Temecula Valley is an area in Southern California known for its rolling hills and vineyards. Devoid of the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and San Diego, you will find an atmosphere here that is relaxed and laid-back.
Temecula was initially established as a Mexican land grant called Rancho Temecula in 1843, and it is now known for its fantastic shopping centers, spas, wine tasting rooms, and beautiful restaurants.
Nestled among the rolling hills at the base of the Palomar Mountain Range, Temecula Valley is one of Southern California’s leading destinations for world-class wine.
International travelers are increasingly discovering all the things to do in Temecula, including fantastic shopping, award-winning spas, relaxing day trips to wine country, and much more!
Temecula is the ideal place for wine enthusiasts. But it doesn’t stop there. Wine Country activities and excellent lodging, dining, and shopping opportunities make this city a perfect choice for tourists.
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The 10 Amazing Things To Do In Temecula
Visit Old Town Temecula
If you are visiting Temecula, CA, for business or pleasure, Old Town Temecula is the place to be. This quaint town has revitalized itself into a hub for local businesses to attract tourists while preserving the historical landmarks within its borders. There are several things to do in Temecula that can range from brewery tours to wine tasting.
This city has the highest number of wineries per capita in California, so why not take advantage of it?
With a wealth of shops to give the best of the region a chance to shine, Old Town Temecula presents the best of the region’s merchandise.
So, If you are interested in taking a break from your busy schedule, there are at least four breweries within City Limits that will get your tastebuds tantalized while listening to live music.
Browse The Old Town Temecula Farmers Market
Old Town Front St &, 6th St, Temecula // +17607287343
A weekend event most people in the Temecula Valley look forward to is the Old Town Temecula Certified Farmers Market.
You can find works by local artists and crafters, international food stalls, and a unique collection of plants and flowers among the attractions.
There are more than forty certified California farmers on the premises, and a plethora of product options are available, including organic produce and conventionally grown goods.
The market is open every Saturday morning with available street parking.
Visit the Temecula Valley Museum
28314 Mercedes St, Temecula // +19516946450
Among the best things to do in Temecula is to visit the Valley Museum, which has exhibits that explore some of the most important historical moments of Temecula from its discovery to the present.
Three permanent exhibits are housed at the museum, including antique farm equipment, handcrafted artifacts, photos, and ancient documents.
The museum is family-friendly; an interactive discovery area is available for children to let loose in. Visitors can expect to see plenty of hands-on displays, fun reading material about the history of the area, and lots of free parking at their visit to the museum.
A children’s discovery area and a picnic area are available at the family-friendly museum.
Furthermore, the museum offers weekly walking tours of Old Town Temecula for a small fee; reservations should be made in advance to ensure a spot.
Visit The Leoness Cellars
38311 De Portola Rd, Temecula // +19513027601
Leoness Cellars was founded in 2002 with a unique location on a hilltop overlooking Cabernet Sauvignon vines on twenty acres.
This breathtaking view makes Leoness a trendy wedding venue and a favorite spot for family photos.
Wine tours are offered at the winery, and booking in advance for corporate team-building events is highly recommended. The Leoness gift shop and onsite restaurant are open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for lunch and dinner. You can purchase wine, accessories, and apparel from the gift shop.
Visit The Wiens Family Cellars
35055 Via Del, Temecula // +19516949892
“Big Reds” are the hallmark of the Wiens Family Cellars, which was established in 2001.
Guests are welcome to sample the red, white, and dessert wines from the winery’s tasting room each day. In addition, those who appreciate red wines can tour the working cellar production room for a taste of limited production and reserve wines.
The lovely grounds are a perfect place for picnics, and guests can have the food delivered to the deli.
In addition to award-winning wines, Wiens strives to offer personalized hospitality and, most importantly, a fun atmosphere where everyone can unwind and have fun together.
Attend A Show At Pechanga Theater
45000 Pechanga Pkwy, Temecula // +18777112946
Located in Temecula, CA, The Pechanga Theater has been a favorite for many years. It is even used as a popular venue for guests of the Pechanga Resort and Casino. This beautifully designed theater is located within the bustling entertainment district of The Pechanga Resort.
