Escape to the quiet streets and sun-kissed vineyards of Temecula, Southern California’s scenic wine country. This boutique vacation destination is blessed with a climate ideal for growing Californian wine grapes like chardonnay and merlot as well as Mediterranean and Rhone varietals. But beyond the award-winning wineries, craft breweries, and gourmet restaurants, Temecula is full of fun and active things to do. From high-flying hot air balloon rides and world-class golf to adventurous bike rides and hikes, active families and couples are sure to find plenty to keep them outdoors. Plus, a thriving creative scene fills the city with live music and theater, so you can catch a bit of culture embedded in the historic charms of Temecula’s Old Town.

Temecula Valley spans sweet-smelling vineyards and nostalgic neighborhoods full of old-time charm. You can easily spend a long weekend exploring the uniqueness of the region, or just take a day to hit all the highlights.

Temecula Valley Wine Country

With over 30 wineries and tasting rooms, many of which offer tours and guided tastings, the Temecula Valley Wine Country is the area's biggest draw. Explore the region’s terroir, whose warm climate is ideal for producing sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, and merlot as well as Mediterranean wines like syrah and pinot gris, and Rhone varietals including cabernet sauvignon and zinfandel.

Old Town

The Old Town of Temecula is marked by a collection of historic buildings from the late 1800s. These well-preserved storefronts house antique shops, restaurants, breweries, and specialty boutiques of Temecula-made artisan crafts. Take an afternoon to soak up the nostalgic charm of the place as you wander past landmarks like the century-old St. Catherine of Alexandria Church and Old Town Museum.

Pechanga Resort & Casino

Built on the Pechanga Indian Reservation, the Pechanga Resort and Casino is the largest casino in California. In addition to a gaming floor populated with slot machines and card tables, the resort features a theater for musicals and concerts, a comedy club, and the Journey at Pechanga golf course.

Temecula's wine country is a sight to behold at any time of the day. In the mornings, the rolling hills are blanketed in ethereal mists that are swept away by warm sunshine and cooling breezes off the ocean. The area is a hotspot for hot air ballooning and hosts the annual Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival, during which you can soar above the vines, sample wines, and enjoy concerts. And for art lovers, the Temecula Valley International Film Festival brings creativity from around the globe.

Temecula offers a range of activities and adventures for all types of travelers, whether you're interested in sipping your way through full-service wineries or staying active in the sun. Gourmands can please their palates with a wide variety of restaurants that serve international cuisine, or take advantage of sommelier-led winery tours and delve deep into the history of the region and its wines. Ambitious outdoors lovers can work up their appetite between bites by cycling through the 90 miles (144 km) of bike lanes and 22 miles of (35 km) of trails in the wine country. For a more leisurely outdoor experience, tee off at one of Temecula's many premier golf facilities like the 27-hole Temecula Creek Inn course or the Ted Robinson-designed greens at The Legends Golf Club. Fill your evenings with entertainment—venues like the Old Town Temecula Community Theater stage local performances and traveling shows year-round, and the Pechanga Resort and Casino hosts live comedy, musical acts, and even Broadway productions.

Temecula is a great destination for a family break. Take the little ones along and enjoy these fun family friendly experiences together:

• Oceanside Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventures
• Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventure
• Dana Point: Small Group Kayak and Hiking Adventure
• The PCH & Whale Watching Tour

Vacationing on a lean budget in Temecula? Spend time instead of cash on fabulous experiences.

Temecula Museum - Talk to the staff and gain an insight into the special collections held at this museum.