Norco Explore Local With RVshare

A place that combines city living with a rural atmosphere, Norco, California has actually written into its city ordinances that the architecture “shall reflect a desired Western theme,” meaning which is to say facades and building styles that are “rural, informal, traditional, rustic, low-profile and equestrian-oriented.” 

In other words, it’s like walking into the actual wild west, even though you’re only a few miles from one of the biggest metros in America. Norco is also chock-full of things to see, do, and explore, both for residents and those coming from the surrounding area to check it out. Read on to learn about our top picks for things to do in this unique part of California known as the Inland Empire.

*Note: Some of the suggestions may not be doable due to coronavirus closures, but keep this list handy for when things start opening back up more! Be sure to check individual pages for specific operation details.

While southern California certainly has plenty of incredible urban and indoor activities to enjoy, it’s an outdoor recreational hotspot, as well. Here are some of the state and national parks and recreation areas within an easy driving distance of Norco, CA.

Chino Hills State Park

Even though it’s less than 50 miles from downtown LA, Chino Hills State Park will truly make you feel as if you left the hustle and bustle of city life behind for a beautiful and idyllic landscape. Characterized by rolling green hillsides that are speckled with beautiful wildflowers during the spring, this is one of the most iconic landscapes and natural spaces in all of California. 

California Citrus State Historic Park

An open-air museum tucked into the neighboring town of Riverside, California Citrus State Historic Park offers visitors a unique look at how this part of the country got its rise in the citrus industry. Fascinatingly, it was all started by just two orange trees sent to a private resident by the U.S. Department of Agriculture back in 1873 — but you’ll learn all that and more when you visit for yourself!

Mt. San Jacinto State Park

Covering a sprawling 14,000 acres and named for its tallest peak, which stretches a stunning 10,834 above sea level, Mt. San Jacinto Park is also home to sub-alpine forests, a variety of granite peaks, and miles of hiking and equestrian trails winding their way through meadows lined with ferns. In fact, the Pacific Crest Trail runs through this park!

Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

Forests, mountains, and the stunning lake that is its namesake characterize Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, a preserve with almost 1,000 acres of water alone. The recreation area is open and available for both day-use purposes and overnight stays, which can be arranged at one of the many available campsites in the park. Campgrounds and picnic areas are dog-friendly, though pups must stay clear of the beaches and the lake water.

Wildwood Canyon State Park

Open for day use only from sunrise to sunset, Wildwood Canyon State Park is an intriguing place to visit — especially for those interested in both outdoor recreation and history. Along with providing a great place to view and encounter a range of wildlife, such as bobcats, bears, gray foxes and a wide range of birds, historic buildings also remain in the park dating back to the 1930s and 40s.

Whether or not you head out to one of the state parks or preserves that are scattered across southern California, there are some amazing places to get out and become familiar with the landscape on foot. Here are some of the best hiking trails in and around Norco.

The Power House

Short and easy, but with a great payoff, The Power House is a local one-mile, relatively flat trail that leads visitors to a turn-of-the-century hydroelectric station — which has been gratuitously covered over with graffiti. This trail is also frequented by horses, and reviewers mention that there’s not much shade… so be sure to bring lots of sun protection!

Santa Ana Riverwalk Trail

Running about six miles out and back and seeing a little over 100 feet in elevation gain the whole time, the Santa Ana Riverwalk Trail offers both a dirt and paved pathway which wind alongside each other, making it a great option whether you’re walking, running, cycling, pushing a stroller, or seeing the world from a wheelchair. Passing over creeks and around beautiful forested and residential areas, this is a great spot to grab some fresh air or a workout.

Norco Mountain via Powerline Road

Offering sweeping views for a relatively small effort, Norco Mountain via Powerline Road runs about 2.5 miles altogether and sees a little under 600 feet in elevation gain, which means you’ll definitely feel it as a bit of a workout, but nothing too extreme. Along with hiking, this trail is also popular amongst trail runners trying to get in a quick sweat session.

