Looking for a fun way to spend a day in SoCal? Riverside has some cool spots worth checking out. We spent a day there recently, and it was a mix of art, history, and, well, some weirdness. Located about 55 miles east of Los Angeles and 40 miles northeast of Disneyland, Riverside is an easy day trip from popular SoCal destinations. If you are looking for things to do that are a little different, Riverside can deliver. Here’s how the day went: 1) The Cheech 2) The Mission Inn 3) Tio’s Tacos.
First Stop: The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art
I started at The Cheech, which is part of the Riverside Art Museum. It’s filled with all kinds of Chicano art—huge murals, sculptures, and some really vibrant paintings. Even if you’re not super into art, it’s a cool place to wander around. Plus, it feels like you’re getting a peek into someone’s personal collection (because you kind of are—it’s all from Cheech Marin’s personal collection).
Tickets are about $16, but they’re cheaper if you’re a student, senior, or bringing kids. Entry is free for active military and those accompanying them. They also have free days each month. Check out their website for more info. There’s a parking garage nearby that’s convenient and not too expensive, but we parked on the street for free.
Next Stop: The Mission Inn
After soaking in all that art, we walked over to The Mission Inn. If you’ve never been, it’s a beautiful historic hotel. It’s hard to pin down the style—there’s Spanish, Gothic, and some other influences I couldn’t name—but it a mix. You don’t need to stay there to appreciate it. You can wander a bit on your own or join a tour. If you like taking photos, you’re going to love it here. The bell tower, the St. Francis chapel, and the courtyard are gorgeous, especially during golden hour. Tours cost around $15–$25, and parking’s easy to find—either valet if you’re feeling fancy or in nearby garages. I have never taken a tour and we opted to just wander around. They have a restaurant on site that is a bit pricey, but it is a fun experience.
Last Stop: Tio’s Tacos
On toTio’s Tacos. It was my first time there, and while I would say the food was pretty average, the place itself is wild in the best way. The entire outdoor area is like an art installation made from random recycled stuff: bottle caps, old metal, you name it. There are these massive sculptures everywhere. It’s the kind of place where you look around and think, “How did someone come up with this?” If nothing else, it’s worth stopping by just for the experience (and for the photos). You can park for free on-site, but there are only a few spots it fills up fast, especially during busy times. If you’re not planning to eat, you can still wander the art for free.
The Takeaway
We had a great time exploring Riverside! Between the art at The Cheech, the gorgeous architecture at The Mission Inn, and the quirky vibes at Tio’s Tacos, it was such a fun mix of stuff. If you go, go camera ready and wear comfy shoes—there’s a lot to see!
What is your must-visit Riverside spot?
