28 Best Things to Do in Temecula, CA

There are so many things to do in Temecula – from hot air balloon rides and exotic animal adventures to shopping for antiques, exploring citrus groves, and going on wine tours.

I am very lucky that Temecula is less than an hour’s drive from me. I’ll share my picks for wine tastings, berry picking, hidden gems, and must-see spots. You can also check out my separate guide to where to stay in Temecula if you need a hotel!

Best Things to Do in Temecula

Old Town Temecula

Stroll the old-fashioned streets of downtown Temecula.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Explore the area’s history and meander through rustic buildings, art galleries, and specialty boutiques, all right in the heart of Old Town Temecula. Find a souvenir at a local gift shop. Browse antiques and listen to live music. You might even spot the balloon vendor.

Old Town Temecula feels like you’re transported back in time, and there’s something for every age.

Temecula Farmers Market

Taste colorful produce in the center of town.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 728-7343 | Website | Saturdays, 8 AM – 12:30 PM

One of the most popular activities in Temecula on the weekends is going shopping at the Temecula Farmers Market. The farmers market is located right in the middle of Old Town’s parking lot, between the fire station and the Chaparral Center.

It’s hard to beat the ambiance of the Carlsbad Farmers Market in North County San Diego. But what’s great about Temecula’s market is the variety of growers near and far who bring artisan honey and jams, mulberry pies, and other unique valley items.

Wine Tasting

Sip your way through vineyards without worrying about driving yourself.

View from the Temecula Vineyards under the clear blue sky — *Temecula Vineyards surrounded by rows of grapevines*

📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Book an All-Inclusive Wine Tasting Tour on Viator

One of the most popular things to do in Temecula is hop on a wine tasting tour to experience the best of the entire valley without having to drive. Private winery tours are likely to sell out, so make sure your group is registered for an all-inclusive wine tasting tour before heading out to the wineries.

My favorite tasting room is Wilson Creek Winery, along with Vindemia Estate Winery, Danza Del Sol Winery, and Miramonte Winery. You can also visit a Temecula winery as a day trip from Los Angeles.

Temecula Duck Pond & Park

Admire the ducks and enjoy the fountain at a nearby park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 694-6480 | Website | Daily 5 AM – 8 PM | Entrance: Free

This well-maintained and spacious city park is surrounded by lush greenery with a large duck pond in the center. It’s a few minutes from downtown Temecula and an easy 10-minute stroll to walk around the pond.

Visitors love to admire the handful of entertaining ducks in this park. There is plenty of room for a picnic, great places for taking photos, plus sculptures, and a veterans memorial landmark.

Pechanga Resort Casino

Win big in Temecula at a famed casino nestled in the beautiful Temecula Valley.

View of a bridge to Pechanga during a sunny morning — *Rustic bridge to Pechanga*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (877) 711-2946 | Website | Hours: Open 24 hours

Move over Vegas! Nestled in the beautiful Temecula Valley is one of the largest casinos on the West Coast – Pechanga Resort Casino.

The casino is far from typical. Pechanga Resort Casino includes fine dining, incredible concerts, a scenic golf course, and a relaxing spa experience. All in one place under the rolling hills backdrop of Temecula Valley.

Hot Air Balloon

Share a sunrise hot air balloon ride overlooking vineyards.

Hot air balloon rides are one of the most breathtaking and adventurous things to do in the area. You’ll take in breathtaking vineyard views, citrus groves, and the rolling hills landscape of Temecula from above.

Hot air balloon rides usually book up rather quickly, so if you know this is something you want to try, I recommend securing your spot on a spectacular sunrise hot air balloon ride early. It’s hosted by California Dreamin’ Balloon Adventures and begins at Vindemia Winery.

👉 Pro Tip: If you happen to be visiting in June, check out the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Music Festival!

Seasonal Things to Do

Temecula Berry Co.

Pick-your-own berries right off the branch on a secluded family farm.

