Just east of Orange County in Southern California, Riverside County offers a wide range of diverse environments and recreational opportunities. There are a number of museums in Riverside spanning many genres including arts and culture, air and space, and children’s museums.
Here’s a list of all the museums in Riverside County, California.
Check out all the free museum days in Southern California and how to get free and discounted museum admission.
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
140 N Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
760-778-1079
Currently in development. Details coming soon!
Cabazon Cultural Museum
84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio, CA 92203
760-238-5770
Dedicated to the history and culture of the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians.
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum
67616 E. Desert View Ave., Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
760-329-7610
An extraordinary Hopi-inspired pueblo built with reclaimed and repurposed materials. The pueblo was the residence for Cabot and Portia Yerxa. Explore the pueblo and courtyards, see a collection of souvenirs, Native American art and artifacts, shop at the Trading Post, and relax in the meditation garden.
California Citrus State Park Sunkist Visitor Center
9400 Dufferin Ave., Riverside, CA 92504
951-637-8044
The living historical museum features exhibits showcasing the Citrus industry, interpretive programs, plus acres of active citrus groves, trails, picnic areas, gardens.
Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties
3855 Market St., Riverside, CA 92501
951-222-8846
The Riverside Community College District operates this museum, archive and educational center that showcases social and civil rights issues in the Inland Empire. Here you can see the Miné Okubo Collection and a variety of traveling exhibits.
Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture
3581 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, CA 92501
The newest addition to the Riverside Art Museum, “The Cheech” showcases paintings, sculpture, photography and video arts by Chicano artists in a 61,000+ square foot gallery.
Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
Reopening March 2024!
71-701 Gerald Ford Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
760-321-0602
The reimagined and expanded children’s museum features exciting and engaging exhibits (including over 40 new exhibits!) for children of all ages with an emphasis on exploration, creativity, movement, imagination, and expression.
Coachella Valley History Museum
82616 Miles Ave., Indio, CA 92201
760-342-6651
Learn about the history of the Coachella Valley with a variety of exhibits in the museum and educational programming, plus historic structures like the Smiley-Tyler House and the 1909 Indio School House, a Japanese Memorial Garden, and an outdoor galley with historic tools, structures, and equipment.
Corona Heritage Park & Museum
510 W Foothill Pkwy., Corona, CA 92882
951-898-0687
This park is dedicated to showcasing local history with original preserved buildings turned into a railroad museum, art center, and performing arts studio. There is also a historic barn and mule shed, local historical artifacts, and more. You’ll also find a number of clubs and classes offered here.
Dora Nelson African American Art & History Museum
316 E 7th Street, Perris, CA 92570
310-740-5315
A museum dedicated to the art and culture of African Americans of the Inland Empire Area.
Edward Dean Museum & Gardens
9401 Oak Glen Rd, Cherry Valley, CA 92223
951-845-2626
A historical home, museum, and gardens on 16 acres opened in 1958, dedicated to art and nature. Explore art collections, historic artifacts, educational programming, and more.
Entomology Museum at UC Riverside
900 University Ave., Riverside, CA 92521
951-827-4315
This entomology and research museum houses the UC systems second oldest bug collection will millions of specimens that are mounted, pinned, or preserved. Visits are only by appointment, and there are not traditional displays, but it is an excellent source for research and bug identification.
General Patton Memorial Museum
62510 Chiriaco Road, Chiriaco Summit, CA 92201
760-507-4143
The General Patton Memorial Museum provides education to the public about US military history with a mission to honor the service of Veterans and promote peace. Explore a variety of exhibits and artifacts from major military conflicts, visit the Matzner Tank Pavilion, the Tank Yard, pay your respects at the Remembrance Walls, learn about the Desert Training Center, and more.
Gilman Ranch Museum
1901 W Wilson St., Banning, CA 92220
951-922-9200
Operated by Riverside County Parks, this historic ranch and wagon museum has a collection of authentic wagons and stagecoaches, artifacts from the exploration of the Western Frontier, historic structures, groves of olive, fruit, and nut trees, and a gold panning area. There are many educational programs and community events here to experience.
