Welcome to Temecula, the heart of wine country in Southern California. Known for its rolling hills dotted with vineyards, charming Tuscan-style wineries, and a lively Old Town, there are many things to do in Temecula CA that will complete your Italian-feel getaway in the convenience of California.
Growing up in Southern California meant my backyard was the San Gabriel Mountains, the Pacific ocean, the desert, and a plethora of small towns like Temecula. Having explored this part of Southern California time and time again, I can attest to the natural beauty and man-made charm of Temecula, California.
Enjoy a little bit of Italy in the United States and plan your trip to Temecula Valley! Here are the top seven best things to do in Temecula CA.
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How to Get to Temecula
Temecula is located in Southern California, east of the coast, and in between Los Angeles and San Diego. You can fly into either major city and rent a car to easily get to Temecula. From Los Angeles International Airport, it’s about a 2-hour drive to Temecula. From San Diego International Airport, it’s about an hour’s drive.
Do I Need a Car?
The most convenient way to get around Temecula Valley is by car. As it’s the easiest way to get to Temecula from the airport, having a rental car is the best option. However, you can skip a rental car, get an expensive Uber from San Diego to Temecula, and continue to use Uber to get around.
Best Time to Visit Temecula
As Southern California is known for its *chef’s kiss* wonderful weather year-round, Temecula can be enjoyed any time of the year. But my recommendation is to visit in the fall or spring months.
June through September are the hottest months, so I recommend avoiding these if possible, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a fun trip to Temecula in summer. Just prepare to be hot and drink plenty of water.
October through May are the best months to visit Temecula. The weather is cooler, therefore better suited for enjoying the outdoor patios at the plentiful wineries. The nights do get much chillier as this is the desert, but typically not below 50°F.
Top 7 Things to Do in Temecula CA
1. Winery Hopping & Tastings
There are many wineries dotted around the Temecula Valley, thanks to the perfect grape-growing climate and well-draining soil in the area. Spend your afternoon or evening trying local wines at one of Temecula’s best wineries.
As there are so many to choose from, I’ll recommend a few to help narrow it down. Some wineries offer full food menus, others offer winery tours, and all of them offer wine tastings, the perfect way to indulge in Temecula wine.
If you wish to go on your own wine tour, Danza del Sol Winery is the best overall with stunning views of their vineyards and exceptional wine tastings. Leoness Cellars not only has great wines, but their dinner menu is one of the best in the area; pair risotto or a filet mignon with Leoness wine for a fine dining experience.
Wiens Cellars is another winery worth mentioning. They offer some of the most unique tastings and tours. You can opt for a basic wine tasting in their tasting room, or splurge on a Reserve Wine Cellar tasting or private winery tour.
Book a 4-Winery Tour with Lunch
You can also explore Temecula’s wineries on a guided wine tour with a guide and a driver. This tour includes tastings at four wineries and a picnic lunch. Book a Temecula 4-winery tour to get a good taste of the local wines, all with a knowledgeable host to guide you along. Tasting fees are all included in the cost of the tour, which starts at $139 per person.
2. Explore Old Town
One of my favorite parts of Temecula is Old Town, and I highly recommend you explore it for yourself. It’s small enough to be able to walk around easily. Yet, Old Temecula is big enough to offer plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, a scone shop, ice cream and candy parlors, local boutiques, a bookstore, an antique store, a cigar lounge, and more.
You can park your car and then get around on foot. I suggest parking next to Temecula Stampede or on 6th Street (they have charging stations here). Below are my recommendations of places to visit in Old Town.
- The Press Espresso: Grab a cappuccino or iced latte for fuel at the best coffee shop in town.
- 1909 Temecula: A fun indoor/outdoor gastropub offering global cuisines, draft beer, and amazing cocktails.
- E.A.T. Marketplace: This farm-to-table marketplace not only sells local goods, but you can enjoy them crafted into delicious meals at their cafe with vegan and gluten-free options.
- The Crafted Scone: Try a variety of sweet and savory scones here for a yummy sweet treat or a full breakfast.
