Top Attractions for First-Time Visitors
With more than 200 days of sunshine every year, you’ll want to spend as much time outdoors as possible when visiting Moreno Valley. The area offers plenty of opportunities to embrace the SoCal lifestyle. But you can also escape the heat and dive into local history and culture indoors. Here are some of the top things to add to your Moreno Valley itinerary:
March Field Air Museum
Aviation enthusiasts of all ages will marvel at the 150+ aircraft on display at March Field Air Museum. Get up close and personal with historic bombers, fighters, cargo planes and more from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam War eras. The museum also offers educational exhibits detailing the roles these planes played in pivotal wartime efforts. March Field itself still operates as an active airbase today, so you may get a glimpse of present-day aircraft taking off and landing as you explore the museum’s extensive collections. March Field Air Museum makes for an excellent educational field trip for students studying 20th-century American history.
Moreno Valley Mall
The premier shopping destination in the city, Moreno Valley Mall houses over 180 stores ranging from Macy’s and JCPenney to Forever 21, HM, Victoria’s Secret, Foot Locker and other popular retail chains. When you need a break from shopping, refuel at the mall’s variety of dining options like Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, Panera Bread and Red Robin Gourmet Burgers. Moreno Valley Mall’s central location right off the 60 Freeway makes it easy to access. It also happens to be one of the area’s only indoor malls–a perfect place to escape the heat or rain.
Box Springs Mountain Reserve
Lace up your hiking boots and head to Box Springs Mountain Reserve for panoramic views of Moreno Valley and the San Jacinto Mountains. The reserve has over 10 miles of multi-use trails perfect for hiking, trail running and mountain biking. For an easier walk, try the Cactus Alley Trail or Bajada Trail. More advanced hikers can summit Box Springs Mountain on the steep Cliffhanger Trail. Box Springs Mountain Reserve includes designated wilderness areas, so be alert for native wildlife like bobcats, coyotes, roadrunners and more. Early morning and late afternoon tend to be the best times for wildlife viewing. Pack plenty of water too, as trails are rocky and exposed.
Moreno Valley Recreation Areas
In addition to Box Springs Mountain Reserve, Moreno Valley has numerous parks for soaking up the sunny weather and enjoying outdoor recreation. Some top picks include: Ridge Crest Park – 158-acre community park featuring sports fields, playgrounds, walking paths and views of Lake Perris. Towngate Memorial Park – 38-acre park perfect for picnicking and fishing, with access to walking trails along drainages. Eucalyptus Park – 114 acres overlooking Moreno Valley with trails, sports fields, and restored wetlands. Celebration Park – Sprawling park with playgrounds, lighted sports fields, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts. Sunnymead Park – 58 acres with playgrounds, a skate park, lighted sports fields and 1.5 miles of trails.
Riverside University Medical Center
Moreno Valley is home to Riverside County’s largest hospital: Riverside University Health System Medical Center. Take a guided tour to learn about the hospital’s specialties, from its Level II trauma center to its transplant program and neonatal intensive care unit. Tours allow prospective nurses or doctors to see the technology and facilities used at this respected Southern California hospital. The experience provides great insight for students considering healthcare careers.
Western Science Center
Gain a deeper understanding of natural history at the Western Science Center, featuring one of the largest fossil collections on the West Coast. This family-friendly museum has plenty of hands-on exhibits to keep younger visitors engaged, in addition to an array of complete and reconstructed dinosaur fossils. Some standouts include a full Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton and the first baby dinosaurs discovered in California. The Western Science Center also houses live reptiles like tortoises, snakes and lizards. Don’t miss the museum’s Mammoth Plaza, an outdoor area displaying mammoth fossils.
Pennypickle’s Workshop Children’s Museum
Let your kid’s creativity run wild at Pennypickle’s Workshop Children’s Museum, where everything begs to be touched, climbed on and explored. This whimsical museum celebrates invention and imagination through interactive science exhibits and art projects perfect for kids 10 and under. Adults will also appreciate all the hands-on learning experiences. Pennypickle’s features dedicated art, music, math and science rooms with activities rotating regularly. Visitors may find themselves launching airplanes, composing songs, piecing puzzles or experimenting with gears and circuits. Every trip promises new discoveries!
How to Get Around Moreno Valley
Moreno Valley covers over 51 square miles, so you’ll need an efficient way to travel around the city. Whether you’re visiting solo or with a group, here are some transportation options to consider:
Public Transportation
The Riverside Transit Agency provides local bus service throughout Moreno Valley and connecting routes to nearby cities. Purchase passes at major bus terminals or on the bus itself. Key routes include Lines 16, 19, 20, 27, 31, and 208. Line 16 offers express service to the Moreno Valley Mall, while Line 27 stops at the Western Science Center. Check RTA’s system map to find the bus stop nearest your destination.
Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis are available on demand by calling or hailing one curbside, but fares can add up quickly. Ridesharing through Uber or Lyft tends to offer lower rates. With rideshares, you’ll need to download the app and set up an account to request pick-up. Keep in mind that public transit and taxi options are quite limited in Moreno Valley. Traveling by private car or chartered bus will provide the most direct routes and flexibility.
Charter Buses
For ultimate convenience and affordability when traveling with a group, book a charter bus through Moreno Valley Party Bus Company. Our fleet includes everything from 25-passenger minibuses to 56-passenger motorcoaches equipped with cushy reclining seats, WiFi, entertainment systems and plenty of onboard storage space. Chartering a bus allows your entire group to stick together while visiting multiple attractions across Moreno Valley. Leave the driving to our professional team so you can sit back and focus on fun! Contact Moreno Valley Party Bus Company at (909) 365-2478 today to receive a free quote tailored to your group’s transportation needs.
Ready to Get Started?
First-time visitors to Moreno Valley will find plenty of unique attractions like the Western Science Center’s dinosaur fossils and Pennypickle’s hands-on children’s museum. Box Springs Mountain Reserve offers scenic hikes with panoramic views of the city, while the Moreno Valley Mall provides convenient shopping and dining. Getting around this sprawling suburb is easy with chartered bus rentals from Moreno Valley Party Bus Company. Let us handle your group’s transportation so you can spend more time adventuring during your next Riverside County excursion. Call (909) 365-2478 now to start planning your Moreno Valley getaway.