Riverside sits in Southern California, within Riverside County, and its visitor accommodation clusters along a few main corridors rather than in a single compact tourist quarter. The practical consequence for a traveller is that your choice of area is largely a choice about which corridor you want to be on and how you intend to get around.
The listings that exist for the city point to three broad bases: the downtown area around Mission Inn Avenue, the University Avenue corridor, and the Magnolia Avenue corridor near the Tyler Mall. This guide covers those areas, what kind of traveller each one suits, and how each connects to the rest of the city by bus and on foot. It does not recommend individual properties.
Best areas to stay in Riverside
1. Downtown / Mission Inn Avenue
Downtown is the most convenient base for a first visit, because it puts you within a short walk of the downtown bus terminal and of the city's best-known landmark, the historic Mission Inn on Mission Inn Avenue. This is where you find the largest concentration of full-service and historic accommodation, including properties with pools, spas and on-site restaurants, and it is the area where you can most easily spend an evening without needing a car.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants the sights within walking distance. The trade-off is that not every downtown-adjacent property is right on top of the terminal: some are described as a long walk from it, so check the exact position before booking if you plan to rely on buses.
2. University Avenue corridor
University Avenue runs east of downtown and carries a dense strip of accommodation, from budget motels to mid-range and chain hotels. Several of these sit on the same set of bus routes, which makes the corridor well connected to the rest of the city even though it is not a walking-distance base for downtown.
It suits budget-conscious travellers and anyone who wants a straightforward, car- or bus-based stay with easy access to the main road. If you are relying on public transport, this is one of the better-served strips in the city.
3. Magnolia Avenue / Tyler Mall area
Further out along Magnolia Avenue, near the Tyler Mall, the accommodation is aimed squarely at drivers and at travellers passing through the region. It is the least central of the three areas and the least suited to a car-free visit, though some properties here are a short walk from a number of bus routes.
It suits travellers with a vehicle who want a simple, low-cost base and quick access to the surrounding commercial strip. If your itinerary is built around downtown, expect to travel in and out rather than walk.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: simple motels and budget chain properties, mostly along the University Avenue and Magnolia Avenue corridors, with basic rooms and free parking; some are on or near bus routes.
- Mid-range: chain hotels and comfortable motels, again concentrated on University Avenue and Magnolia Avenue, typically with free breakfast, Wi-Fi and parking, and sometimes a pool.
- Splurge: full-service and historic hotels in the downtown area, with features such as a pool, spa and one or more restaurants, and the option of paid tours of the historic building itself.
Best area for a first visit
Downtown, around Mission Inn Avenue, is the best base for a first visit. It is a short walk from the downtown bus terminal, which makes the rest of the city reachable without a car, and it puts the Mission Inn and the surrounding downtown streets within walking distance. Staying here means you spend your time in Riverside rather than travelling to it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car to stay in Riverside?
Not necessarily. Downtown is a short walk from the downtown bus terminal, and the University Avenue and Magnolia Avenue corridors are served by several bus routes. Some properties, however, are described as a long walk from the downtown terminal, so check the exact location if you plan to travel by bus.
Which area is best for budget travellers?
The University Avenue and Magnolia Avenue corridors have the widest choice of budget motels and budget chain hotels. Both are served by bus routes, so a low-cost stay does not have to mean being cut off.
Where should I stay if I want to be near the Mission Inn?
Downtown, on or near Mission Inn Avenue. The Mission Inn is a short walk from the downtown bus terminal, and the surrounding downtown area has the city's main concentration of full-service and historic accommodation.
Is the area near Tyler Mall convenient for sightseeing?
It is convenient mainly if you have a car. The Magnolia Avenue corridor near Tyler Mall is the least central of the main accommodation areas, though some properties there are a short walk from several bus routes.
Compare live prices for these areas with the booking tools on this page before you decide.