Questions about Riverside, CA.. Business Trip from Atlanta?

[Jody]

I'll be spending the weekend on San Diego Beach before heading to Riverside, CA for a week of work (8-5). I've yet to book my hotel in riverside because I'm not sure if thats where I should stay? What is the riverside area like? How is traffic? Would I be better off staying in a near by city? I don't mind spending an hour traveling if that means I get to stay in a much better area. Heck, I even considered spending a night at Big Bear Lake just to do something different, but I wasn't sure how long it would take to be in Riverside at 8am since I don't know what the traffic is like (map say 50 miles). I love blues and jam bands, any certain place to catch some live music? Any certain place I should visit or go see?

[Blondie*]

I live and grew up in CA so this is easy ..

San Diego is nice you'll love it and is about 2 - 2 1/2 maybe 3 hrs away depending on traffic and all from Riverside

Riverside isnt the best area - your way inland and away from any beaches, or any good places to see live music such as Blues and Jam Bands - theres not much happening in Riverside to be honest with you

I would suggest staying in Newport Beach, Huntington Beach and even Long Beach (long beach has good live blues bands at the Blues Cafe on Brodway in Downtown Long Beach and theres also The Vault where they always have live music, jam bands you name it there) you want to stay as close to the water/ocean as possible way nicer areas and better atmosphere all around

[DEB1267]

try the historic mission inn. its the best hotel in riverside and one of the most historic in CA. Riverside is tring to spiff up its downtown. its not quite tehre yet but there is strating to be an arts community. It will be very hot...