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Temecula lies in southwestern Riverside County, in a valley between the coastal mountains and the inland hills about an hour north of San Diego. Its name comes from a word in the language of the Luiseño people, who have lived in the area for thousands of years. A stop on the Butterfield Overland Mail route in the 1850s, the town grew as a ranching and railroad community and was incorporated as a city in 1989.
Today Temecula is best known for Temecula Valley Wine Country, where dozens of wineries spread across rolling hills with tasting rooms, restaurants and views. Hot air balloons often float over the vineyards at sunrise, and the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival is held each spring.
Old Town Temecula keeps western style storefronts with antiques, restaurants and a farmers market, along with the Temecula Valley Museum. Nearby, the Santa Rosa Plateau and Vail Lake add oak woodlands, trails and open space.
A walkable historic district with Western-style storefronts, wooden sidewalks, antique shops, tasting rooms, breweries and restaurants along Front Street. A farmers market runs on Saturday mornings. Use the free parking garage on Main Street, and visit in the evening when many restaurants have live music.
More than 40 wineries along Rancho California Road and De Portola Road east of town, many with restaurants, gardens and event lawns. Weekends get busy, so make tasting reservations ahead, and consider a wine tour shuttle instead of driving. Weekday visits are calmer and often cheaper.
A family-owned winery on Rancho California Road, well known for its almond sparkling wine. It has a large tasting room, a restaurant, wide lawns and creekside picnic spots, and often hosts events. It is one of the busiest wineries on weekends, so book a tasting time and arrive early to find parking.
A local olive oil producer with a tasting room in Old Town where you can sample olive oils, flavored oils, balsamic vinegars and olives. The company also runs a ranch in the area with occasional tours. Tastings in the Old Town shop are casual and free, and make good gifts to take home.
Several companies fly hot air balloons over the vineyards at sunrise, when the air is calm. Flights usually last about an hour, followed by a toast on landing. Book ahead, expect a very early start, and know that flights may be cancelled due to wind or weather on the day.
A long-running festival each spring at Lake Skinner, with balloon launches at dawn, a balloon glow at night, wine tasting, live music and family activities. It draws large crowds, so buy tickets in advance, dress in layers for cold mornings, and expect shuttles and traffic around the site.
A small museum in Sam Hicks Monument Park in Old Town covering the Pechanga people, the Butterfield stage route, ranching and the growth of the valley. It has rotating exhibits and a hands-on area for children. Admission is low cost, and the shady park next to it is good for a picnic.
The Temecula Children's Museum, themed as the home of an eccentric inventor, Professor Pennypickle. Rooms are full of hands-on science, time travel and invention activities for younger children. Visits run in timed sessions that can sell out, so book online before you arrive.
A city-run theater on Main Street in Old Town presenting plays, musicals, concerts, comedy and jazz nights by local and touring performers. The intimate hall seats a few hundred people. Check the schedule, and combine a show with dinner in Old Town just a short walk away.
A large resort owned by the Pechanga Band of Indians, south of Temecula, with a casino, hotel, spa, many restaurants, a golf course and a theater for concerts and comedy. You must be 21 or older for the gaming floor. Check the events calendar for shows, and use self parking in the garages.
The restored ranch headquarters of the historic Vail Ranch, which once covered much of the valley. The old buildings, such as the general store, now house restaurants, a brewery and shops, with signs explaining ranch history. It is on Temecula Parkway near Butterfield Stage Road, east of the freeway.
A city park on Rancho California Road with a pond full of ducks and geese, a walking path, shaded picnic areas and a veterans memorial. It is a simple, quiet stop for families with small children. Use the small parking lot or nearby street parking, and please do not feed the birds bread.
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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
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