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Things To Do In Temecula

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Temecula is known for its award winning wineries, hot air balloon adventures, and championship golf courses. If you’re thinking about planning a visit to Southern California’s wine country, here’s a list of things to do in Temecula.

Things To Do In Temecula

Arts & Culture

Art Nights

The Merc & The Lot – 42051 Main Street, Temecula

Held every first Friday of the month, Art Nights showcases a variety of artists exhibiting their work from multiple genres, live music, food and drinks. The monthly event is free.

CultureFest

Temecula Civic Center – 41000 Main Street, Temecula

The free community event commemorates World Day for Cultural Diversity. The special event features live music, dancing, performances, exhibits, crafts and family activities celebrating a variety of cultures and traditions.

Pennypickles Workshop

42081 Main Street, Temecula, CA 92590

This unique children’s museum takes visitors into the workshop of a quirky inventor, Professor Phineas T. Pennypickle. There are hands-on exhibits, inventions to explore, experiments, gadgets, and a gift shop. This is a must for the kids!

Summer Concerts

CRC Amphitheater – 30875 Rancho Vista Road, Temecula

Bring you blankets and lawn chairs, and even a picnic to enjoy the free summer concert series held every year. Events usually run on Thursdays in June and July.

Temecula ArtFest

The annual Temecula ArtFest is held every year in September and includes the Annual Art & Street Painting Festival and Cartoon-a-Palooza.

Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival

This one of the biggest hot air balloon festivals to attend. Held every year at Lake Skinner near Temecula, this three day event features hot air balloon flights in the mornings, balloon glow flights in the evening, wine tastings, food and drink vendors, and musical performances throughout the weekend by a variety of acts.

Temecula Valley Museum

28314 Mercedes Street, Temecula, CA 92590

Visit the Temecula Valley Museum to see a variety of exhibits and art, participate in culture days and special events, or take a walking tour of old town.

Temecula Valley Symphony

A 60-member community orchestra that plays a number of performances throughout the year.

Entertainment, Shopping & Nightlife

Brewery Tour

Temecula has a number of craft breweries and visitors can now tour them in style. You’ll take a limo style tour through the area breweries for a unique and fun group experience.

Old Town Blues Club

28636 Old Town Front Street #102, Temecula, CA 92590

Late night club for drinks and watching performances by live jazz and blues bands.

Old Town Temecula

Old Town Temecula is the place to go for dining, shopping, hotels, and entertainment. The area is western themed and is a hot spot for night life. There are also a number of special events here including a year round farmers market.

Olive Oil Tasting

Want to try tasting olive oil instead of wine? You can do that in Temecula, too! Here are a few places to try:

Promenade Temecula

40820 Winchester Road, Temecula, CA 92591

Promenade Temecula is the city’s shopping mall with all your favorite stores and Regal Edwards Cinema. They also have a weekly farmers market.

Temecula Axe Throwing

41493 Margarita Road, Temecula, CA 92591

At Temecula Axe Throwing there are 16 throwing lanes and is perfect for both small and large groups. Located at the Promenade and right next door to Wild Barrel Brewing, so there’s easy access to food and drinks before or afterwards!

Temecula Haunted Bar Tour

There are at least two companies that offer pub crawl experiences combined with Temecula history and ghostly stories about local hauntings.

Temecula Stampede

28721 Old Town Front Street, Temecula, CA 92590

Temecula Stampede is the place to go for country line dancing and bull riding. There is also pool tables and a full bar. Stampede is the larges country music line dancing venue on the West Coast.

Temecula Farmers Market

There are three regular farmers markets in Temecula:

  • Old Town: Sixth & Front Street, every Saturday
  • Promenade: Outside JC Penney, every Wednesday
  • Vail HQ Temecula: 32115 Temecula Parkway, every Tuesday

Outdoors, Hiking & Nature

Agua Tibia Wilderness

Located near Temecula, this expansive wilderness area offers outdoor recreational opportunities including wildlife viewing and popular hiking trails.