Check out the Temecula Berry Co. if you’re looking to have a fun afternoon outdoors. This family-friendly gem is less than a 10-minute drive from downtown Temecula on a private farm.

During spring and summer, blueberries are ripe for picking, and there is ample space to roam. You can also purchase homemade blueberry bread, jams, creams, and honey for a great take-home treat. Right next to the parking lot, there is also a small petting zoo—talk about a 2-in-1 adventure!

The Pool at Bottaia Winery

Splash into wine country paradise with a pool club lounge and cafe, cocktail bar, private cabins, and a kids’ splash pad.

A glass of wine beside the pool area — *I’ll take my white wine, poolside*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 365-3388 | Website | Hours: Open seasonally, 11 am – 6 pm Wednesday – Sunday; closed for winter season but tasting room still open | Entrance: $80/person pool pass, cabanas recommended

Temecula gets its fair share of hot weather, and nothing is more refreshing than access to a pool, especially one that’s right beside all the best wineries. Family and friends will enjoy Bottaia Winery’s pool club lounge and cafe, cocktail bar, private cabins, and a kids’ splash pad, all surrounded by a gorgeous backdrop of grape vines.

From special occasions to pure relaxation, the pool at Bottaia will not disappoint.

Rose Haven Heritage Garden

Stop and smell the roses at a local garden that’s open to the public.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 526-7436 | Website | Open dawn to dusk | Entrance: Free

A few minutes’ drive east of Old Town lies a beautiful private garden open to the public in the middle of Temecula Valley. Rose Haven Heritage Garden is open daily, and blooms are best enjoyed here in spring and autumn.

It has over a thousand flowers to explore. Budget travelers will be happy about the free admission! This is a peaceful place to walk around, even when flowers are between blooms.

Sip and Snack

Batch Mead

Taste honey wine at a meadery that uses ingredients sourced from the Temecula Valley.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 435-6016 | Website | Hours: 3 pm – 9 pm Friday – Saturday; 12 pm – 5 pm Sunday; Closed Monday – Thursday

Batch Mead is one of Temecula’s newest tasting rooms, less than a 10-minute drive from Old Town. It’s known for its honey wine and hard cider.

Batch Mead is family-owned and proud to source all its ingredients, including honey and apples, from local farmers in Temecula Valley to make small-batch mead. I strongly recommend trying out Batch Mead’s fermented honey wine.

Small Barn Old Town

Geek out on gourmet cuisine made with hard-to-find ingredients and specialty flavors.

A pistachio basil pesto chicken on a plate and a glass of cocktail — *My favorite pistachio basil pesto chicken dish here, and seasonal cocktail*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 225-2820 | Website | Hours: 4 pm – 9 pm Monday, Wednesday – Thursday; 11 am – 10 pm Friday; 10 am – 10 pm Saturday; 10 am – 8 pm Sunday; Closed Tuesdays

With all the outdoor activities in the area, this list wouldn’t be balanced without including the best restaurants to try. There are a ton of traditional eateries in Old Town that are good, but one that truly stands apart in style and sauce is Small Barn.

Small Barn is newer, and their brunch and dinner dishes are made with hard-to-find ingredients and specialty flavors. It has quaint architecture swing sets, lounge seating, and a charming detached outside barn door, which feels like a bit of the South on the West Coast.

E.A.T Marketplace

Eat like a local at a health-conscious central eatery.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 694-3663 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 3 pm Mon, Wed-Fri; 7:30 am – 3 pm Sat; 8 am – 2 pm Sun

Another great restaurant that’s a bit more casual in Old Town Temecula is E.A.T Marketplace. They offer a grab-and-go deli section, barista station, and health-conscious, fresh meals made to order, surrounded by a retail shop full of unique gourmet items.

This is a great option if you’re looking for a place to eat with the whole family that has something nutritious for everyone.

