Until just half a century ago, the town of Corona was an agricultural area filled with farms running orchards and ranches. Located east of Los Angeles and surrounded by mountains, Corona has now become a suburban bedroom community. The neighboring town of Riverside also began as a prosperous orange-growing area and has developed with the expansion of the Los Angeles metropolitan economic region. Around these cities are various attractions that make up part of the greater Los Angeles sightseeing area. Here are some recommended tourist spots in Corona and Riverside, the famous orange and lemon-producing regions.
1. The Mission Inn
If you’re looking for accommodation around Riverside and have some budget to spare, try staying at the historic hotel The Mission Inn, which has hosted several U.S. presidents. Even if you can’t stay there, it’s worth visiting just to see it. The hotel is beautiful both inside and out, with restaurants, shops, a spa, a museum, and even a chapel. It’s also famous for hosting members of royalty, movie stars, and many other celebrities from around the world.
Every year, from autumn through the start of the new year, the Festival of Lights is held throughout the area surrounding the Mission Inn. The illuminated nighttime view of the hotel offers a completely different kind of glamour than during the day and is a feast for the eyes of visitors. If you’re wondering where to go around Riverside, make sure to stop by.
Name: The Mission Inn
Address: 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
Official/Related Website: http://www.missioninn.com/
2. Glen Ivy Hot Springs
At the southern edge of Corona, at the foot of Santiago Mountain, lies Glen Ivy Hot Springs, an outdoor spa where you can bathe in a swimsuit. While California has many spas, Glen Ivy Hot Springs stands out in the Corona area as one of the few options nearby.
Facilities include water beds, reclining pools, jacuzzis, mud baths, mineral baths, saunas, and massage services. Being outdoors, the spa is surrounded by greenery and offers a refreshing sense of openness. There’s also a café, making it a relaxing place to spend time—just like a scene from an American TV drama.
Name: Glen Ivy Hot Springs
Address: 25000 Glen Ivy Rd, Corona, CA 92883-5103
Official/Related Website: http://www.glenivy.com/glen-ivy-hot-springs/
3. Tom’s Farms
Another recommended spot near Corona is Tom’s Farms, which you can stop by during a Temecula winery tour. It’s located just a stone’s throw away from Glen Ivy Hot Springs mentioned above. Tom’s Farms began in the early 1970s as a small produce stand, gradually gaining popularity and expanding its size. Today, it offers not only fresh vegetables but also processed foods and honey.
It has now grown to include restaurants, a hamburger shop, wine and cheese stores, souvenir shops, and interior goods stores. On weekends, there are attractions for children such as a train ride, carousel, pony rides, and a petting zoo. This place is far more than just a vegetable stand—Tom’s Farms combines dining, shopping, and entertainment, making it an essential stop when visiting Corona.
Name: Tom’s Farms
Address: 23900 Temescal Canyon Rd, Corona, CA 92883
Official/Related Website: http://www.tomsfarms.com/
Temecula Winery Tour: https://www.veltra.com/jp/north_america/los_angeles/a/15970
4. California Citrus State Historic Park
A must-visit destination when touring Corona and Riverside is the California Citrus State Historic Park, located between the two cities. While its main feature is its citrus orchards—famous local products—it offers a chance to learn about the history of citrus cultivation, which has long supported the region’s economy.
In its vast fields, you can see lemons, oranges, and grapefruits like those found in supermarkets, growing right on the trees. When sightseeing around Corona and Riverside, take the time to visit and enjoy the refreshing aroma and scenery. You’ll even find some uniquely shaped citrus fruits that are quite interesting.
Name: California Citrus State Historic Park
Address: 9400 Dufferin Ave, Riverside, CA 92503
Official/Related Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=649
◎ Summary
If you want a slightly different travel experience from your typical Los Angeles sightseeing, venture out to Corona and Riverside. A more local and authentic experience awaits. The area’s warm and dry West Coast climate is very distinct, and the unexpected sight of California’s citrus groves will surely leave a lasting impression—one that makes for a truly memorable trip.