The Best of Riverside
Make the most of your visit with our carefully curated ideas. Watch for exclusive deals courtesy of our Metrolink partners – just show your Metrolink ticket. Enjoy like a tourist. Act like a local.
History, Culture and Great Food around Every Corner
Start at the Downtown-Riverside Metrolink station and stroll to the famed Mission Inn (especially dazzling during Christmas), modeled after Franciscan missions and beloved by stars and presidents. Enjoy the many museums and rich variety of restaurants in the former navel orange capital of the west.
Metrolink train lines
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91/Perris Valley Line
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Inland Empire-Orange County Line
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Riverside Line
Vintage
Strollable
Historic
Day Trips
Get outside and explore scenic views just a few steps from the Riverside-Downtown station.
Take a stroll through Downtown Riverside and experience some of the most historic sites in California.
Fun Things to Do
Mission Inn Hotel and Spa
Built in 1878, the historic Mission Inn is known for its beautiful architecture and offers a full-service hotel, spa, and various restaurants for visitors. Bonus Tip: visit the Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn in December for an extra special holiday celebration.
From station: 15 minute walk
From station: 15 minute walk
Mission Galleria Antique Shoppe
Enjoy the excitement of antique shopping at this three-story shop. At every corner, you will run into a stall with knick-knacks of something that reminds of you of the past.
From station: 15 minute walk
From station: 15 minute walk
Riverside Game Lab
From vintage arcade games to virtual reality, there are games for every age at this new hang out spot.
From station: 15 minute walk
From station: 15 minute walk
Downtowne Bookstore
This quaint bookstore is a hidden gem of Riverside and has been known for housing many first editions. Follow the signs to the back the building!
From station: 15 minute walk
From station: 15 minute walk
UCR ARTS – Culver Center & California Museum of Photography
Are you an art or photography buff? Take a walking tour to check out the exhibits created by students and faculty.
From station: 15 minute walk
From station: 15 minute walk
Riverside Art Museum
As the largest visual arts museum in the Inland Empire, the Riverside Art Museum displays include photography and sculptures from local Riverside artists. This architecturally significant 1929 building is a former YWCA facility designed by Hearst Castle and AIA Gold Medal-winning architect Julia Morgan
From station: 10 minute walk
From station: 10 minute walk
Riverside Municipal Auditorium
Designed by the same architects of the Mission Inn, this iconic event venue has been standing since 1928 and hosts shows ranging from comedy, music, and theatre. Bonus tip: Buy tickets for events in advance—seats fill up quick!
From station: 11 minute walk
From station: 11 minute walk
Fox Theater
Located in the heart of Downtown Riverside, this Spanish Colonial Revival style event venue is known for showing first screenings for some of the most famous films in the 1930s including the original release of “Gone with the Wind”.
From station: 17 minute walk
From station: 17 minute walk
Fairmount Park
Inspired by the same person who designed Central Park in New York City, this cherished park hosts botanical gardens, golf courses, tennis courts, and boat rentals for visitor use.
From station: 35 minute walk or take Uber/Lyft or taxi
From station: 35 minute walk or take Uber/Lyft or taxi
Mt. Rubidoux Park
Bring your walking shoes to hike to the top of this trail for a picturesque view overlooking Riverside and surrounding cities. The trailhead is located adjacent to Bonaminio Park. Rideshare/taxi ride from station: 10 minutes
From station: 1 hour walk
From station: 1 hour walk
White Park
From potlucks to jewelry making to yoga classes, White Park offers many opportunities to pick up a cool new hobby while enjoying the luscious surrounding scenery.
From station: 17 minute walk
From station: 17 minute walk
Main Street Pedestrian Mall
Grab a coffee and enjoy the ambiance of this beautiful street filled with fountains, lights, and statues along with quaint shopping and dining.
From station: 15 minute walk
From station: 15 minute walk
Great Places to Eat & Drink
Casey’s Cupcakes
Visit this boutique cupcake shop that gained its fame from Food Network’s Cupcake Wars.
From station: 15 minute walk
From station: 15 minute walk
Riverside Food Lab
Unsure of what to eat? No problem! Check out the Riverside Food Lab for over 10 food stall options such as Southern comfort food, stone fired pizza, vegan burgers, locally roasted coffee, cold pressed juices, specialty desserts and more!
From station: 15 minute walk
From station: 15 minute walk
Mario’s Place
Popular Korean restaurant with generous portions and vegetarian options.
From station: Take Metrolink to Buena Park station, then take OC Bus Route 25
From station: Take Metrolink to Buena Park station, then take OC Bus Route 25
Salted Pig
This gastropub is known for its menu created from many global influences and specialty drinks.
From station: 15 minute walk
From station: 15 minute walk
Las Campanas
Located at the Mission Inn, this restaurant features Mexican cuisine and comfortable outdoor seating.
From station: 15 minute walk
From station: 15 minute walk
Le Chat Noir
Legendary family-owned Cuban restaurant voted number one on "Yelp's Top 100 Places to Eat in the US"
From station: Take Metrolink to Buena Park station, then take Uber/Lyft or taxi to the destination
From station: Take Metrolink to Buena Park station, then take Uber/Lyft or taxi to the destination
Tio’s Tacos
Known for its eclectic décor, check out this restaurant for both food and art.
From station: 15 minute walk
From station: 15 minute walk
The Old Spaghetti Factory
Craving traditional Thai cuisine? Bann Thai is the go-to contemporary spot for locals and visitors.
From station: 9 minute walk
From station: 9 minute walk
Sam’s Bann Thai
Craving traditional Thai cuisine? Bann Thai is the go-to contemporary spot for locals and visitors.
From station: 10 minute walk
From station: 10 minute walk
El Patron Restaurant
Looking for a great happy hour menu? Visit El Patron—known for its outstanding authentic eats and a fun environment for all ages.
From station: 8 minute walk
From station: 8 minute walk
Heroes Restaurant & Brewery
Visit this Riverside staple for local beer and hearty meals surrounded by Americana memorabilia.
From station: 11 minute walk
From station: 11 minute walk
Brandon's Diner Jr. Of City Hall
Can’t decide what to eat? Grab a bite at Brandon’s Diner for a mix of American and Mexican classics including all day breakfast!
From station: 15 minute walk
From station: 15 minute walk
How to Get There
Everything you need to know, including train schedules and tips on buying tickets and riding Metrolink trains. Easy!