Trails To Try:

  • Dripping Springs Trail
  • Wild Horse Trail
  • Agua Tibia Loop
  • Eagle Crag

Alpaca Hacienda

31755 Rancho Vista Road, Temecula, CA 92592

It’s all things Alpaca at this hacienda. Here you can interact with live alpacas through hands-on encounters, take a tour, and learn all about these gentle animals.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Temecula is a hot spot for hot air balloon rides! Try one of these companies for your high flying adventure.

Crosscreek Golf Club

43860 Glen Meadows Road, Temecula, CA 92590

This Arthur Hills designed course in Temecula Valley is a challenging course with beautiful scenery throughout, and is open to the public.

Diamond Valley Lake

Diamond Valley Marina: 2615 Angler Ave., Hemet, CA 92545

Just north of Temecula, Diamond Valley Lake is a large manmade reservoir offering fishing, boating, and hiking for outdoor enthusiasts. At 260 feet deep, this is a popular spot for fishing and is known as the home of monster sized fish.

Take a Carriage Ride

Temecula Carriage Company offers horse drawn carriage and trolley rides and tours through the vineyards and wineries.

Galway Downs

38801 Los Corralitos Rd., Temecula, CA

Galway Downs is an outdoor venue for events, entertainment, special occasions, and equestrian facilities. Equestrian events are held here regularly, as well as music festivals, weddings, sporting events, and more.

Green Acres Ranch

35750 De Portola Rd., Temecula, CA 92592

At Green Acres Ranch you can sign up for youth horse camps, take riding lessons, or enjoy some of their equestrian events. They also offer therapeutic riding and boarding.

Harveston Lake Park

29005 Lake House Road, Temecula, CA 92591

There is a lake here that is open to public fishing with a permit, a playground, gazebo, picnic areas, restrooms, and plenty of green space.

Horseback Riding In Wine Country

There are a number of horseback riding opportunities in Temecula, many offering trail rides through the beautiful vineyards.

Journey at Pechanga

45000 Pechanga Pkwy, Temecula, CA 92592

Located at the Pechanga Resort, this public 18 hole golf course offers a restaurant, pro shop, and championship golf to all golf enthusiasts.

Lake Skinner

37701 Warren Road, Winchester, CA 92596

Located 10 miles north of Temecula, Lak Skinner is a reservoir and recreation area with camping, hiking, a splash pad, boating, fishing, horseback riding, and more. No swimming or body contact with the water here, but plenty of opportunities for fun!

Peltzer Pumpkin Farm

39925 Calle Contento, Temecula, CA 92591

This seasonal attraction is the place to go during the holidays. Open for pumpkin season, and again for Thanksgiving and Christmas, through early January. They have a great selection of pumpkins and trees, a mining attraction, pony rides, petting zoo, games, and a holiday ice rink.

Pump Track at Wolf Creek Park

45850 Wolf Creek Drive North, Temecula, CA 92592

Visit Wolf Creek Park for this cool pump track for bike riders. Perfect for a skill levels and riders of all ages. There’s also a pedestrian exercise course, playground, and trails.

Rose Haven Heritage Garden

30592 Jedediah Smith Rd, Temecula, CA 92592

Home to 2000 roses, Rose Haven Heritage Gardens and wildlife sanctuary offers garden trails for strolling, events, classes, and youth programs.

Santa Margarita River Preserve

4251 River Edge Rd., Fallbrook, CA 92028

Just 15 miles south of Temecula, Santa Margarita River Preserve is a beautiful wildland area running along the Santa Margarita River with forested hiking and equestrian trails.

Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve

39400 Clinton Keith Rd, Murrieta, CA 92562

Stop into the visitor center at this 9,000 acre ecological reserve just outside of Temecula, learn about the distinct habitats here, then venture out to the seasonal vernal pools and explore one of the many trails. You can also see historic adobes here, Riverside’s oldest standing structures.

Sugarplum Zoo & Chocolates

39695 Berenda Rd., Temecula, CA 92591

Have a one of a kind experience at this Temecula attraction. It started as a therapy zoo and is now a place for rescued and rehomed animals. Plus you can enjoy handmade chocolates and wine tasting.

Temecula Creek Trail Park

33662 Channel Street, Temecula, CA 92592

Temecula Creek Trail Park has a nice trail for walking, playground, picnic tables, and exercise equipment.

