
The River Rancho Mirage
A vibrant outdoor destination featuring shops, diverse restaurants, a movie theater, and a unique artificial river.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Line dancing & country music

The River Rancho Mirage
Best Time
Line dancing & country music

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant outdoor destination featuring shops, diverse restaurants, a movie theater, and a unique artificial river.
"Great place, great food, with an arcade and movie theater for the whole family!"

🎯 Parking Pointers
Parking can be tricky; arrive early or consider weekdays to avoid the biggest crowds.
🎶 Live Music & Events
Check schedules for live music, markets, and themed nights like Wild West Wednesday.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Century Theatres at The River
The River at Rancho Mirage
Catch the latest blockbusters or indie films in a comfortable, modern cinema setting.

The 'River' Water Features
Central area of The River
Stroll along the artificial river, enjoy the soothing sounds, and relax by the water.

Sushi Kawa
The River at Rancho Mirage
Experience artful sushi presentations and fresh, flavorful seafood.

Cowboy Cantina
The River at Rancho Mirage
Enjoy Wild West Wednesdays with line dancing, country music, and good eats.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating The River's Charm
Dining & Entertainment Hotspots
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Parking Pointers
Parking can be tricky; arrive early or consider weekdays to avoid the biggest crowds.
🎶 Live Music & Events
Check schedules for live music, markets, and themed nights like Wild West Wednesday.
🍣 Sushi Artistry
Don't miss Sushi Kawa for beautifully presented and delicious sushi creations.
☕ Coffee Break Spot
Cheers Coffee offers a great spot for a caffeine fix with a pleasant atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Parking Pointers
Parking can be tricky; arrive early or consider weekdays to avoid the biggest crowds.
🎶 Live Music & Events
Check schedules for live music, markets, and themed nights like Wild West Wednesday.
🍣 Sushi Artistry
Don't miss Sushi Kawa for beautifully presented and delicious sushi creations.
☕ Coffee Break Spot
Cheers Coffee offers a great spot for a caffeine fix with a pleasant atmosphere.
🎬 Movie Night Plans
Book movie tickets in advance, especially for popular showtimes at Century Theatres.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The River at Rancho Mirage is praised for its pleasant atmosphere with water features and ample outdoor seating, making it a nice place to hang out. Visitors enjoy the variety of dining options and the presence of entertainment like a movie theater and arcade. However, some note a lack of dedicated play areas for children and a decline in food quality at certain chain restaurants.
"If you haven't been to the river, you need to. Great place, great food. They have an arcade and a movie theater, lots of things for the whole family to do here !"
joe killfu
"It's a great place to hang out as there is lots of outdoor seating. It's mostly restaurants here with only a few specialty stores for shopping. But that means there are lots of places to eat and a theatre for movies.
There are water features and plants and trees and flowers everywhere. Probably the best Starbucks location in town because of it.
There is no place for kids to play though unless you count the outdoor theatre seating and that gets boring fairly quickly.
Overall a nice place."
Don Adlam
"Fun 'River', Shops and Dining
The idea of a 'river' at a shopping mall attracted us. It's fun! Bridges, places to sit by the water, and decorative landscape create a perfect setting to enjoy a beverage or ice cream and listen to the soothing sound of flowing water. Plenty of dining options and some shops to share your money with."
Heino Puidak
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The River is located in Rancho Mirage, CA. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available, though it can get busy during peak times. Major roads like Highway 111 and Bob Hope Drive provide convenient access.
Public transportation options may vary. It's advisable to check with local transit authorities for the most up-to-date bus routes and schedules serving the Rancho Mirage area.
The River offers various parking lots. While generally sufficient, parking can become challenging during busy weekends or special events. Arriving early is recommended.
The River is designed to be accessible, with ramps and accessible parking available. Most areas are navigable for wheelchairs and strollers.
Yes, you can be dropped off at various points around The River, making it convenient for those not driving themselves.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to The River itself is free. However, individual attractions like the Century Theatres, Dave & Buster's, and specific events may require tickets or admission fees.
Individual store and restaurant hours vary. The Century Theatres typically have showtimes throughout the day and evening. It's best to check the specific hours for each establishment you plan to visit.
Yes, you can purchase movie tickets at the Century Theatres box office located within The River. Online booking is also available for showtimes.
Some events, like the Desert Music Series for the Desert Cancer Foundation, may have proceeds going to charity, but general entry to The River is free.
Generally, pets are not allowed in indoor establishments or the movie theater. Service animals are typically permitted. It's advisable to confirm with individual businesses.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The River offers a diverse range of dining options, from casual eateries and coffee shops like Cheers Coffee
to sit-down restaurants such as Sushi Kawa and Cowboy Cantina. You can also find popular chains.Yes, places like Dave & Buster's offer a family-friendly atmosphere with games and food.
Many restaurants have diverse menus to cater to different tastes.While some popular chains might have healthier choices, exploring restaurants like Sushi Kawa can offer fresh and lighter options.