It regularly hosts concerts, Broadway performances, stand-up comedy shows, and musicals.
In addition to a fully-equipped sound and lighting system, there are 1200 permanent seats. Before and during intermissions, patrons can purchase refreshments and alcoholic beverages in the foyer.
When attending events with adult content, children under 17 must always be accompanied by an adult. All ages are welcome unless otherwise noted.
Visit the Vindemia Estate Winery
33133 Vista Del Monte Rd, Temecula // +19517609334
A family-owned and operated winery located in Temecula, California, Vindemia Estate Winery produces wine for consumers and businesses. Vineyards were planted on the estate in 2005 and have grown to approximately ten acres.
Vindemia’s owners are passionate about organic farming. They are certified sustainable by the US Department of Agriculture through the California Certified Organic Farmers and certified animal welfare approved by the Global Animal Partnership.
The wines from Vindemia are only available at Vindemia since it is a boutique winery. However, you are welcome to sample wines in the outdoor tasting room, and you are encouraged to bring your food to enjoy an alfresco meal in the estate’s rose garden.
Hike the Dripping Springs Trail
39755 CA-79, Aguanga, CA 92536 // +17607880250
The trail winds through untouched terrain, providing an opportunity to see the 18,000-acre Agua Tibia Wilderness (close to Palomar Mountain).
As well as awe-inspiring canyons and burbling streams, you’ll find stately oaks, Coulter pines, Douglas Firs, and a lot of desert scrub.
If you decide to set out on the Dripping Springs Trail, be aware that it is a long hike — the trail has a total distance of fourteen miles and takes approximately eight hours to complete. If you would prefer to take on just part of the task, plan your route ahead of time.
From the nature center, you have a few options for getting to the Dripping Springs Trail. First, you can pick your way north or south along Sunrise Highway’s access road, located at the southernmost end of Sunrise Highway.
Each path takes about fifteen minutes to peruse. In case you’re wondering, several side trails can distract you from this one.
See The Valley From A Hot Air Balloon
31963 Rancho California Rd, Temecula // +18663656987
Temecula is not the only place children can enjoy hot air balloon rides, but this activity is particularly appealing.
Temecula is a hot air balloon festival city every May, and if you happen to be in Temecula during this month, then do not miss this event or getting on a balloon.
You’ll be able to see all the vineyards, citrus groves, and rolling hills surrounding the valley from the basket of your hot air balloon.
Gourmet meals, champagne for grownups, and pictures of your group are typically offered during hot air balloon rides. I definitely recommend doing this activity because it’s one of the most memorable things to do in Temecula.
Visit the Doffo Winery
36083 Summitville St, Temecula // +19516766989
Doffo Winery makes small batches of high-quality wines in a family-owned and operated business. Grapes are grown and harvested by them, and they play classical music to soothe the grapes as they grow.
By participating in many charities, including the Junior League of Greater Los Angeles and neighboring neighborhood clean-up days, they dedicate themselves to their land and the local community.
It is one of the highlights of people’s visits to the property because one of the owners has a passion for vintage motorcycles.
The winery offers a tasting room to sample hand-crafted wines or a tour bus that gives you an exclusive look at the property.
Summary Of The 10 Amazing Things To Do In Temecula
Temecula offers so much to see and do. You need a backdrop for your photos that is both beautiful and fun. There are many dramatic views in the city since much of it lies on hills. Therefore, if you plan on making a trip to Southern California shortly, Temecula should be on your itinerary.
When visiting local wineries or sightseeing in the early morning, take your camera or phone with you to get the best shots.
You can easily explore this city’s many attractions, including hiking trails, wineries where you can see how wine is produced, several golf courses for those who want a challenge after their hike, and many museums and cultural attractions. So, all in all, there are many things to do in Temecula; make sure you check off at least half of these top ten!
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Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever