Temecula, California, is a hidden gem in Southern California known for its award-winning wineries, historic Old Town, scenic hot air balloon rides, and outdoor adventures. Located between Los Angeles and San Diego, it’s the perfect getaway for wine lovers, families, and adventure seekers. This guide covers the best things to do in Temecula, from wine tasting and outdoor activities to local dining and nightlife.
Things to Do in Temecula
1. Go Wine Tasting in Temecula Valley Wine Country
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Temecula is famous for its rolling vineyards and over 40 wineries, making it one of California’s top wine destinations.
Best Wineries to Visit:
- Wilson Creek Winery – Famous for its almond sparkling wine and beautiful outdoor setting.
- Ponte Winery – Offers great wine and a romantic atmosphere with vineyard views.
- Callaway Vineyard & Winery – One of the oldest wineries in Temecula, with excellent reds and whites.
- Doffo Winery – A boutique winery with a unique motorcycle collection.
- Lorimar Winery – Combines music, art, and wine for a lively experience.
Tip: Book a wine tour or hop on the Temecula Wine Country Shuttle to explore multiple wineries without driving.
2. Explore Old Town Temecula
Old Town Temecula is the heart of the city, filled with historic buildings, unique shops, art galleries, and great restaurants. The area has a charming Wild West vibe, with wooden boardwalks and preserved 19th-century architecture.
Things to Do in Old Town Temecula:
- Visit the Temecula Valley Museum to learn about local history.
- Shop at unique boutiques and antique stores for one-of-a-kind finds.
- Enjoy live music and entertainment at The Merc, a popular performing arts venue.
- Experience the Old Town Farmers Market (every Saturday) for fresh produce, crafts, and food vendors.
Best Time to Visit: Evening, when the streets light up and restaurants come alive with live music.
3. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise
One of the most breathtaking experiences in Temecula is a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards at sunrise. The peaceful views of the rolling hills, mountains, and wineries below are unforgettable.
Best Hot Air Balloon Companies:
- California Dreamin’
- A Grape Escape Balloon Adventure
- Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival (Annual Event in June)
Tip: Dress in layers, as early mornings can be chilly, but it warms up quickly once the sun rises.
4. Enjoy Craft Beer and Distilleries
While Temecula is best known for wine, it also has a growing craft beer and distillery scene.
Best Breweries & Distilleries:
- Refuge Brewery – Known for its rich and flavorful Belgian-style beers.
- Garage Brewing Co. – A great spot for pizza and craft beer.
- Batch Mead – Specializing in honey-based meads with unique flavors.
- Temecula Distilling Company – Offers whiskey, rum, and gin tastings.
If you love both beer and wine, consider doing a mix of winery and brewery hopping.
5. Visit Pechanga Resort Casino
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Pechanga Resort Casino is the largest casino in California, featuring:
- Over 5,000 slot machines and table games
- A world-class golf course (Journey at Pechanga)
- A luxury spa and resort
- Live entertainment and concerts
Even if you’re not into gambling, Pechanga is a great place to enjoy fine dining, spa treatments, and live shows.
6. Go Hiking and Enjoy the Outdoors
Temecula offers stunning hiking trails, nature preserves, and parks for outdoor lovers.
Best Hiking Trails:
- Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve – A beautiful nature reserve with scenic trails, wildlife, and seasonal wildflowers.
- Dripping Springs Trail – A challenging but rewarding 12-mile hike with breathtaking views.
- Vail Lake Resort – Great for mountain biking, hiking, and camping.
- Lake Skinner Park – A relaxing spot for fishing, picnicking, and boating.
Tip: Visit in spring or fall when temperatures are cooler for the best hiking experience.
7. Take a Horseback Riding Tour
Explore Temecula’s vineyards and countryside on horseback with a guided trail ride.
Best Horseback Riding Companies:
- Wine Country Trails by Horseback – Offers vineyard rides with stunning views.
- Green Acres Ranch – A working horse ranch with lessons and trail rides.
Horseback riding through the vineyards adds a unique, adventurous twist to your wine-tasting experience.
8. Experience Temecula’s Nightlife
Temecula has a surprisingly vibrant nightlife scene, especially in Old Town and Wine Country.
