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

The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa

No trip to Riverside is complete without visiting the crown jewel of the city: The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. Occupying an entire city block in downtown, this National Historic Landmark is a breathtaking blend of Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival, and Renaissance Revival architecture. It’s not just a hotel; it’s a living museum that has hosted presidents, royalty, and celebrities for over a century. For groups, the Mission Inn offers guided walking tours (through the Mission Inn Museum) that dive deep into the history of the Miller family and the city’s citrus roots.

Traveling here by charter bus is the smartest way to handle a large group visit, especially during the busy holiday season when the "Festival of Lights" draws millions of visitors. Parking in downtown can be scarce, but your Charter Bus Riverside driver can drop your group off right near the main entrance or at a designated loading zone on Orange Street. After your tour, your group can easily reboard the cool, air-conditioned bus to head to lunch, rather than walking blocks back to a parking garage in the heat.

The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501

Mount Rubidoux Park

For active groups looking to soak up the California sunshine and enjoy panoramic views of the Inland Empire, Mount Rubidoux is the ultimate destination. This 161-acre park and landmark features paved roads that are closed to vehicular traffic, making it a perfect hiking spot for school groups, scout troops, and sports teams. The hike is roughly 3 miles round trip and leads to the summit, where you’ll find the iconic Father Serra Cross and the Peace Tower. It’s a fantastic spot for sunrise services, history lessons, or simply burning off some energy.

Logistics here can be tricky without a bus. The trailhead parking at Ryan Bonaminio Park fills up incredibly fast, especially on weekends. When you rent a bus with Charter Bus Riverside, your driver can drop your group off right at the base of the trail on San Andreas Drive or at the Tequesquite Avenue entrance. While you hike, your driver will handle the bus parking, waiting for you to return. Plus, after a dusty hike, there is nothing better than stepping onto a bus with plush, reclining seats and blasting A/C to cool down.

Mount Rubidoux Park (Ryan Bonaminio Park Entrance) 5000 Tequesquite Ave, Riverside, CA 92501

California Citrus State Historic Park

Did you know Riverside is the birthplace of the California citrus industry? In the late 1800s, the "second Gold Rush" happened right here with the Navel Orange. Groups can step back in time at the California Citrus State Historic Park. This open-air museum preserves the landscape of the citrus groves that once covered the region. It is an excellent destination for educational field trips and senior tour groups. You can arrange for guided tours where rangers explain the history of the water rights, the smudge pots, and the diverse workforce that built the industry. There are even fruit tastings available seasonally!

The park is located slightly outside the city center, making a charter bus rental an efficient choice. We can transport your group directly to the visitor center. With ample storage bays under the bus, you’ll have plenty of room to store picnic coolers if you plan on having lunch at the park's picnic areas, or crates of fresh oranges you might buy at the gift shop.

California Citrus State Historic Park 9400 Dufferin Ave, Riverside, CA 92504

March Field Air Museum

Located just off the I-215, the March Field Air Museum is a must-see for aviation enthusiasts, veterans' groups, and STEM field trips. The museum sits adjacent to the March Air Reserve Base and boasts a collection of over 70 aircraft, ranging from early biplanes to modern jets like the SR-71 Blackbird and the B-17 Flying Fortress. The exhibits cover the history of aviation and the specific role Riverside played in military history.

Coordinating a convoy of cars for a large group to the museum can be a headache, especially with highway driving involved. A charter bus keeps your group together and safe. Charter Bus Riverside regularly services this location, and the museum offers ample parking for large motorcoaches. If you are organizing a school trip, our buses come equipped with DVD players and monitors, so you can show an educational documentary about aviation history during the ride to prep the students for what they are about to see.

March Field Air Museum 22550 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518

The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture

One of the newest and most exciting cultural additions to Riverside is "The Cheech." A public-private partnership between the Riverside Art Museum, the City of Riverside, and comedian Cheech Marin, this center houses one of the finest collections of Chicano art in the world. Located in a mid-century modern building that was formerly the public library, it has quickly become a cultural pilgrimage site. It is perfect for art students, cultural heritage groups, and tourists.

Located right in the heart of downtown, next to the Mission Inn, The Cheech is in a high-traffic area where parking is premium. Don't waste time circling for spots. Your Charter Bus Riverside driver can drop your group curbside so you can head straight into the galleries. While you admire the works of Frank Romero and Carlos Almaraz, your bus will be staged nearby, ready to whisk you away to your next destination, perhaps a group dinner at the Riverside Food Lab nearby.

The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture 3581 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501

Castle Park

If you are planning a youth group outing, a graduation celebration, or a family reunion, Castle Park is the place to be. Founded in 1976 by amusement park designer Bud Hurlbut, this park features a full amusement ride section, four championship miniature golf courses, a vast arcade, and water play areas. It’s a staple of Riverside entertainment and offers affordable fun for large groups.

Transporting a few dozen excited teenagers or children requires logistical precision. School buses are an option, but for a longer day at the park, a charter bus rental offers superior comfort. After a long day of riding the Fireball coaster or playing mini-golf in the sun, your group will appreciate reclining seats and charging ports to power up their phones on the ride home. We can schedule pick-up and drop-off times that align perfectly with park hours so no one is left waiting.

Castle Park 3500 Polk Street, Riverside, CA 92505

UCR Botanic Gardens

Tucked into 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 diverse terrain. It features more than 3,500 plant species from around the world and four miles of scenic trails. It is a serene escape for garden clubs, university tours, and photography groups.

Navigating a university campus with multiple cars can be confusing and expensive regarding parking permits. By booking a minibus or charter bus with Charter Bus Riverside, you bypass the confusion. We can navigate the campus roads directly to the garden entrance. Whether you are visiting for the spring bloom or the fall plant sales, a private bus ensures your group arrives together without anyone getting lost in the university sprawl.

UCR Botanic Gardens 1 Botanic Gardens Dr, Riverside, CA 92507

Fox Performing Arts Center

For groups looking for evening entertainment, the Fox Performing Arts Center is a historic gem. Built in 1929, this Spanish Colonial Revival theater was the site of the first public screening of "Gone with the Wind." Today, it hosts Broadway shows, top-tier concerts, comedy acts, and dance performances. It is the centerpiece of Riverside's arts scene.

If you are planning a corporate outing or a large social gathering for a show, rely on Charter Bus Riverside for your evening transport. We can pick your group up from your office or hotel, drop you off right in front of the marquee for photos, and be waiting when the curtain falls. This eliminates the need for your guests to walk long distances in formal wear or pay for individual event parking. You can even enjoy a glass of champagne on the bus (check with our agents about alcohol policies!) to start the evening right.

Fox Performing Arts Center 3801 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501

Rent Your Riverside Charter Bus Today

Riverside is a city of history, innovation, and beauty, and it is best explored together. Whether you need a 20-passenger minibus for a quick shuttle to the Metrolink station or a fleet of 56-passenger motorcoaches for a city-wide convention, Charter Bus Riverside has the experience and the fleet to make it happen. We are dedicated to safety, punctuality, and customer satisfaction.

Don't let traffic on the 60 or the 91 ruin your group's vibe. Let us handle the driving while you handle the fun. Call our reservation specialists 24/7 at 909-233-6310 to get a free, personalized quote for your trip. We’re ready to help you discover the best of the Inland Empire!