Riverside, CA

Key Highlights

Hotels	14
Total Sleeping Rooms	1,276
Committable Sleeping Rooms*	292
Committable Meeting Rooms*	15
Largest Exhibit Space	77,120 Sq. Ft.
Largest Ballroom	10,400 Sq. Ft.
Average Hotel Room Rate	USD $101
Average Daily Meal Cost	USD $71
Average Weekly Car Rental	USD $193
*Maximum for a single hotel

Riverside, CA Meeting Planning Overview

The idyllic weather, close proximity to Los Angeles and picturesque beauty have drawn visitors to Riverside for more than a century. The wealth that has accumulated in the area has fostered development of the convention industry, and groups from across the globe flock to Riverside to experience the attention to detail and commitment to service that is ever present. With its charm and beauty, perfect weather and hospitable attitude, Riverside is the perfect destination for business and leisure travelers alike. With so much to offer, it is no wonder that Riverside welcomes five million visitors each year.

The beauty of the city combined with the ease of getting to Riverside make it an attractive option for meeting planners. Just a short 17-mile drive from LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT) and with 550 weekly departures to 18 cities, travelers are always just two flights away from LA/Ontario International Airport. Once in Riverside, visitors find navigating the city a breeze. Whether by bus or by way of Riverside's numerous taxis, guests to the city soon learn that getting around can be part of the fun.

When it comes to meeting venues, planners have numerous options for facilities, starting with the Riverside Convention Center. Featuring 45,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including a 20,000-square-foot hall and 10,000-square-foot ballroom, the Riverside Convention Center can accommodate groups of up to 2,000 guests. The center's downtown location makes it ideal for visitors who also want to enjoy the city's offerings, and the dedicated staff will ensure that no detail is overlooked.

Other options for planners are the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, which offers 20,000 square feet of meeting space for conventions and exhibitions in 19 rooms; and the Riverside Marriott, boasting 14,000 square feet of meeting space in 14 rooms.

For planners looking for alternative venues, there is no shortage of unique meeting facilities in Riverside. Host a meeting at the Riverside Art Museum in one of two first-floor galleries, the second-floor conference room, the lobby, atrium or rooftop. Or, groups can gather at Castle Park for a whimsical and memorable event. Additionally, the award winning tapas restaurant, Cafe Sevilla, features live entertainment and a festive atmosphere, while groups of up to 350 can enjoy the elegant surroundings and delicious meals at Mario's Place - one of Riverside's most well-respected restaurants.

The capital of California's citrus growing region, Riverside's origins stem from the agricultural industry. Today, the city is one of the fastest growing cities in the nation and was named by Inc Magazine as one of the "best cities to do business." Additionally, Riverside is home to a campus of the University of California.

Riverside, CA Area Destinations

Orange County, CA	Anaheim, CA	Dana Point, CA	Huntington Beach, CA
Irvine, CA	Newport Beach, CA	Santa Ana, CA

About Riverside, CA / Additional Info

Taking its name from its location on the banks of the Santa Ana River, Riverside is more than just another Southern California city. Approximately sixty miles east of Los Angeles in Riverside County, the city spans approximately 78.5 square miles and is home to approximately 300,000 residents. Founded in 1870, Riverside is California's twelfth largest city and is one of the largest inland cities in the state. Nestled in the shadows of the San Bernardino Mountains, Riverside has a picturesque downtown area, complemented by Mission style architecture and tree-lined streets.

Visitors have long been drawn to the area's near perfect climate. In 1873, the U.S. Department of Agriculture sent three Brazilian orange trees to a Riverside resident, and it was discovered that the region's fertile soil yielded healthier plants with better tasting fruit. This discovery fueled a citrus boom that created tremendous wealth in the area. Today, visitors can learn more about the history of California oranges at the California Citrus State Historical Park or pop in at the Riverside Metropolitan Museum and step back to the bygone days of turn-of-the-century Riverside at the Heritage House. Meanwhile, a stroll through the streets of Riverside's Seventh Street Historic District reveals many fine examples of the area's famed Mission architecture. Visitors can experience one of the finest examples of at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. Built over a large number of years, the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is a wonder to behold, both inside and out.

When it comes to things to see and do, there is plenty in store for visitors to Riverside. Guests can peruse the quirky shops and boutiques of Riverside's Main Street Mall. Or find a slew of designer purveyors at the Riverside Plaza or the Galleria at Tyler. Meanwhile, the city's famed arts scene is visible at every turn with galleries, museums and performance venues such as the Fox Performing Arts Center, the Riverside Art Museum, University of California Riverside Sweeney Art Gallery and the Barbara and Art Culver Center for the Arts. While, over at the University of California Riverside California Museum of Photography, visitors can catch the works of local artists.

The endless beauty of Southern California's weather beckons visitors to enjoy the outdoors in Riverside. From golfing the Arnold Palmer designed course to hiking or bicycling through one of the city's 44 parks, there is no shortage of ways to soak up the rays of Riverside. Meanwhile, thrill seekers of all ages flock to Castle Park for exciting roller coasters, games and miniature golf.

Those seeking refuge, rest, and relaxation can stop into Kelly Spa in the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa for pampering and attention. The exotic and luxurious wraps, scrubs and massages are geared to relax the mind and rejuvenate the body. After a day in the spa, visitors are ready to venture out to enjoy more of Riverside.

