Supporting Graduate Students' Academic and Professional Success
Yes, it’s summer. And that means it’s hot. But do you want to stay indoors all day in the triple digits or take some of the summer quarter’s extra time to check out some cool things in the area (no pun intended)? Check out our summer bucket list of things to do in Riverside and the Inland Empire, all of which are accessible despite the heat.
[Image Description: A sweaty dog dabbing its forehead with a white towel.]
Pictured: Stay hydrated and put on sunscreen!
Nevermore Game Club – An Emporium of Mysteries (Riverside, CA) – 0.5 miles from campus
If you’re determined to stay indoors, check out the Nevermore Game Club. The Nevermore Game Club offers an extensive library of over 800 board games which can be played onsite for a $7 play pass or a $10 day pass, with which you can go out and come back to the club. They also offer venues for private groups, with their Dungeon, Tavern, and Apothecary ideal locations for D&D groups. If you’d like to vary from board games, the club offers a sort of basement escape room, which takes 30-45 minutes to complete and includes a play pass afterward. Though the Nevermore Game Club sells drinks and snacks at very low prices, you’re welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks. For more information, visit their site at www.nevermoregameclub.com.
Van Buren Drive-in Theater (Riverside, CA) – 10 miles from campus
The Van Buren Drive-in Theater in Riverside offers double features seven nights a week. So, if you’re thinking of watching that new release that’s been on your mind, try doing it in retro style. To see a movie at the Van Buren Drive-in Theater, you pay per adult ($10) or child ($1) in your car, and that ticket will also allow you to watch a second feature, with some exceptions of only single features. The theater offers snacks and drinks, from popcorn, candy, to carne asada nachos, though you are also able to bring your own refreshments in your car. The theater has three screens, with an audio system that uses your FM transmitter. Just 10 miles from campus down the CA-91, the Van Buren Drive-in Theater offers a fun experience regardless of the heat. For more information, visit their site at www.vanburendriveintheatre.com.
Lake Arrowhead (Lake Arrowhead Village, CA) – 35-42 miles from campus
If you’re looking for some outdoor activity, Lake Arrowhead is less than an hour away. Part of the San Bernardino National Forest, this mountain lake offers plenty of hiking trails, and for the weary, a shopping center that surrounds the lake. If you make it up the mountain, consider a detour to LouEddie’s Pizza on Rim of the World Highway, a log-cabin restaurant that specializes in fire-roasted pizzas. For more information, visit www.lakearrowhead.com.
Big Bear Lake (Big Bear, CA) – 50-70 miles from campus
Also located in the San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear Lake is perhaps the most famous, and certainly the largest, of its mountain lakes. The area is known for the Bear Mountain ski resort but is also a great destination for hiking and other outdoor activities. While Lake Arrowhead is surrounded by a commercial shopping center and offers many options for food and drinks, Big Bear Lake provides the perfect escape into nature for those longing to get away from city life. While it is slightly farther from Riverside, it is certainly worth the drive. For more information, visit www.bigbear.com.
Lake Hemet (Mountain Center, CA) – 52 miles from campus
Lake Hemet is a popular summer destination for those looking for water and more general outdoor activities. While some of its amenities are reserved for overnight guests at the local campground, the lake has various offerings for daytime visitors as well, including fishing and picnic areas and boat launches for both rented and personal watercraft. Daytime guests pay $25 per vehicle to access the lake area, with additional optional costs for kayak/boat rentals. Campers are offered access to the swimming area, though they must go into the water during one of two designated shifts to avoid overcrowding. Located within the Mount San Jacinto State Park, Lake Hemet hosts many species of wildlife and is a great place to spot birds, especially hawks and eagles. For more information, visit www.golakehemet.com
The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Arts and Culture (Riverside, CA) – 3 miles from campus
The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Arts and Culture opened in June 2022, having been established through a partnership with the Riverside Art Museum, the City of Riverside, and the comedian Cheech Marin, who was a prominent collector of the Chicano arts. The museum has one of the best collections of Chicano art in the United States and is considered a research destination for many higher education institutions in the area. Located in Downtown Riverside next to the Mission Inn Hotel, the Cheech Marin Center is easily accessible from the UCR campus, and it offers a student discount, with College Student tickets costing $10.95. In early summer, the galleries are open 7 days a week and are otherwise open Tuesdays-Sundays. For more information, visit www.riversideartmuseum.org/visit/the-cheech-marin-center-for-chicano-art-culture.
Downtown Redlands (Redlands, CA) – 15 miles from campus
If you feel like you’ve exhausted Downtown Riverside and are looking for something new, then check out the nearby Downtown Redlands. Redland’s downtown area is walkable and full of small shops, bars, and restaurants, including a secondary location of Molino’s Coffee. Close to the downtown are a number of breweries, like the dog-friendly Escape Craft Beer: Downtown Oasis. If you’re from out of town and are looking for that local souvenir to bring to your family, Downtown Redlands has a number of gift shops that might have what you’re looking for.
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Pictured: Your Cool Summer
These are just a few of the many places and activities that the Inland Empire has to offer. School can be demanding any time of year, so try taking a little break from your work and studies to discover the area and even add to our list. Here’s to wishing you a fun, cool summer!