Mission Inn Museum Riverside
A National Historic Landmark hotel showcasing stunning Mission Revival architecture and hosting the spectacular annual Festival of Lights.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical ambiance
Mission Inn Museum Riverside
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical ambiance
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A National Historic Landmark hotel showcasing stunning Mission Revival architecture and hosting the spectacular annual Festival of Lights.
"The grandeur of the mission and Spanish revival style architecture was not just visually stunning but emotionally stirring."
Book Tours in Advance
Museum and catacombs tours are popular; book ahead online or by phone to secure your spot.
Arrive Early for Lights
During Festival of Lights, arrive early on weekends to avoid parking and crowd congestion.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Festival of Lights
Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
Millions of dazzling lights transform the hotel and downtown into a magical holiday wonderland. A must-see winter spectacle!
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Mission Inn Museum Tour
Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
Uncover the secrets and grandeur of this National Historic Landmark through an informative and captivating guided tour.
Catacombs Tour
Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
Venture into the mysterious tunnels beneath the hotel, exploring local lore and rumored hauntings. A unique historical adventure.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Festival of Lights Magic
+2Beyond the Lights: History & Mystery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Tours in Advance
Museum and catacombs tours are popular; book ahead online or by phone to secure your spot.
Arrive Early for Lights
During Festival of Lights, arrive early on weekends to avoid parking and crowd congestion.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the expansive hotel and surrounding areas.
Explore Downtown
Don't miss the surrounding historic downtown Riverside, especially during the holidays.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tours in Advance
Museum and catacombs tours are popular; book ahead online or by phone to secure your spot.
Arrive Early for Lights
During Festival of Lights, arrive early on weekends to avoid parking and crowd congestion.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the expansive hotel and surrounding areas.
Explore Downtown
Don't miss the surrounding historic downtown Riverside, especially during the holidays.
Be Prepared for Crowds
The Festival of Lights is a major event; expect large numbers of visitors during peak times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the Mission Inn's stunning architecture and the magical Festival of Lights. The historical tours offer fascinating insights, though some guests have reported less-than-ideal experiences with front desk staff. The hotel's rumored hauntings add an extra layer of intrigue for many.
"I took their haunted tour that takes you around the neighborhood near the Mission Inn, where museum docents share ghostly tales, true crime lore, and strange bits of local history.
One of the things I really enjoyed is how many of the stories connect Riverside to pop culture. For example, the tragic case of Gloria Ramirez, known as the “Toxic Lady,” inspired an actual television show episode.
Along the route, you’ll stop by spots like the former police station, the old opera house site, and the library tied to the death of Cheri Jo Bates, which some believe may have been connected to the Zodiac Killer.
The tour isn’t just about listening—you also get to try out ghost-hunting equipment like EMF detectors and dowsing rods along the way. Plus, everyone received a limited-edition pin as a keepsake, which was such a thoughtful touch.
Our guides, Patti and Sandy, clearly love what they do and kept the group engaged with stories that were equal parts spooky and fascinating. One of my favorite little details came right at the end, when we stopped outside the Mission Inn itself. They showed us a vent that connects down to the Mission Inn’s catacombs. It was the perfect eerie note to close out the evening.
If you’re into local history, ghost stories, and true crime with a spooky twist, this is a really fun way to spend a night in Riverside. Enjoy the storytelling and a chance to experience the city in a new way."
Christine Barger
"From the moment we stepped into the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa, we were whisked away on a journey through time. The grandeur of the mission and Spanish revival style architecture was not just visually stunning but emotionally stirring, leaving us in awe of its intricate beauty.
The hotel’s ambiance is a seamless blend of historical richness and modern luxury, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking a unique and enchanting experience.
We highly recommend the museum tour.It’s not every day that one gets to explore the hidden treasures behind the hotel’s locked doors. The tour was not only informative but also captivating, providing insights into the hotel’s illustrious history and its significance in the region."
Beth Chan
"I would have to divide my rating for this place into three sections:
1) The place itself. The Mission Inn is truly amazing!!! If you like historical buildings with amazing architecture and let's say, every room being unique and great, then this place is for you. They do a lot of wedding venues and events but just to explore it. It took us two days to find some of its secrets. I would definitely come back.
2) The front desk staff are RUDE!! I cannot emphasize enough (and I heard it from another guest also) that the front desk people need to learn some customer service. I mean, being elegant and being rude are two very different things. I don't know who is training these people but ALL OF THEM are rude. I spoke to five different front desk agents and they all made me feel unwelcome. They never explained the wifi, the amenities, made any recommendations, called me by my name "Mr...", nothing! Also, when I called the desk to ask about the tours they rudely said "you have to call the number".
The housekeeper people, however, were very friendly. They brought me water and they always greeted me "good morning", "good evening", etc.
3)The place may be haunted? We experienced some very strange noises inside of our room the first night. I also was able to go down to the basement (is that where the catacombs are?) and heard some noises of chains being dragged on the floor away from where I was standing. In our room, there was a bread wrapper and we heard it being squeezed and making noises at night. Also, we had a light that turned on by itself. Overall, that was very interesting, and wasn't even the reason we came here.
