What to Do in Temecula: 10 Best Activities and Attractions

Temecula is a hidden gem in the southern part of California, known for its beautiful vineyards, wineries, and hot air balloon rides. Wine enthusiasts, foodies, and families will all find something they enjoy doing there, which makes it an ideal vacation destination.

If you’re considering a trip there, but don’t know what to do in Temecula, this post will solve that problem. We’ve been there many times and have explored it from all different angles. So we’ve collected all that information in this post to share with you.

One of the main attractions in Temecula is its wine country. With over 50 wineries and vineyards, it’s no surprise that Temecula definitely has a place among the top wine destinations in California. It’s possible to visit both small, family-owned wineries and larger, well-known ones, many of which have both restaurants and guest rooms you can book.

But Temecula isn’t just about wine; it also has a diverse culinary scene, with plenty of restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines, the Pechanga Resort & Casino where you could spend an entire weekend, and a really real-preserved Old Town that’s a destination all on its own.

Whether you want to go hot air ballooning, horseback riding, or hiking, there are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had. And for those who prefer a more laid-back experience, there are also spas, golf courses, and live music events to attend. With so much to see and do, Temecula is a destination that should definitely be on your travel list.

Activities to Book

What to Do in Temecula

Pechanga Resort Casino

If you’re looking to try your luck, the Pechanga Resort Casino is a must-visit destination. With over 4,000 slot machines and 154 table games, not to mention 9 restaurants and a really awesome 4.5-acre resort pool complex called The Cove, it’s a destination all on its own.

We visited the resort on a nice summer weekend when they were hosting their annual Microbrew & Chili Cook-off. We spent half the time at the event and half the time lounging in a private cabana at The Cove. It was spectacular. So, even if you’re not a gambler, you can find all kinds of other things to do there.

They host a variety of events, concerts, and comedy shows throughout the year, so be sure to check their calendar for upcoming events. Along with the annual microbrew & chili cookoff, they’re also now hosting an annual Tacos & Tequila festival in September.

For a truly relaxing and rejuvenating experience, the spa is the place to be. You can book massages, a zero-gravity experience, exfoliating body scrubs, and many of the treatments feature healing native botanicals, used for thousands of years for well-being by the Pechanga people.

If you’re a golfer, you can book a tee time at Journey at Pechanga, their par-72, links-style award-winning course designed by noted architects, Arthur Hills and Steve Forrest. It’s one of the premier golf courses in Southern California.

Wine Tasting

When it comes to things to do in Temecula, wine tasting is undoubtedly one of the most popular activities. With over 50 different varietals of wine produced in the region, and dozens of wineries you can pop into without a reservation, it’s an easy way to spend a few hours or a few days.

We’ve done wine weekends all over the world, including the top regions in California (like Napa and Sonoma), but we always enjoy a visit to Temecula wine country. It’s a little different from other regions in that it has a plethora of wineries with restaurants, hotels attached, and live music or some other special feature. That’s a bit of a rarity in California.

While the wine isn’t quite as up to par as other regions, Temecula definitely comes out ahead in terms of overall experience and atmosphere. The tasting rooms are often palatial estates with amazing views, they have varied tasting menus so you can choose what you like, or you can always just grab a glass or a bottle to enjoy while you’re there.

In this section, we’ll cover everything you need to know about wine tasting in Temecula, including the best wineries to visit and some tips to make the most of your experience.

» Book Temecula’s all-inclusive wine tasting tour here. Or go on the Temecula Winery Trolley Tour (lunch and tastings included)

Temecula Valley Wineries

Temecula Valley is home to over 40 wineries, each with its unique charm and style. Some of the most popular wineries in the region include:

• Ponte Winery: Ponte Winery is a family-owned and operated winery that offers a beautiful outdoor setting and a restaurant on the property.
• Bottaia Winery – Ponte’s sister property, this place is architecturally stunning. They have a barrel tasting room as well as a huge outdoor patio with amazing views of the surrounding vines. There’s also a pool on the property that you can buy passes for.
• Wilson Creek Winery: Known for its award-winning almond champagne, Wilson Creek Winery offers a beautiful setting with a creek running through the property.
• Cougar Winery – A boutique estate winery with Italian varietals and a fantastic view. This is my favorite place to hang out with a glass of wine on a sunny day.

This is a laughably small list of the wineries that you can visit in Temecula. We don’t have room to tell you about all of them. But you can check out our other post on the best wineries to visit in Temecula for more.

» Like to travel with a dog? No worries, Temecula is a very dog-friendly place! These wineries offer a unique experience for wine enthusiasts who also love their furry friends.

Old Town Temecula

Old Town Temecula is a charming and historic community with a unique blend of the region’s past and present. It’s a very walkable area with just one main street and a few side streets, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, hotels, and bars.

One of the highlights 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. It’s actually one of the best preserved old towns we’ve seen in a long time.

Whether you go there just to admire the architecture and learn about the area’s rich history or you’re just looking for somewhere for dinner, you’ll probably end up spending more time than you think.

We took a few hours to walk up and down the whole of Old Town, which is a little less than a mile long and we ended up stopping off for olive oil tasting, to play some games at Coin-Op Game Room, to grab a drink which turned into discovering one of Old Town’s speakeasys, Thompson & Twain Prospecting Co, and listening to a little country music at Temecula Stampede, before having dinner at Small Barn Old Town.

