Riverside, CA

Travel Guide

A cityscape with a prominent church, palm trees, and a clear sky.
A cross on a hill overlooking a valley with a lake and distant mountains.
A mountainous landscape with dense forests and a clear sky.
A river winding through a desert landscape with mountains in the background.
A dirt road winding through a grassy field with mountains in the background.

Where to stay in Riverside

Find the best Riverside areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Riverside
Learn more about Riverside
A cityscape with a prominent church, palm trees, and a clear sky.

Downtown Riverside

Travelers to Downtown Riverside praise its stunning river views. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Fox Performing Arts Center and Fox Performing Arts Center.

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University

While visiting University, you might make a stop by sights like University of California Riverside Botanic Gardens and Box Springs Mountain Reserve Park.

A historic building with a dome and arched windows, surrounded by palm trees and a busy street with light trails.

Arlington

Arlington might not have many top sights, but Galleria at Tyler and Castle Park Amusement Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

A cityscape with palm trees, historic buildings, and modern skyscrapers.

Magnolia Center

When in Magnolia Center, you can plan a visit to Fox Performing Arts Center and Galleria at Tyler, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

A white building with arched windows and a staircase leading to a balcony.

Canyon Crest

While Canyon Crest might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Fox Performing Arts Center and University of California Riverside Botanic Gardens.

The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa

The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
3649 Mission Inn Ave Riverside CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$247 nightly
The price is $279 total per night from Nov 9 to Nov 10
$279 total
Nov 9 - Nov 10
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Riverside. Enjoy a full-service spa, 4 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
Best Western Corona Hotel & Suites

Best Western Corona Hotel & Suites

3.5 out of 5
1900 W. Frontage Rd Corona CA
$79 nightly
The price is $87 total per night from Nov 15 to Nov 16
$87 total
Nov 15 - Nov 16
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Corona. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
Best Western Corona Hotel & Suites
Hotel Xola

Hotel Xola

2.5 out of 5
24630 Sunnymead Boulevard Moreno Valley CA
$66 nightly
The price is $74 total per night from Dec 7 to Dec 8
$74 total
Dec 7 - Dec 8
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Moreno Valley. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.6/10 Good! (2,163 reviews)
"Doesn’t have amenities, broken windows from rooms, dirty carpet, poor Customer Service."

Reviewed on Nov 7, 2026

Hotel Xola
See all 467 properties in Riverside
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Harry's Man Cave: The New Star Motel Experience

Harry's Man Cave: The New Star Motel Experience

3 out of 5
13810 Old 215 Frontage Rd Moreno Valley CA
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Moreno Valley. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free airport drop-off. Popular attractions Round1 Bowling ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
"A very quaint little room with a cool retro style!"

Reviewed on Sep 14, 2026

Harry's Man Cave: The New Star Motel Experience
Lagonita Lodge

Lagonita Lodge

3 out of 5
183 Lagonita Ln Big Bear Lake CA
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Big Bear Lake. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,436 reviews)
"Balcony with full lake view. Beautiful homey clean and large room. Cable and wifi. Seperate bedroom with door full kitchen with pots and pans. Just amazing for the price. Will stay there always!"

Reviewed on Nov 7, 2026

Lagonita Lodge
7 Springs Inn & Suites

7 Springs Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
950 N Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs CA
Stay at this aparthotel in Palm Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4,201 reviews)
"Staff very friendly and helpful. Bathroom sink cracked and did not drain well at all. Hot water was inconsistent.carpet definitely needs to be replaced"

Reviewed on Nov 7, 2026

7 Springs Inn & Suites
See all properties in Riverside
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Riverside attractions

A mountainous landscape with a town in the valley.
Photo by Edward Nijst
Open Photo by Edward Nijst

University of California, Riverside

8.2/10 (1,003 reviews)
Explore the campus of University of California, Riverside, during your travels in Riverside. Amble around the area's riverfront or attend a sporting event.
See properties

Things to do

Aerial tram traveling high above the cliffs of Chino Canyon in California

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

$32
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Palm Springs Windmill Tours

Palm Springs Windmill Tours

$60
per traveler
100% of travellers recommend
Palm Springs Windmill Tours
Rancho Cucamonga: Escape Room Adventure Game

Rancho Cucamonga: Escape Room Adventure Game

$43
per adult
Rancho Cucamonga: Escape Room Adventure Game
See all activities in Riverside

Frequently asked questions

Is Riverside worth visiting?
Riverside is worth visiting for its standout attractions like the University of California, Riverside and Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa. Travelers can also explore distinct areas such as Downtown Riverside and La Sierra, and enjoy a diverse food scene featuring Latin American and Asian cuisine.
When is the best time to visit Riverside?
The best time to visit Riverside is from May through September, when the weather is warm and sunny. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of December through February are a good option, offering cooler weather.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in Riverside?
The best neighborhoods to explore in Riverside depend on what you want to see:

  • Downtown Riverside offers cultural attractions like the Riverside Metropolitan Museum and California Museum of Photography, along with entertainment at Fox Entertainment Plaza.
  • La Sierra is home to the Galleria at Tyler for shopping, La Sierra University, and Castle Park Amusement Park.
  • University features the University of California, Riverside campus, its Botanic Gardens, and the SRC Arena.
  • Ramona provides access to California Baptist University, the CBU Events Center, and the historic Heritage House.

What is Riverside known for?
Riverside is known for the University of California, Riverside, and for its Latin American food culture. Travelers can also visit Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa and Lake Perris. The area features neighborhoods like Downtown Riverside and La Sierra, offering a variety of experiences.
What is a good itinerary length for Riverside?
A good itinerary length for Riverside is two to three days to explore Downtown Riverside, visit the University of California, Riverside, and enjoy activities like a bar crawl or scavenger hunt. For an extended stay of four to five days, travelers can relax at Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa, spend time at Lake Perris, and delve deeper into neighborhoods like La Sierra. See Riverside Activities.
How do you get around Riverside?
Riverside offers train service for travelers, with convenient stops at Riverside-Downtown Station and Riverside-La Sierra Station. For greater flexibility, rental cars are available in neighborhoods like Eastside, Ramona, and Home Gardens, making it easy to explore the wider area at your own pace.
What are the top things to do in and around Riverside?
In and around Riverside, travelers can find relaxing spas, outdoor adventures, and unique local experiences:


How do I plan a trip to Riverside?
To plan your trip to Riverside, search for places to stay on Expedia, considering areas like Downtown Riverside or La Sierra. Book your flights, rental car, and activities such as a Bar Crawl or a Morning Yoga experience in advance. Remember to pair outdoor plans with indoor backups for weather flexibility during your visit.
What cuisines can you find in Riverside?
In Riverside you can find Vietnamese cuisine, with popular dishes like pho, banh mi sandwiches, and spring rolls. Travelers can also enjoy a variety of Latin American options, including Mexican tacos and burritos, alongside other Asian flavors such as Chinese, Japanese, and Thai. Italian and European Mediterranean dishes are also available.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Riverside?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Riverside by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Riverside with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Riverside trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Riverside?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Riverside can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Riverside trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Riverside trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Riverside trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Riverside trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Riverside?
If it's your first trip to Riverside, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Riverside hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Riverside hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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