One of the things I love about living in Riverside is surprisingly the parks and nature.

At first, I thought it would just be hot and dry since it's an inland city, but if you look around, there are plenty of places to walk and hike. It's especially nice that there are places to enjoy nature without having to pay an entrance fee. This is a big advantage for those who don't want to just visit shopping malls every weekend.

The first place I would recommend is Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park. It's surprisingly large for being in downtown Riverside. This natural area spans about 1,500 acres and is completely different from a typical grassy park. It feels like the original California nature has been preserved as is.

There are trails for walking or mountain biking, and many people come here to observe birds. It's also a habitat for protected species like the Stephens' Kangaroo Rat. Best of all, it's free to use. If you go early in the morning, the air is fresh and there aren't many people, making it perfect for a one or two-hour walk. However, summers in Riverside can be really hot, so it's best to avoid hiking during the peak heat of the day. Be sure to bring water, too.

If you want a more mountainous area, there's Box Springs Mountain. It's conveniently located between Riverside and Moreno Valley, with several hiking trails. From the top, you can get a wide view of the Inland Empire. Looking down at the city you usually drive through from the mountain is a completely different experience.

For a family day out, Rancho Jurupa Regional Park is also a good option. This place is more of a proper family recreation park than a nature reserve. It has camping sites and activities like picnicking and fishing, so it attracts many families on weekends. However, unlike Sycamore Canyon, it's not entirely free, so it's a good idea to check the fees for parking and camping in advance.

If I had to pick another place that feels like Riverside, it would be California Citrus State Historic Park. This site shows how significant Southern California used to be for citrus production. There are actual orange and various citrus trees planted, making it different from just visiting a museum building. It's a great place to take kids and share the history of Riverside.

The reason these parks are great is that you don't have to do intense exercise. If you're feeling cooped up at home, just put on your sneakers and take a 30-minute walk. It doesn't cost much, and you don't need to travel far.

In the end, I believe that parks in the city are not just places where a few trees are planted on leftover land. Managing them for residents to use and preserving nature is also an important part of the city's infrastructure. Riverside may not be a flashy tourist city, but it has the advantage of having these natural spaces close to home.

So instead of just watching TV at home with nothing to do on the weekend, grab a bottle of water and go out for a bit. Riverside has more places to walk than you might think if you look around.