Nestled in the heart of Riverside, this vibrant Inland Southern California city is more than just a place to live—it’s a destination worth exploring. Having called Riverside home since childhood, attending University of California, Riverside, and working for the city itself, I’ve experienced firsthand what makes this community so special.
Riverside blends rich history, scenic beauty, and a growing food and culture scene, making it an ideal spot for a weekend getaway. Whether you’re strolling through historic neighborhoods, discovering local attractions, or enjoying the laid-back Southern California vibe, Riverside offers something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a unique, under-the-radar California destination, Riverside deserves a spot on your travel list.
Downtown Riverside is famous for the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa. It’s always been an inn and never was a mission. It was built in 1903. What started out as Glenwood Tavern has grown into an AAA Four Diamond hotel and spa. Presidents have been married there (Nixon), honeymooned at the hotel (Regan) and just visited. It’s one of the first places that Arnold visited when he became the Governator of California.
Adding to the history, are the many large iron bells including one of the oldest bells in Christendom dating back to A.D. 1247. (You can find it in the lobby next to the concierge desk.)
Many famous writers have stayed at the Inn including Ann Rice who used the setting for her book Angel Time. Harry Houdini, Amelia Earhart, Bette Davis, Clark Gable, Cary Grant and Barbra Streisand along with Raquel Welch, Drew Barrymore, Bob Hope and Tears for Fears (whew) are just a few of the celebrities who have stayed here.
In early September, workers start putting up the more than 4.5 million twinkling lights that will be shining brightly along with 200 animated figurines singing Christmas carols the day after Thanksgiving until early January. Truly, the place gives Vegas a run for its money and the local utility company loves it.
Next door is the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture. The center is focused on the exhibition and study of Chicano art from across the United States. This is a collaborative effort between Cheech Marin, the City of Riverside and Riverside Art Museum.
So what else is there to do? Well, if you’re an early morning riser, I would suggest a walk up Mt. Rubidoux. You can see the mountain from Downtown and the walk is up but not extremely strenuous. If someone is dropping you off, you can access the path from the top of 9th Street. If you need to park, plan on using the parking lot at Ryan Bonaminio Park located at 5000 Tequesquite Ave. The walk is a total of 3 (or so) miles.
If you rather take the longer, easier way up, veer to the right when the trail splits. The trail to the left is shorter but also steeper. From the top, you can see all of Riverside and on a clear day, the San Gabriel Mountains.
Also, near the Downtown is Fairmount Park. The park was designed by the same firm who designed Central Park in New York and you can see similarities with a large lake, boat house, rose garden and trails that meander throughout.
If you are planning on a weekend, you might want to see what’s playing at the Fox Theater. This icon premiered Gone with the Wind in 1939. Nowadays, you can see people like George Thorogood, Jerry Seinfeld and Mannheim Steamroller.
There are also three (if you count the Mission Inn Museum) in Downtown. These in the Riverside Metropolitan Museum and the Riverside Art Museum. The all have various exhibits and displays. In Downtown, the architecture is beautiful with building well over 100 years old, including the Riverside Courthouse and churches.
If you’re a foodie, there are a number of places within walking distance of the Mission Inn to eat including a few within the Inn Duane’s is a high end steakhouse and Los Campanas offers delicious Mexican food along with huge margaritas. My favorite place by far is Mario’s Place. It’s across the street on Mission Inn Avenue and offers Italian cuisine. Their wine list is extensive and I usually just ask the wait staff for their suggestion. I will often just sit at the bar with a glass of red wine, a Leone salad (named after the founder and to die for) along with calamari, the best I’ve ever had.
Additionally, there is the local’s bar with music during the weekends- Lake Alice Trading Company (bar food) one block down;, Mezcal Cantina y Cocina (Mexican and an extensive Tequila list), to the west on the Main Street Mall near 8th Street; ProAbition (Whiskey, bar food, outdoor seating and weekend music)- go east on the Main Street Mall toward 6th Street. For breakfast and lunch, I like Simple Simon’s on the Main Street Mall between Mission Inn Ave. and 6th Street. My standby for eating there is the spinach stuffed croissant and tarragon chicken salad. Lastly, the Mission Inn also has an expensive but amazing Sunday brunch. Yum. Bon Appetit!
Lastly, Riverside’s wealth was built in the early 1900s on the Navel Orange and citrus industry when Eliza Tibbets brought three Navel Orange trees from Brazil. For this reason, the Citrus Heritage Park is in Riverside. Can you walk around the park and enjoy the 250 acres of citrus groves.