- The Gambling Cowboy: A multi-story steak house offering plenty of meat and seafood in a rustic setting.
- Old Town Records: If you’re a fellow vinyl record collector, stop by Old Town Records for a fun souvenir, or just browse around.
- In Bloom Bookery: Prefer a good book to get lost in? Grab a new one from In Bloom Bookery for your journey home or to enjoy while you sip on wine at Pamec Patio Wine Bar in town.
3. Admire Temecula From a Hot Air Balloon
Take to the sky and admire the wine valley of Temecula from a hot air balloon. If you’ve ever desired to try hot air ballooning, this is the place for you. The scenery couldn’t be prettier, and you’ll get to see and learn about Temecula from a perspective few others ever will.
This Temecula hot air balloon tour is the perfect solo or family adventure. With over an hour in the sky, you’ll get to truly enjoy Temecula’s beauty, and your tour includes champagne to sip while flying.
4. Go Horseback Riding in Wine Country
Trail riding is a really fun and unique way to explore an area, and what better place to do so than in Temecula Valley? A 90-minute guided tour will take you through the stunning vineyards of Temecula wine country on gentle horses.
Hit the backroads and admire parts of the vineyards others can’t reach. If you prefer to stay on the ground and explore rather than in a hot air balloon, book a guided horseback riding tour by Wine Country Trails of Southern California’s dreamy wine country.
5. Hike Around Harveston Lake
Get outside and enjoy the Southern California sunshine at Harveston Lake. This local park trail is well-maintained and paved, so it’s great to get some activity in without having to trek to the mountains.
The trail is just under 1 mile long, and it does get busy, so be prepared to share the path. There’s also a playground at one end for those traveling with young kids. This walking trail is dog-friendly, as well as stroller and wheelchair accessible.
6. Visit Alpacas at Hawk Ranch
If you’re a huge fan of alpacas like me (hence the blog name), you should plan to visit this nearby farm in Murietta, just down the road from Temecula. Home to 19 alpacas and 2 llamas, Hawk Ranch is an animal-lover’s oasis!
You’ll also get to meet their goats, sheep, horse, cows, chickens, and more while on a private tour of this SoCal ranch. The tours are all private, and the price depends on your group size. It is more expensive, but this unique experience is fun for all ages, small groups, large groups, and couples looking for a private activity.
Book an Alpaca tour at Hawk Ranch here.
7. Have Afternoon Tea at Corbeaux Wine & Tea House
What’s better than an afternoon wine tasting paired with pastries, sandwiches, cookies, and huge pots of tea? At Corbeaux, you can enjoy all of these together!
Book an afternoon tea here to enjoy a leisurely afternoon, and stay for wine tasting at this local favorite. Corbeaux Wine and Tea House is one of the best restaurants in Temecula because not only is the food, tea, and wine delicious, but the experience and atmosphere are top tier.
You can book a reservation in advance for afternoon tea at Corbeaux on their website here.
Tips for Visiting Temecula
- Book paid-for activities in advance when possible. Reservations tend to fill up quickly, as this is a popular place to visit in Southern California.
- A car will make it much easier to get around Temecula Valley, but it’s not necessary. If you skip a rental car, just be prepared to pay for Uber or other rideshares. (Find rental car deals here!)
- Pack plenty of sunscreen. Even in the winter months, the Southern California sun is relentless, and you don’t want a bad sunburn ruining your trip.
- Remember to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in the sun and during wine tastings, so you can enjoy the Temecula wines at their best.
In Conclusion: Temecula's Best Things to Do
Temecula, California, is more than just wineries and rolling hills. While those are two huge highlights of this part of Southern California, you can enjoy a weekend trip or longer here filled with all the fun things to do in Temecula CA.
I do recommend visiting at least one of the best wineries in Temecula, if not two or three. You can try a tasting to sample multiple wines, or opt for a single glass of wine. Enjoy the food pairings at some wineries, and soak up the California sunshine.
If you’re exploring Southern California, make sure you stop in San Diego for at least a day. Save this Temecula guide for your trip, or send it to someone who would love an Italian-vibes vacation in the convenient location of California!
