STRATEGIC LOCATION FOR CCW PERMIT
RIVERSIDE COUNTY ACCESSIBILITY & APPEAL
Riverside County sits at the crossroads of Southern California,
making it one of the most accessible and practical counties for non-residents
seeking a California Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit.
Riverside County offers quick access to California’s largest population centers and key destinations:
- Los Angeles – ~60 miles west (~1–1.5 hrs)
- San Diego – ~90 miles south (~1.5–2 hrs)
- Orange County – ~50 miles southwest (~1 hr)
- Palm Springs & Coachella Valley – Within county lines
- Inland Empire Corridor – Shared with San Bernardino County
This proximity allows CCW permit holders to easily travel
across Southern California with both convenience and
legal coverage throughout all of California.
Although Riverside County itself is inland, it sits less than 1.5 hours from the Pacific Coast, giving non-residents quick access to:
- South Bay Beaches (Torrance, Redondo, Hermosa, Manhattan)
- Long Beach
- Huntington Beach
- Newport Beach
- Laguna Beach
- San Clemente, Carlsbad
- Oceanside and San Diego Coastlines
For RV travelers, family visitors, or outdoorsmen, this makes Riverside a perfect home base for day trips or extended coastal stays.
- Firearms-Friendly Attitude: More permissive and cooperative than counties like Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Santa Clara and other counties with less streamlined processes.
- Streamlined Application: Many applicants report a faster, clearer, and more respectful process with Riverside County Sheriff. Application and Issuance fees are 2 to 3 times less expensive and processing is more streamlined than a majority of other counties. Riverside processing fees, in total, are about $200 and can be processed in weeks instead of months.
- Flexible for Non-Residents: Designed to work for travelers, business professionals, and second-home owners and responsibly armed citizens.
- Positioned for Mobility: Riverside offers the best option for traveling while carrying for self-defense in and throughout California.
Choosing Riverside County means selecting accessibility, firearms-friendliness, and strategic convenience — all critical factors when weighing where to apply for your non-resident CCW in California.
Riverside County, located in Southern California, encompasses a diverse array of cities, each offering unique attractions and events. Below is a list of notable cities within the county, along with their top destinations and annual events
1. RIVERSIDE
Top Destinations:
- Mission Inn Museum: A historic hotel featuring stunning architecture and rich history.
- Mount Rubidoux Park: A popular spot for hiking with panoramic views of the city.
- California Citrus State Historic Park: A park dedicated to preserving the history of California's citrus industry.
Annual Events:
- Annual Events: Festival of Lights: An annual holiday celebration at the Mission Inn, featuring millions of lights and festive activities.
1. PALM SPRINGS
Top Destinations:
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: : The world's largest rotating tramcar offering breathtaking views of the Chino Canyon.
- Palm Springs Art Museum: A museum showcasing contemporary art, natural science, and performing arts
- California Citrus State Historic Park: A park dedicated to preserving the history of California's citrus industry.
Annual Events:
- Palm Springs International Film Festival: A renowned event celebrating the best in cinema from around the world.
3. TEMECULA
Top Destinations:
- Temecula Valley Wine Country: Home to numerous wineries offering tastings and tours.
- Old Town Temecula: A historic district featuring antique shops, boutiques, and restaurants.
Annual Events:
- Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival: An event combining hot air ballooning, wine tasting, and live entertainment.
4. INDIO
Top Destinations:
- Coachella Valley History Museum: A museum dedicated to preserving the history of the Coachella Valley.
Annual Events:
- Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival: A world-famous music festival featuring major artists and art installations.
- Stagecoach Music Festival: Annual County Music Festival bringing top acts and music-lovers together at the Empire Polo Club
5. CORONA
Top Destinations:
- Corona Heritage Park & Museum: A site preserving the city's history with museums and gardens.
Annual Events:
- Corona Lemon Festival: Celebrating the city's citrus heritage with food, entertainment, and activities.
6. MORENO VALLEY
Top Destinations:
- Box Springs Mountain Reserve Park: Offers hiking trails with scenic views and wildlife observation.
Annual Events:
- Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks Show: A community celebration featuring a parade and fireworks display.
7. LAKE ELSINORE
Top Destinations:
- Lake Elsinore: The largest natural freshwater lake in Southern California, popular for boating and fishing.County of Riverside, CA |
Annual Events:
- Lake Elsinore Grand Prix: A historic off-road motorcycle race attracting participants nationwide
8. HEMET
Top Destinations:
- Western Science Center: A museum featuring Ice Age fossils and Native American artifacts.
Annual Events:
- Renaissance Faire: An event recreating a 16th-century English village with performances and vendors.
9. MURRIETA
Top Destinations:
- Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve: A reserve offering hiking trails through diverse ecosystems.
Annual Events:
- Murrieta Rod Run: A classic car show featuring vintage vehicles.
These cities and events highlight the rich cultural tapestry and diverse attractions that Riverside County has to offer
- Banning
- Beaumont
- Blythe
- Calimesa
- Canyon Lake
- Cathedral City
- Coachella
- Corona
- Desert Hot Springs
- Eastvale
- Hemet
- Indian Wells
- Indio
- Jurupa Valley
- Lake Elsinore
- La Quinta
- Menifee
- Moreno Valley
- Murrieta
- Norco
- Palm Desert
- Palm Springs
- Perris
- Rancho Mirage
- Riverside (city)
- San Jacinto
- Temecula
- Wildomar