Best Nightlife Spots:
- The Gambling Cowboy – A lively steakhouse and bar with craft cocktails.
- Baily’s Old Town – A restaurant by day, nightclub by night.
- Lorimar Winery After Dark – Live music and wine in a relaxed setting.
- The Boiler Room – A fun underground bar with DJs and dancing.
For a more relaxed vibe, enjoy a glass of wine under the stars at a vineyard.
9. Go Olive Oil Tasting
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Beyond wine, Temecula is also known for its olive oil and artisan food scene.
Best Olive Oil Tasting Spots:
- Temecula Olive Oil Company – A family-owned business offering free tastings of locally produced olive oils.
- The Olive Plantation – Specializes in organic extra virgin olive oils.
Tip: Pair your olive oil tasting with local cheeses and bread for a delicious experience.
10. Attend a Seasonal Event or Festival
Temecula hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, making it a lively destination no matter when you visit.
Popular Annual Events:
- Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival (June) – Hot air balloons, wine, and live music.
- Temecula Rod Run (March) – A classic car show in Old Town.
- Temecula Valley Bluegrass Festival (April) – A fun event for music lovers.
- Temecula Valley International Film Festival (September) – Showcasing independent films.
- Holiday Lights at Temecula Wineries (December) – A festive wine country experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Temecula
1. What is Temecula best known for?
The City is most famous for its wineries, boasting over 40 vineyards in Temecula Valley Wine Country. It’s also known for hot air balloon rides, Old Town Temecula’s historic charm, Pechanga Resort Casino, and outdoor adventures like hiking and horseback riding.
2. What are the best wineries to visit?
Some of the most popular and highly rated wineries include:
- Wilson Creek Winery – Famous for almond sparkling wine.
- Ponte Winery – Offers great wine and a romantic atmosphere.
- Callaway Vineyard & Winery – One of the oldest wineries in Temecula.
- Doffo Winery – A boutique winery with a unique motorcycle collection.
- Lorimar Winery – Combines wine, music, and art.
For the best experience, consider a guided wine tour or hop-on, hop-off wine shuttle to visit multiple wineries in one day.
3. What is there to do in the City besides wine tasting?
Temecula offers a variety of activities beyond wine, including:
- Explore Old Town Temecula – Enjoy historic buildings, boutique shopping, and live entertainment.
- Take a hot air balloon ride – Experience breathtaking views of vineyards at sunrise.
- Visit Pechanga Resort Casino – The largest casino in California with gaming, golf, and a luxury spa.
- Go horseback riding – Ride through vineyards with Wine Country Trails by Horseback.
- Hike in Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve – Explore scenic trails and wildlife.
- Try craft beer and spirits – Visit local breweries like Refuge Brewery and Garage Brewing Co.
- Enjoy olive oil tasting – Stop by Temecula Olive Oil Company for fresh, locally made olive oils.
4. What is the best time of year to visit Temecula?
- Spring (March–May) – Ideal weather with blooming wildflowers and fewer crowds.
- Summer (June–August) – Warm and busy, perfect for events like the Temecula Balloon & Wine Festival.
- Fall (September–November) – Great for wine harvest season and cooler temperatures.
- Winter (December–February) – Quieter but still enjoyable, with festive holiday lights in the wineries.
For wine lovers, fall (September–October) is the best time to experience harvest season.
5. Is The City expensive to visit?
The City is more affordable than Napa Valley, but costs can vary. Ways to save money include:
- Look for wine tasting discounts (some wineries offer free tastings with purchase).
- Visit during the week for lower hotel rates and fewer crowds.
- Stay in budget-friendly hotels or vacation rentals instead of resorts.
- Enjoy free activities like hiking, exploring Old Town, or visiting local markets.
6. How far is Temecula from major cities in Southern California?
- San Diego – 1 hour (60 miles)
- Los Angeles – 1.5 to 2 hours (90 miles)
- Palm Springs – 1.5 hours (70 miles)
- Orange County – 1 to 1.5 hours (60 miles)
Because of its central location, Temecula makes for a great weekend getaway from most major Southern California cities.
Final Thoughts
Temecula is more than just a wine destination—it’s a perfect blend of history, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you’re here for a romantic getaway, a fun trip with friends, or a family vacation, Temecula offers something for everyone.
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