UCR began as a Citrus Experiment Station in 1907 and the University still has large groves of citrus trees that infuse the campus with the fragrant aroma of orange blossoms in midwinter. Our spacious campus is nestled in the foothills of the Box Spring Mountains. The City of Riverside, established in 1870, is the cultural and economic center of the Inland Empire region of California. In 2004, Riverside was selected as one of America's top ten Most Livable Mid-sized Cities. The small-city feel and proximity to the large metropolitan areas of Los Angeles and San Diego allows UCR students to experience the best of both environments. Southern California beaches are within an hour's drive, or beat the traffic and take the Beach Train on summer weekends. For year round outdoor fun, the nearby San Bernadino mountains offer hiking, camping and downhill skiing, as well as the chance to relax on the shores of Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake. Within an hour's drive to the east are Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park, a great place for hiking, rock climbing and biking. For other types of adventure, southern California's famous theme parks, Disneyland, Magic Mountain, Universal Studios and Sea World are all nearby.