Hamilton Museum & Ranch Foundation
39420 Contreras Road, Anza, CA 92539
951-763-1350
The Hamilton Museum showcases the history and culture of the Cahuilla people and early settlers of the surrounding valley. Explore the Contreras House, the Hamilton House, and the Native Gardens, and see the barn and farm machinery.
Hemet Museum
100 W Florida Ave., Hemet, CA 92543
951-929-4409
Explore educational school and community programs to learn about the history of Hemet and the San Jacinto Valley. The Hemet Museum is located at a historic depot with the freight house serving as the museum and the train lobby station serving as a cafe.
Idyllwild Area Historical Society
54470 North Circle Dr., Idyllwild, CA
The museum here is located in a historic summer cabin and features a number of ongoing and rotating exhibits. See a rock climbing exhibit about climbers of Tahquitz Rock, exhibits about the San Jacinto Mountain communities, historic photos and artifacts, and publicity posters for Elvis Presley’s film Kid Galahad, with a self guided tour to the movies’ film sites around Idyllwild.
Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center
7621 Granite Hill Drive, Riverside, CA 92509
951-685-5818
An earth science museum dedicated to hands on learning and nature activities. Explore rocks and fossils, 9-acres of gardens with dinosaur sculptures, see the tortoise paddock and turtle pond, visit the nursery and learn about gardening, explore geology with a paid expedition or weekend activity, and meet some of the resident critters.
La Quinta Museum
77-885 Avenida Montezuma, La Quinta, CA 92253
760-777-7170
A small museum dedicated to cultural arts exhibits and local history. Explore the exhibits and attend one of the many community events and programs.
Little Temecula History Center
31870 Redhawk Pkwy, Temecula, CA 92592
951-775-6057
Learn about the history of Temecula and the nearby Vail Ranch with historic artifacts, exhibits, a replica of Butterfield Stagecoach, try out some blacksmiths equipment, and learn about ranch life.
Malki Museum
11795 Malki Road, Banning, CA 92220
951-849-7289
The Malki Museum features art and artifacts showcasing the history of the Native American cultures of Southern California. There is also an ethnobotanical garden with plants used by the Cahuilla Indians, a library dedicated to the Indians of Southern California, and permanent and rotating exhibits. There are also a number of community events and educational programs.
March Field Air Museum
22550 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518
951-902-5949
Learn about the development of flight and military aviation, see some of the pioneering aircraft from the military, including over 100 historic aircraft from 100 years of aviation. Explore over 30,000 artifacts and tour Mission Control to learn more about space exploration. There are many educational programs and community events offered here.
Mission Inn Museum
3696 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501
951-788-9556
Located in the historic Mission Inn, the museum showcases exhibits related to the hotel’s history and the Riverside community. You can see art, revolving exhibits, shop the gift store, and tour the historic hotel.
Motte Historical Car Museum
28380 Highway 74, Menifee, CA 92585
951-928-3210
Learn about the history of the community through automotives that date from the 1910s through the 1960s. Visit the barn to see classics like the 1910 Ford T Speedster, a 1931 Cadillac, a 1937 Packard, and a 1943 Ford Burma Jeep. Enjoy browsing the car collections or attend one of the community events like car shows, open houses, and movie nights.
Palm Springs Air Museum
745 N Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92262
760-778-6262
The Palm Springs Air Museum is a living history museum that educates visitors about the role of air power in preserving American liberties. See aircraft and exhibits from WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam, and the global war on terror. There are many aircraft on display plus permanent and rotating exhibits, artifacts, artwork, and library sources. Check out their open cockpit Saturdays and sit inside one of their historic aircraft!
Palm Springs Art Museum
101 N Museum Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
760-322-4800
The museum is dedicated to design and contemporary art. Explore the exhibits, see a screening in the Annenberg Theater, learn about the iconic Aluminaire House, and attend one of the regularly scheduled events.
Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture & Design Center
300 S Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
760-423-5260
An extension of the Palm Springs Art Museum, head here for all things architecture and design. Don’t forget to visit the Bradford W. Bates Vault Store for unique and distinctive gifts.
Pennypickle’s Workshop
42081 Main Street, Temecula, CA 92590
951-308-6376
This unique and engaging children’s museum immerses visitors in the world of professor Pennypickle. Explore gadgets and gizmos and learn about the world around you at this science-centric museum. There are a number of rooms to explore here all with exciting, hand-on interactive exhibits.
Perris Valley Historical Museum
101 North D Street, Perris, CA 92570
951-943-6100
The Perris Valley Historical Museum is located in the historic Santa Fe railway depot. Exhibits here are focused on the history of early Perris, the Luiseno Indians, mining history, and farming. Explore the exhibits and artifacts and enjoy the architecture of the historic depot.
Riverside Art Museum
3425 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside, CA 92501
951-684-7111
Located in the historic Mission Inn, the Riverside Art Museum features a variety of art and cultural exhibits with an emphasis on social issues. Explore the exhibits, take an art class, or participate in one of their community engagement programs.
Riverside Heritage House
8193 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92504
951-826-5273
View a collection of artifacts related to Riverside’s natural history, history, and indigenous resources with permanent and special exhibits, cultural events, educational programs, and more.
Riverside Metropolitan Museum/Museum Of Riverside
3580 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
951-826-5273
Currently closed for reinvention! Stay tuned…
Sherman Indian Museum
9010 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA 92503
951-276-6719
The Sherman Indian Museum revolves around the Perris Indian School, the first off-reservation boarding school in the state of California built in 1892, intended to assimilate Native American students to Euro-American Society. The site includes the school and cemetery, native plant garden, Native American toys, tools, and artifacts, and a number of exhibits. Visitors can experience tours, lectures, educational programs, and hands-on workshops.
Southern California Railway Museum
2201 S A Street, Perris, CA 92570
951-943-3020
Formerly known as Orange Empire Railway Museum, here you will find a collection of railroad memorabilia, artifacts, and exhibits including working trains that offer regularly scheduled train rides. Don’t miss the always popular Day Out With Thomas event held here annually.
Temecula Valley Museum
28314 Mercedes Street, Temecula, CA 92590
951-694-6450
The Temecula Valley Museum features artifacts and exhibits relevant to the history and culture of Temecula, as well as a permanent exhibit about Perry Mason author Erle Stanley Gardner. They also offer a number of community events and educational programs.
Tolerance Education Center
35147 Landy Lane, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
760-328-8252
The Tolerance Education Center promotes tolerance, respect, and understanding with the goal of eliminating hatred and bigotry. They offer educational programming and engaging exhibits that celebrate diversity.
UCR Arts California Museum of Photography
3824 & 3834 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501
951-827-4787
Here you’ll find The California Museum Of Photography and the Barbara & Art Culver Center Of Arts, featuring over 500,000 pieces in the photography museums collection and over 1,500 works of contemporary art in the Culver Center collection. Visit for exhibitions, film screenings, community events, educational programming, and performances.
Western Science Center
2345 Searl Pkwy, Hemet, CA 92543
951-791-0033
Home of the Pacific Mastodon, this natural history museum preserves the regions ancient history and allows visitors to explore the past through engaging and educational exhibits. Perfect for budding archeologists and dinosaur lovers of all ages, there are plenty of activities, events, and educational programs to explore here.
World Museum of Natural History
4500 Riverwalk Pkwy, Riverside, CA 92515
951-785-2209
Located on the campus of La Sierra University, this natural history museum has a variety of animal, plant, and mineral exhibits. It is open to the public only on select days.
Ya’i Heki’ Regional Indian Museum
17801 Lake Perris Drive, Perris, CA 92571
951-940-5657
Explore the history and culture of the California Native American people of the Mojave Desert region.
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