Temecula Attractions: Where to Go in SoCal’s Wine Country
With a rich history and world-renowned reputation for wine, Temecula Valley has become Southern California’s Wine Country. It won’t take long before wine enthusiasts around the world come to sample lush flavors and explore the region’s small-town charm. For a jumpstart, here are the top Temecula attractions for culture and fun.
Temecula Attractions: Plan New Adventures in California
Old Town Temecula
Temecula’s Old Town District dates to the 1890s. During that time, the area was a small settlement with a bank, hotels, and a couple of stores. Today, Old Town serves as a top spot for shopping, dining and live entertainment during the weekends.
While shopping, visitors browse antiques, fashion, home décor, gifts, wine and local products. In addition, more than 20 restaurants welcome guests to sample California and international flavors. Adults also enjoy the breweries, wine tastings and nightlife options.
Pechanga Resort Casino
As one of the largest casinos on the West Coast, Pechanga Resort Casino has 200,000 square feet of space. The casino has 4,500 slot machines, 150-plus table games, a huge non-smoking poker room, 700-seat bingo facility and other play options.
When not at the casino, guests have several ways to rest and recharge. The resort has a spa and fitness center, pools and whirlpools, and a golf course. Those interested in live entertainment enjoy shows at two venues, with past acts including rock bands, game shows and cultural events.
More than 50 Wineries
This region is also known as Temecula Valley Wine Country. With more than 50 wineries and vineyards, guests find hundreds of award-winning wines perfect for any occasion. One of the best ways to experience local wine is taking a guided tour. Nearly a dozen companies offer area wine tours via party bus, limo, cable car and sedans.
In addition, visitors can tour individual wineries. Top-rated wineries in Temecula Valley include Callaway Vineyard and Winery, Thornton Winery, Miramonte Winery, and Europa Village Wineries and Resort.
Mulligan Family Fun Center
In Murrieta, families love to play at Mulligan Family Fun Center. This attraction features indoor and outdoor activities suitable for most age groups. School-age children and teens can challenge their families to laser tag, go kart races, and mini-golf. Younger children enjoy arcade games, small go karts and kiddie rides. Afterwards, cool off at the water slides.
Mulligan Family Fun Center also has dining options catered to families and party packages.
Pennypickle’s Workshop
One of the best Temecula attractions for children, Pennypickle’s Workshop serves as the area’s children’s museum. Set up to resemble the Professor’s Home, more than 7,500 square-feet of hands-on activities and experiments challenge children to learn and play.
Popular sections include the library with maze room, music room, dining room with electricity, and the kitchen with chemistry and physics. There are also other rooms waiting for young explorers.
Area Parks and Recreational Attractions
Love the great outdoors? Lake Skinner Recreation Area ranks among the best Temecula attractions for hiking, horseback riding, fishing and sailing. The park sits in nearby Winchester, California, and provides a home to 200 species of wildlife, including birds. Swimming and water skiing are not permitted.
Families looking for a place to play have access to dozens of parks. Temecula Duck Pond and Park offers a great place to walk and play frisbee. For parks with playgrounds, head to Margarita Community Park, Vail Ranch Park and Ronald Reagan Sports Park.
In addition, Temecula Creek Trail Park, Redhawk Community Park and Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve all offer hiking trails.
Rose Haven Heritage Garden
Rose Haven Heritage Garden operates a privately owned garden open to the public. Visitors tour 3.4 acres of manicured gardens, with more than 2,000 roses. Guests come here to escape busy areas and reconnect with nature.
The garden features 24 sections of different roses and other plant life. A few include urban forest, English and French Formal Gardens, Miniature Row and a reflection pond. Additionally, more than 465 species of birds reside here, making this a great attraction for birding.
Promenade Temecula
While there are many shopping districts in the area, Promenade Temecula is a must for designer brands. The shopping center has more than 170 shops and restaurants with anchors Macy’s and JCPenney’s. Known brands for fashion include H&M, Charlotte Russ, Hot Topic, Old Navy and Vans. Then shop Coach, Spencer’s, Lids, Sephora, and Williams Sonoma.
In addition to shopping, guests have access to a movie theater, farmers market, holiday events, and professional services.
Temecula Valley Museum
Temecula Valley Museum features fun activities indoors and outside. Once inside, visitors see exhibits that represent life in Temecula Valley. Many contain important artifacts that date to the area’s earliest settlers such as documents, handcrafted pieces and farming equipment.
Families with children enjoy the hands-on discovery center with a pretend store, dress-up options, pony rides and more fun activities. Afterwards, head outside to share a picnic lunch and spend time on the playground.
Learn more about vacationing in Temecula Valley and explore more destinations in California.