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🌴 Riverside County Favorites: Family Fun & Local Gems!
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items This list is packed with things to do that adults will genuinely enjoy—think local breweries, art walks, food halls, and scenic hikes—with the added bonus of being totally family-friendly. No need to choose between "kid stuff" and grown-up time—you c...
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Family Friendly Favs!
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đźš— Worth the Drive: Day Trips Just Beyond Riverside County
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🥑 Vegan Bites & Plant-Based Delights in Riverside County
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IE Vegan Sweets
Family Friendly Favs!
Family Fun in the Inland Empire!
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Empty fridge? Â Time to stock up! Love our weekly visit to the Old Town Temecula Farmer's Market! Â We load up on fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, microgreens, bread, a few new succulents, and yes, even the vegan sweet treats like cookies, cupcakes and mini cakes. Â Most vendors accept cash or card!
Temecula Farmers' Market
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What a treasure we have in Joshua Tree National Park. Â Gorgeous, huge and open expanse of mountain + desert blend blanketed in Joshua Trees, unique plants, and yes, sometimes even snow. Â Easy hike? Â Difficult hike? Â Rock climbing? Backpacking? Camping? Â Picnic areas? Â Yes, JTNP has it all in spades. Â If you have a National Park's pass, entry is free, otherwise there is a small fee to enter. Â After you finish your hike, head over to Chef Tanya's in Palm Springs for an early dinner :)
Joshua Tree - National Park Service
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Gorgeous 360 view in slowly rotating tram ride up the mountain!  This is such a fun experience! We've done the Palm Springs Tramway many times, in hot summer weather, lovely spring, breezy fall and icy cold snow. Once at the top, you can explore the tram station, eat snacks or a meal at the café or restaurant, or ... Definitely recommend dressing in layers, as it is always MUCH colder (like 20-30 degrees) at the top of the tram ride than it is at the base.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Home
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Nestled in the heart of Riverside, the Food Lab offers a vibrant mix of eateries perfect for family outings.  BRING your APPETITE! There's plenty of seating - inside, and out, and the Food Lab is right next door to the Game Lab! (See my recommendation!) There are 14 Food, Drink, and Dessert vendors, with our very favorite being Monty's Good Burger (see separ... Come hungry and you'll leave STUFFED!
Riverside Food Lab
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Gaming fun for the whole family! Located in the heart of Downtown Riverside, right next door to the Food Lab, the Riverside Game Lab offers a mix of entertainment perfect for a family day out, date day/night, or fun with friends.  With over 100 arcade games—including classics like Galaga and Mario Kart, as well as pinball machines, basketball hoops, and air hockey—there's something to delight gamers of all ages. Visit Riverside For families with older kids or teens, the Game L...
Arcade and Bar | Riverside Game Lab
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Apple, berry and pumpkin picking! Check the website for what is seasonally available. Food, produce tasting, festivals and more!
Los Rios Rancho
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History, heart, and a little bit of everyday magic!  Old Town Temecula feels like wrapping yourself in a quilt stitched from history, good food, and small-town charm. Stroll the wooden sidewalks, peek into warm little shops, and cozy up at friendly cafés or tasting rooms. Old Town Temecula is a sweet l...
Things To Do in Old Town Temecula | Shopping, Events & Hotels
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Nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild is a serene mountain town offering a blend of natural beauty and artistic flair. Just a couple of hours from Southern California's major cities, it's an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful re... Downtown Idyllwild features charming shops, cozy cafés, and eateries like the Idyllwild Brewpub (see my recommendation) and Middle Ridge Winery. Unique local traditions, such as the election of a golden retriever named Mayor Max, add to the town's qu...
Idyllwild California and Surrounding Communities
đźš— Worth the Drive: Day Trips Just Beyond Riverside County
Sometimes the best adventures are just over the county line. These nearby spots offer enriching experiences for adults and are engaging for kids too.
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Step into the ancient world at the Getty Villa!!! This is a museum dedicated to Greek and Roman antiquities housed in a recreated Roman country home. Explore gardens, marble sculptures, and centuries-old artifacts. Families can enjoy the Family Forum...
🏛️ Getty Villa (Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles County)
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Have you ever stood, gazing in awe, at the masterpiece of a famous artist, overwhelmed by the honor and privilege of being able to see it with your own eyes? Â The Getty Museum is for you! Perched high above Los Angeles, The Getty Center combines world-class art with jaw-dropping architecture and sweeping views of the city and coast. Adults will love the renowned collection of European paintings, sculptures...