Parking in Temecula can be tricky. Thankfully, there is a convenient parking lot in front of the restaurant.

🚗 How to Get Here: Since Temecula is a car-centric town, make sure to book a rental Discover Cars if you don’t have reliable transportation.

Our Matcha Place

Step inside the girliest pink-everything cafe with elevated matcha drinks.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 225-8149 | Website | Hours: 8:30 am – 6 pm daily; 10 am – 5:30 pm Sundays

Our Matcha Place is a women-owned cafe with the most artisanal matcha lattes I’ve ever seen. There are so many unique flavors with edible flowers on top. Everything is pink, and it is such a fun spot to hang out for food, drinks, and some work.

Move over wine memberships; Our Matcha Place has its own VIP matcha membership-only lounge if you come here frequently. It is right next to some of Temecula’s best antique stores, so it’s the perfect stop for a drink while you shop.

Museums and Culture

Temecula Valley Museum

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Temecula.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 694-6450 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 4 pm Wednesday – Sunday; Closed Mondays | Entrance: $5/person, $10/family

If you want to learn more about the city of Temecula, then head on over to the Temecula Valley Museum and soak up local history, handcrafted artifacts, and cultural art right in the middle of Old Town.

History buffs will find that Temecula is drenched in culture preservation. Temecula Valley Museum has permanent exhibits paying homage to mystery book author Erle Stanley, along with a children’s play area. The main exhibit with farming equipment and artifacts depicts the evolution of life here in the Valley.

Pennypickle’s Workshop

Experiment inside an interactive children’s science museum.

View of gears inside a vintage clock — *Vintage inside clock*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 308-6376 | Website | Hours: Closed Mondays, Tuesday – Saturday: Session I – 10 am to noon; Session II – 12:30 – 2:30 pm; Session III – 3:00 – 5:00 pm; Sunday: Session I – 12:30 – 2:30 pm; Session II – 3:00 – 5:00 pm | Entrance: $10 adults and children 18 months and over

Pennypickle’s Workshop is a multi-sensory science museum with a playful interactive discovery area, science experiments, a gift shop, and hidden surprises around every corner. It is located right next to the Old Town Temecula community theater and is a great spot to entertain kids, especially if you’re on a family vacation.

Before you go, check out the museum’s workshop events, including escape rooms, parties, and selected days to learn science through themed play.

Temecula Olive Oil Company

Learn all about local olive oils at this family-owned business.

A hand picking olive from a tree — *Check out their olive tree branches all over the property*

Founded over 20 years ago in Temecula Valley, this family-owned business is a Southern California favorite. Check out Temecula Olive Oil Company’s downtown shop to taste fresh-pressed, extra virgin olive oil. Their knowledgeable staff can teach you about their sustainable agricultural practices and what makes them unique.

Depending on the scenery you’d prefer with your olive oil tasting, I recommend taking a guided tour among their gorgeous olive groves at Olive View Ranch, a 25-minute drive from Old Town Temecula.

Active and Fitness

Golf in Temecula

Have yourself a day on the green that offers something for all skill levels.

Overlooking view of a gold course in Temecula — *Golf course landscape greenery*

📍 Google Maps

There are a variety of spots to go golfing in Temecula, and some of the best include Journey at Pechanga 18-hole course and Temecula Creek Golf Club 27-hole course. Although a bit different in style, both golf courses have great surrounding views of Temecula Valley.

No matter if you’re looking for a challenge with rugged terrain or a smooth day learning the basics, golfers of all skill levels can enjoy a day on the green in wine country with plenty of options.

Bike Trails

Cycle to the outskirts of Temecula’s gorgeous trails.

Nature view from a bike trail in Temecula — *Bike the winding roads*

📍 Google Maps | Website

Rent an E-bike and pedal around town on your own private tour. If you don’t have a bike, there are a handful of bike rental shops in Temecula’s extremely bike-friendly town. I recommend taking the Temecula Trail Loop or the Temecula Creek Trail for a scenic ride any time of year except during the hottest days of summer.

