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Murrieta lies in southwestern Riverside County, in a valley ringed by the Santa Ana Mountains and rolling hills, right next door to Temecula. The town was founded in 1884 on land bought from Juan Murrieta, a rancher who raised sheep in the valley, and grew as a stop on the California Southern Railroad. For decades it was a small farming community known for its hot springs resort.
After incorporating as a city in 1991, Murrieta grew quickly into one of the larger cities in the Inland Empire, with new neighborhoods, parks and sports fields spreading across the hills. Its historic downtown along Washington Avenue still keeps a small town feel with older buildings and local cafes.
Nature is close at hand. The Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve protects oak woodlands, grasslands and vernal pools in the hills to the west, while Murrieta Creek and the open slopes around the city offer trails and wide valley views. Temecula's wine country lies just to the south.
A large reserve on the west side of Murrieta protecting oak woodland, grassland and vernal pools. Over 40 miles of trails lead to seasonal creeks, wildflowers and rare plants. Start at the visitor center on Clinton Keith Road for maps, pay the small day-use fee, and bring water, as there is little shade.
Two adobe buildings from the Mexican rancho period inside the Santa Rosa Plateau reserve, considered among the oldest buildings in Riverside County. They sit in an oak grove and are reached by trail. Hike there from the Hidden Valley or Adobe Loop trailheads, and look for interpretive signs at the site.
A trail in the northern part of the Santa Rosa Plateau reserve, climbing through oak woodland and chaparral with views back over Murrieta. It connects to other routes for longer loops. The trailhead has a small parking lot, and spring is the best season for green hills and wildflowers.
A multi-use path following Murrieta Creek through town, used for walking, running, cycling and horseback riding. It passes open space, parks and sections with views of the surrounding hills. It is mostly flat and easy; mornings are best in summer, as there is limited shade along the route.
The old town center along Washington Avenue and Juniper Street, founded around the railroad in the 1880s. It has historic buildings, small restaurants, cafes and shops, plus community events such as holiday celebrations. It is small, so combine a short stroll with lunch or a coffee.
A modern civic park next to Murrieta City Hall and the library, with lawns, a stage, playground and splash pad. It hosts outdoor concerts, movie nights and seasonal festivals. Check the city events calendar, bring a blanket for summer concerts, and use the library parking lot nearby.
A large sports park in east Murrieta with baseball and softball fields, soccer fields, a skate park, playgrounds and walking paths. It is busy with youth leagues on weekends. It is a good place to let children play or skate; evening field lights make it lively after work hours.
An amusement center with miniature golf courses, go-karts, laser tag, an arcade, batting cages and a small restaurant. It suits families with children of different ages. Buy a combo pass if you plan several activities, and visit on weekdays for shorter waits at the go-kart track.
A reservoir and county recreation area east of Murrieta with fishing for bass, catfish and trout, a campground, a swimming pool in summer, picnic areas and trails. Swimming in the lake itself is not allowed. There is a day-use fee and a separate fishing permit, so check rules before you go.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
Photo: Z3lvs, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Z3lvs, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Z3lvs, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Z3lvs, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Z3lvs, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Z3lvs, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Z3lvs, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Z3lvs, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Z3lvs, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Z3lvs, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Z3lvs, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Z3lvs, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Z3lvs, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Z3lvs, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Z3lvs, Wikimedia Commons, CC0