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 Temecula Valley showcase some of California’s most spectacular features.

Why You Should Visit the Temecula Valley

The location of this Inland Empire gem, about an hour from San Diego and 90 minutes from Los Angeles, 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. They also come for the Mediterranean-like climate—temperatures range from the 80s–90s in summer to the 60s–70s in winter. Perhaps most of all, however, they come to visit the nearly 50 wineries that dot the Temecula Valley. 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 soon, Italy. Accommodations are available at this unique wine resort as well.

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 Temecula Brewing Company, 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 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 choose a luxury hotel such as Temecula Creek Inn with a room looking out over rows of vines. 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.