Sycamore Canyon Canyon Springs - Riverside, CA Area Guide

Moreno Valley came into existence in December 1984 as a combination of three former cities incorporated into one entity. The actual settlement started when a water pipeline came through the area in 1890. The U.S. Army built an air field in 1918 as a training base for pilots until after World War II. In 1993, March Air Field became a reserve base and a museum that houses more than 70 vintage aircraft from several eras of flight.

Riverside International Raceway hosted regular NASCAR races from 1957 to 1989 just east of the neighborhood. Construction crews turned that site into Moreno Valley Mall, the city's first retail destination, in 1992.

Moreno Valley prides itself on a lively arts scene. Connect with Artober Fest every October, the Moreno Valley Master Chorale, or the Moreno Valley Cultural Arts Foundation.

The city of Moreno Valley has almost everything you need when it comes to eating out or enjoying a relaxing night after work. Ethnic eateries in the city include American, Italian, Chinese, Mexican, and a lot of Thai selections. Several fast food and casual chains also exist near Sycamore Canyon. Most of the restaurants in the area sit just to the east of the neighborhood along Alessandro, Sunnymead, or Perris Boulevards.

Residents rave about Sonora Grill, a strip mall establishment that serves big, meaty hot dogs and Mexican street favorites alongside craft beer. Grab a huge basket of carne asada fries piled high with meat and topped with equal portions of pico de gallo, sour cream, and guacamole. Order the Heartbreaker, a foot-long hot dog wrapped in bacon, or go for a dog covered in beans, grilled onions, diced tomatoes, mayo, mustard, and jalapeno sauce. Wash your meal down with one of the best craft beer selections in Moreno Valley.

Joe's Italian Restaurant started serving authentic Italian food to Moreno Valley residents back in 1980. The casual, cafe-like atmosphere continues to impress residents even after all these years. Staffers make pizza crusts crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside while heaping a ton of toppings onto each pie. The Mob Boss fulfills your meat cravings thanks to piles of pepperoni, salami, meatballs, Canadian bacon, and sausage. Hearty pasta dinners include spaghetti, your choice of sauce, and meats such as shrimp, ham, bacon, or meatballs. Specialty dishes include pasta with veal, chicken, seafood, or steak.

Martha's Kitchen specializes in Southern comfort foods, barbecue, and simply some of the best dishes in town. The place has a budget menu for families on the go. The smothered pork chops remain a great choice for your first visit and ensure that you come back for more. Check out the rest of your Southern favorites, such as jambalaya, fried chicken, dirty rice, and cornbread. The food may take a while to reach your table, but chefs cook it fresh to order.

A few bars and lounges typify nightlife near Sycamore Canyon. Naim's Lounge and Hookah Bar on Alessandro Boulevard opens from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. every night for your enjoyment. Regular DJs spin the latest tunes while you sit back and enjoy the wall art. Plenty of TVs, lounge chairs, and servers await you as you relax after a long day at work. Shark Bar represents your closest neighborhood sports bar with billiards, TVs, and karaoke.

For live music, head west to Riverside for several hot spots. Check out Duke's Bar and Grill or Lake Alice Trading Company. Head north to Rialto for Raquel's Jazz Lounge to enjoy live jazz and blues.

Make sure to have working, motorized transportation in Sycamore Canyon because of the long, winding roads. Find plenty of free public parking spaces at businesses, parks, and government buildings in Moreno Valley.

Eucalyptus Avenue and Sycamore Canyon Boulevard have bicycle lanes if you choose to get some exercise. Fair Isle Drive, to the north, also has a bike lane through the residential neighborhood. Feel free to pedal through residential streets or take walks along the many sidewalks.

A few taxi services come into Moreno Valley from Riverside. You can also call for an Uber ride anywhere in the Inland Empire area. Easily access Interstate 215 and the Moreno Valley Freeway via on-ramps at Eucalyptus Avenue.

The Riverside Transit Agency has several routes with stops at nearby Moreno Valley Mall. Once you reach downtown Riverside, catch a train into downtown Los Angeles for a day filled with urban adventure.

Head to Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park for an outdoor adventure that revolves around hiking among nature's treasures. Discover the many plants, birds, squirrels, rabbits, and even coyotes as you walk the nature trails there. Hike to the top of Box Springs Mountain to enjoy a more strenuous walk up 3,000 feet.

Sycamore Highlands Park, towards the northwest corner of the neighborhood, features playgrounds, paved trails, and open spaces for kids to play. Feel free to bring your leashed dog for some puppy play time. Locals believe this park harbors the best spot to view sunsets in all of Moreno Valley on top of the crested hill.

The MoVal Rocks concert series provides free live music during the summer behind the Moreno Valley Conference & Recreation Center. See some of the best local bands one night per week from mid-June to late July.

A one-bedroom apartment runs you approximately $1,170 per month in this neighborhood. Living costs less in Sycamore Canyon than in downtown Los Angeles, mainly due to lower housing expenses.

Expect to pay around $4 to $5 for a pint during happy hour specials at a local bar. Gas prices typically run around nine percent higher than the national average. A day pass on RTA buses costs $4 to go anywhere in the system, including downtown Riverside on your way to L.A.

A huge shopping center complex sits just north and east of Sycamore Canyon. This retail hub contains high-value national chain stores such as Wal-Mart Supercenter, Toys "R" Us, Best Buy, and Target. Moreno Valley Mall has several high-end retailers including Bath & Body Works, New York & Company, Champs Sports, and Forever 21. You have to travel to other parts of Moreno Valley to find local specialty shops.

Out of My Kloset represents a unique experience in Moreno Valley. This fashion truck makes stops all over Inland Empire for outdoor events, private parties, and community gatherings. Check back often for the latest denim fashions, accessories, jewelry, footwear, and dresses in stock.

Dollar Book Fair in Moreno Valley Mall specializes in gently-used books on all subjects at bargain prices. This local gem also hosts summer storytimes for kids with your favorite book or comic book character.

Aside from the Wal-Mart Supercenter, WinCo Foods on Day Street and Superior Grocers on Sunnymead Boulevard remain the nearest grocery stores to Sycamore Canyon. If you want fresh, locally-grown produce, head to Riverside Downtown Farmers Market every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to find fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowering plants.