 Farm House Motel into a modern country community center. The reconstructed architecture is crafted into perfect spots for photos creating a retro feeling. The entertainment and shops also call for capturing a perfect post of your yoga date or acai bowl. The Farm House also features a photo booth perfect for photo shoots with friends.

Beloved Staples

Mount Rubidoux- 4706 Mount Rubidoux Dr.

Mount Rubidoux has become a prominent location in Riverside. Visitors can enjoy a nice hike or walk capturing the nice views of the city and capturing scenic photos for social media.

Mission Inn Hotel & Spa- 3649 Mission Inn Ave.

The famous Mission Inn Hotel & Spa draws first-timers into Downtown. The Spanish designs provide a stunning backdrop for professional photos like weddings and quinceañeras or for capturing simply detailed architectural spots.

This list only scratches the surface of what Riverside has to offer. The city is vast and beautiful, with countless photo-worthy spots waiting to be discovered. Share your favorite locations with us on social media or email us at newsroom@raincrossgazette.com — we'd love to hear where you capture your best shots.

By Marissa Perez