7 Fun Things to Do in Temecula
Whether you're looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway a visit to Temecula will satisfy your wanderlust without leaving you broke. You'll find everything from art, culture, wine, outdoor activities, and more. Keep reading to discover 7 fun things to do in Temecula any time of the year.
Disclosure: I participated in a media tour of Temecula, courtesy of Visit Temecula Valley.
7 Fun Things to do in Temecula
Welcoming 2.7 million visitors a year, Temecula offers something for everyone from couples, families, girlfriend getaways, solo travel, and more!
Temecula is an easy day trip from San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County, and Palm Springs. In one short hour, slightly more from Los Angeles, you can shop, eat, drink, and explore.
The Mediterranean climate lets you enjoy outside activities like hot air balloon rides and golf all year.
There's so much to see and do in Temecula it's hard to see it all in one, let alone, two days, so I've picked a few of my favorites.
1. Visit a Winery
Temecula is home to over 40 wineries. With only 2,300 acres planted of 33,000 acres available, Temecula Valley expects to have 70 wineries in the next ten years.
From Temecula's first winery, Callaway Winery, to new, up and coming wineries like Akash Winery, you're bound to find a bottle or two to bring home. Akash's boring shed tasting room hides an Instagram friendly interior featuring intriguing decor such as faux fur spectator chairs. Akash offers a Cabernet Sauvignon, Parlez Vous Rose, Petite Sirah, and a Sauvignon Blanc.
Big doesn't mean better. The 40+ wineries in the Temecula Valley bring in $78 million compared to the $1.5 million brought in from 200 wineries in Paso Robles.
Fun Fact: Vincenzo and Audrey Cilurzo pioneered the Temecula Valley wine industry by planting the first commercial vineyard in 1968.
2. Indulge in Decadent Desserts
I'm all about the sweets and Temecula brings it! There are so many decadent desserts to enjoy, you may have to let out your clothes after your visit.
You can indulge your need for cupcakes and other baked goods at Truly Madly Sweetly. Kids and the young at heart will enjoy creating a cookie ice cream sandwich at The Baked Bear. Ice cream sandwiches from The Baked Bear are huge, consider sharing.
Pro-tip: The salted caramel ice cream is on The Baked Bear's secret menu.
3. Eat Great Food
Foodie or not you'll love the variety of dining options and places to eat great food in Temecula.
Enjoy a farm to table meal at PUBlic House (the Whimm Mac N' Cheese is worth every calorie) or Cork Fire Kitchen. Or partake in elevated comfort food at the award-winning Devilicious Eatery. Love grilled cheese? Devilicious offers a Butter Poached Lobster Grilled Cheese, Duck Confit Grilled Cheese, and for the vegetarians, an Asparagus Grilled Cheese.
Pro-tip: Devilicious Eatery's Pork Belly Melt is sinfully delicious!
4. Enjoy a Craft Beer
Some people avoid the number 13 because it's considered unlucky. But unlucky or not, there are 13 breweries in Temecula where you can enjoy a craft beer.
One of my favorites is Garage Brewing because pizza and beer. Right? If you love dark beers their Marshmallow Milk Stout will have you dreaming of smores.
If you like Belgian beers but with a modern twist stop by Refuge Brewery for their award-winning Blood Orange Wit. Refuge also brews some tasty IPAs with creative names like D3vil Br3w and Tropical Hopwave. My favorite was their Irish Wrist Watch, a potent Irish Dry Stout with an ABV of 7.5%.
5. Crash a Wedding
Feeling gentle tugs at your heartstrings? Need your significant other to commit? Then crash a wedding.
Of course, you're not going to let your boo know you have an ulterior motive so disguise your plan by going wine tasting.
Destination wedding location turned winery, Vitagliano Vineyards and Winery offers wine tasting Wednesday to Sunday.
Call Vitagliano to find out their next scheduled wedding. If you "happen" to be wine tasting that afternoon, well, they say, location is everything. You could be sporting a ring, sooner than expected.
6. Sneak into a Speakeasy
Speakeasies are back and this time they're legal.
