A Group Travel Guide to Riverside, California's Best Destinations

The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa

No trip to Riverside is complete without visiting its crown jewel, The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. This historic landmark is much more than just a hotel; it is a breathtaking piece of architecture featuring flying buttresses, domes, a bell tower, and lush gardens that occupy an entire city block. It has hosted presidents, royalty, and celebrities for over a century. While it is beautiful year-round, it becomes the center of the universe during the holidays for the famous Festival of Lights. During this time, downtown Riverside becomes incredibly congested, and finding parking can take over an hour.

When you book a charter bus rental with Charter Bus Riverside, you can skip the parking nightmare entirely. Your driver can drop your group off right at the designated loading zones near the hotel entrance, allowing you to walk straight into the lobby or the surrounding pedestrian mall. This is perfect for history tours, wedding parties taking photos, or corporate groups heading to a gala in the Grand Parisian Ballroom. After you’ve explored the museum or enjoyed a meal at the Mission Inn Restaurant, your bus will be waiting to whisk you away.

Address: 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501

Mount Rubidoux Park

For the active group looking for the best views in the city, Mount Rubidoux Park is a must-visit destination. This 161-acre prominent hill rises above downtown and offers paved trails leading to the summit, where you will find the iconic cross and the World Peace Bridge. It is a fantastic spot for school groups, church youth groups, or corporate wellness retreats looking to get some fresh air. The hike is roughly 3 miles round trip, but the panoramic views of the Inland Empire are well worth the effort.

However, parking at the base of Mount Rubidoux, specifically near Ryan Bonaminio Park or along 9th Street, fills up very quickly, especially on weekends and during the famous 4th of July fireworks spectacular. By renting a minibus or charter bus, you ensure that your entire hiking group arrives together. Your driver can drop you off at the trailhead at the bottom of the mountain and can even meet you on the other side if you choose to take a different trail down. Everyone can store their water bottles, hiking sticks, and extra layers in the overhead bins, and relax in a climate-controlled cabin immediately after the hike.

Address: 4706 Mount Rubidoux Dr, Riverside, CA 92501

California Citrus State Historic Park

Did you know that Riverside is the birthplace of the California citrus industry? You can dive deep into this juicy history at the California Citrus State Historic Park. This open-air museum preserves the landscape of the citrus groves that once covered the region. Groups can enjoy guided tours, taste different varieties of fruit (when in season), and learn about the agricultural history that built the Inland Empire. It is an educational goldmine for school field trips and a surprisingly scenic backdrop for weddings and family reunions.

The park is located somewhat on the outskirts of the city, making a private bus rental the most efficient way to get there, especially if you are coming from downtown or out of town. Charter Bus Riverside regularly transports students and tour groups here. We can park your bus in the designated oversized vehicle lots while you explore the visitor center and the groves. If you are hosting a wedding here among the orange trees, a shuttle service is essential to get your guests from their hotels to the park safely and on time, ensuring no one takes a wrong turn on Van Buren Boulevard.

Address: 9400 Dufferin Ave, Riverside, CA 92504

March Field Air Museum

Located adjacent to the March Air Reserve Base, the March Field Air Museum is a top-tier destination for aviation enthusiasts, veterans' groups, and educational field trips. The museum boasts a collection of over 70 aircraft and thousands of artifacts, ranging from early aviation pioneers to modern military jets and drones. Walking through the hangars and the outdoor flight line gives visitors a tangible sense of history and scale that you can't get from a textbook.

When organizing a trip for a large group—whether it’s a JROTC unit, a senior living community, or a history class—coordinating a caravan of cars on I-215 is a recipe for disaster. A charter bus rental from Charter Bus Riverside keeps everyone together. Our buses have ample undercarriage storage, perfect for storing packed lunches to enjoy at the museum’s picnic area. Plus, if you are visiting during an air show weekend when traffic is heavy, having a driver navigate the crowds makes the experience stress-free.

Address: 22550 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518

Fox Performing Arts Center

For a touch of Hollywood glamour right here in Riverside, bring your group to the Fox Performing Arts Center. This Spanish Colonial Revival style theater opened in 1929 and was the site of the first public screening of "Gone with the Wind." Today, it hosts everything from Broadway shows and concerts to comedy acts and film festivals. It is the cultural heartbeat of downtown Riverside’s arts scene.

Attending a show with a large group? Parking in downtown Riverside during event nights can be scarce and expensive. A private shuttle bus is the ultimate VIP perk for your group. Whether you are a corporate team celebrating a quarter win or a group of theater students seeing a play, your driver can drop you off right at the curb on Mission Inn Avenue. You can enjoy a pre-show dinner at the nearby Food Lab or Salted Pig, and your bus will be waiting to pick you up the moment the curtain falls.

Address: 3801 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501

The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture

Affectionately known as "The Cheech," this museum is a collaboration between the Riverside Art Museum and comedian Cheech Marin, housing one of the finest collections of Chicano art in the world. Located in the heart of downtown, adjacent to the historic Mission Inn, it has quickly become a cultural pilgrimage site. The exhibits are vibrant, thought-provoking, and essential viewing for anyone interested in California's diverse artistic heritage.

If you are planning an art appreciation trip for a university class or a cultural society, Charter Bus Riverside is your best travel partner. We can arrange a route that hits both The Cheech and the main Riverside Art Museum building nearby. Since these venues are in the walkable downtown core where parking is limited to garages, a charter bus allows you to drop off passengers and head to a staging area, keeping your group from having to feed meters or navigate tight parking structures.

Address: 3581 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501

Castle Park

Looking for pure entertainment? Castle Park is Riverside’s premier amusement park, founded by Bud Hurlbut, the designer of several rides at Knott’s Berry Farm. With a roller coaster, log ride, carousel, four miniature golf courses, and a massive arcade, it is the ultimate destination for youth groups, summer camps, and birthday parties. It’s a place where kids can burn off energy and adults can embrace their inner child.

Transporting dozens of excited teenagers to an amusement park requires safe, reliable transportation. School buses can be hot and uncomfortable, but a charter bus rental offers a cool, relaxing environment. After a long day of rides and mini-golf in the sun, your group will appreciate the air-conditioned ride home. We can provide ample storage for prizes won at the midway and ensure that every child is accounted for before leaving the park. It is the safest way to manage a large group outing.

Address: 3500 Polk Street, Riverside, CA 92505

UC Riverside Botanic Gardens

Nestled in the foothills of the Box Springs Mountains on the east side of the University of California, Riverside campus, the UCR Botanic Gardens covers 40 acres of rugged terrain. The gardens showcase diverse plant communities from California and around the world, including a cactus garden, a rose garden, and miles of nature trails. It is a serene escape and a living laboratory for students and nature lovers.

Navigating a large university campus can be confusing for visitors, and parking regulations are strictly enforced. By booking a charter bus with Charter Bus Riverside, you can bypass the confusion. We can coordinate directly with the university to determine the best drop-off points for the gardens. This is ideal for high school biology classes, garden clubs, or prospective students touring the UCR campus. Your group can focus on the flora and fauna, not on finding a parking permit machine.

Address: 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92521

Book Your Riverside Group Trip Today

Ready to explore everything Riverside has to offer? Charter Bus Riverside is standing by to make your trip effortless. Whether you need a shuttle for a wedding at the Mission Inn or a field trip bus to the March Field Air Museum, we have the perfect vehicle for you. Our reservation specialists are available 24/7 to answer your questions, help you plan your itinerary, and provide a free, no-obligation quote. Call us today at 909-440-6320 and let’s get your group on the road!