Old Town Temecula: 14+ Best Sights and Activities

As far as historic towns go, California has quite a few, but it’s not so easy to find such well-preserved ones that have charming Old Town centers. Old Town Temecula is one of the few and also one of the best, in my opinion.

Temecula is a large city in Southern California that offers a unique blend of the region’s past and present. While the Old Town is only a few streets in the center of downtown Temecula, it’s a definitely highlight of any trip to the area.

One of the main draws of Old Town Temecula is its historic buildings, many of which have been preserved from the 1800s. A stroll through downtown is like taking a step back in time. You really do feel immersed in history as you walk around, admiring the architecture and perhaps popping into the Western frontier saloon speakeasy while you’re there.

It’s not all about historic charm though, Old Town Temecula also offers a variety of modern amenities, including shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It’s a destination all on its own and you can easily spend a full day there.

Temecula History and Heritage

Old Town Temecula has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s, when it was a bustling hub for ranchers, farmers, and merchants. The area was a major stop on the Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoach route, which connected the east and west coasts of the United States.

Today, Old Town Temecula is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. The district has been carefully preserved to maintain its historical significance, with many of the original buildings still standing and in use. You can take a walking tour of Old Town Temecula to learn about its fascinating history, or simply enjoy the unique shopping and dining experiences that the area has to offer.

Things to Do in Old Town Temecula

Temecula Valley Museum

The Temecula Valley Museum is a great place to start your journey into Temecula’s past. Located near the Sam Hicks Monument Park, the museum features exhibits that highlight the history and heritage of the Temecula Valley. Visitors can learn about the region’s Native American tribes, Spanish missionaries, Mexican ranchos, and early American settlers. The museum also features displays of farming equipment, vintage photographs, and handmade artifacts from the past.

Sam Hicks Monument Park

Sam Hicks Monument Park is a small park located in Old Town Temecula that honors the life and legacy of Sam Hicks, a prominent citizen of Temecula. The park features a statue of Hicks, as well as a plaque that tells the story of his life. Hicks was a farmer, rancher, and businessman who played a key role in the development of Temecula in the early 1900s.

Historical Buildings

If you’re doing your own walking tour of Old Town Temecula, you won’t want to miss these historical buildings and museums around town:

• The Bank, Old Town Front St/Main St – 1914
• Temecula Olive Oil Co, Old Town Front St/Main St – 1890’s
• The Merc, Main St – 1890’s
• The Hotel Temecula, Main St – 1891
• The Palomar Inn Hotel – 1927
• 1909 Restaurant, Old Town Front St/Main St – 1909
• Small Barn, Old Town Front St/Fifth St – 1913
• Swing Inn Café, Old Town Front St/Third St – 1927
• The Old Town Temecula Community Theater is a historic theater that hosts plays, concerts, and other events throughout the year.
• The Vail Headquarters Historic Site is a restored 1860s ranch that offers a glimpse into what life was like in the early days of Temecula.
• The Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library is also located in Old Town Temecula and features a collection of books and materials related to the region’s history and heritage.

Wine Tasting

Old Town Temecula is a popular destination for wine enthusiasts. While most of the wineries are located in the countryside of Temecula, there are two tasting rooms in Old Town where you can go for a glass or a tasting. These are Lorimar Loft and Big Nose Winery.

Lorimar Loft is a tasting room for Lorimar Vineyards that’s located about a 17-minute drive away at 39990 Anza Road in the heart of Temecula wine country. It’s a great place to stop in for a rest. They have live music every Thursday – Sunday, and the tasting room features work from local artists and photographers.

Big Nose Winery is located in The Hotel Temecula which was built in 1883, making it the oldest building in Temecula. They are known for their Bordeaux varietals. You’ll find them open from Thursday to Sunday.

Temecula Olive Oil Company

The Temecula Olive Oil Company is right on the main street and it offers a unique tasting experience with a selection of olive oils and balsamic vinegars. You’ll be surprised how many varieties there are available in there. We spent at least 15 minutes looking at the options before we even had a taste.

The knowledgeable staff will guide you through the tasting, and you can even purchase a bottle or two to take home. We bought a bottle of apple balsamic vinegar and the fresh blood orange olive oil.

Antique Shops

Antique lovers will find plenty to explore in Old Town Temecula. The area is home to a number of antique shops, offering a range of unique finds. Some of the most popular antique shops in the area include the Antique Faire, The Old Town Spice & Tea Merchants, and the Old Town Antique Faire.

Boutiques and Shops

For those looking for more contemporary shopping options, Old Town Temecula has a number of boutiques and shops to explore. From clothing and accessories to home decor and gifts, there’s something for everyone. Some of the most popular boutiques in the area include The Shop, The Barn Vintage Marketplace, and The Bluebird Cottage.

E.A.T Marketplace

The E.A.T Marketplace is a must-visit for foodies in Old Town Temecula. This indoor marketplace features a variety of food vendors, offering everything from fresh produce to artisanal cheeses and baked goods. There’s also a wine bar and craft beer station, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon.

We popped in for lunch on a Sunday and found it to be pretty chill. There are lots of tables both inside and out where you can take your food. We had some delicious doughnuts including lemon poppy and mocha java chocolate chip. Yum.

Restaurants and Cuisine

Old Town Temecula is home to a diverse range of restaurants, offering everything from classic American fare to international cuisine. Some of the most popular restaurants in the area include The Goat & Vine, Small Barn Old Town, and the Gambling Cowboy.

We ate dinner at Small Barn Old Town and really enjoyed the outdoor ambiance. The food was very good. We had the crispy brussels and the steak frites. Both were fantastic. For brunch, we went to 1909 Temecula. It was father’s day, so it was really crowded, but the plate of chilaquiles and the Bloody Mary’s we consumed were just as good!

There were so many other places we could have gone for meals that we didn’t have time to try. I will definitely go back to try Public House, The Goat & Vine, and the Bank of Mexican Food.

Speakeasies

You wouldn’t expect there to be even one speakeasy in a small town like Old Town Temecula, but there are two!

We stumbled upon Thompson & Twain Prospecting Co by accident when we visited Crush & Brew. The bartender suggested we try out the speakeasy that’s housed behind the saloon doors. We were able to get right in around 5pm on a Saturday, but it was definitely packed inside. The bartenders were feverishly making craft cocktails in a Western frontier saloon atmosphere. Seating is first-come, first-serve.

The other speakeasy in town is Apparition Room, located behind a non-marked door inside Devilicious Eatery. The best part of this experience is the knowledgeable and skilled bartenders who craft excellent signature cocktails and who will also craft a cocktail specific to our taste preferences, if you like.

Live Music and Performances

Old Town Temecula has a vibrant live music scene that caters to a variety of tastes. From country and rock to jazz and blues, you’ll find something to suit your mood. Some of the popular venues for live music include:

• Temecula Stampede – This is THE place to go for line dancing, live country music, and even a mechanical bull.
• The Merc: This intimate theater hosts a variety of performances, including live music, theater, and comedy shows.
• Public House: This craft beer bar and restaurant features live music on weekends, with a focus on local talent.
• Crush & Brew: This gastropub offers a rotating lineup of live music acts, along with a great selection of craft beer and wine.

Old Town Temecula Community Theater

If you’re a fan of theater, be sure to check out the Old Town Temecula Community Theater. This state-of-the-art venue hosts a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, and dance shows. With comfortable seating and excellent acoustics, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a night of culture and entertainment.

Craft Breweries and Beer

Craft beer enthusiasts will find plenty to love in Old Town Temecula. There are several excellent breweries in the area, each with its own unique vibe and selection of beers. Some of the top picks include:

• Stone Church Brewing: Located right in the center of Old Town, this place gets pretty rowdy, even out on the patio. There’s often live music, too.
• Aftershock Brewing Co: This one’s located just a few blocks outside of Old Town, but it’s still walkable. We went on a Sunday afternoon and only a few locals were there. The beer was pretty good.
• Garage Brewing: Also not in Old Town, but just a 10-minute drive, is Garage Brewing, which we really enjoyed. They have live music and a food truck on the weekends. You have to try their peanut butter stout.

Pechanga Casino and Resort

For those who like to gamble, the Pechanga Casino and Resort is just a 12-minute drive south of Old Town. With over 4,500 slot machines, dozens of table games, and a luxurious hotel, it’s a great place to try your luck. The resort also features several restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, so you can make a night of it.

We’re not much into gambling, but on a nice summer day we are always up for a swim! The Cove is Pechanga’s 4.5-acre tropical pool oasis that has private cabanas, in-pool lounge chairs, and a swim up bar.

We ordered some amazing ahi tuna nachos from our private cabana and tried a few of their signature Cove cocktails. It was blissful. The Cove is rather busy on the weekends, but during the week it’s a calmer. There are two pools as well, one for adults only. There’s a bar where you can have lunch, water slides, spas, and you can bring in up to 6 people, even if they aren’t staying at the hotel.

Frequently Asked Questions

October 31, 2023