Downtown Riverside pairs historic charm with cultural experiences around every corner. The iconic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa anchors this walkable district with its enchanting Spanish Revival architecture. Catch a show at the Fox Performing Arts Center, explore fascinating exhibits at the Metropolitan Museum, or simply stroll along Mission Inn Avenue admiring preserved landmarks.
Dining options range from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, with outdoor seating perfect for people-watching. Getting around is easy on foot, with wide sidewalks connecting major attractions. The area comes alive during seasonal festivals that showcase local artists and musicians throughout the riverfront neighborhood.
Arlington's tree-lined streets offer a slice of authentic suburban California life away from tourist crowds. Victoria Avenue's iconic palm canopies create dramatic shadows over historic mansions while California Citrus State Historic Park lets you wander through fragrant orange groves. Kids will love nearby Castle Park Amusement Park and the Galleria at Tyler mall provides air-conditioned retail therapy.
Family-friendly chain restaurants and casual eateries dot the neighborhood with standard American fare and Mexican influences. A car is essential for exploring this residential area, though the wide suburban streets make parking a breeze. Accommodations are primarily vacation rentals and bed & breakfasts that give you a genuine feel of local living.
The University neighborhood in Riverside surrounds UC Riverside's sprawling campus with its academic energy and lush outdoor spaces. Students mingle with visitors at the 40-acre Botanic Gardens, where desert landscapes and rare plant collections create peaceful walking paths. The iconic Bell Tower and outdoor sculptures punctuate tree-lined quads that welcome curious explorers seeking a blend of learning and leisure.
Budget-friendly cafes and diverse food trucks cater to student schedules with affordable Mexican and Asian cuisine. While accommodations are mainly basic motels and extended-stay properties, they offer good value. Getting around is easiest on foot or bicycle, with well-maintained sidewalks connecting the campus to nearby residential areas.
Magnolia Center
The Magnolia Center neighborhood in Riverside blends suburban comfort with practical amenities. Shop at the Riverside Plaza or cruise down palm-lined Magnolia Avenue with the San Bernardino Mountains creating a stunning backdrop. Families appreciate the low-key parks with playgrounds and sports fields where local life unfolds without tourist crowds.
Chain restaurants serving Mexican, Asian, and American fare dot the area alongside practical shopping options. Mid-range hotels cater to business travelers and families seeking a convenient base. With excellent freeway access and ample parking, Magnolia Center works perfectly for travelers wanting an authentic slice of Southern California suburban living.
Canyon Crest
Canyon Crest in Riverside offers a peaceful retreat with suburban charm and outdoor adventure right at your doorstep. The nearby Box Springs Mountain Reserve beckons with hiking trails and panoramic views, while the University of California Riverside Botanic Gardens showcase stunning native plants. Community parks dot the neighborhood, perfect for morning strolls or afternoon picnics away from downtown's hustle.
Dining options cluster near the university corridor with casual cafes and family-friendly restaurants. Most travelers opt for vacation rentals or bed-and-breakfasts nestled among the tree-lined streets. A car is recommended for exploring, as public transit is limited despite the area's clean sidewalks and quiet residential atmosphere.
You can get tickets for a performance at Fox Performing Arts Center during your trip to Riverside. Wander the area's riverfront or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
After visiting Mount Rubidoux Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Riverside. Stroll along the area's riverfront, or simply savor its top-notch restaurants.
If you'd like to get a taste of Riverside student life, check out University of California, Riverside in University. Why not take a stroll along the riverfront and watch the sunset while you're here?
If you'd like to get a taste of Riverside student life, check out California Baptist University, located 4.7 mi (7.5 km) from central Riverside. Our travelers also like this historical area for its riverfront setting.
Riverside Convention Center is worth a pic or two when discovering Downtown Riverside. Why not take a stroll along the riverfront and watch the sunset while you're here?
Though Kaiser Permanente Hospital Riverside might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Riverside while you are here.
Explore the historic Mission Inn, a sprawling architectural marvel with hidden gardens and whimsical details. Wander through the fragrant citrus groves at California Citrus State Historic Park, learning about the area's orange-growing legacy.
"Very decent property and great customer service! Shout out to David at the front desk and the rest of the team. He made the check in process so seamless and the entire team made us feel truly welcome throughout our stay. The complimentary breakfast is also really good too."
"Property seems to have been recently renovated. Very clean and well equipped if you have a long stay. Full size fridge, stovetop, microwave and dishwasher. Plus all the kitchen necessities, i.e. pots, pans, dishes, utensils, etc. I travel for work and it’s conveniently located to the airport. I’ve stayed here twice and will again. "
"Really enjoyed this property and will be back. It was clean, great parking, tucked off on its own, yet surrounded by walkable eateries and other shopping. The staff was kind which is a rare type in customer service these days. The food was standard."
