Chances are, you’ve heard about the California wine regions in Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley. But have you ever considered visiting Southern California’s Wine Country in Temecula, California?
After visiting Temecula several times over the past few years, I can confidently say this charming town is the perfect spot for a romantic weekend getaway, a fun girls’ trip, or a laid-back family vacation. The combination of rustic western vibes in Old Town Temecula and the sophisticated atmosphere at the 50+ wineries in Temecula Valley make this the perfect charming a laid-back getaway in Southern California.
Below, I’ve rounded up a list of my favorite things to do in Temecula to help you plan a spectacular trip to this charming city in Southern California. Let’s start planning your next vacation!
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My Favorite Things to Do in Temecula
1. Visit the Local Wineries
Temecula is famous for its wineries and vineyards—over 50, to be exact (and more are being added every single year!).
That said, a trip to Temecula would be incomplete without a visit the the wine country in Temecula Valley. You can read my post about the best wineries in Temecula for all my top winery recommendations, but some of my favorites to visit include Wilson Creek Winery, Wiens Cellars, and Somerset Vineyards & Winery.
If you’d like to leave the driving to someone else, you can book a wine tour through the Temecula Valley. Here are some of the top-rated options to choose from:
- Temecula: All-Inclusive Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch — Visit four local wineries, learn about winemaking techniques while sampling delicious wines, and savor a picnic lunch on this all-inclusive wine tour.
- Temecula’s Best Rated Wine Tasting Tour — Travel to three local wineries and sample six unique wines at each stop while enjoying beautiful vineyard views and great music.
- All-Inclusive Wine Tasting Tour Wine Tasting Tour of Temecula Valley — Visit four wineries with wine tastings, lunch, and a behind-the-scenes tour at one winery on this highly-rated tour!
2. Peruse the Old Town Temecula Farmers’ Market
The Old Town Temecula Farmer’s Market is one of the best things to do in Temecula on Saturday mornings from 8 AM to 12:30 PM. This farmers’ market attracts dozens of local vendors. You can find fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, local honey, fresh-cut flowers, plants, and more. The flowers were gorgeous — and I purchased some sugary-sweet strawberries that were delicious!
3. Get Coffee & Brunch in Old Town Temecula
One of the best things to do in Temecula is to grab a delicious brunch at one of the fabulous places to eat in Old Town Temecula. Some local favorites (and some of my favorites!) are Public House and 1909 Temecula. The ambiance and Public House is so charming, and the French toast options at 1909 Temecula are insane (I highly recommend!).
There are also tons of adorable coffee shops in Old Town Temecula if you’d rather grab an iced coffee and a light bite to eat — my favorites include The Crafted Scone, Press Espresso, and Le Coffee Shop.
4. Line Dance at Temecula Stampede
Old Town Temecula has a fun country vibe — and no western town is complete with somewhere to go dancing!
If you love line dancing and two-stepping like me, you have to visit Temecula Stampede during your trip to Temecula. This nightclub is one of the West Coast’s largest country-western music venue, with a 4,000 square-foot dance floor and an upbeat atmosphere that’s perfect for grabbing a drink, dancing the night away, or both!
5. Shop in Old Town Temecula
There are so many fun boutiques and places to shop in Old Town Temecula! Here are some of my favorites places to shop and explore in Old Town Temecula
- Temecula Olive Oil Company — Temecula Olive Oil Company sells tons of products made from olive oil, including dipping oils and beauty products. They also offer complimentary olive oil and vinegar tastings!
- The Barn Yard — The Barn Yard is a charming store filled with handmade items and vintage trinkets situated in small red barns. It’s absolutely adorable and definitely worth a visit during a trip to Temecula!
- Old Town Temecula Mural — The mural is located in front of the Fourth Street Antiques Store on Fourth Street in Old Town Temecula (be sure to pop in for some antique shopping after snapping a photo!).
- Under the Willow—This adorable boutique sells dresses, blouses, skirts, and other feminine, bohemian-style clothing. I always pick up a dress or two here while I am in town… they’re some of my favorites in my closet!
6. Book a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Riding a hot air balloon over Southern California Wine Country is one of the best things to do in Temecula. This is still something I haven’t had the chance to do during my trips to Temecula — but you can bet it’s on my bucket list!
If you want to go on a hot air balloon ride in Temecula, here are some of the top-rated hot air balloon rides in Temecula:
- Sunrise Temecula Balloon Flight — Soar above Southern California’s Wine Country for picturesque views at sunrise before toasting with champagne or sparkling cider at the end of the ride.
- Temecula Private Hor Air Balloon Flight — Make memories with your closest family members or friends on this private hot air balloon flight with beautiful views of the area.
- Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride with Champagne — Soar over the wine country in Temecula Valley during a sunrise hot air balloon ride that ends with mimosas, champagne, or sparkling cider.
7. Pick Blueberries at Temecula Berry Company
Temecula Berry Company is a u-pick berry farm a few minutes outside Old Town Temecula. From the beginning of May to the end of June, you can visit the farm and pick your own blueberries right off the bush. They sell small containers for $5, medium containers for $10, and large containers for $20. I purchased a medium container, and it fit a ton of berries!
8. Go Horseback Riding in Wine Country
Is there anything that can top drinking wine in wine country? Well, maybe not, but horseback riding in wine country sure comes close! Wine Country Trails by Horseback offers 90-minute guided horseback rides through Carter Estates Winery and Resorts for a relaxing, fun way to see the vineyards from a new perspective.
9. Eat Dinner in Old Town Temecula
You could easily spend all day at the wineries in Temecula. However, Old Town Temecula has tons of incredible restaurants you can’t miss during your trip! I’d highly recommend visiting one (or more!) of the best restaurants in Old Town Temecula for lunch or dinner during your visit to Temecula.
My two favorite spots for dinner are The Goat & Vine and Landeros Mexican Grill + Cantina. Bottega Italia is also a great spot for Italian food, but even if you don’t eat dinner here, be sure to stop by an get gelato for dessert!
10. Stay in a Charming Winery Hotel
Temecula offers some beautiful places to stay — especially if you get outside of town and visit the wine country! Some of the top choices for resorts include South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Carter Estate Winery & Resort, and Pointe Vineyard Inn. If you are looking for a stunning adults-only vacation home, check out Gaia Inn & Spa or Villa Inn.
There are also tons of places to stay near Old Town Temecula if you would rather be closer to town than the wine country. The top-rated options just a few minutes from town are Home2Suites by Hilton Temecula, Best Western Plus Temecula Wine Country, and SpringHill Suites Temecula Valley Wine Country.
Plan the Perfect Trip to Old Town Temecula and the Wine Country in Temecula Valley
Which of these things to do in Temecula would be at the top of your list? Regardless of which activities you choose — you’re bound to have a wonderful time exploring Southern California’s Wine Country!
Save These Best Things to Do in Temecula for Your Trip to Southern California’s Wine Country
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