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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Swathi
Sunday 10th of January 2021
Looks like great place to visit . I would love to vist vineary for sure.
Catalina
Sunday 10th of January 2021
I would like to visit a winery! I think winery a very romantic places! But I love all these suggestions!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen
Sunday 10th of January 2021
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!
Janeane M Davis
Saturday 9th of January 2021
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.
Sandy N Vyjay
Saturday 9th of January 2021
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.