Riverside is a lively, affordable Inland Empire city with a walkable historic downtown (the Mission Inn), a growing food and craft‑brew scene, UC Riverside energy, and easy outdoor options like Mount Rubidoux and nearby trails—great for multi‑week stays that feel like living rather than being stuck in a hotel.
Within about an hour you can reach Los Angeles for world‑class arts, sports and beaches or head to Palm Springs for desert hikes, spas and mid‑century vibes, so you get both urban and resort escapes without long drives.