Where to Stay in Temecula (Best Places & Areas 2023)

3 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Temecula

Temecula is closer to San Diego but technically part of Los Angeles, making it a popular day trip from LA. Choosing a place to stay or hotels in Temecula depends on the type of modern amenities you’re looking for, such as an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, or onsite tasting room. This map of Temecula is a great base point for getting the lay of the land.

Old Town Temecula

👉 Best Area For Culture | ✨ Best Old Town Temecula Hotels: Signature Temecula • Hampton Inn & Suites

Historic Temecula Old Town is the downtown area of Temecula and is at the center of all the tourist attractions. Meander down old western streets paved with saloons, antiques, restaurants, vintage shops, museums, and tastings. 

From dawn to dusk, the town is full of energy. A weekly farmers market and rotating live music performers keep visitors entertained at all hours. 

Temecula is one of the more classic places to visit in California. Staying at a hotel in Old Town means you can expect complimentary breakfast, warm hospitality, and spacious rooms with a nostalgic country flair. The town caters to families, kids, couples, and locals alike.

The best part is staying so central to many of the best things to do in Temecula without having to drive. 

Pros of Staying in Old Town Neighborhood:

• Lots of great restaurants, bars, and shopping
• A ton of vintage and antique finds
• Downtown is a super walkable, delightful stroll of quaint western buildings
• Steps away from the weekend farmers market
• Town lights up at night

Cons of Staying in Old Town Neighborhood:

• Parking is often scarce and weekends are crowded 
• With such a small downtown, expect long waits without dinner or brunch reservations 
• Often overpriced establishments due to all the tourist attractions

East Temecula

👉 Best Area For Wineries | ✨ Best East Temecula Hotels: South Coast Winery Resort • Inn at Churon Winery • Ponte Vineyard Inn

Northeast of downtown Temecula is home to rows of wineries. Vineyard after vineyard offers tastings of Italian and Spanish red grapes, Champagne, and other varietals. I still don’t know what I love more, the Temecula fairytale vineyard views, or tasting the wines. Staying in East Temecula is definitely one of the most romantic getaways in CA.

The estates are spread out so you’ll want to drive or book a public or private tour guide. Many folks even rent limos to head to top California wineries in style. 

One of the best aspects of staying at a Temecula wine country hotel in East Temecula is the ability to wake up to acres of land right outside your room. Especially South Coast Winery Resort. Their luxurious accommodations have french doors, private terraces overlooking rolling hills with oversized marble bathrooms, deep soaking tubs, and the best spa location in town!

Pros of Staying in East Temecula Neighborhood:

• Picturesque landscape views
• Many of the wineries have a breathtaking restaurant onsite
• Quieter area for rest and relaxation 
• A quick drive or bike ride to surrounding wineries

Con of Staying in East Temecula Neighborhood:

• Wineries and restaurants close earlier in this area
• You’ll need a rental car to get around
• Vineyard property hotels are a lot pricer than other areas to stay in San Diego

South Temecula

👉 Best Area For Golf | ✨ Best South Temecula Hotels: Temecula Creek Inn • Pechanga Resort Casino

South of Old Town and one of the best weekend getaways from San Diego is a drive to South Temecula’s Pechanga Resort Casino, Temecula Creek Inn location, and surrounding attractions. 

The South side of Temecula wine country has its own charm, most notable for its champion golf courses combined with rolling hills, casino, an on-site restaurant, spa, and more. 

There are many hikes in San Diego and visitors will enjoy the variety of hiking and biking trails scattered throughout Temecula. In South Temecula, you get the best of both worlds. Plenty of nature while less than a 20-minute drive to the famed South Coast Winery Resort Spa.

Pros of Staying in South Temecula Neighborhood:

• Nature and outdoor adventure await 
• A golfers paradise
• Gambling and casino gaming activities
• Spa treatments 

Cons of Staying in South Temecula Neighborhood:

• Lacking attractions, shopping, and entertainment here
• Everything is spread out, so you’ll need a car
• Farther from wineries

Tips for Staying in Temecula

Skip the Driving if You Plan to Drink

All the Temecula wineries have an extensive tasting menu but don’t risk driving these roads tipsy. 

Instead, opt to stay onsite at a winery or book a spot on a historic cable car to sip your way through a handful of wineries. The fun doesn’t have to stop in Temecula. Check out the best things to do in San Diego.

End Your Day With the Perfect Sunset

Temecula’s mountainscape sunsets can be quite a show, especially overlooking the grapevines. The best place to watch a sunset would be on a hot air balloon ride, as well as the Santa Margarita Preserve, and many of the wineries, especially Callaway. 

Gather Farm-to-Table Local Produce

If you’re visiting on a weekend, stop by the local farmers market. It has fantastic prices for top-quality produce. You can also find secluded picnic spots all around town so bring a blanket and your market snacks, and you’ve got a great affordable afternoon. 

Learn Something New at the Temecula Valley Museum

The history of the Temecula area is on full display at the Temecula Valley Museum. There are permanent exhibits here such as Temecula History, Children’s Touch History Exhibit, and Erle Stanley Gardner: Perry Mason Author. 

Visit Temecula Seasonally 

During the peak of summer, Temecula can get an unbearable 100 degrees outside. The most enjoyable weather is during the changing fall leaves, and in spring/early summer there are a ton of seasonal activities including blueberry and orange picking and pumpkin patches. 

Regardless of the seasons and best times to visit California, make sure to pack layers when visiting Temecula. 

FAQs About Where to Stay in Temecula

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Thanks for reading my where to stay in Temecula guide! I hope I’ve helped you find the best places to stay in Temecula for you!

Up next, check out this awesome guide to San Diego’s beach towns – they just might convert you into a Southern Californian.

Have fun in Temecula!