Day trips from Riverside: Disneyland, Palm Springs and desert routes
From The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa you can reach Disneyland in roughly a 40–45 minute drive, and Palm Springs and nearby desert routes (including the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and outlet shopping) are convenient day trips by car. Plan for a full day for Palm Springs or Disneyland; pack water, sun protection for desert routes, and confirm hours or reservations before you go.
In this guide
- Planning logistics from The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
- Day trip: Disneyland (Anaheim)
- Day trip: Palm Springs and the Aerial Tramway
- Desert routes beyond Palm Springs (Joshua Tree and scenic drives)
- Returning to Riverside: Timing and on-site conveniences
- Where to sleep at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa after your day trip
Planning logistics from The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
The hotel street address is 3649 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside, CA. Check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM; a debit or credit card is required at check-in and the property authorizes the full stay amount plus an additional $100 per day to cover incidentals.
For day trips you'll most commonly drive or use rideshare. Riverside-Downtown Metrolink station is walkable (about 10–15 minutes), but most guests find a car or rideshare the easiest option for Disneyland and desert routes.
- Hotel phone for reservations and BookResorts agents (24/7): +1 (888) 605-1350
- On-site parking: valet and self-parking available for a surcharge; an EV charging station is on site
- Bring sun protection and water for desert outings; Riverside summers are hot and dry
| What to confirm | Before you leave |
|---|---|
| Park or tram hours | Check operator websites or call ahead |
| Restaurant or show reservations | Book in advance (hotels recommend reservations for on-site dining) |
| Driving directions and traffic | Allow extra time for freeway congestion |
Day trip: Disneyland (Anaheim)
Disneyland in Anaheim is listed as about a 35–36 mile drive from Riverside and typically takes roughly 42 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Many guests treat Disneyland as a full-day outing.
If you plan to drive, allow extra time for morning freeway congestion and parking at the resort. Alternatively, rideshare is commonly used for direct trips to the theme-park entrance.
- Typical travel time cited: about 42 minutes by car
- Expect a full day for both parks or to include Downtown Disney
- Confirm park hours, ticketing and parking in advance
| Hotel dining option before/after | Notes |
|---|---|
| Mission Inn Restaurant | Serves breakfast and dinner; reservations available |
| Presidential Lounge | Open daily for cocktails and small bites |
| Bella Trattoria | Patio dining suitable for relaxed meals |
Day trip: Palm Springs and the Aerial Tramway
Palm Springs is a common desert direction from Riverside; popular stops include the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and Desert Hills Premium Outlets. The route is best done by car and is often planned as a full or half day depending on activities.
If riding the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, check the tramway's schedule and seasonal maintenance notices before you go. Outlet shopping and dining in Palm Springs can be combined with the tramway or saved for a separate visit.
- Bring layers — desert floor can be hot while the tramway summit is cooler
- Plan for parking or rideshare in Palm Springs during peak weekends
- Confirm tramway hours and ticket availability in advance
| Suggested timing | What it allows |
|---|---|
| Half day | Outlet shopping or a single attraction |
| Full day | Tramway plus lunch and local sightseeing |
| Evening | Dinner in Palm Springs before returning to Riverside |
Desert routes beyond Palm Springs (Joshua Tree and scenic drives)
Joshua Tree National Park is commonly visited from Riverside as a longer day trip; drive times vary by route — some estimates place it around 1.25–1.75 hours depending on the route and exact park entrance. Visitors spend time hiking, short nature walks, or scenic drives inside the park.
For desert drives outside Palm Springs, carry extra water, check road conditions, and note that summer temperatures can be very high. If you plan to hike, use marked trails and start early in hot months.
- Estimate drive: roughly 1.25–1.75 hours one way (route-dependent)
- Bring sun protection, water, and layered clothing
- Check national park alerts and trail conditions before departure
| Activity | Good for |
|---|---|
| Short hikes | Visitors wanting a few hours outdoors |
| Scenic drives | Those prioritizing views without long hikes |
| Photography | Sunrise/sunset for best light |
Returning to Riverside: Timing and on-site conveniences
After a day trip, guests return to the hotel for dining, spa treatments at Kelly's Spa, or a swim in the year-round heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi (open daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM). The spa accepts day visitors with reservations and includes access to pool and steam facilities as part of a spa visit.
If you want a quieter evening, consider booking dinner at Mission Inn Steakhouse (Duane's) or the Mission Inn Restaurant; reservations are recommended for both.
- Pool and Jacuzzi hours: 6:00 AM–11:00 PM
- Kelly's Spa has 12 treatment rooms and offers signature packages; call the spa to book
- On-site dining options span breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch (available for a surcharge)
| Evening option | Why choose it |
|---|---|
| Dinner at Mission Inn Steakhouse | Upscale business casual and dinner-only hours |
| Casual meal at Bella Trattoria or Las Campanas | Patio or sidewalk seating |
| Spa treatment at Kelly's Spa | Includes access to steam and relaxation lounges |
Where to sleep at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa after your day trip
Room types at the hotel include Deluxe Room, Junior Suite, Room (Mission), Room (Raincross), Room (Glenwood), Deluxe Room ( Shower), and Room (Mission). If you want more living space after a long day, consider the Junior Suite or one of the suites listed on the hotel's website.
The property is a National Historic Landmark occupying one city block in downtown Riverside, within walking distance of museums and the Fox Performing Arts Center — useful if your day trip includes a later theater performance or local museum visit.
- Junior Suite: extra space for relaxing after a day out
- Deluxe Room: available in King, Queen or 2 Queen configurations
- Up to 3 children 11 and under may stay free using existing bedding
| Room feature | Good for |
|---|---|
| Junior Suite | More living space and separation from sleeping area |
| Deluxe Room | Standard comforts with King or Queen options |
| Room (Mission) | Historic-room options in the hotel inventory |