Restaurants

Temecula is known for its diverse culinary scene, with options ranging from French cuisine to farm-to-table eateries. Many of the wineries have restaurants where you can have a wine-paired lunch from a celebrated chef. And Old Town is choke-full of options, too. That’s not to mention the Pechanga Casino Resort which has 9 of its own restaurants.

For us, Old Town was the center of the food world in Temecula. On just a few city blocks you’ll find some real standout. One of those is E.A.T Marketplace, which offers a menu of locally-sourced, organic dishes. Small Barn Old Town is a modern bistro in a historic building. 1909 has some of the best brunch and great cocktails. You can get really tasty pizza at The Goat & Vine. And don’t forget Devilicious a one-time food truck with elevated comfort food.

As for the wineries, our favorite restaurants are at Leoness Cellars (duck-fat fries!), Bolero Restaurante at Europa Village for Spanish-style tapas, outdoor dining patio at Avensole Winery, and the Persian-inspired Baba Joon’s at Fazeli Cellars,

Hot Air Ballooning

Temecula is famous for its hot air balloon rides, which offer a unique perspective on the beautiful wine country landscape. Companies like California Dreamin’ Balloon Adventures and A Grape Escape Balloon Adventure offer balloon rides that take you soaring over the vineyards and rolling hills of the Temecula Valley.

The most-booked ride is a shared hot air balloon ride that takes you over the vineyards as the sun rises over the San Jacinto mountains. It lasts about 60-75 minutes. $159 – $229 per person. It’s a pretty unique experience that will give you the most amazing perspective on the valley.

» Book your Temecula shared hot air balloon ride here

Temecula Valley Museum

The Temecula Valley Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the area. The museum has exhibits that cover the Native American, Spanish, and early American periods. There are exhibits that showcase the indigenous people, the Luiseño Indians, who called this land home for thousands of years.

One of the highlights is the illustrious era of the Californian ranchos. It’s fascinating to learn about the brave vaqueros and the ranching culture that thrived in the valley. The walls adorned with artifacts from the cattle ranching era, vintage photographs, and interactive displays make for an engaging experience.

There are also exhibits on the local wine industry and the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival. The museum showcases the transformation of the valley into a world-class wine destination. The exhibits display antique wine-making equipment and enlighten you about the valley’s terroir and the people behind the famous vineyards.

The museum is located in Old Town Temecula and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Suggested donation $5.00 per person or $10 per family

Golfing

Temecula is home to several great golf courses, including the picturesque Temecula Creek Inn Golf Course, the challenging Redhawk Golf Course, and Journey at Pechanga golf course. With rolling hills and stunning views, these courses offer a unique golfing experience that is not to be missed.

At any of these golf courses, you’ll want to reserve your tee time in advance so you’re sure to get your slot. At Pechanga, golf reservations can be made up to 7 days in advance. Tee times are available each day from 7am – 2pm. It’s $160 for hotel guests and $200 for general public.

Speakeasies and Bars

If you’re looking for a unique experience, check out one of Temecula’s speakeasies. The resurgence of the speakeasy culture in Temecula adds an extra layer of allure to the vibrant nightlife that already existed.

Combining the old-world charm of the Prohibition era with modern sophistication, these hidden gems transport you back in time while offering really well-crafted cocktails at the same time.

From secret passwords to hidden doors and unmarked entrances, the thrill of discovering these spots is part of the fun. We found Thompson & Twain Prospecting Co while having a drink in the attached Crush & Brew. Through the saloon doors you’ll find a hostess who can get you a seat in the 20s themed bar.

The Apparition Room is another popular spot, offering a prohibition-era vibe and handcrafted cocktails. They are closed on Mondays. The Blind Pig Kitchen + Bar is another great option, with a speakeasy-style entrance and a wide selection of craft cocktails.

Alpaca Hacienda

Visit the Alpaca Hacienda for a fun and unique experience. Here, you can interact with these adorable animals, learn about their history and care, and even take an alpaca for a walk. The Alpaca Hacienda offers guided tours, and you can also purchase alpaca products such as yarn, blankets, and clothing.

Keep in mind that you can visit by appointment only, so you’ll need to make reservations in advance. All tours are private for your group only. It’s $100 for 1-5 guests, +$15 for each additional guest. They are open Wednesday to Sunday.

Pool Day at The Cove

I’ve already spoken briefly about The Cove at Pechanga Casino Resort, but it warrants its own entry. This is one of the best things to do in Temecula on a hot day, which is basically all summer long. You don’t have to be a guest of the hotel to get into the Cove.

So what is it exactly? The Cove is a stunning expanse of four pools (the main one is adults only), three whirlpools, two twisty waterslides, a family pool, 27 cabanas that can be rented by the day, 6 daybeds around the pool, and a swim up bar.

We had a reserved cabana, which gave us access to 2 reserved lounge chairs at the pool, a covered seating area, a TV, and a refrigerator. It was a fantastic way to relax and enjoy the amenities of the pool. We ordered some of their signature cocktails and had a delicious plate of ahi nachos that can only be ordered from the cabanas.

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November 2, 2023