Riverside, California

BACKSTORY: Riverside gets a bit of a bad rap; typically when you mention it people roll their eyes. However, there really are a number of gems worth seeing in this city approximately 60 miles east of Los Angeles, such as...The Mission Inn, Mount Rubidoux, The University of California, Riverside, and the Fox Performing Arts Center. The Inn alone is worth the trip.

COURTHOUSE

WHITE PARK

FOX THEATER

MT. RUBIDOUX

BACKSTORY: This 1,359' granite hill is about a mile from the Mission Inn Hotel. Local residents built and dedicated the stone masonry tower and bridge in 1925 to commemorate Frank A. Miller (the current owner of The Mission Inn at that time) for his civic leadership, aspirations for world peace, and international friendship. The 3.5 mile hiking trail has amazing views of the city.