The Mission Inn of Riverside is more than a hotel. It is a museum, an arts center, a historical landmark and a hotel. The inn evolved from the two-story adobe home built by the parents of Frank Augustus Miller after moving to Riverside in 1874. The home was not in the Spanish style. The family took in guests and started adding hotel wings. Frank took over the hotel-home in 1880 and continued to expand the hotel.
It became a winter destination resort hotel, with guests arriving on one of the three railroads serving Riverside. Later they would arrive by automobile. The inn now reflects the long neglected early Spanish and Mexican heritage of California. It fills an entire city block in downtown Riverside. The property includes several restaurants and two chapels. It has been fully restored and is a National historical landmark.
We only had the chance to enjoy the Mission Inn restaurant but plan on returning when The California Department of the American Legion next holds their conference in Riverside. The food was excellent and there is so much more to explore. Spending a weekend at the Riverside Mission Inn is now on our bucket list.
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