Beacon Hill via Neil Snipes Park

A loop of a little less than 1.5 miles and seeing just under 350 feet of elevation gain, Beacon HIll via Neil Snipes Park is a trail that’s friendly for beginners, but still challenging enough to make it feel worth your while. Offering some beautiful valley views as well as wildflowers in the springtime, this hike is also used by trail runners and is accessible year-round.

Pumpkin Rock Trail

Heavily trafficked — but popular for good reason — Pumpkin Rock Trail is a short but fairly steep hike seeing a little less than two miles in length and about 400 feet in elevation gain. As its name suggests, the hike leads to a festively painted rock made to look like a Halloween pumpkin.

With all the fun things to see and do in Norco, you’re gonna need a meal — or several — to fuel you up and keep you going! Here are some of the best places to grab a bite in Norco.

Fillippi’s Pizza Grotto Norco

Yes, it’s a chain… but Fillippi’s Pizza Grotto got that famous and widespread for a reason. Serving up delicious, generously-sized pies as well as a variety of other Italian favorites from salads to steaks to pasta dishes and more, this restaurant is a surefire way to please everyone in your party. Buon appetito!

Shobu Sushi

Although Norco is about as far from Japan as it’s possible to get, you can still enjoy delicious and authentic sushi while you’re in town. Shobu Sushi serves up some of the best rolls, nigiri and sashimi anywhere in southern California, and they also offer tempura and other Asian dishes as well.

Loco Burrito

Looking for late-night comfort food — or just one of the best Mexican restaurants Norco has to offer? Loco Burrito is a local institution renowned for its piled-high burritos, street tacos, tortas, “loco dogs” and more. You can even get a plate of carne asada fries… which we have to admit is a great hangover cure.

Pho Amor

There’s nothing like a delicious, hot bowl of pho when you’re looking for something wholesome and comforting. Pho Amor serves up a wide range of noodle soups, including beef, chicken, and seafood options, all of which are made without MSG and using locally sourced ingredients.

Black Horse Tavern & Grill

A laid-back pub environment serving up some comforting, but elevated favorites (think Philly cheese with prime rib, voodoo shrimp pasta, and hanger steak & eggs for breakfast or lunch), Black Horse Tavern & Grill is one of the best-loved restaurants in Norco of any variety, and will leave you feeling satisfied and completely at home.

Tucked close enough to LA to offer some exciting urban adventures, but far enough away to get a little western and wild too, Norco offers plenty of fun things to see, do, and explore. Here are some of our favorites.

For Kids and Families

Got the kids along for the adventure? Here are some spots not to miss. 

SilverLakes Equestrian and Sports Park

Sports, entertainment, concerts, an on-site restaurant — so much is going on at SilverLakes Equestrian and Sports Park, it’s hard to say where to start. One thing’s for sure: you and your kids will have an equally awesome time, no matter what brings you to this all-inclusive event venue.

SoCal Mini Pigs

Your kids might be more consistent about asking for a puppy than a mini pig… but that might be because they haven’t yet visited SoCal Mini Pigs and have the chance to socialize with these ridiculously cute critters. While you can take one home, you don’t have to in order to enjoy yourself here; farm tours are also available!

Big Air Trampoline Park Corona

Want to make sure your kids get a good night of sleep… which means you will, too? Big Air Trampoline Park is the place to take them to ensure they bounce themselves into oblivion, and is also an excellent choice for birthday parties and other events. Even the grown-ups might want to get in on the fun!

At Night

We’ve covered some of the fun things to do in Norco during the daytime… but don’t worry, you won’t be bored after night falls, either. Here are just a few things to check out after night falls, whether you’re searching for things for couples to do in Norco, or a place to get out on your own.

Panana Night Market

Food truck fairs are so often considered daytime activities — so why not check out Panana Night Market, where you get to enjoy a wide range of delicious (and Instagrammable) eats after the sun has gone down. Live music is also performed, adding to the ambiance and making for a fun and festive atmosphere.

