Things to Do in Temecula, CA

Centrally located between Orange County and San Diego, Temecula is known for its great schools, award-winning wineries and restaurants, championship golf courses, year-round entertainment and natural beauty. Here's a list of things to do when visiting beautiful Temecula Valley.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa. This winery just won the California State Winery of the Year for the second consecutive year in a row. With award winning wines, the Vineyard Rose restaurant, luxurious spa, and private villas, South Coast Winery is in the heart of Temecula's Wine Country.

Ponte Winery. This is one of my favorite wineries. As soon as you set foot inside you'll be awed by the colorful, decorative items for sale - ranging from soaps, oils, dishes, books, home décor, and gourmet items. The Smokehouse Restaurant, an award winning outdoor restaurant located right outside the tasting room, is a lovely dining experience you don't want to miss.

Palumbo Family Vineyard. It amazes me how many of my neighbors in Temecula that love wine tasting have never heard of Palumbo Winery. This is a little off the main strip of wineries. It's no fancy place at all but my husband claims this is the best wine in Temecula. We heard about Palumbo by eating at a fine dining restaurant in Temecula and asking for their best local wine, and they offered us Palumbo wine. This winery is very small and intimate with nothing more than a little tasting room, but the people there welcome you like old friends and it has beautiful views, along with excellent wine.

Olive Oil Company. Tired of reading about wine tasting? How about olive oil tasting? It sounds strange, but believe it or not, it's a lot of fun and it makes you really appreciate how much flavor can go into something as simple as olive oil. Different olive oil flavors, such as roasted garlic, fresh basil, white truffle, picante pepper, and citrus, are used for working with different kinds of foods. Olive oils, vinegars, and dressings can all be customized in boxes, making these great local gifts.

Old Town Temecula. If you checked out the Olive Oil Company, then you're already in Old Town. This charming part of Temecula has been around since 1882. There's fun places to eat, like Sweet Lumpy's BBQ, Mad Madeline's Grill (which won 1^st place in the Great California Hamburger Hunt), and many more restaurants. Antique shopping, cheese tasting, craft stores, clothing and gift shopping, Temecula's Root Beer Company, farmer's markets, and home décor stores are just a few things to name of what's available in Old Town. There's so much to do here!

Pechanga Resort & Casino. Pechanga has it all: gambling, shops, fine and casual dining, spa, live entertainment, concerts, and Journey, one of California's finest golf courses.

Hot Air Balloon Rides. Looking for something different to do? Take a breathtaking adventure at one of the many places in Temecula that offer hot air balloon rides and watch the sunrise up in the air and the wine country below.