For those on a budget, experiencing all the landmarks and vineyard landscapes by bike is a great idea.

👉 Looking for more nature? This list of things to do in Joshua Tree will give you ideas for a great outdoorsy day trip from Temecula.

SoCal Axe Temecula

Offload your extra energy with axe throwing.

An axe on a tree trunk in a forest in Temecula — *Move over darts, it’s all about recreational axe throwing now*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (844) 476-2252 | Website | Hours: 4 pm – 8 pm Monday – Thursday; 3 – 10 pm Friday; 12 pm – 10 pm Saturday; 12 pm – 6 pm Sunday | Entrance: $20/person 30 minutes, $25/person 60 minutes

Axe throwing is one of the most popular things to do in the area. SoCal Axe is located at the Promenade Shopping Mall, and right next to a brewery for an awesome evening of ale and an axe combination. They also now have Barrel & Stave beer available while you throw!

SoCal Axe has multiple types of axe weights and styles depending on what suits you best. Their expert staff is happy to demonstrate how to throw like a pro. They will even teach you trick shots if you’re lucky.

Temecula Stampede

Head on over to the dancefloor for two-step country line dancing.

A cowboy boots standing on a barn in Temecula — *Cowboy boots stompin’*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 695-1761 | Website | Hours: 8 pm – 2 am Thursday; 6 pm – 2 am Friday – Saturday; 10 am – 2 pm Sunday; Closed Monday-Wednesday | Entrance: Free, check calendar

When the sun sets and you’re looking for evening entertainment in Temecula Valley, stomp on over to Stampede. This Western music venue is located right in the heart of town. Visitors from both near and far come here for some of the best country line dancing in this region.

Friday nights are always popular, but check out their calendar for the live music schedule. There’s also bull riding, pool tables, and comfort bar food.

🛏️ Staying Overnight? If you’re headed out to the bar scene, stay overnight and book one of the best accommodations in Temecula.

Relax and Discover

Au Savon de Provence

Smell and shop soaps straight from the South of France.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 464-8821 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Sunday – Thursday; 10 am – 7 pm Friday – Saturday

Temecula brings you a taste of France without having to travel far. The finest soaps and unique gifts from Europe can be found in downtown Temecula at Au Savon de Provence. The owners moved from France to California to bring a new flavor to the community.

Sea sponges, bathtub soap holders, laundry flakes, and more. One step inside and it’s clear this isn’t your typical Southern California shop.

Antique Shopping

Scour the streets for vintage wares at shops with everything from jewelry to lamps and furniture.

The Old Town Antique Faire from the outside — *Antique jewelry, heirloom home goods, you never know what treasures you’ll find…*

📍 Google Maps

While in Temecula, wine tours are popular. However, this city is locally known for its wide selection of antique shops, too. From jewelry to lamps and furniture, you never know what Western-style treasures you might find on an antique adventure in downtown Temecula.

A few great spots to explore are Granny’s Attic, Fourth Street Antiques, Old Town Antique Faire, and my personal favorite—Cheryl’s Antiques.

👉 Read Next: 55 Best Things to Do & See in LA

GrapeSeed Spa at South Coast Winery

Retreat to ultimate serenity with a massage or two during a luxurious spa day.

Grapeseed oil on a small glass jar from GrapeSeed Spa — *Fresh grapeseed oil*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (866) 994-6379 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: Day pass at $80/person, spa service $180+

Temecula Valley is one of the best weekend getaways from San Diego, and is the perfect landscape for a luxurious spa day. GrapeSeed Spa, located onsite at the beautiful South Coast Winery, has a large menu of spa services curated with wine country in mind. There’s also access to a gym and pool.

If you’re looking for luxury, then staying at the South Coast Winery Resort & Spa is the perfect retreat. I highly recommend indulging in a massage followed by wine tasting here.

