HotelTonight – Riverside Hotels in Minutes
As the location of California's second Gold Rush, Riverside boasts a rich, storied history. At one point, it was even the wealthiest city per capita in the country, so it's no surprise that Riverside is home to a number of beautiful old buildings and an incredible legacy. Today, though, Riverside is known as a laidback, pretty little city in Southern California, and it's no longer known as a flashy resort destination. That doesn't mean there aren't great places to stay while visiting Riverside, though. I was able to find a terrific hotel in Riverside, California in a matter of minutes by browsing the HotelTonight app. Since I needed to find a great last-minute hotel in Riverside due to a sudden change of travel plans, I instantly pulled up my HotelTonight app, which I can always count on to help me find great accommodations at a moment's notice. As soon as I had a hotel room waiting for me in Riverside, I hopped in the car and set out to explore this charming Southern California city.
Downtown
Without a doubt, the heart of the action in Riverside is located downtown. As the cultural and social hub of the Inland Empire, downtown Riverside is the place to be whether you're looking for great shopping, dining or nightlife. Since this historic district is so compact, it's easy to get around by foot. I was lucky enough to stay at a hotel in downtown Riverside, so I was able to walk to some of the best shops and restaurants in town, and I loved strolling past beautiful old buildings that now stand as reminders of Southern California's rich history.
Museums
Given the fact that Riverside does have such a rich history, it should come as no surprise that the city has an impressive assortment of museums. Some of the city's most notable museums include the Riverside Art Museum, the Culver Center of the Arts, the Riverside Metropolitan Museum and the Heritage House. Whether you want to learn about life in California during the late 1800s or you want to see some beautiful pieces of artwork, you'll be able to find something that interests you in a Riverside museum.
Lake Hemet
Since Riverside has a near-perfect climate, locals naturally love spending as much time outdoors as possible. And while Riverside is a bit of a hike to the beach, it does boast something that you don't see often in Southern California – a lake. Lake Hemet is a lovely little body of water that the Riverside community adores, because it's a great place for fishing, boating and picnicking. When the weather is nice (which is almost always in Riverside), Lake Hemet is a popular spot for locals to come together and enjoy the great outdoors.
Parks
The city of Riverside knows just how much Southern California locals appreciate being outside, which is why you'll find a number of beautiful public parks throughout town. I was able to visit a few parks during my stay in Riverside, and they're all great spots to get in some fitness, to enjoy a picnic, to take dogs for a walk, or to play with your kids. Some of the most popular parks in Riverside include Fairmount Park, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, the Botanic Gardens and, of course, the beautiful and very fragrant California Citrus State Historical Park.
Breweries
You might not know this, but Riverside actually has quite an impressive beer scene. If you love craft beer, you'll love exploring Riverside's breweries, many of which have gained national recognition. Even though I was only in town for a few days, I made it my mission to visit at least a couple local breweries, and I was impressed with their great beer, their friendly service and their cool atmospheres. I wouldn't have guessed that Riverside was a popular spot for craft breweries, but it certainly adds to the unique and hip feel of the town.
HotelTonight – Book Your Riverside Hotel Today
When I first arrived in Riverside, I wondered if I was going to be bored after a day in town. Little did I know just how much there is to do, see, and experience in Riverside. I wasn't bored for even a second during my stay in Riverside, and I ended up growing quite fond of this historic Southern California city. Since I didn't have to worry about scouring the internet for hotels in Riverside, I was able to spend more time exploring the town and enjoying my vacation. Traveling has never been easier now that I always have HotelTonight at my fingertips, and the HotelTonight app made it so easy for me to book a great last-minute hotel in Riverside that I absolutely loved. Next time my travel plans change at a moment's notice, I won't panic, because I know HotelTonight has my back.