Saddle Sore Museum

Looking for the kind of bar where you feel at home, but never bored? Where you can enjoy a delicious beer or a hand-made cocktail alongside some hearty pub bites? Saddle Sore Museum has all of that… and live music on a regular basis. Highly recommended for date night.

Cheap Things to Do in Norco

Want to explore Norco without spending an arm and a leg to do it? Here are some cheap options to help you get acquainted with town on a budget.

Juan Pollo McDonald’s Museum

The neighboring town of San Bernardino is the site of the original McDonald’s — and you can visit the site where it first started operating all the way back in 1948. You can even see props and costumes from the film that documented this story, The Founder.

Riverside Art Walk

A monthly gathering of local artists and craftspeople taking place on the first Thursday of every month between 6 and 9 p.m., the Riverside Arts Walk is a beloved event that celebrates the rich arts community of Riverside and the entire Inland Empire. Many of the galleries also put out light hors d'oeuvres and host live entertainment.

Free Things to Do in Norco

Yes, there are some things to see and do in Norco that cost you no money whatsoever.

Riverwalk Park

Offering a disc golf course, playground, walking paths, picnic pavilion and more, Riverwalk Park is a great neighborhood park for those looking to get outside and enjoy the southern California sunshine completely free of charge. This park is also accessible via the Santa Ana Riverwalk Trail.

Go to the Beach

Hey, it’s not close… but it is beautiful and available! Southern California is home to a wide variety of beautiful beach fronts, many of which are just a couple of hours from the Inland Empire and Norco. 

Best Gyms & Yoga Studios

The gym is about so much more than how you look — it’s about what you feel like as you walk through your world and your life. Here are some of the best gyms and yoga studios in and around the Norco area for those looking to work up a healthy sweat.

Crunch Fitness - Corona

A full-service gym offering cardio machines, strength equipment, personal training, group classes, and everything else you need to get to your goals as quickly as possible, Crunch Fitness - Corona is a local go-to for folks ready to shape up and get stronger.

MyGym Norco

Want to get your kids walking along a healthy path from the very start? At MyGym Norco, you can learn fun and effective activities for children of all ages, even babies — as well as host a great birthday party or participate in camp, in the case of older kids.

Anahata Yoga

Offering hatha yoga practices suited for all levels, from bare-bones beginners to intermediate yogis who may have some experience under their belts, Anahata Yoga is worth the drive into Riverside. Classes are taught by the talented and empathetic Jessa Tarbert, who also does energy work and vibrational sound healing.

While there’s certainly no shortage of stuff to keep you busy in Norco, if you’re feeling the need to get out of time, there are options for that, too. Here are some great day trips to take if you’re calling Norco home base.

Joshua Tree National Park

Named for the unique plant specimens that dot this surreal landscape — which are not actually trees, by the way, but giant succulents! — Joshua Tree National Park spans over 1,200 miles of southern California, and is known for its beautiful desert vistas. Located on top of a number of parallel fault lines, the park has been shaped over centuries and centuries.

Palm Springs

A common and indulgent weekend getaway for folks from across the Los Angeles metro, Palm Springs is known for its hot springs, spas, stylish boutique hotels, and golf courses. It’s also a great place to call home base as you explore the variety of outdoor activities in the area, such as hiking and horseback riding.

San Diego

Just over an hour south of Norco, San Diego offers a whole new look at southern California, with endless sandy beaches, stony coves, and, of course, Balboa Park. The San Diego Zoo is well worth visiting in and of itself, especially if you have kids, and is just the start of things to see and do in this city. Not a bad drive for such an amazing destination! Check out our guide before you go!

As a final reminder, some of these activities may need to wait until businesses fully reopen from coronavirus closures. However, there is still much to see and experience in Norco that you can enjoy today! What are your favorite spots in Norco? Send them our way to [email protected] or by tagging us on Instagram @rvshare and using the hashtag #rvsharelocal!