Mission Inn Avenue - Image 1
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Mission Inn Avenue

Riverside, United States

A historic landmark hotel renowned for its stunning architecture and spectacular annual Festival of Lights.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Mission Inn Avenue - Image 1

Mission Inn Avenue

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic landmark hotel renowned for its stunning architecture and spectacular annual Festival of Lights.

"Teleport to Europe without leaving the state? The Mission Inn is beautiful!"

Vertical photo
TIP

šŸš— Parking Tips

Parking can be challenging during the Festival of Lights. Arrive early or consider rideshare.

šŸ“ø Photo Opportunities

The Mission Inn is incredibly photogenic, especially during the holidays. Bring your camera!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Festival of Lights

Festival of Lights

Mission Inn Hotel & Spa

Millions of sparkling lights transform the hotel and surrounding area into a winter wonderland. A must-see holiday spectacle.

Instagram+1
Mission Inn Hotel Architecture

Mission Inn Hotel Architecture

3649 Mission Inn Avenue

Explore the stunning, historic architecture that transports you to Europe. A photographer's dream.

Instagram+1
Catacombs Tour

Catacombs Tour

Mission Inn Hotel & Spa

Uncover the hidden history of the Mission Inn with a guided tour of its intriguing catacombs.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Festival of Lights Timing

The Mission Inn Festival of Lights is a popular holiday event. Arrive early, especially on weekends, to avoid the biggest crowds and secure parking. Consider visiting on a weekday evening for a more relaxed experience. Instagram+1

Catacombs Tour Booking

The Mission Inn Catacombs offer a unique historical tour, but information is limited online. Booking requires calling the hotel directly, and tours are often booked in advance. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends during Festival of Lights
Why
Full festive experience
Crowd
High
When
Off-season
Why
Quieter exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Mission Inn Festival of Lights is back with their free Christmas lights display at RiversideĀ @missioninnhotelĀ šŸŽ„āœØ Mission Inn Hotel šŸ“3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501 Date & Time: Daily at 5pm-10pm (Until Jan 6) Hot chocolate was from Gingerbread Shop šŸŽ… #riversideĀ #riversidecaliforniaĀ #thingstodoinriversideĀ #losangelesĀ #thingstodoinlaĀ #californiaĀ #missioninnĀ #missioninnfestivalofligh...
melissagasia
1.2K likes • 47.9K views

šŸš— Parking Tips

Parking can be challenging during the Festival of Lights. Arrive early or consider rideshare. Reddit

šŸ“ø Photo Opportunities

The Mission Inn is incredibly photogenic, especially during the holidays. Bring your camera! Instagram+1

@ocfeed - 3649 Mission Inn Avenue Catacombs in Riverside?! The tour is about an hour and it’s $45 per person. The Mission Inn has a very limited amount of info on their website, we had to call their number to book a tour: https://www.missioninn.com/events/catacombs-tour 951-784-0300 The catacombs have been closed off for years, but they recently opened them in October 2024. They were built ...
ocfeed
24.9K likes • 566.5K views
Celebrate the holidays in Riverside! šŸŽ„āœØ The Mission Inn Festival of Lights transforms the city into a glowing winter wonderland, featuring millions of sparkling lights and festive displays, kicking off with the Switch-on Ceremony on Nov 22, 2025. Just steps away, historic downtown Riverside is filled with decorations, music, and cheerful holiday vibes. Many locals enjoy combining the Mission Inn l...
lianturnbo
0 likes • 22.2K views

ā˜• Hot Chocolate

Grab a warm hot chocolate from the Gingerbread Shop during the Festival of Lights. Instagram

šŸ“ž Catacombs Booking

Book the Catacombs tour by calling the hotel directly; online info is limited. Instagram

The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa — where history meets luxury. šŸ“3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501 #missioninn #hotel #spa #travel #traveling #travelgram #vacation #reels #lifestyle #missionhotelandspa #review #friendship #girlhood #girlstravel #travelblogger
julie.anna.la
21 likes • 1.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

