Book excerpt: By car, by foot, or bi-cycle, the city has an eclectic collection of artisan shops, public art, outdoor recreation, and one-of-a-kind things to experience. 100 Things to Do in Riverside Before You Die is your local guide that cuts to the chase, saves you time and shows you what’s unique, fun, and simply worth doing in Riverside. Riverside an arts and innovation destination with more trees, murals, and libraries per capita than any place in the Inland Empire (IE). At just under 82 square miles and just over 300,000 residents, Riverside is easy to find. With dozens of parks, hiking trails, and preserved open spaces, it is even easier to stay. The city does not merely boast a vibrant city center, but centers! The Northwestern areas capture the rural heritage with its historic greenbelt. The Southeastern section showcases the area’s more recent history as leaders in the arts and sustainable economic practices. Across Riverside, you will discover acres of natural open spaces and thoughtfully designed parks, along with safe public areas to rest between each adventure that awaits.