"We enjoyed our stay overall. The bed was large and comfortable. Room was clean and spacious. Ample parking. Front desk people were friendly but not informed about the EV charging. Only one usb b (no c) port in the room. Pool was clean and warm and located at the adjacent hotel but not too far to walk over. We ordered tacos but they’re small and ok. Breakfast was decent. Nothing within walking distance so it’s a place to relax. We didn’t use the spa so not different from the Aryes hotel I think. "
You can find top hotels in Riverside from $68 with options to suit your budget and needs. If you're looking for an affordable hotel in Riverside that meets all of your requirements, just sort hotels by "Price: low to high" after applying your filters when searching on Hotels.com. If you're a member, don't forget to sign in to your account to unlock more savings.
How can I find deals and earn rewards at Riverside hotels?
Members can save up to 20% on select hotels in Riverside. Plus, Silver, Gold and Platinum members earn extra rewards on VIP Access bookings, making each stay even more rewarding.
Can I book Riverside hotels with free cancellation?
It's easy to book a refundable Riverside hotel on Hotels.com. Simply filter hotels by "Property cancellation options" and select "Fully refundable property". Many hotels offer free cancellation, so you can receive a refund if you need to cancel. Some hotels do require cancelling more than 24 hours before check-in, so double-check your booking beforehand.
What are the top-rated luxury hotels in Riverside?
One of the most popular luxury hotels in Riverside is The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is a luxury hotel with a high guest rating amongst our travelers, and it offers an outdoor pool, a full-service spa and a hot tub.
What are some top pet-friendly hotels in Riverside?
Consider one of our travelers' favorite pet-friendly hotels in Riverside:
If you're traveling with your pup, visit a local dog park like Grand Terrace Dog Park. You can check "Pet friendly" on the Hotels.com "Amenities" filter in your search to find even more pet-friendly hotels in Riverside.
What are some of the best hotels in Riverside for couples?
Enjoy your couple's retreat with a stay at a top-rated Riverside romantic hotel. Our travelers love The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, a hotel in Downtown Riverside with an al fresco restaurant and an outdoor pool. Another romantic hotel with top reviews is Marriott Riverside at the Convention Center. This hotel can be found in Downtown Riverside with a restaurant and an outdoor pool for a perfect stay. Use the "Traveler experience" filter in your search and select "Adults only" or "Romantic" to find even more hotels in Riverside for couples on Hotels.com.
What are some of the best kid-friendly hotels in Riverside?
One of the best Riverside hotels for kids is The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is a kid-friendly hotel in Downtown Riverside with a guest score of 8.6 out of 10, offering family-friendly amenities like an outdoor pool and a hot tub, plus high chairs in guestrooms. Find even more kid-friendly hotels in Riverside by using our "Family friendly" filter on Hotels.com when you search.
What are the top Riverside hotels with a pool?
For a little extra luxury, discover some of the best Riverside hotels with a pool. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is a great hotel in Downtown Riverside with an outdoor pool and a guest rating of 8.6 out of 10. Plus, you can make the most of its full-service spa and hot tub. Home2 Suites By Hilton Riverside Downtown is a popular hotel in Downtown Riverside that features a seasonal outdoor pool along with a free buffet breakfast and a 24-hour gym. To find more stays in Riverside with a pool, use the "Amenities" filter on Hotels.com in your search and select "Pool".
What are some of the best Riverside hotels with free parking?
If you're arriving by car, choosing a great Riverside hotel with free parking is a plus. Our travelers' favorites include:
Raincross Hotel: A hotel in Downtown Riverside with an average guest rating of 8.8 out of 10
What are some popular hotels in central Riverside?
If you're looking for hotels in central Riverside, check out Hampton Inn Riverside Downtown and The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. Travelers love Hampton Inn Riverside Downtown for its location, as well as the outdoor pool, free buffet breakfast and gym this hotel offers. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is another popular central hotel with an outdoor pool, a full-service spa and a hot tub. When you stay at one of these central hotels, you'll be in easy reach of top sights including California Baptist University. Downtown Riverside and Eastside are some of the most central neighborhoods for your Riverside vacation.
Are all taxes and fees included in the Riverside hotel prices shown on Hotels.com?
Hotels.com provides upfront pricing so you can relax knowing you won't be met with surprise additional fees or taxes when you're ready to confirm your booking. From the time you start your search on Hotels.com, the price you see is what you pay. This makes it much easier to compare properties and secure our best deal for your next getaway.
What accommodations do travelers like in Riverside?
Visitors really like Riverside, especially its riverfront, historical sites, and restaurants. Nature lovers can visit Mount Rubidoux Park and University of California Riverside Botanic Gardens. There's plenty more to see, including sights like Fox Performing Arts Center and Riverside Convention Center.
