Although I'm not normally a big fan of strip malls, there are a few in the area that do bring a sense of community and opportunities for the smaller businesses to co-exist alongside the "big guys." Canyon Crest Shopping Center, at the corner of Central Avenue and Canyon Crest Drive (just west of the I-215/60 freeways, near Moreno Valley in Riverside), is one of the ones that gets it right, in my opinion.
It's not large and sprawling. It's just about the right size to amble around for an hour or so, before or after eating. It's reasonably quiet and shady. There are a few "anchor stores" - a Bank of America, Ralph's supermarket and a Rite-Aid drugstore, as well as a Coldstone Creamery ice cream, Subway, etc. - but there are also smaller, independent, specialty and gift stores as well. A lot of attention has been placed on a pleasant atmosphere, with waterfalls, ponds and other landscaping (I love all the wisteria covering the walkways in the springtime here). At the least, it's a pleasant place to windowshop. Store hours vary - but if you aim for mid to late afternoon, you should find most of them open.
(Click on the small thumbnail pics to view them larger)
Here's a list of some of my favorite places to browse, hang-out or eat at while I'm there:
Coffee Roasters is a great place to sip your chai or mocha, while you sit and write or sketch, or just people-watch. Inside or out on the patio. They have free wi-fi access! Mon - Sat 6:30 am - 12 am. Sun 8:30 am - 10 pm.
Imagine That is a children's bookstore. Open Mon - Wed & Sat, 10am-6 pm. Thurs & Fri, 10am-8pm, Sun 12pm-5 pm. Storytime Saturdays are at 10:00 am.
There's also a Kid's Bookcklub (ages 10-12) that meets once a month. 
Ananda Books is a metaphysical/New Age bookstore that also has cool gift items. Mon - Fri, 11an-7pm, Sat, 10am- 8pm, Sun 11am-4pm.
The Gardener's Cottage and the Cook's Corner. LOTS of neat garden-y gifts and at one end, kitchen gadgets and gourmet items (this place has really grown! On my visit previous to this one, it was one small store - now it's taking up 3 storefronts). Fun place to browse. Mon - Sat, 10am - 6pm.
Romano's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria (click on their name to see their website and info).
Miyako Restaurant - Japanese cuisine - sushi, tempura, teriyaki and more. Mon-Sat 11am-9:30pm, Sun 3:30 - 9 pm.
A newer storefront that was fun to look into (for those who REALLY want to spoil their pets!) is Neiman-Barkus. A bit over the top - but kind of fun (this is the place you'd go, if you really thought Fifi's birthday wish was for a daybed :) or for the elderly or differently-abled dog - a pet stroller. There's also a more traditional petstore,
Michelle's Friends Pet Center, open Tues - Sat 9am - 6pm, Sun 11am-3pm, Mon 11am-6pm. There will be a dog obedience class starting there 09/07/06. Call (951) 683-7381 for more information.
The shopping center is currently undergoing some new construction towards the rear of the property, but all of the stores are open during construction (which didn't appear to be at all bothersome during my visit on a weekend).
There are other restaurants and stores, too, Papi's Tacos; Jammin' Bread; 42nd Street Bagel; Little Emperor Chinese and Thai; a Color Me Mine (a paint your own ceramics store), and more - but I'll let you explore those on your own. Happy window-shopping! 
This is one of my favorite places to refuel when window shopping at the Mission Inn, in downtown Riverside. It's open for breakfast and lunch only, but the bread and pastries are as fresh as can be - there's always something in the case at their deli and bakery counter that I just have to taste - this ginormous cheese danish is an example:
