Best Street Art & Graffiti Spots in Riverside, California, United States
1. Murals of La Plaza
A vibrant collection of murals adorn the walls of downtown Riverside's historic La Plaza. Each mural tells a story about the city's diverse culture and history.
- Historical Connection: Murals depict stories from Riverside's past, making it an educational experience for visitors.
- Cultural Diversity: The murals showcase the rich cultural tapestry of Riverside, representing various ethnic groups.
- Accessibility: Located in downtown Riverside, the Murals of La Plaza are easily accessible and free to visit.
2. Riverside Graffiti & Street Art Tour
Join a guided tour to explore Riverside's vibrant street art scene. Learn about the artists and their work while discovering hidden gems off the beaten path.
- Knowledgeable Guides: Tour guides are experienced in the local art scene, providing insights into the art and artists.
- Unique Access: The tour may offer access to private studios or works in progress not typically accessible to the public.
- Safety and Convenience: Tours are organized for safety, ensuring visitors explore the city's street art scene hassle-free.
3. 30th Street Paint Boxes
Brightly colored, artist-designed boxes line the streets of downtown Riverside. Each box is a unique work of art, adding vibrancy to the cityscape.
- Artistic Variety: Each painted box showcases a different artistic style, making the experience diverse and engaging.
- Interactive Elements: Some boxes incorporate interactive elements, inviting visitors to engage with the art.
- Walkability: The painted boxes are located along walkable downtown streets, making it an easy and enjoyable experience.
4. California Museum of Photography
Explore the intersection of photography and street art at this museum. The collection includes works showcasing urban landscapes and graffiti.
- Photographic Archive: The museum houses a vast archive of photographs, documenting the evolution of street art over time.
- Educational Programs: Offers workshops and lectures for visitors interested in learning more about photography and street art.
- Rotating Exhibits: Exhibits change regularly, ensuring a fresh perspective on street art and photography.
5. University Avenue Murals
A stretch of University Avenue is transformed into an open-air gallery with stunning murals. Each mural tells a story about the university and its surrounding community.
- College Spirit: Murals celebrate the spirit of Riverside's universities, showcasing their unique identities.
- Community Engagement: The murals are often collaborations between local artists and community members.
- Educational Impact: Murals inspire students and visitors alike, fostering a love for art and self-expression.
6. Riverside Tile Project
Decorative tiles depicting Riverside's history can be found throughout the city. Each tile is a snapshot of the city's rich past.
- Historical Snapshots: Tiles capture key moments in Riverside's history, providing a glimpse into the city's past.
- Civic Pride: The tiles demonstrate civic pride and celebrate the city's unique identity.
- Accessibility: Tiles are strategically placed in public spaces, making them easily accessible to visitors.
7. Riverside Public Art Tour App
Download the app to embark on a self-guided tour of Riverside's public art, including street art and graffiti.
- User-Friendly Interface: The app is easy to use, with clear directions and information about each artwork.
- Offline Availability: The app can be downloaded for offline use, ensuring accessibility even without cell service.
- Customizable Routes: Choose from various routes or create your own custom tour based on your interests.
8. Riverside Art Walk
Attend the monthly Art Walk to discover new street art and meet local artists. Enjoy live music, food trucks, and unique shopping experiences.
- Community Event: The Art Walk brings together artists, locals, and visitors, fostering a sense of community.
- Exclusive Opportunities: Artists may unveil new works or offer exclusive prints during the Art Walk.
- Local Business Support: Support local businesses by shopping and dining at participating venues during the Art Walk.
9. The Pipeline Skatepark
This skatepark features unique street art integrated into its design. It's a popular spot for both local artists and skaters.
- Artistic Integration: The park's design incorporates street art, creating a visually striking environment.
- Skate Culture: The park is a hub for skate culture, attracting both local and international skaters.
- Community Engagement: Local artists are frequently invited to create new murals at the park, keeping the art fresh and engaging.
10. The Glass House
This modernist house designed by architect Piet Blom features colorful mobile homes suspended from a central tower. It's a unique blend of art and architecture.
- Modernist Design: The Glass House is an excellent example of modernist design, showcasing innovative architectural techniques.
- Artistic Expression: The mobile homes can be seen as individual works of art, expressing the artist's vision.
- Historical Significance: The Glass House is a National Historic Landmark, offering insights into mid-20th century architectural trends.
11. Riverside Craft Beer Trail
Follow the Riverside Craft Beer Trail to discover local breweries and their unique taproom art. Each brewery offers a distinct atmosphere and flavor profile.
- Craft Brew Variety: Each brewery on the trail offers unique craft beers, catering to various tastes.
- Taproom Art: Each taproom showcases local street art and graffiti, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
- Support Local Breweries: By visiting the breweries on the trail, you support Riverside's thriving craft beer scene.
12. Riverside Flea Market
Explore this bustling market for unique finds and street art. Artists often display and sell their work at the market.
- Vintage Treasures: The flea market offers a vast selection of vintage items, antiques, and collectibles.
- Street Art Marketplace: Local artists showcase and sell their work at the flea market, providing an opportunity to support them directly.
- Cultural Exchange: The flea market attracts visitors from diverse cultural backgrounds, fostering a rich cultural exchange.
13. Mission Revival Style Architecture
Discover Riverside's historic Mission Revival architecture, with intricate details and vibrant colors adorning many buildings.
- Historic Significance: The architectural style reflects the city's rich history and its connection to California's mission era.
- Artistic Detailing: Each building showcases intricate details and vibrant colors, demonstrating skilled craftsmanship.
- Walkability: Many buildings with Mission Revival architecture are located in downtown Riverside, making it an easy and enjoyable experience to explore.
14. Riverside Mural Festival
Annual festival featuring local and international artists creating large-scale murals throughout the city.
- International Collaboration: The festival brings together artists from around the world, fostering cultural exchange.
- Fresh Street Art: New murals are created each year, adding to Riverside's ever-evolving street art scene.
- Community Involvement: The festival involves the community through workshops and educational programs, promoting art appreciation.
15. Riverside's Alley Art Tour
Explore lesser-known alleyways transformed into open-air galleries featuring street art and graffiti.
- Hidden Gems: The tour uncovers hidden street art treasures tucked away in Riverside's alleyways.
- Off-the-Beaten Path: The tour takes visitors to areas not typically explored during regular sightseeing, providing a unique perspective of the city.
- Street Art Appreciation: The tour encourages visitors to appreciate street art as an integral part of Riverside's cultural landscape.