Old Town Temecula is home to two speakeasies in a three block radius: Apparition Room and Thompson & Twain Prospecting Co.
The western-themed Thompson & Twain Prospecting Co resembles a saloon from the 1800's with wanted posters and mounted deer heads. All drinks except "The Man from San Jose" are $13.
Looking for a more traditional speakeasy experience with a dark interior and limited seating? Pay a visit to the Apparition Room where you'll find an intimate cocktail experience priced from $12 to $14 each. Wine is available starting at $18 a glass.
The best seats are at the bar because you can watch the bartenders mixing the drink. If Moe is working you're in for a treat. He'll create a cocktail based on your drink tastes and preferences. Reservations are required.
Pro-tip: The Apparition Room is behind the wood panel at the Devilicious Eatery hostess station. Look for the curtain at Crush and Brew and you'll find the entrance to Thompson & Twain Prospecting.
7. Gamble, See a Show, Swim, and More
Experience a taste of Las Vegas at the largest Indian casino in California, Pechanga Resort & Casino. Did you know they have over 4,000 slot machines?
The resort completed a $285 million expansion that included 568 rooms, a pool complex, two-story spa, two additional restaurants, and convention and meeting space.
You can catch a show, gamble, enjoy spa treatments, lounge in the new pool complex (4 pools, 3 hot tubs, family pool, and two waterslides), or enjoy a delicious meal at the Lobby Bar and Grill. Don't want to leave? Book one of the 1,090 hotel rooms. All rooms include 300 thread count sheets, Keurig coffee makers, and free pool access and valet parking.
Pechanga offers more than just gambling. You can golf at their award-winning golf course or watch a concert or performance from celebrity entertainers such as Steven Tyler from Aerosmith at Eagle's Nest, The Cabaret Lounge, or the Comedy Club.
Pro-tip: Only hotel guests can use the pool but cabana rentals are available for non-hotel guests starting at $250 with a $50 food and beverage requirement.
Bonus. Ride a Hot Air Balloon
Getting to ride a hot air balloon is exciting but soaring the skies over the Temecula Valley vineyards is another. Romance and adventure all year!
Choose from sunrise to sunset rides, private rides, or join a group.
Like wine? Check out the annual Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival. This three-day event combines balloon rides, wine tasting, beer and spirits tasting, and concerts!
Pro-tip: Hot Air Balloon rides are cheaper on weekdays.
Conclusion
There are so many fun things to do in Temecula for visitors of all ages and tastes.
You can explore art galleries, go wine tasting, enjoy a symphony, take a ride in a hot air balloon, hit the links at the golf course, and more. My seven favorite things to do are: visit a winery, indulge in decadent desserts, eat great food, enjoy a craft beer, crash a wedding, sneak into a speakeasy, and visit the casino. If you're adventurous you can ride a hot air balloon.
Be sure to check out annual events like the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival.
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What are your favorite fun things to do in Temecula?
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Diving in to those desserts sits at the top of my list Debra 😉 What glorious fare. Amazing how a little sweet treat lifts my mood LOL. But really, all activities sound fun. Gotta love this region of the country. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Ryan
This looks like the place to try some amazing food, wine and craft beers, looks like a fun place to explore and enjoy some delicious food and beverages and just indulge.
We are hoping to go back to California next year and it would be good to visit some different places. As we love our wine the 40 plus wineries sound very tempting, doubt if we could get around them all, but we would have a good try., The speakeasies sound a good night out as well.
I am not really into craft beer or gambling but everything else, especially the fact that there are 40+ wineries, sounds pretty awesome! I have never heard of Temecula but it does sound like a good day trip. How can one say no to trying out great food and amazing desserts?
Do they have so many balloons flying around in Temecula - must be a lovely site to see? I assume it is a great weekend destination for major towns in California.
Great combination of food and wine 🙂 It is hard to say no to such a place.
I like the idea of crashing into a wedding there. 🙂
I don't drink at all, but those restaurants look fantastic! I love a great barbecue pork sandwich and that dessert looks like one to share! I would be quite happy at the pool, reading a book and sipping an alcohol free pina colada. Who could pass that up? Temecula seems like a place that is quite a bit more laid back than Las Vegas.