Consider trying Sushi Kawa for its artistic presentation
or experiencing Wild West Wednesday at Cowboy Cantina for a lively atmosphere.Specific vegan or vegetarian restaurants are not prominently featured, but many establishments offer vegetarian options on their menus. It's best to check individual restaurant menus.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Stores
The River primarily focuses on dining and entertainment, with a smaller selection of specialty stores. You can find unique shops and boutiques, as well as services like coffee shops.
Keep an eye out for pop-up markets that occasionally feature local artisans and unique gift items.
The River's retail offerings are more focused on specialty shops rather than large clothing chains. It's best to check the directory for current store listings.
Shop hours can vary, but most are open during typical daytime and early evening hours. It's recommended to check the directory or individual store websites for specific times.
Yes, a directory of stores and restaurants is usually available on The River's official website or at information kiosks within the complex.
🎫 🎬 Entertainment & Activities
The River features the Century Theatres for movies, Dave & Buster's for arcade games and dining, and often hosts live music events and themed nights like Karaoke Mondays
and Wild West Wednesday.Yes, Dave & Buster's is a popular spot for arcade games and entertainment, offering a fun experience for all ages.
The River hosts various musical performances, including country music for line dancing
and other genres as part of their event series.Beyond the movie theater and arcade, The River offers a pleasant environment for family strolls by the water features. Some events may also be family-oriented.
Movie showtimes for the Century Theatres at The River can be found on their website or through movie ticketing platforms.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Dining options like Cheesecake Factory are generally accommodating to families, offering a wide variety of choices. However, be aware that some visitors have noted a lack of dedicated play spaces, which might limit younger children's engagement beyond the arcade or movie theater. Planning your visit around activities like the arcade or a movie can help keep kids entertained.
couples
Catching a movie at the Century Theatres is a classic date activity, and the surrounding ambiance of the 'river' and water features provides a pleasant backdrop for a pre or post-movie stroll. Consider enjoying a coffee at Cheers Coffee or sharing a dessert at one of the many dining establishments. The variety of entertainment and dining ensures a customizable and enjoyable experience for couples.
Foodies & Drink Enthusiasts
Coffee lovers will find a welcoming spot at Cheers Coffee, a popular new addition to the area. While some long-standing chain restaurants may have seen a dip in quality according to some reviews, the presence of unique eateries and the potential for new culinary ventures keep The River an interesting spot for food exploration. Exploring the various restaurants and keeping an eye out for special events like markets can lead to delightful discoveries.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring The River's Culinary Scene
However, some visitors have noted a decline in the quality of food at certain established chain restaurants, with one Reddit user mentioning that 'the food at PFChangs and Cheesecake Factory have really fallen out of style.' This sentiment suggests that exploring the independent eateries and newer establishments might offer a more consistently satisfying culinary experience. Additionally, coffee enthusiasts can find their haven at Cheers Coffee, a popular spot for a caffeine fix.
When planning your dining experience, it's worth noting that some restaurants have closed or are slated to close, as indicated by discussions about Babe's Barbecue and Brewhouse. This dynamic nature of the dining scene means checking current listings and reviews is always a good idea. Despite these shifts, The River remains a significant dining destination in Rancho Mirage, offering a blend of familiar favorites and emerging culinary gems.
Entertainment and Events at The River
The complex frequently hosts live music and special events, adding to its appeal. Wild West Wednesdays at Cowboy Cantina are a highlight, featuring line dancing and country music, creating a fun, themed evening. Karaoke Mondays also draw crowds looking to sing their hearts out. Throughout the year, The River has hosted themed concert series, such as the Desert Music Series which supported the Desert Cancer Foundation, showcasing local talent and contributing to a good cause. Pop-up markets, like those organized by The Juniper Market, also bring unique vendors and a lively atmosphere to the venue.
These events and entertainment options transform The River into a dynamic destination, offering visitors more than just a meal or a movie. It's a place to gather, enjoy live performances, and participate in community activities, making it a well-rounded entertainment complex in the Coachella Valley.
Navigating The River: Practicalities and Tips
While The River offers a good selection of restaurants and entertainment, it's primarily focused on these aspects, with fewer specialty stores compared to a traditional mall. This means the retail experience is more curated. For those looking for specific types of cuisine, it's worth noting that the restaurant landscape can change, with some establishments closing. However, new spots like Cheers Coffee continue to open, adding to the variety.
When planning your visit, checking the schedules for events like live music or themed nights can enhance your experience. The Century Theatres is a key attraction, and booking movie tickets in advance is often recommended, especially for popular showings. Overall, The River provides a scenic and entertaining environment, but being mindful of parking and checking event schedules can help maximize your enjoyment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit