Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Perris, California

Perris is a city with a population of approximately 80,000, located within the Perris Valley area of Riverside County. While it is regarded as a suburb of the larger urban center of adjoining Riverside, Perris provides a more tranquil atmosphere, allowing for ample space to partake in a plethora of outdoor endeavors, including the aerial sports that the region is recognized for.

The city is also noted for its picturesque Lake Perris and enjoys a favorable climate characterized by warm summers and brief, mild winters.

Perris features numerous parks, museums, dining establishments, and shopping venues, such as Plaza de Perris and Perris Crossing. The major metropolitan areas of Los Angeles and San Diego are situated less than a two-hour drive away.

A variety of festivals and events occur in Perris throughout the year, including the Southern California Fair and the Halloween Harvest Festival.

Outlined below are 15 notable activities to pursue in and around Perris, California.

1. Relax in nature at Lake Perris State Recreation Area

Traveling can be demanding, and upon arrival in Perris, you may prefer to unwind and recover from your journey. Lake Perris State Recreation Area is an ideal location to either relax or engage in various outdoor activities.

Spend a leisurely day boating on the serene waters of Lake Perris or visit the Bernasconi Beach area to sunbathe or float on the calm surface of the lake.

For those seeking something more adventurous, explore the numerous hiking trails in the park and watch for wildlife. Head to Big Rock for rock climbing opportunities.

2. Get a history lesson at the Perris Valley Historical Museum

The Perris Valley Historical Museum offers visitors insight into the history and culture of Perris and its surroundings. The museum’s mission is to acquire and conserve this history for both local residents and visitors eager to learn about the area.

During your visit, you may choose to explore the museum independently or opt for a guided tour. As you navigate through the exhibits, you will encounter numerous artifacts, artworks, documents, and photographs that narrate the story of Perris Valley and its inhabitants.

3. Enjoy a delicious all-American meal at Jenny’s Family Restaurant

Jenny’s Family Restaurant offers a menu that caters to all family members.

For over 15 years, this establishment has been providing some of the finest comfort food in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.

Choose from their popular breakfast menu available all day, or select from a wide array of appetizers, sandwiches, salads, soups, and entrees, such as fried chicken, ground beef steak, and chicken strip dinner. Desserts are also provided.

4. Go on the ultimate adventure at Skydive Perris

Visitors to Perris have the opportunity to engage in an extraordinary and exhilarating skydiving experience through Skydive Perris.

This center boasts one of the largest skydiving facilities globally, and for over 40 years, this family-operated business has enabled individuals of all ages and experience levels to realize their dreams of flying high above the landscape. The staff are dedicated professionals committed to ensuring the safety of all participants.

If you are not quite prepared for an actual jump, Perris Indoor Skydiving features a skydiving simulator that allows you to experience the sensation of free-fall from a plane. For those preferring to watch, you can safely observe others skydiving from the ground.

5. Check out the races at the Perris Auto Speedway

Since its inception in 1996, the Perris Auto Speedway has showcased a diverse array of automobile races at its state-of-the-art racetrack.

The half-mile clay oval track features an elevated back, allowing spectators to safely view the races. Whether you are a fan of Sprint Cars or American Factory Stocks, this is an excellent location for entertainment and excitement.

6. Cool off on hot days at Diamond Valley Lake Aquatic Center

During the summer months, temperatures can soar, prompting both visitors and locals to seek relief at the Diamond Valley Lake Aquatic Center in nearby Hemet, which features a spacious outdoor swimming pool suitable for all ages, complete with water toys and a slide.

A water fountain, pickleball courts, and picnic areas are also available. Additionally, several walking trails traverse scenic landscapes populated with diverse flora and fauna.

7. Learn About trains at the Southern California Railway Museum

Regardless of your level of fascination with trains, the Southern California Railway Museum provides an enjoyable and interactive educational experience for all visitors.

This museum boasts the region’s largest collection of railway artifacts, some of which date back to the 1870s.

As you navigate through the exhibits, you will discover an extensive range of items related to trains and the historical development of rail travel. The site is also home to more than 200 authentic locomotives, streetcars, freight cars, passenger cars, and interurban electric cars. Notably, visitors have the opportunity to ride on select operational vehicles within the museum railway.

8. Feast on authentic Mexican cuisine at Casa Jimenez

At Casa Jimenez in Perris, even the most discerning diners will find an array of delectable options at this welcoming establishment.

Offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, the menu primarily features seafood and authentic Mexican cuisine prepared with the highest quality and freshest ingredients.

An extensive menu presents various appetizers, salads, burritos, tacos, and enchiladas, in addition to entrees, including bistec ranchero, bistec y huevos, and fajitas de camarón.

9. Enjoy live entertainment at the Hemet Theater

The Hemet Theater, constructed in 1921, is a stunning venue located in downtown Hemet. It showcases unique architecture, captivating decor, and retains many original features. Throughout the year, this theater accommodates a variety of events, including plays, concerts, community gatherings, and screenings of classic films.

10. Visit the Ya’i Heki’ Regional Indian Museum

The Ya’i Heki’ Regional Indian Museum allows visitors to delve into the Native American history of the region and the native tribes of Southern California.

The exhibits on-site provide insights into the culture of the area’s indigenous peoples through artifacts and documents narrating their extensive history.

A separate exhibit showcases the native flora and fauna of the region, resembling the bio-region that early settlers encountered upon their arrival. Guided tours of the museum also offer a comprehensive walkthrough of the exhibits and an opportunity for Native American craft-making or traditional games.

11. Learn About rural living at Mr. Joe’s Farm

Mr. Joe’s Farm serves multiple roles: it is a family residence, an animal sanctuary, and an educational venue for those interested in rural living.

The farm features various attractions, including a petting zoo and interactive activities for younger guests. As you explore the property, you will gain knowledge on small-space gardening, healthy lifestyles, and rural living. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to meet Mr. Joe and his wife, who will share insights into their agricultural lifestyle.

Before departing, visitors can purchase eggs, goat milk, sheep wool, and alpaca fiber.

12. Enjoy a unique learning experience at the Western Science Center

The Western Science Center provides an enjoyable and educational experience for visitors of all ages through its array of interactive attractions and exhibits.

As you explore the museum, you will encounter various fossils discovered near Diamond Valley Lake, including Max the Mastodon, Xena the Colombian Mammoth, and a recreation of a fossil excavation site. Additionally, you can even create your own fossil at the hands-on exhibits.

A variety of events are hosted throughout the year, including Science Under the Stars.

13. Admire classic airplanes at the Wings of Valor

The Wings of Valor is an intriguing museum dedicated to the history of aviation and the aircraft that made it possible.

The on-site hangars house a vast collection of vintage aircraft, including a Great Lakes Aircraft Company 2t-1A Sport Trainer and a PT-17 Boeing Stearman.

The highlight of the museum is that visitors can arrange to take flight on an aircraft of their choosing. You can select from various types of planes and, while aboard, you will learn about the mechanics and operation of the aircraft.

14. Sample local craft beer at the Mason Jar Brewing Company

The Mason Jar Brewing Company, located in nearby Menifee, invites visitors to sample award-winning craft beers.

Experience a variety of unique brews, including a dark chocolate raspberry stout named Raz-Ma-Taz or the Howling Cow Coffee Pumpkin Spice Stout. Delight in your choice while relaxing in the casual taproom environment.