Temecula reminds me of Napa Valley. We went on a balloon ride there and enjoyed it tremendously. I love how there's so much do there like go wine tasting and go on a food trip. Thanks for sharing this list!
I'm not really big on gambling but I would definitely enjoy this place for the speakeasy bars., the wine, the craft beer and well swimming. Looks like a good place to just chill and date too or maybe crash a wedding
Ahh.. All this delicious food and interesting food scene in Temecula makes me want to visit it! Hot air balloon rides year-round sounds pretty cool too! Who wouldn’t love to see that view everyday, right?
Wow, I've never heard of Temecula before but your list makes it sound so interesting. I also adore desserts and The Baked Bear's Secret menu sounds promising! And I love your Pro Tip on the speakeasy, it's seems so exclusive!
Temecula sounds like a fabulous destination for foodies, you had me at wine but then the food looks amazing too - I need a cookie ice cream sandwich from The Baked Bear in my life! The balloon festival would be a great time to go to I think!
You had me at art, wine, desserts, and outdoor activities that are family-friendly too. Why haven’t I heard of Temecula before? I would love to sit at the bar in a speakeasy in old town Temecula and watch the bartender mix my drink.
One of those holidays where you just sit back and have a good time...hot air balloons, desserts, great food and wine. The perfect ingredients for a relaxing and refreshing break. Who can say no to that?
I am almost embarrassed to say I have never heard of Temecula, but thanks to your post, it looks like a great getaway from the coast next time we go to San Diego! I would love an afternoon at the casino pool with the kids (and some slots after they are asleep!) Are there that many balloons going up every day? Or do they host a festival?
I never knew Temecula has such a great food and wines to indulge on. Craft beer will surely tempt my husband to visit the place. Balloon ride is something really high on our list.
Hahah, to be honest. I loved the first step already. Just stick with the wine and the rest will be good. Combine it with the balloons and I would be a very happy tourist! Great post!
Desserts, wine and craft beer - those are some of my favorite things in life so Temecula is certainly a place I would love 🙂
I do want to check out the speakeasy space too...and crash a wedding! Hehe...so much fun stuff to do 🙂
I have to admit, I am not big on food or drinks but Temecula looks great to try some amazing food, wine, and craft beers. It would be perfect to go to with my friends. They would love it. And, it looks like a perfect offbeat gem.
Your food shots are like amazing, especially the dessert. It has got me craving for one now. This place seems relaxing with good number of activities and yet none to tire you out. And the hot air ballooning with some good wine - I think I am all set.
Oh wow! It looks like Temecula is going on my list! There's so much to do there. I think it would be an amazing place to visit with the family.
I used to start up and manage restaurants for YEARS. My husband and I are always searching for the best food/drink! This looks like a great spot for some great food!
I have never been to Temecula but that sounds like a great place to visit. I will definitely be trying that delicious food and desserts and riding on hot air blood once I visit that place.
Wow! Temecula is such a wonderful place to visit! And I can't wait to set my foot in this place. I will definitely do the very first thing on this list.
This is my first time to learn about this place. Certainly, I would love to visit the winery and experience riding the hot air balloon! I hope everything gets back to normal so we can travel again soon.
So many winery there in Temecula. Sounds so fun to visit some of them.
Funny thing is I've been to Temecula several times and a couple of the activities you mentioned are things we've actually done. There are some amazing wineries in the area and nearby.
I love trying different craft beers. I'm surely going to enjoy a vacation here someday
There is so much to do in Temecula, I am sure there never will be a dull moment. The food, especially the desserts look tantalizingly tempting.
This seems like a wonderful place to visit. You gave a list with enough things for people to be entertained for their whole vacation there.
I would love to visit Temecula really soon! And the first thing I will do is to try those yummy desserts and visit the winery!
I would like to visit a winery! I think winery a very romantic places! But I love all these suggestions!
Looks like great place to visit . I would love to vist vineary for sure.