Pretty Paints, Mobile Art Studio

Get hands-on with a painting class perfect for special events or even just a fun outing.

Paint brushes and different color of paint on a palette — *Paintbrushes and palette are ready for craft time!*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 457-3554 | Website | Hours: 6 – 8 pm | Price: Workshops $55+

⚠️ Closure Notice: This attraction is temporarily closed but is hosting classes at The Mexico Cafe.

Arts and crafts at Pretty Paints is a mix of pottery crafts, painting workshops, and an open studio for creative kids and adults. Located right in the middle of Old Town Temecula, you can experience all the fun things with their special events, holiday celebrations, and sip and paint nights.

Get creative while giving back to the community. When you take a class at Pretty Paints, they donate part of their profits to a local nonprofit for children on the Autism Spectrum.

Temecula Lavender Company

Be transported to a lavender oasis at this local shop selling products made with ingredients produced nearby.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily

Temecula Valley is well-known for its farm-fresh products, including small-batch and handcrafted lavender products for the body, bath, cooking, and more. Temecula Lavender Company has a shop right in the heart of Old Town, and their lavender is grown on a small lavender farm in the Temecula Wine Country.

They pride themselves on only using pure ingredients, and when you head inside the store, you’ll immediately smell how well they create products with this fine herb.

👉 Pro Tip: If you’d rather pick your own or roam in a field of lavender, head to Blue Barn Lavender Farm right outside Temecula.

Animal Therapy

Alpaca Hacienda

Tour an alpaca ranch among the vineyards.

View of alpacas on a farm in Temecula — *Alpaca cuteness on a farm*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (888) 299-4295 | Website | Hours: Private tours available Monday – Sunday, often between 9 am – 3 pm | Entrance: $160 for 1-4 guests

Head to the Alpaca Hacienda, a 10-minute drive from Old Town, and discover the adorable alpaca underbite while learning all about the family ranch. For animal lovers, I’d suggest booking a private tour or joining their public tours, which include a presentation followed by plenty of time to interact with the animals and take pictures.

On your way there, stop by one of the vineyards for a well-rounded excursion.

The Hawk Ranch Farm and Animal Tour is the new home of 15 alpacas and has joined Alpaca Hacienda. All tours are private, so book early!

Wine Country Trails By Horseback

Ride horseback through the rolling hills of Temecula.

View while on a horseback ride in Temecula — *Horseback ride through vineyards*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 795-1444 | Website | Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, times of ride change seasonally due to weather | Entrance: 90-minute sunset tours, $159/person, weekdays, $169/person weekends, young adults age 15-20, $99 per rider, children 7-14, $75 per rider

Try something new and ride through the breathtaking Temecula Valley vineyards by horseback. For those looking for fresh air and unique activities, Wine Country Trails by Horseback is unmatched.

I highly recommend the sunset rides, but they also offer a variety of timeframes and daily rides great for singles, couples, and groups. Don’t miss a unique opportunity to go horseback riding in Wine Country with seasoned tour guides while getting the rare chance to go behind the scenes of a winery on outback rugged terrain.

Sugarplum Zoo

Hang out with exotic animals and taste chocolate too.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 390-3566 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4:30 pm daily | Entrance: $20, adults, $10 children 3-12, $18, seniors 65+, free for children under 2, $25 wine tastings

Zoo animals and fine chocolates might not have much in common, but at Sugarplum Zoo, you get both. The zoo is right in the middle of all the wineries in Temecula Valley and offers a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Although it’s a small place, you can pet and feed the animals, or see a baby zebra, goats, sheep, llamas, alpacas, and more.

Shop their handmade chocolates and other farm-fresh products, too. For adults, they now offer wine tasting and wine classes.

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Thanks for reading my list of things to do in Temecula! For more ideas, check out the best day trips from San Diego and keep exploring SoCal’s finest.

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