šŸš— Parking Tips

Parking can be challenging during the Festival of Lights. Arrive early or consider rideshare. Reddit

šŸ“ø Photo Opportunities

The Mission Inn is incredibly photogenic, especially during the holidays. Bring your camera! Instagram+1

ā˜• Hot Chocolate

Grab a warm hot chocolate from the Gingerbread Shop during the Festival of Lights. Instagram

šŸ“ž Catacombs Booking

Book the Catacombs tour by calling the hotel directly; online info is limited. Instagram

šŸš¶ā€ā™‚ļø Explore Downtown

Historic downtown Riverside complements the Mission Inn with decorations and music. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Mission Inn's stunning architecture and the magical atmosphere of the Festival of Lights. The sheer beauty and historical significance of the hotel are major draws, making it a popular spot for photos and exploration. However, parking and crowds can be significant challenges, especially during peak holiday events.

What People Like

Spectacular holiday lights
Beautiful historic architecture
Magical atmosphere

What People Dislike

Crowded during events
Difficult parking

Frequently Asked Questions

šŸš‡ šŸ—ŗļø Getting There

Mission Inn Avenue is located at 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501. If driving from Los Angeles, take the I-10 E and CA-60 E. Parking can be difficult during peak times, especially during the Festival of Lights. Instagram+2

While mass transit is an option, it may not be the most convenient for out-of-towners unfamiliar with the area. Check local bus routes for service to downtown Riverside. Reddit

During popular events like the Festival of Lights, parking is scarce. Arriving early is highly recommended. Some visitors suggest exploring nearby streets or using rideshare services. Reddit

The Catacombs tour departs from within the Mission Inn Hotel. You'll need to book in advance by calling the hotel directly. Instagram

The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is generally accessible. It's advisable to contact the hotel directly for specific accessibility information regarding tours or events. Instagram

šŸŽ« šŸŽ« Tickets & Entry

The Mission Inn Festival of Lights is generally free to attend, with millions of lights and festive displays. However, specific events or tours within the hotel may have associated costs. Instagram+1

The Catacombs tour is priced at $45 per person. It's recommended to book this tour in advance as spots are limited. Instagram

The Festival of Lights typically runs daily from 5 PM to 10 PM until early January. Check the official Mission Inn website for exact dates and times. Instagram+1

Yes, you can visit the Mission Inn to dine at its restaurants or simply walk around and admire the architecture and holiday decorations. Instagram

The annual Switch-On Ceremony marks the start of the Festival of Lights, often featuring fireworks. Check the RiversideFestivalofLights.com for details on this and other events. Instagram

šŸ“ø šŸ“ø Photography

The entire Mission Inn complex is a photographer's paradise. Look for the stunning courtyards, intricate details, and the grand facade, especially when illuminated during the holidays. Instagram+1

Photography is generally allowed for personal use in public areas of the Mission Inn. However, for professional shoots or specific areas, it's best to inquire with the hotel management. Instagram

For the Festival of Lights, dusk and evening are magical for capturing the illuminated displays. During the day, you can appreciate the architectural details and natural light. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around historic buildings. It's advisable to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone. Instagram

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both wide architectural shots and details. A tripod can be helpful for low-light evening shots. Instagram

šŸ½ļø šŸ½ļø Food & Dining

The Mission Inn itself offers several dining options, including the Gingerbread Shop for hot chocolate and treats. Downtown Riverside also has various restaurants and cafes. Instagram

While dining within the Mission Inn can be upscale, you can find more budget-friendly options in the surrounding downtown area. Food vendors are also often present during the festival. Reddit

The Gingerbread Shop at the Mission Inn is a popular spot for festive treats, especially hot chocolate during the holiday season. Instagram

Reservations are highly recommended for dining at the Mission Inn's restaurants, particularly during peak seasons and holidays. Instagram

Dining options at the Mission Inn typically cater to a range of preferences. It's best to check the menus online or inquire with the restaurant directly about specific dietary accommodations. Instagram

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