FEATURE DESTINATION: Riverside, California
What makes Riverside a great place for faith-based meetings?
Riverside is a natural home for faith‑based meetings, offering the kind of heartfelt hospitality and spirit‑filled welcome that groups cherish most. Our walkable downtown, convenient hotel options, and centrally located convention facilities make planning seamless and help attendees feel closely connected throughout their time together. Riverside also provides exceptional value, allowing organizations to host meaningful, high‑quality gatherings in a gracious Southern California setting that inspires fellowship, reflection, and community.
What are some of Riverside’s unique and major meeting spaces?
At the heart of Riverside is our award-winning Convention Center—an intimate, walkable facility with over 68,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Groups love the expansive outdoor plaza, large exhibit hall, and multitude of meeting spaces, which offer an inspiring setting for worship, fellowship, and community meals. Just steps away, venues like the Fox Performing Arts Center and the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa offer one-of-a-kind backdrops for keynote sessions, concerts, or evening services. Whether you’re planning a regional conference or a multi-day retreat, Riverside’s venues are designed to be welcoming, versatile, and easily accessible.
What are some cultural and recreational experiences that faith-based groups would enjoy?
Faith-based groups often tell us how deeply they connect with Riverside’s sense of history, culture, and purpose. Groups can explore the Mission Inn’s stunning chapels and architecture, take a guided walk-through Riverside’s historic churches and murals, or gather on our plaza for outdoor devotionals. The nearby Mount Rubidoux trail is a favorite for morning prayer hikes—home to the oldest outdoor Easter sunrise service in the nation. From contemplative museum visits to engaging community service opportunities, Riverside encourages reflection, discovery, and meaningful fellowship.
What are new enhancements of interest to event planners?
Riverside continues to evolve to meet the needs of today’s faith-based planners. Our Convention Center recently launched refreshed branding and wayfinding signage, making the guest experience more intuitive than ever. We're also rolling out new interactive visitor tools to streamline the planning process, including a meeting planner guide that features downtown attractions, restaurants, and activities. The surrounding downtown continues to flourish, with new hotels, pedestrian walkways, valet parking, and upgraded outdoor lighting that enhance both safety and atmosphere for evening gatherings.
