Written by Hayley Cruz
While Riverside comes across as the smaller and less impressive cousin of Los Angeles, the city still has a charm all its own. Newcomers may find the historical aspects more entertaining than long-time residents, but sites like the Mission Inn keep the interest high. Riverside is a big city, almost sprawling, and there's not enough of a community to make newcomers feel especially welcome, but not uncomfortable, either. College students can usually be found sticking close to campus or in the immediate area, and those who do venture farther out are typically working in a part-time job or seeking some nighttime fun.
Outside of Riverside, Los Angeles can be an attractive option, but California's infamous traffic may cause some to seek less populated options. For sheer proximity, Moreno Valley and Corona are good choices for familiarity, but clubbers and gamblers are advised to seek districts like Orange County or Temecula. Although a viable option all year-round, Lake Arrowhead and the beach cities are especially attractive choices for retreats in the winter and summer, respectively. The Student Recreation Center actually offers group weekend getaways through the Outdoor Excursions program. Through these planned trips, students can snowboard, kayak, horseback, swim, and rock climb throughout Southern California at a discounted rate. Sometimes the center even has vouchers for amusement parks like Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, and Six Flags. Overall, students can find plenty of entertainment either in Riverside or its surrounding areas.