The best museums in Riverside in September 2025

These are the top 10 best museums in Riverside, United States, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Riverside, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Riverside.

Looking for the best museums in Riverside? These are the best ones:

  1. California Citrus State Park Visitor Center1

    California Citrus State Park Visitor Center

     Riverside, CA
  2. Riverside Art Museum2

    Riverside Art Museum

     Riverside, CA
    The Riverside Art Museum is located in the historic Mission Inn District of Riverside, California. This location is not only significant for its historical value but also for its cultural and artistic relevance. The museum is easily accessible and offers a unique blend of art, history, and culture, making it an interesting destination for tourists.
  3. UCR Botanic Gardens3

    UCR Botanic Gardens

     Riverside, CA
    The University of California, Riverside, Botanic Gardens is a sprawling 40-acre botanical garden that is home to a diverse collection of over 3,500 species of plants from all corners of the globe. This vast collection provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about a wide variety of plant species in one location.
  4. Harada House4

    Harada House

     Riverside, CA
    The Harada House was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1990, further cementing its place in history. Today, the house is overseen by the Museum of Riverside, ensuring its preservation and continued relevance in the historical narrative of the region.
  5. Jensen Alvarado Historic Ranch and Museum5

    Jensen Alvarado Historic Ranch and Museum

     Riverside, CA
    The Jensen Alvarado Ranch, located in Jurupa Valley, California, is a historic park and museum. It is managed by the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District. This location offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of the region and the lives of its early settlers.
  6. UCR ARTS - California Museum of Photography6

    UCR ARTS - California Museum of Photography

     Riverside, CA
    The UCR/California Museum of Photography boasts the most extensive photographic collections in the Western United States. These collections are diverse, covering a broad spectrum of photographic arts, history, and technology. Visitors can expect to see a wide variety of exhibits showcasing different aspects of photography.
  7. California Citrus State Historic Park7

    California Citrus State Historic Park

     Riverside, CA
    The California Citrus State Historic Park, located in Riverside, California, is an open-air museum that offers a unique insight into the history and development of the citrus industry in Southern California. As part of the state park system, it provides an interpretive landscape that tells the story of the citrus industry through the experiences of the diverse migrant and immigrant groups who contributed to its growth and success.
  8. California Museum of Photography8

    California Museum of Photography

     Riverside, CA
    The UCR/California Museum of Photography (CMP) boasts the most extensive photographic collections in the Western United States. These diverse collections cover a wide range of photographic arts, history, and technology. This information is beneficial for tourists who are interested in photography and want to explore a broad spectrum of photographic works.
  9. Sherman Indian Museum9

    Sherman Indian Museum

     Riverside, CA
    The Sherman Museum, once the school's administration building, is the only original architecture remaining on the school grounds. This building has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark and also holds the distinction of being Riverside Landmark number 16. Visitors to the museum can appreciate the historical architecture while learning about the history and culture of Native Americans.
  10. Mission Inn Museum10

    Mission Inn Museum

     Riverside, CA

All museums in Riverside