Overall, I would give it a 5 stars if the front desk people were not so rude, but everything else would be great. Ohh, btw, be prepared to wait until the last minute cause when I first called they told us to come and give our name for an early check in list but we were never called and were rudely dismissed every time we asked."
Jesus Dominguez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is located at 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available at the hotel or nearby lots. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving downtown Riverside.
Yes, parking is available at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, though it can be limited and may incur fees, especially during popular events like the Festival of Lights. Valet parking and self-parking options are typically offered.
Absolutely! The Mission Inn Museum is situated within the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, which is a central landmark in downtown Riverside. Many attractions, including the library and Cheech Marin Chicano Art Museum, are within walking distance.
Downtown Riverside is very walkable. For exploring further afield, ride-sharing services are readily available. Local bus routes also serve the area, providing an economical way to get around.
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is a historic landmark and generally strives for accessibility. It's recommended to contact the hotel directly to inquire about specific accessibility features for the museum and tours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While exploring the public areas of the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is free, access to specific museum tours or the catacombs tour requires tickets. It's highly recommended to book these in advance, especially for the catacombs tour.
General admission to walk through the public areas of the Mission Inn Hotel is free. However, guided museum tours and the catacombs tour have associated fees, typically around $45 per person for the catacombs.
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is open to the public, and its common areas can be explored during hotel operating hours. Specific museum tours and the catacombs tour have their own schedules, which vary and often require advance booking.
Yes, booking tours online is the recommended method. You can usually find information and booking links on the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa's official website or by calling their dedicated tour line.
Yes, simply walking through the stunning architecture and public spaces of the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is a free and rewarding experience. During the holiday season, the Festival of Lights is also a free public display.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Mission Inn Museum offers exhibits on local history and art within the National Historic Landmark hotel. You can explore its unique architecture, learn about its past, and take guided tours that reveal hidden details and stories.
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is renowned for its stunning Mission Revival architecture, intricate details, and its annual Festival of Lights, which draws visitors from all over. It's a National Historic Landmark with a rich history.
Many visitors and locals report experiencing strange occurrences, leading to rumors of the Mission Inn being haunted. Specialized ghost tours and catacombs tours delve into these local legends and true crime stories.
Available tours include general museum tours focusing on history and architecture, as well as specialized catacombs tours and haunted history tours that explore local lore and ghost stories. +1
Absolutely! Guided tours offer deep insights into the hotel's history, architecture, and local legends that you might miss on your own. Many visitors find them to be a captivating and informative experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa boasts several dining options, ranging from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. Popular choices include Casey's Cupcakes and the Gingerbread Shop, especially during the holidays.
Besides the hotel's own restaurants, downtown Riverside offers a variety of eateries. For recommendations, check local guides or ask hotel staff for suggestions based on your preferences.
Yes, during the holiday season, you can often find delicious hot chocolate, particularly from places like the Gingerbread Shop within the Mission Inn.
Dining options within the hotel are diverse. It's best to check the menus of individual restaurants or inquire with the staff about specific dietary accommodations.
Dining prices at the Mission Inn can vary. While some cafes offer more casual and affordable options, the fine dining restaurants will be at a higher price point.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire Mission Inn is a photographer's dream! Key spots include the stunning courtyards, the grand staircase, unique architectural details, and the festive displays during the Festival of Lights.
Photography is generally allowed in the public areas of the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. However, for specific exhibits or during guided tours, it's always best to ask your guide or check for any posted restrictions.
The Mission Inn during the Festival of Lights is exceptionally photogenic, with millions of lights creating a magical backdrop. It's a popular spot for holiday-themed photoshoots.
For architectural details, daytime offers good natural light. For the magical ambiance and holiday lights, dusk and evening are ideal. Consider golden hour for a mix of natural light and early evening glow.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around historic landmarks and hotels due to privacy and safety concerns. It's advisable to check with the hotel management or local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+2 Consider booking a Brunch with Santa Claus or visiting Santa's Toy Shop for a truly magical holiday experience. While the catacombs tour might be too intense for younger children, the general museum tour offers a glimpse into history in an engaging way. 👻 Ghost & History Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers & Architecture Buffs
+2 Consider visiting during the 'golden hour' for a beautiful blend of natural light and early evening glow, or embrace the night for the full illuminated spectacle. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Festival of Lights: A Riverside Tradition
+2 This event has been recognized as one of the nation's largest and most impressive public light displays, even earning 'Best Holiday Light Show' accolades. +1 Visitors can enjoy Santa's Toy Shop, candy lanes, and various seasonal treats, making it a cherished experience for families and individuals alike. The festival typically runs from late November through early January, drawing significant crowds, so planning your visit accordingly is key. Exploring the Mission Inn's History and Mysteries
Beyond its architectural beauty, the hotel is steeped in local lore and rumored hauntings. Specialized tours, such as the catacombs tour and haunted history tours, allow visitors to explore the mysterious tunnels beneath the hotel and hear tales of local legends, true crime, and ghostly encounters. +1 These tours often connect Riverside's history to pop culture, making them both spooky and fascinating. Navigating the Mission Inn Experience
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