When I first heard the name Riverside, I honestly thought it was just an ordinary city near LA.

However, after visiting, my perspective changed. The stories this city holds are much more profound than I expected.

With a population of about 319,000, Riverside is the 12th largest city in California and a key city in the Inland Empire region.

It is also the administrative center of Riverside County, and if I had to sum up the city in one phrase, its official slogan 'City of Arts & Innovation' fits perfectly.

Looking at the demographics, Hispanics make up 53.7%, Asians 7.6%, and Whites 58.3%.

The median household income is $91,045, which is a reasonable level within California.

The city's history began in the 1870s with two Brazilian navel orange trees. These two orange trees transformed California's citrus industry, and Riverside earned the nickname 'City of the Navel Orange,' gaining national recognition.

This legacy still remains intact at the California Citrus State Historic Park. It is a place where you can see the history of citrus and California agriculture all in one, and it is larger and more interesting than you might think.

The most prominent landmark in the downtown area is undoubtedly the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. It is the largest Mission Revival style building in the U.S. and is designated as a National Historic Landmark. Former Presidents Nixon and Reagan stayed here, and it remains a symbol of Riverside today. If the room rates are too high, just exploring the lobby and gardens is well worth it. The arches, corridors, stained glass windows, and bell tower make it astonishing that such a building exists in California. The overwhelming scale that occupies an entire block is something you have to see in person to appreciate.

Another must-see is the Fox Performing Arts Center, built in 1929. Its Spanish Colonial Revival style exterior is impressive, and it holds historical significance. This theater hosted the first public screening of the film 'Gone With the Wind' in 1939.

The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture, which opened in 2022, is a unique space dedicated to Chicano art and culture. March Field Air Museum offers a glimpse into 120 years of aviation history, with actual airplanes on display, making it a great place to visit with kids.

Transportation is also worth checking out. You can take the Metrolink to LA Union Station, and major freeways like I-10, I-215, and SR-91 run through the city. Ontario International Airport is about a 20-minute drive away, making it convenient for business trips or travel.

The Korean community is also established here, so finding Korean markets or churches is not difficult. There are several universities, including UCR (University of California, Riverside), California Baptist University, and La Sierra University, providing a decent educational infrastructure.

Riverside is a city for those who want to escape the complexities of LA while still enjoying proper urban infrastructure. You can quickly see what this city has to offer by visiting and walking around rather than just hearing about it.