Temecula Creek Golf Club

44501 Rainbow Canyon Road, Temecula, CA 92592

Enjoy 27 holes of championship golf here in Temecula’s wine country. Members get unlimited play and other perks, or choose the Players Card program.

Vail Lake

38000 Hwy 79 South, Temecula, CA 92592

Here you’ll find 400 acres of open space, with a lake for fishing and boating, 40 miles of trails to explore, camping and glamping, and more.

Wineries and Wine Tasting

There are over 50 wineries in the Temecula Valley area. Here are some that you’ll want to plan a visit to.

De Portola Wine Trail

De Portola Road, Temecula, CA

Known as the “Wine Row” of Temecula, guests can experience the beautiful landscape of the Temecula Valley and explore 11 exquisite wineries including Fazeli Cellars, Oak Mountain, Frangipani, and Masia De La Vinya.

Jeep Wine Tour

Experience the Temecula Valley wine country in style with a Jeep Wine Tour. There are several companies offering this option including:

Sidecar Tours

39730 Calle Contento, Temecula CA 92591

Hop on for the ride of your life, and explore Temecula Valley Wineries on a motorcycle and sidecar. It’s a fun and unique experience and a fantastic way to enjoy a day wine tasting.

Hotels, Resorts, and Spas

Europa Village

41150 Via Europa, Temecula, CA

Europa Village has some of the areas best wine tasting, with on-site dining, private rooms and casitas, events, and more, all with the charm of old world European villages.

Carter Estate Winery & Resort

34450 Rancho California Rd., Temecula, CA 92591

Sip award winning wines on this 100+ acre estate, and stay in one of the comfortable bungalows overnight. Includes a private patio, bottle of wine, and a continental breakfast for two. Hotel suites are also available.

Inn At Churon Winery

33233 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591

Much like a French Chateau, this grand estate features award winning wines with 11 acres of vineyards, a café, and 24 suites for overnight stays.

Pechanga Resort Casino

45000 Pechanga Pkwy, Temecula, CA 92592

The largest resort and casino in Southern California, right here in Temecula Valley’s wine country offers all your favorite casino games, events and performances, luxury accommodations, a beautiful golf course, and a relaxing spa.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

34843 Rancho California Rd., Temecula, CA 92591

Visit South Coast Winery for a stay in their luxurious rooms or villas. Enjoy delicious on-site dining at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant, and rejuvenate at the GrapeSeed Spa and heated pool.

Temecula Creek Inn

44501 Rainbow Canyon Rd., Temecula, CA 92592

Temecula Creek Inn offers guests a charming stay in Southern California wine country, with rooms and suites and a 3-bedroom house, 27 hole golf course, swimming pool and hot tub, onsite dining, and much more.

Events

NYE Grape Drop

Temecula Civic Center Quad – 41000 Main Street, Temecula, CA 92590

One of the city’s biggest events of the year, the Grape Drop is an exciting New Years Eve celebration complete with family activities, carnival games, music, ice skating, and countdowns for the east and west coasts.

Temecula Rod Run

Old Town Temecula

Annual event for auto enthusiasts in historic Old Town Temecula featuring classic hot rods, show and shine, vendors, food and drinks, and more! Held annually in May.

Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival

Lake Skinner – 37701 Warren Road, Winchester, CA 92596

One of the biggest events in Temecula, the Balloon & Wine Festival is held at Lake Skinner and includes live musical performances, camping, beer and wine tasting, vendors and food, and magical hot air balloons.

4th of July Extravaganza and Parade

Old Town Temecula

Celebrate Independence Day in the heart of Old Town Temecula with the annual 4th of July Parade, live music, vendors, kids fun zone and a spectacular fireworks display at 9PM.

Santa’s Electric Light Parade

Old Town Temecula

The annual holiday parade starts at the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Del Rion Road and travels through Old Town for all to enjoy. Features holiday lights and floats, live music and marching bands, and an appearance from Santa.

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Heidi Deal
Heidi Deal is the author of the Newcomers Handbook to Living In Los Angeles & Orange County, and a children’s book author specializing in history and human rights. When she's not writing you can find her solo hiking and going on new adventures with her kids and pup.