27 Best Things to Do in Temecula (in 2023)

From a hot air balloon ride to exotic animals, antiques, citrus groves, and wine tours, there are so many things to do in Temecula. 

A highlight of Southern California, there are a variety of ways to experience all the natural beauty this wine country has to offer. It’s perfect for a day excursion or overnight stay between Los Angeles and San Diego. 

In this article, I’ll cover the very best things to do in Temecula. As a San Diegan who loves taking day trips to Temecula, I’ll spill my picks for wine tastings, berry picking, and a lot more. You can also check out my separate guide to where to stay in Temecula if you need a hotel!

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27 Fun 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.

👉 Read Next: 47 Best Things to Do & See in San Diego, CA

Temecula Farmer’s Market

Taste colorful produce in the center of town

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

One of the most popular things to do in Temecula on the weekends is going shopping at the Temecula Farmer’s 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 Farmer’s Market in North County San Diego. It’s definitely one of the best things in Carlsbad. But what’s great about this particular farmer’s market is the variety of growers from near and far who bring farmed honey and jams, mulberry pies, and other unique valley items to the town of Temecula. 

Temecula Berry Co.

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

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 225-5552 | Website | Spring Picking Season | Saturdays/Sundays 7 AM – 7 PM 

If you’re looking for all the fun things to do in Temecula, check out the Temecula Berry Co. This family-friendly gem is tucked away less than a 10-minute drive from downtown Temecula on a private farm. 

During the Spring and Summer months, blueberries are ripe for picking amidst fresh air and there is ample space to roam. They sell homemade blueberry bread, jams, creams, and honey for a great take-home treat. Right next to the free parking lot, there is also a small petting zoo—Talk about a 2-in-1 adventure!

Temecula Duck Pond & Park

Feed ducks at a nearby park 

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

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 feed 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

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (877) 711-2946 | Website 

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. 

GrapeSeed Spa at South Coast Winery

Retreat to ultimate serenity with a massage or two

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 566-4622 | Website 

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 luxurious things to do in Temecula, 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.

Temecula Stampede 

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

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 695-1761 | Website 

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.

Hot Air Balloon 

Share a sunrise hot air balloon ride overlooking vineyards

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 699-0601 | Website 

Hot air balloon rides are one of the most breathtaking and adventurous things to do in Temecula Valley. From up above, take in breathtaking vineyard views, citrus groves, and the rolling hills landscape of Temecula CA. 

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

The Pool at Bottaia Winery

Splash into wine country paradise

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 365-3388 | Website 

Temecula gets its fair share of hot weather and nothing is more refreshing than access to a local pool, especially 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 kid’s splash pad all surrounded by a gorgeous backdrop of grape vines. From special occasions to pure relaxation, the pool at Bottaia will not disappoint.  

Temecula Lavender Company

Be transported to a lavender oasis

📍 Google Maps | Website

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.

Wine Tasting 

Sip your way through vineyards 

📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator

One of the most common things to do in Temecula, CA is hopping on a wine tasting tour to experience the best of the entire Valley without having to do any of the driving. Private winery tours are likely to sell out, so make sure your group is registered for an all-inclusive wine tasting tour before visiting Temecula. 

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 Olive Oil Company 

Get drizzled in local olive oils

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 693-4029 | Website

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. 

Batch Mead

Taste honey wine at a meadery 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 435-6016 | Website

Batch Mead is one of Temecula’s newest tasting rooms, less than a 10-minute drive from Old Town, and is charmingly known for its honey wine and hard cider. They are family-owned and are proud to source all their ingredients in Temecula Valley to make their small batched mead, including honey and apples from local farmers. For travelers looking for unique things to do in Temecula, I strongly recommend trying out Batch Mead’s fermented honey wine.

Small Barn Old Town

Geek out on gourmet cuisine 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 225-2820 | Website

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. Not to mention quaint architecture including 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

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

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 Discover Cars rental car if you don’t have reliable transportation.

Rose Haven Heritage Garden

Stop and smell the roses at a local garden

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 693-2814 | Website

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. 

For those that like to garden, study, or have an appreciation for roses, it has over a thousand flowers to explore. Budget travelers will enjoy their free admission plus a peaceful place to walk around even when flowers are between blooms.

Penny Pickles Workshop Science Museum

Experiment inside an interactive children’s science museum

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 308-6376 | Website

Penny Pickles Workshop is a multi-sensory 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, definitely check out Penny Pickle’s workshop events including escape rooms, parties, and selected days to learn science through themed play.

Temecula Valley Museum

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Temecula 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 694-6450 | Website 

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. 

Along with some of these nearby San Diego Museums, history buffs will find 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.

Au Savon de Provence

Smell and shop soaps straight from the South of France

📍 Google Maps  | Phone: (951) 464-8821 | Website 

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

📍 Google Maps

When looking for things to do 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, CA. 

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

SoCal Axe Temecula

Offload your extra energy with axe throwing

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (844) 476-2252 | Website 

Axe throwing is one of the most popular things to do in Temecula. 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 have 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.  

Pretty Paints, Mobile Art Studio

Get hands-on with a painting class

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 457-3554 | Website 

Arts and crafts at Pretty Paints is a mix between 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.

Golf in Temecula

Have yourself a day on the green

📍 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

📍 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 looking for things to do in Temecula, experiencing all the landmarks and vineyard landscapes without the price tag by bike.  

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

Alpaca Hacienda

Tour an alpaca ranch among the vineyards

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 440-9021 | Website 

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 looking for things to do in Temecula, book a private tour or join their public tours which include a presentation followed by plenty of time to interact with the animals and take pictures. 

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

Wine Country Trails By Horseback

Ride horseback through the rolling hills of Temecula

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 795-1444 | Website  

Try something new and ride through the breathtaking Temecula Valley vineyards by horseback. For those looking for fresh air and things to do in Temecula that are more unique, 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) 239-8694 | Website

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 a small place, you can pet, feed, or see a baby zebra, goats, sheep, llama, alpacas, and other exotic animals. 

Shop their handmade chocolates and other farm-fresh products here, making this adventure a surprise eclectic activity. 

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Thanks for reading my list of things to do in Temecula! With a variety of specialty shops, local artists, wine tasting, private tours, and historical features, Temecula Valley has a little something to offer every kind of traveler.

For more ideas, check out the best day trips from San Diego and keep exploring SoCal’s finest.

Have fun exploring the many things to do in Temecula!