🎨 The Getty Center (Los Angeles County)
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Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is California's largest state park, encompassing over 585,000 acres of diverse desert landscapes, including rugged badlands, slot canyons, and vibrant wildflower fields. It's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hi... Visitors can embark on a self-guided driving tour to explore these artworks, many of which are accessible via dirt roads branching off from Borrego Springs Road. A popular starting point is the Christmas Circle in the heart of Borrego Springs. While ...
🌵 Anza-Borrego Desert State Park & Galleta Meadows Sculptures: San Diego County
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Palomar Mountain State Park is an absolute hidden GEM.  Doanne Valley Campground has a small collection of tent and RV sites in varying sizes. The campground has bathrooms with flush toilets, sinks, and pay showers, and the sites have or share a water spigot. There are lots of gorgeous hikes in the area, ... The pictures of the observatory are shared from: hiddensandiego.com/things-to-do/places/palomar-observatory
Palomar Mountain State Park
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Step into a magical forest of creativity at the Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach, where winding paths, sawdust-covered walkways, and hand-built booths showcase the incredible work of over 100 local artists. This beloved summer tradition is more t...
Sawdust Festival, Laguna Beach
🥑 Vegan Bites & Plant-Based Delights in Riverside County
Whether you’re fully plant-based or just vegan-curious, Riverside County has a growing menu of vibrant, satisfying options. From juicy vegan burgers and globally inspired street food to raw desserts and dairy-free lattes, these local spots prove that...
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OMG THIS PLACE!!! Â Monty's Good Burger has won many awards for it's ALL vegan menu. Â You don't have to be vegan to find every single thing they offer mouthwatering upon sight, and cravably (It's a word, right?) delicious at first bite! Â Here's our usual order: Â Charlie's Chicken Sandwich (Original) for me, and a Monty's Double burger for him, with 50/50 fries and tots. Â The signature burgers features Impossible patties, Follow Your Heart cheese, and house-made sauces, all served on Bosch Bakery potato buns. Kiddos will love the grilled cheese meals paired with fries or tater tots, and everyone will love the creamy o...
Monty's Good Burger
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Our favorite vegan sit-down spot in the area! Burgers, wraps, sammy's, salads, bowls… Please, try the Buffalo Avo-Tots. I dream about these in between visits!
Gentle Grill VEGAN restaurant
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Chef Tanya's is our ULTIMATE vegan food indulgence. Both locations: Palm Springs and Palm Desert, offer absolutely incredible ALL vegan burgers, sammy's, wraps, salads, bowls, soups, grab-and-go items (like potato or macaroni salad) and sweet treats,... We always order more than we can eat, leave with very full, happy bellies, and take the rest home to enjoy later.
Chef Tanya's Kitchen ALL VEGAN restaurant
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VEGAN FAST FOOD! Â No more ordering the crappy, sad, side salad at those *other* fast food places. Â All 100% vegan, ALL DELISH. Â Looking to convert your omnivore friends? Â Bring them here!
Plant Power VEGAN Fast Food!
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Great vegan options, warm and inviting atmosphere, and absolutely delish food! Â When we eat at the Downtown PUBlic, we usually split an Impossible Burger with fries, the vegan Mac n Cheese (appetizer but huge portion), and the hummus plate. Indoor and outdoor seating, and friendly staff that is knowledgeable about their vegan it...
DownTown PUBlic – GastroPUB
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Our favorite dining spot in Idyllwild, especially after a long day of hiking! With indoor and outdoor (very dog friendly) seating, Idyllwild Brewpub offers a blend of handcrafted beers, delicious fare, and gorgeous mountain views. With 21 house-brew...
🍺 Idyllwild Brewpub: Craft Beer & Mountain Charm
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Oasis Vegetarian Cafe is a delightful spot offering a diverse menu of plant-based dishes that cater to both vegans and vegetarians. With a focus on wholesome ingredients and flavorful combinations, it's a favorite among locals seeking nutritious and ...
🥗 Oasis Vegetarian Cafe – Riverside’s Plant-Based Haven
IE Vegan Sweets
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I can’t say enough good things about 7 Deadly Confections. I’ve used this incredible small business for my wedding cake and several other special occasions, and every single treat has been beyond amazing. The flavors are rich, the textures are perfec...
🎂 7 Deadly Confections – Vegan Baked Goods with a Sinfully Sweet Twist
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Casa De Vegan is a standout in Riverside for those seeking indulgent, entirely plant-based desserts. This home-based bakery specializes in custom cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and other sweet treats that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether yo... Red Velvet Cake: Praised for its perfect balance of sweetness and texture, it's a hit among both vegans and non-vegans. Custom-Themed Cakes: From barnyard themes to elegant designs, the bakery crafts personalized cakes that impress.
🍰 Casa De Vegan