When night falls in Riverside, the action does not subside. At Cask n' Cleaver, guests will experience a pairing of hearty steaks and wine from the finest California vineyards. For a romantic night, locals know that Mario's Place serves up the best combination of ambience a delectable Northern Italian cuisine. Or, for a colorful evening, visitors can head to Cafe Sevilla for tapas and stay for a Flamenco show.

Riverside, CA Key Stats for Meeting Planners

Time Zone: Pacific Time (PT)
Convention Center(s):

Riverside Convention Center

Hotel at Convention Center? No
Sleeping Rooms 1 Mile from Convention Center: 648

Destination Type(s):

Golf Destination
Smoke-free Restaurants

Special Event Venues
20
Population
300,430
Restaurants
20
Country Code
1
Sales Tax
8.75%
Currency
U.S. Dollar
Standard Tipping Practice
10-20%
Electricity
120V / 60Hz
Official Languages
English

Credit Cards and Travelers Cheques widely accepted? Yes

All average costs based on U.S. Government Per Diem rates as published by the U.S. General Services Administration.

Cities Near Riverside, CA

	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Estimated Min. Flying Time	Estimated Flight Cost
Los Angeles, CA	58 mi	58 min	3 hr 10 min	USD $316+
San Diego, CA	101 mi	1 hr 38 min	3 hr 30 min	USD $299+
San Francisco, CA	440 mi	5+ hrs	1 hr 10 min	USD $259+

Riverside, CA Climate Information

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg. High (°F)	63	65	66	72	77	85	93	92	89	80	71	65
Avg. Low (°F)	39	41	43	46	51	55	61	62	59	51	44	40
Rec. High (°F)	85	87	95	100	108	110	111	111	114	110	94	90
Rec. Low (°F)	16	22	24	27	32	39	48	47	42	28	26	17
Rainfall (in)	2.0	2.0	2.0	0.8	0.2	0.1	0.1	0.2	0.3	0.4	0.9	1.5

Riverside experiences the typically beautiful climate associated with Southern California. Average temperatures in summer tend to be in the 90s, but with low humidity. The warmest month of the year is July when temperatures can reach the mid-90s.Winter temperatures average in the 50s with the coolest month of the year being December. Riverside receives an average of 10.22 inches of rainfall per year. Most rainfall occurs in the winter months.

With its bright sunshine, low humidity and dry seasons, Riverside is a year-round destination. However, the very best time to visit is during the summer and fall months when the weather is warm and dry, and visitors are able to enjoy all the scenery and activities that Riverside has to offer.

Riverside, CA Area Destinations

Orange County, CA	Anaheim, CA	Dana Point, CA	Huntington Beach, CA
Irvine, CA	Newport Beach, CA	Santa Ana, CA

Meeting Planning in Riverside, CA

Riverside Convention Center

Located in the downtown area, the Riverside Convention Center provides ideal accommodations for groups of any size to conduct meetings, conventions, trade shows or any number of large or small scale events. The convention center features nearly 70,000 total square feet of meeting space divided across several unique configurations. Inside, the facility incorporates 45,000 square feet of meeting area throughout 15 rooms. The Foyer features a marble staircase and chandeliers perfect for evoking elegance and sophistication. This 8,400-square-foot room can be used for formal events or as a pre- or post-event reception area. The Ben H. Lewis Hall is the largest room in the convention center. At 20,800 square feet, the hall can hold over 1,200 guests and 100 trade show booths. Meanwhile, the Raincross Ballroom is equally suited for formal events and banquets. The ballroom measures 10,400 square feet and is decorated in painstaking detail to evoke elegance. Finally, the convention center also features a nearly 25,000 square-foot plaza for outdoor events. Taking advantage of the near-perfect Southern California climate, the plaza is equipped with special lighting for evening events and awnings for daytime functions.

To ensure smooth operations and successful meetings, the staff of the Riverside Convention Center works tirelessly to ensure that no detail is overlooked. The convention center is equipped with the latest audio visual technology and wireless Internet access is available throughout the facility. The center also provides laptop computer rental services and will help guests with arrangements for off-hour activities. On-site catering is also available and the center's staff will work to craft the perfect menu for any event, whether formal or informal including full meals or light snacks.

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Riverside, CA Meeting Venue Spotlight

The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa

3649 Mission Inn Avenue
Riverside, CA 92501
Total Meeting Space - 20,000 Sq. Ft.

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Riverside Marriott

3400 Market Street
Riverside, CA 92501
Total Meeting Space - 14,000 Sq. Ft.

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Riverside, CA Public Transportation

Riverside Transit

The Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) operates a bus system throughout western Riverside County. Consisting of 37 fixed routes, the RTA system transports over 8 million riders per year. The 25 routes running through the city of Riverside transport passengers to all major destinations in the city. Fares are $1.50 for adults and children. Day passes are available for $4.

Shuttles

Shared ride service is available from LA/Ontario International Airport. Fares are approximately $40 to Riverside for a shared van. Chartered vehicles for groups are also available starting at $70 for up to 9 passengers.

Rental Cars

Counters for Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty are located in the Consolidated Rental Car Facility at LA/Ontario International Airport, and can be accessed via a convenient shuttle outside the airport's baggage claim area. Additionally, there are shuttles from the rental facility to the business operation centers for Ace and Fox.