Riverside, County seat in Riverside County, California
Riverside sits along the Santa Ana River and includes residential neighborhoods, shopping districts, the University of California campus, and farmland within its limits. The city spreads from the riverbanks toward the foothills of nearby mountains, blending urban development with open agricultural land.
Settlers planted navel orange trees here in 1874, turning the area into the birthplace of California's citrus industry. Over the following decades, orchards covered much of the valley until urban growth gradually replaced them with housing and commercial buildings.
Local families gather in public parks along the river for weekend picnics and outdoor activities, creating a relaxed community atmosphere. Farmers markets and street festivals downtown bring together vendors selling fresh produce, handmade crafts, and regional food specialties.
Highway access through Interstate 215 and State Route 60 makes getting around straightforward, while Metrolink trains connect to neighboring counties. Many attractions cluster downtown within walking distance, but reaching outlying areas works better with a car.
A section of the first transcontinental highway in the United States, the historic Highway 60, runs directly through downtown and recalls early automobile travel. Some original orange groves still survive between modern subdivisions, offering rare glimpses into the region's agricultural past.
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