Riverside, CA has a historic downtown area that attracts thousands of people during the holiday season for the Festival of Lights. If you're going to be in Riverside and are looking for the best coffee, I highly suggest these four places as a Riverside native.

1. Augie's

Augie's is located on the corner of Twelfth and Main in Downtown Riverside. The checkered flooring gives off a retro vibe that is matched with the rest of the decor. With an inexpensive tea list and various coffees to choose from, Augie's offers that downtown ambiance right next to the Hall of Justice without the crowds. My favorite seasonal drink is their Apple Cider that warms you up in seconds. For warmer days, I enjoy the Iced Summit Blueberry Tea.

2. Molino's

Molino's is right across the street from the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa, providing its patrons with a stellar view all year round. The chandelier gives off a sense of elegance, which is complimented by the vintage look of the rest of the decor. Outlets are very accessible which makes this a favorite hangout for students and professionals. My favorite drink is the Sweetheart Tea which is only advertised around Valentine's Day but can be easily made all year by asking a barista.

3. Back to the Grind

This coffee shop screams hipster. From the huge sun to the mosaic tables, this place is visually stimulating, yet also pleasing. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu, but my favorites for drinks are the Thai Tea, Snow Monkey Plum Iced Tea, and the Vanilla Latte. They also have many smoothie options on their menu, which is something that is not seen as much in coffee shops. This place has the best options for food among the places on this list. Fun fact: you can get hummus on the veggie burger instead of condiments (or both), and it is amazing.

I can never come home to Riverside without going to one of these coffee shops (or all three).