Getting around Riverside from The Mission Inn

The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa sits in downtown Riverside at 3649 Mission Inn Ave, within easy walking distance of museums, the Fox Performing Arts Center and the Riverside Convention Center. Walk, rideshare or take the nearby Metrolink to reach regional destinations; on-site valet and self-parking are available for a fee.
In this guide
From the hotel to downtown sights (on foot)
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa occupies a city block in Historic Downtown Riverside, putting several cultural attractions a short walk away. The Riverside Metropolitan Museum and the California Museum of Photography are effectively next door, with the Riverside Art Museum and Fox Performing Arts Center just a few minutes on foot.
Walking is the simplest way to see nearby sites; downtown Riverside is a compact, walkable area with shops, cafes and public art. Wear comfortable shoes for uneven historic sidewalks.
- Riverside Metropolitan Museum — about a 1-minute walk
- California Museum of Photography — roughly 1–3 minutes on foot
- Fox Performing Arts Center — about a 3-minute walk
- Riverside Art Museum and Riverside Convention Center — about 4–5 minutes on foot
| Attraction | Typical walk time |
|---|---|
| Riverside Metropolitan Museum | 1 minute |
| Fox Performing Arts Center | 3 minutes |
| Riverside Convention Center | 5 minutes |

Reaching regional destinations (train, bus, and rideshare)
Riverside–Downtown Metrolink station is within walking distance (about 10–15 minutes), making commuter rail a practical choice for some Southern California routes. Local bus stops are also nearby; check current schedules before travel.
Rideshare apps and taxis are commonly used to and from area airports and for trips not served directly by public transit. The hotel concierge can help with current transit options and pickup points.
- Metrolink (Riverside–Downtown): ~10–15 minute walk
- Local bus stops: about a 5-minute walk to nearby stops
- Rideshare/taxi: widely available in downtown Riverside
| Airport or Mode | Notes |
|---|---|
| Ontario International (ONT) | Commonly used; about a 30–40 minute drive by car or rideshare |
| San Bernardino Int'l (SBD) | Closest by distance but has limited commercial service |
| Rideshare/taxi | Most cost-effective for direct trips from airports |
Driving and parking
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa offers both valet parking and self-parking for guests for an additional charge; an on-site EV charging station is available. Parking rates and availability can change, so confirm current pricing and hours with the front desk on arrival.
If you plan day trips by car (Disneyland, Palm Springs or local beaches), leaving from the hotel is straightforward via major local roads. The hotel address is 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501, which you can use for navigation or GPS.
- Valet parking available for a surcharge
- Self-parking available for a surcharge
- EV charging station on site
| Parking option | Typical detail |
|---|---|
| Valet | Available at the hotel for an additional fee |
| Self-parking | Available on site for an additional fee |
| EV charging | On-site charging station available |
Hotel services that help you get around
The hotel concierge and 24-hour front desk can book taxis, provide rideshare guidance, and advise on public transit connections. Ask the concierge about restaurant reservations, local tours, or directions to meeting points like the Riverside Convention Center.
A daily resort fee applies and covers amenities such as fitness center and pool access; it does not include transportation. Make transportation arrangements early for airport transfers or day trips during busy periods.
- 24-hour front desk and concierge services
- Concierge can assist with taxis, rideshares and local directions
- Resort fee does not include transportation
| Service | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Concierge | Books taxis/rideshares and recommends routes |
| Front desk | Check-in/out, luggage assistance, and general info |
| Reservation assistance | Helps with restaurant or tour bookings |

Getting to outdoor activities and day trips
Mount Rubidoux Park is a popular local hike and is about 1.4–1.5 miles from the hotel; many guests drive or ride a short taxi/rideshare to the trailhead. For longer day trips, destinations like Disneyland, Joshua Tree National Park and Big Bear Lake are typically reached by car.
If you don’t have a car, consider rideshare for destinations outside downtown. The hotel can advise on car rental locations and approximate driving times for common day trips.
- Mount Rubidoux Park — about 1.4–1.5 miles from the hotel
- Disneyland — commonly reached by a roughly 40–45 minute drive
- Joshua Tree National Park and Big Bear Lake — longer drives best made by car
| Destination | Typical travel note |
|---|---|
| Mount Rubidoux Park | About 1.4–1.5 miles — short drive or longer walk |
| Disneyland (Anaheim) | Approximately a 40–45 minute drive |
| Joshua Tree National Park | Longer drive; plan for 1.5–2 hours depending on route |
On-site amenities to use before heading out
Use the fitness center (open 6:00 AM–11:00 PM) or the heated outdoor pool and hot tub to start or finish active days; spa guests also get access to pool and steam facilities with reservations. Note that pool access may not be available before official check-in for guests arriving early.
Several on-site restaurants and lounges let you dine without leaving the property; Reservations are recommended for popular venues like the Mission Inn Restaurant and the Mission Inn Steakhouse.
- Fitness center open 6:00 AM–11:00 PM
- Heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi open daily 6:00 AM–11:00 PM
- Kelly's Spa (spa access available to day visitors with reservations)
- Mission Inn Restaurant, Mission Inn Steakhouse, Bella Trattoria, California Lounge and Presidential Lounge on site
| Amenity | Useful for |
|---|---|
| Fitness center | Pre-trip workout or cool-down after sightseeing |
| Pool & hot tub | Relaxing between activities (open daily) |
| Spa (Kelly's Spa) | Treatments, Roman Baths, and relaxation before/after excursions |

If you're staying in a specific room type
Room choices (for example, Deluxe Room, Junior Suite or Room (Mission)) affect how much space you have to pack or stage gear for day trips. Suites and Junior Suite rooms provide seating areas where you can organize maps, snacks or outdoor gear before setting out.
If you plan to have multiple people share a car or coordinate pickups, ask the front desk about luggage storage so you can check out and continue exploring without hauling bags.
- Examples of room names: Deluxe Room, Junior Suite, Room (Mission), Room (Glenwood), Room (Raincross)
- Suites and Junior Suite offer separate seating areas useful for gear and group coordination
- Luggage storage available if you want to explore after check-out
| Room type | Practical note |
|---|---|
| Deluxe Room | Standard guest room options with flexible bedding |
| Junior Suite | Extra seating area for gear and staging |
| Room (Mission) | Typical single-king-room layout ideal for solo travelers or couples |

