denimelon

University Ave is a major street that leads to the UC Riverside campus. Within walking distance from campus is the University Village. There you'll find a few restaurants like Rubios, The Ville, and Fat Burger as well as a movie theater. Classes are sometimes held in the theatre, which is kind of fun. Over the last few years, University has had some construction to improve the roads and they are much better, but further away from campus and towards downtown still needs some work. The 91 freeway can also be found at the end of University.

Watkins Dr. is located directly behind UC Riverside. The UCR Recreation Center is also located here. It features volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts, softball and baseball fields, a fitness center and a pool. The fitness center features cardiovascular and weight-training machines, lifting platforms and racks. It is open to students and staff. Watkins is also the pathway that leads to many beautiful older homes in the hills of Riverside. It also borders the Box Springs Mountain Reserves where you can hike and enjoy a day outdoors.

Located off the 15 freeway in Corona, this is the place were a relatively new hip shopping center is, called Dos Lagos. It's got many higher end stores like Anthropologie and Banana Republic as well as many good restaurants like Wood Ranch BBQ (which I would highly recommend) and TAPs (I would also highly recommend this one too, especially if you like seafood and beer). It also features a beautiful man made lake with a very interesting walkway that's perfect for pictures.

Spruce Street is a smaller street but it's the location of a few cool places to eat in Riverside. One being Best Thai. There aren't very many asian restaurants around Riverside and if you're in the mood for something exotic, Best Thai is the place to eat. Also, a little known place, I call "Culinary" because it's where the culinary students from Riverside Community College prepare and cook meals for patrons, is located on Spruce. I believe they're only open Tuesday-Friday for breatfast and lunch. Everyday is a different menu, with a few constant items, since everyday a different student is given the chance to create the menu and prepare it.

If you're coming from UC Riverside, Central Ave can take you to the Canyon Crest Town Center. If you're on the 91 Freeway, and exit Central you'll come across the Riverside Plaza. It's got some retail boutiques as well as many restaurants such as El Torito, Chipotle, Panara Bread, and the Citrus City Grill.

Market Street is found right off the 60 Freeway, If you're driving to Riverside and get off Market, immediately you'll come across Fairmount Park. There is a nice lake within the park, and it would be nice to take a stroll around. Continuing east on Market, you'll pass through downtown Riverside. Soon after you cross University Ave, you'll come across a nice sushi restaurant, called Cabin Sushi. The food is decent and the prices aren't bad. After 14th Street, however, Market disappears and becomes Magnolia Ave.

Day Street is between Riverside and Moreno Valley and offers many retail stores from Target, Petsmart, Joanne's, Circuit City, Best Buy and the Moreno Valley mall is just right around the corner. There aren't very many restaurants, mostly fast food places, but there is a variety, from Quiznos to Mcdonalds.

I have lived on this street as it is directly across from UC Riverside. It is within walking distance to campus so apartments located on this street tend to be rented out by students. The Getaway Cafe is also located here; they have pretty good food for decent prices. This street also passes through the UCR campus by making a left into West Campus Dr. You'll pass a few orange tree orchards before you hit the Canyon Crest Town Center where Ralphs and Rite Aid are. Every Tuesday, there is live music with a live band. Restaurants in the center are varied, it's got a little something for everyone.

Alessandro Blvd is busy street that connects with Arlington Ave (near the 91 Freeway), Chicago Ave, and Central Ave. It passes through Mission Grove Plaza where you'll find a movie theatres, KMart, Ralphs, CVS Pharmacy. There are many other smaller shops and restaurants, like the recently opened Chili's. LA Fitness is also located within the plaza. If you continue to head east, the street usually is busy as many people use it to get to the 215 freeway. During rush hour, it can get a little packed.

Magnolia Ave. passes right though downtown Riverside where you'll find the historic Mission Inn. It's a beautiful street with many delightful little homes, many of which have some Spanish influence. Heading west, you’ll come across the Riverside Community College, Riverside Campus. It is a fairly large community college with a relatively new football stadium. If you keep heading west, you’ll end up at the Galleria At Tyler where some major shopping should be done!