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

The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa

No trip to Riverside is complete without visiting its most iconic landmark, The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. Located in the heart of downtown, this historic hotel is a breathtaking example of Mission Revival architecture and has hosted presidents, royalty, and celebrities for over a century. Even if you aren't staying overnight, the venue is a prime destination for group tours, dining, and especially weddings. The architecture alone—with its flying buttresses, domes, and bell towers—is worth the trip.

If you are visiting during the holiday season, a charter bus is absolutely essential for the famous Festival of Lights. During this time, the hotel is illuminated by millions of lights, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors. Parking downtown becomes nearly impossible, but with a charter bus rental from Charter Bus Rental Company Riverside, your driver can drop your group off right near the entrance (3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501) and pick you up when you are done. No circling for parking, no walking blocks in the cold, just pure holiday magic. We also provide elegant wedding shuttle services for couples tying the knot at the inn’s St. Francis of Assisi Chapel, ensuring guests travel seamlessly between the ceremony and off-site reception venues.

Mount Rubidoux Park

For groups who love the outdoors and panoramic views, Mount Rubidoux Park is a must-visit. This 161-acre park features paved trails leading to the summit, where you will find the iconic white cross and the World Peace Bridge. It is a fantastic location for church groups, school field trips, and fitness clubs looking to take in a 360-degree view of the city, the Santa Ana River, and the surrounding mountains. The hike is moderate, making it accessible for most active groups.

However, parking at the base of the mountain (near 4706 Mount Rubidoux Dr, Riverside, CA 92501) is residential and extremely limited. Taking a large group in separate cars is a logistical headache that often results in half the group searching for parking while the other half waits. By booking a minibus or charter bus with Charter Bus Rental Company Riverside, your driver can drop your group off at the trailhead at Ryan Bonaminio Park or the 9th Street entrance. After your hike, you can climb aboard a cool, air-conditioned bus to relax your legs and hydrate while your driver handles the descent back into the city. It is the most stress-free way to experience one of Riverside's most beloved landmarks.

California Citrus State Historic Park

Did you know Riverside is the birthplace of the California citrus industry? Celebrate that heritage at the California Citrus State Historic Park. This open-air museum preserves the landscape of the citrus groves that once dominated the region. Groups can enjoy guided tours, taste different varieties of fresh citrus fruit, and learn about the history of the navel orange. It is a fantastic educational destination for student field trips, senior citizen outings, and history buffs.

Located at 9400 Dufferin Ave, Riverside, CA 92504, the park offers plenty of space for picnicking, making it a great spot for a relaxed lunch. When you rent a charter bus for your visit, you have ample storage space in the undercarriage luggage bays for picnic coolers, outdoor games, and even crates of oranges you might buy at the gift shop. Your driver will handle the navigation down Van Buren Boulevard so you can focus on enjoying the sweet scent of orange blossoms. Ask our reservation specialists about buses with PA systems so your tour guide or teacher can brief the group on the history of the "second Gold Rush" before you even arrive at the park!

The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture

Affectionately known as "The Cheech," this museum is a game-changer for the Riverside art scene. Located next door to the Riverside Art Museum, The Cheech houses one of the largest collections of Chicano art in the world, gifted by actor and comedian Cheech Marin. It is a vibrant, colorful, and culturally significant destination that is perfect for university art students, cultural heritage groups, and anyone looking to be inspired.

The center is located at 3581 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501, right in the busy downtown district. Coordinating a group visit here pairs perfectly with a walking tour of the nearby Fox Performing Arts Center or the Main Street Pedestrian Mall. With Charter Bus Rental Company Riverside, you can organize a "culture crawl" shuttle service. We can drop your group off at The Cheech for a morning tour, shuttle you to the Riverside Plaza for lunch, and then take you to the UCR Arts Block for an afternoon session. Our flexible scheduling means you are never rushing to catch a public bus or waiting on rideshare surges.

March Field Air Museum

For aviation enthusiasts, veterans groups, and STEM field trips, the March Field Air Museum is a top-tier destination. Located adjacent to the March Air Reserve Base, this museum boasts a collection of over 70 historic aircraft, including the SR-71 Blackbird and a B-17 Flying Fortress. It offers a tangible connection to military history and the evolution of flight.

The museum is located at 22550 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518, just off the I-215. Because the exhibits are both indoors and outdoors on the tarmac, visitors can spend hours walking in the sun. Having a climate-controlled charter bus waiting for your group is a huge perk. After exploring the hangars, your group can retreat to the comfort of reclining seats and A/C. If you are organizing a reunion for a military platoon or a large school trip, our 56-passenger motorcoaches are ideal for keeping the entire unit together. We also offer ADA-accessible buses to ensure every member of your group can participate in honoring our aviation history.

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 championship miniature golf courses, and a massive arcade, it is the ultimate destination for youth groups, birthday parties, and summer camp outings. It’s a place where kids can burn off energy and adults can embrace their inner child.

Located at 3500 Polk Street, Riverside, CA 92505, Castle Park can get crowded, especially on weekends and during the Halloween "Castle Dark" event. Coordinating a convoy of parents to drive dozens of excited kids is a recipe for stress. Instead, book a school bus or charter bus rental with Charter Bus Rental Company Riverside. We can play kid-friendly movies on the onboard TV monitors to keep the excitement manageable during the drive. Your driver will drop the group off right at the castle gates and will be waiting there when the park closes, ensuring a safe and organized ride home for every child.

UCR 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 feature more than 3,500 plant species from around the world and four miles of scenic trails. It is a peaceful retreat for nature lovers, photography clubs, and university guests.

The gardens are located at 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92521. Navigating a large university campus can be confusing for visitors, and parking lots are often permitted or far from the entrance. A private shuttle bus rental eliminates these hurdles. Your driver can navigate the campus roads directly to the garden entrance. This is particularly helpful for senior groups or those with mobility issues who want to enjoy the rose gardens without the long trek from the public parking lots. If you are planning a wider tour of UCR for prospective students, we can easily add the Botanic Gardens as a stop on your custom campus tour itinerary.

Van Buren Drive-In Theatre

Step back in time at the Van Buren Drive-In Theatre, a historic Riverside landmark that has been entertaining locals since 1964. The theater retains its classic 1960s mural and offers double-feature movies under the stars. It is a fantastic, nostalgic option for a unique private event, a Greek life social, or a large family gathering. During the day, the location also hosts a massive swap meet.

Located at 3035 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92503, the drive-in experience is usually centered around cars, but visiting with a charter bus offers a unique twist. You can coordinate with the theater for a designated parking area for your bus, allowing your group to set up lawn chairs outside or watch from the high vantage point of the bus windows. It’s a great way to keep a large group together for a movie night without needing 20 different cars to park next to each other. Charter Bus Rental Company Riverside can help you coordinate the logistics for a memorable night out at the movies.

Book Your Riverside Charter Bus Today!

Riverside is a city rich in history, culture, and outdoor beauty, and there is no better way to see it all than with Charter Bus Rental Company Riverside. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality group transportation in the Inland Empire. From the moment you call us to the moment you step off the bus, our goal is to make your trip easy, safe, and unforgettable.

Don't let traffic or parking logistics ruin your event. Whether you need a shuttle for a corporate team building event at the Convention Center or a party bus for a night out downtown, we have the perfect vehicle for you. Call our 24/7 reservation team right now at 951-574-3780 to get your free, personalized quote. Let us earn your business and show you why we are Riverside's most trusted charter bus rental company!