A Train Tour of California: Your Guide to Riverside
Take a trip to the Inland Empire for a unique California experience. Riverside offers visitors a look at the historic origins of the region and exciting cultural attractions, with the charm and ease of quaint small town America. Book a stay at the iconic Mission Inn, stop by the new Food Lab for fresh restaurant fare (and the nearby Game Lab for both a cutting edge and retro gaming experience), or take a scenic hike to the top of Mount Rubidoux. There is truly something for everyone in Riverside, so here are a few suggestions to get your trip started:
MISSION INN
3649 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside, CA 92501
Located in downtown Riverside, the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is an icon of the city. Constructed over several decades during the early 20th century, the building’s unique architecture blends many different styles into a truly one-of-a-kind aesthetic. Be sure to visit during the winter months, when the hotel puts on its annual Festival of Lights display and truly transforms the location for the holiday season. To plan your trip or book a room, click here.
Directions: From the Riverside Station, walk north on Vine Street, then turn left on Mission Inn Avenue to arrive in under 15 minutes.
FOX THEATER
3801 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside, CA 92501
Just down the street from the Mission Inn is another iconic historical building: the Riverside Fox Theater. The Spanish style theater opened in 1929 and has the distinction of being the first venue to screen Gone With the Wind (which ended up being quite a popular film). Throughout the years, the theater remained a popular location to screen early cuts of motion pictures, offering a nearby slice of everyday America to the Hollywood studios. Now, the newly renovated space hosts live events and performances. Click here to find tickets to upcoming shows.
Directions: From the Riverside Station, walk north on Vine Street, then turn left on Mission Inn Avenue.
RIVERSIDE FOOD & GAME LABS
3633 Market St, Riverside, CA 92501
Located within the Fox Entertainment Plaza, the Riverside Food Lab is the Inland Empire’s first food hall, with over a dozen restaurants serving everything from pizza and tacos to plant-based burgers and vegan waffles. Right next door is the exciting Riverside Game Lab which gives gamers the opportunity to experience virtual reality systems or play their favorite classic arcade games. Click here for Food Lab listings and click here to plan your Game Lab visit.
Directions: From the Riverside Station, walk north on Vine Street, turn left on Mission Inn Avenue, then right onto Market Street.
RIVERSIDE ART MUSEUM
3425 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside, CA 92501
In addition to its permanent collection and traveling exhibits, the Riverside Art Museum provides art classes and social issues events for the community. Also, nearby is the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art, Culture & Industry. The center focuses on the study and hosting of Chicano art from around the country and was founded from a gift by comedian and actor Cheech Marin, who donated over 700 pieces to the collection. Click here for more information about both museums.
Directions: From the Riverside Station, walk north on Vine Street, then turn left on Mission Inn Avenue.
MOUNT RUBIDOUX
3901 Mount Rubidoux Dr, Riverside, CA 92501
Situated just east of Downtown Riverside, Mount Rubidoux Park spans 161 acres, with over 3.5 miles of paved roads and hiking trails, and is open from dawn until dusk every single day. Make your way to the summit for a full panoramic view of the city and surrounding area. Each year, the July Fourth fireworks display launches from this vantage point, high atop Mount Rubidoux. Click here for more park information.
Directions: Begin your hike to the trailhead by walking west along University Avenue from the Riverside Station.
UC RIVERSIDE
900 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92521
The University of California, Riverside, is the primary research university in California’s Inland Empire, which is one of the country’s fastest growing regions. Its campus accommodations are constantly developing as well in order to serve an expanding enrollment and diverse student body. Click here to learn even more about the university and plan a visit to campus.
Directions: Take the RTA 1 bus from the Riverside Station to the Canyon Crest stop.
HERITAGE HOUSE
8193 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92504
What was life like in 19th century Riverside? For a glimpse of the types of affluent homes that once lined the city’s Magnolia Avenue, take a walk through this Victorian home built in the Queen Anne style. Its interior design and decor have been reconstructed from meticulous research to represent the tastes and lifestyles of early settlers. Click here for more details.
Directions: Board the RTA 1 bus at Riverside Station and exit the Magnolia-Crowell stop to arrive right at the Heritage House doorstep.
CASTLE PARK
3500 Polk St, Riverside, CA 92505
This 25-acre amusement park offers activities and attractions for the entire family. Its home to a mini-golf course and over 20 rides, including roller coasters, a swinging ship, carousel, train rides, a drop tower and splashing log ride. Click here to find out what’s in store at Castle Park.
Directions: Board the RTA 1 bus at Riverside Station and exit the Kaiser Medical Center stop, then walk across Magnolia Avenue along Park Sierra Drive to the park.
