Day Trips from Riverside
← All Riverside day tripsDay Trips from Riverside: State Parks & Natural Areas
The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of Riverside, CA. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.
12 state parks near Riverside
Marine Protected Area North Boundary
San Diego, CA 92106
Just 1 hr 50 min from Riverside, rated 5.0 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Just 48 min from Riverside, rated 4.8 stars by 2,250 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Palm Canyon
CA 92264, USA
Just 1 hr 15 min from Riverside, rated 4.8 stars by 958 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Whitewater Preserve
Whitewater, CA 92282
Just 55 min from Riverside, rated 4.8 stars by 1,481 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Oak Glen Preserve
Yucaipa, CA 92399
Just 43 min from Riverside, rated 4.8 stars by 3,091 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Placerita Canyon Nature Center
Newhall, CA 91321
Just 1 hr 25 min from Riverside, rated 4.8 stars by 1,197 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Just 1 hr 17 min from Riverside, rated 4.7 stars by 2,372 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
San Bernardino National Forest
CA 92314, USA
Just 39 min from Riverside, rated 4.7 stars by 18,057 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
CA 91302, USA
Just 1 hr 32 min from Riverside, rated 4.7 stars by 7,256 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Angeles National Forest
Arcadia, CA 91006
Just 48 min from Riverside, rated 4.7 stars by 15,514 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve
Escondido, CA 92029
Just 1 hr 15 min from Riverside, rated 4.7 stars by 1,513 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Preserve
Murrieta, CA 92562
Just 48 min from Riverside, rated 4.7 stars by 534 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from Riverside
What are the best state parks near Riverside, CA?
The best state parks near Riverside offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.
How much does it cost to visit state parks near Riverside?
Most state parks near Riverside charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.
Which state parks near Riverside are best for camping?
Several state parks within driving distance of Riverside offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.
What is the best time to visit state parks near Riverside?
Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near Riverside. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.
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