Temecula

A historic town square surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills, with temperate weather and mountains rising in the distance: The town of Temecula and the surrounding Temecula Valley showcase some of California’s most spectacular features. Part of the southern part of the Inland Empire also known as 10 Lake Valley, this region has something to offer every stripe of traveler. 

Why You Should Visit the Temecula Valley

Located about an hour from San Diego and 90 minutes from Los Angeles, this area makes for an easy visit. Indeed, people come here for hyper-local cuisine (made, for instance, with Temecula olive oil), as well as for hiking, hot-air ballooning, or even romance, including great proposal spots and activities that will make for the perfect date. They also come for the Mediterranean-like climate—temperatures range from the 80s–90s in summer to the 60s–70s in winter. (Check out this helpful list of more Temecula Valley activities for each season.) Perhaps most of all, however, they come to visit the nearly 50 Temecula Valley wineries that dot the area. Italian, Spanish, and French grapes sprout from the area’s soil and mature in this unique atmosphere, resulting in small-batch vintages. Standouts include Akash, Altísima, Danza del Sol, and Peltzer. At Europa Village, you can not only taste wines made from those European-origin grapes, but take in the ambience of small wine-region villages of France, Spain, and Italy. Accommodations are available at this unique wine resort as well.

Temecula Wine Trails

Wine trails make visiting several wineries in a single day easy, and offer a clear picture of any given growing region’s personality. Temecula is home to three such trails, and each has characteristics that make it unique: the Rancho California Wine Trail makes stops at some of the region’s oldest and most well-known wineries; the Calle Cotento Wine Trail has a more off-the-beaten-path vibe; and the De Portola Wine Trail winds through horse country. If this last option appeals, check out the schedule at Galway Downs, an equestrian center where competitions are held on a regular basis; the grounds will also host some Olympic events in 2028.

Temecula Breweries, Distilleries, and a Meadery

If wine isn’t your fermented beverage of choice, not to worry—local pours here are not limited to those of the grape. Indulge in a craft cocktail made with spirits from The Cave Distillery at Oak Mountain or a craft beer from Relentless Brewing Co., 8Bit Brewing Co., or Black Market Brewing Co. There’s even a meadery: Try craft versions of the age-old honey, water, and yeast beverage at Batch Mead, or order up another house specialty: an ice-cold hard cider. Because many of these are distributed only locally, they’re ripe for discovery.

Old Town Temecula

Begin your explorations in the heart of the city, a charming area called Old Town. Here, modern California staples like farm-to-table restaurants (check out Temecula’s star-studded roster of chefs ) and craft breweries are set among historical buildings that bring to mind Temecula’s 19th-century roots. Wooden boardwalks and old-timey storefronts add to the Old West feel of the place—you can even stay in the city’s first inn, The Hotel Temecula, which dates to the late 1800s. To get a thorough take on the town’s history, go on this Old Town self-guided walking tour; it’s about a mile-long walk that passes by several landmarks and other points of interest such as parks, museums, and churches of note.

Today, of course, accommodations of all kinds abound. Stay in a familiar chain close to Old Town, or a resort such as the Temecula Creek Inn, located just outside town. With rooms looking out over rows of vines, it can provide a quintessential wine country experience. The city also has no shortage of dog-friendly accommodations, as well as restaurants and vineyards that will welcome your furry friend. Consider a midweek getaway here—from securing better rates at hotels to enjoying the quieter pace, the advantages of shaking up your weekly routine are undeniable. No matter what option you choose, a trip to this gem that’s hidden in plain sight is one that will not disappoint.

More Things to Do in the Temecula Valley

Read on for tips on things to do in Temecula, Dining in Temecula Valley, visiting Temecula Valley Wine Country, and Guided Tours in Temecula Wine Country. To experience the region like a local while getting a bite to eat (without spending a lot of money), pay a visit to one of the bustling farmers’ markets; you can find other family-friendly activities here. For more recommendations, check out the favorite Temecula haunts of local winemaker Akash Patel, or see what Visit Temecula features as its own “hidden gems.”