Enjoy the Awesome Beauty of Temecula

Mountains covered with massive boulders the

size of cars as far as the eye can see

Some people have never heard of Temecula, and some people have a hard time pronouncing it, but once you experience it, you will never forget it! Discover Temecula’s spectacular natural beauty, rich history, unlimited shopping, year-round entertainment and recreation for the entire family.

The Temecula Valley has been dubbed the "tourists’ secret paradise." Just 20 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, the area offers a Mediterranean climate perfect for enjoying the outdoors. Golfing, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and hot air ballooning are just some of the activities available in and around Temecula.

Temecula is best known for its award-winning wineries and restaurants nestled in 3000 acres of picturesque wine country, but that‘s just the beginning. Old Town is an experience you won’t want to miss. You’ll take a step back in time as you wander the streets of Old Town Temecula and view its rustic buildings, sidewalks and storefronts reminiscent of the historic old west. Located in the heart of Temecula, the Old Town district blends historic buildings with more than 640 antique dealers, unique shopping and dining, art galleries, museums, a weekly Farmer’s Market, and special events year-round. Preserving Temecula’s Old West heritage and charm has been a success as the restored Old Town is a favorite spot for visitors and residents alike. 

Old Town Temecula is the site of many special events, including a car show, quilt show, and Howl-O-Ween in October, the Erle Stanley Gardner Weekend in November, and Christmas in Old Town in December. Take a jaunt in a horse-drawn carriage or stroll along the wooden boardwalks. Every Saturday, visit the popular Farmer’s Market which offers a wealth of fresh produce, flowers, and crafts. Tour the Temecula Valley Museum and discover the city’s historical treasures, or enjoy inventor Professor Phineas Pennypickle’s home-workshop, the Imagination Workshop Children’s Museum.

If wine is your passion, the Temecula Wine Country is worth the trip. Vistas of rolling hills are covered with vineyards and dotted with uniquely designed wineries. Each vintner offers a singular spot for wine tasting, a tour or a picnic. From the experienced wine connoisseur to those just starting their collections, everyone has a fantastic time seeing the wine country sights.

Fantastic golf awaits those wanting to spend some time on the green. A dozen beautiful golf courses can be found amidst the area’s rolling hills. Seven courses carry the distinction of ‘championship.’

Great weather and fresh air will encourage you to take the family for a hike on the Santa Rosa Plateau Wildlife Preserve or delight in a day of boating and fishing at Lake Skinner, the site of the annual Balloon & Wine Festival, or nearby Diamond Valley Lake.

Soarin’ Over Temecula

Escape the ordinary and sail among the clouds at sunrise aboard a hot air balloon for an extraordinary experience. But before you leave the ground, watch as your aerostat (a fancy name for a balloon) billows up from a canvas bag into a vibrantly colorful, teardrop-shaped life form, with the help of cold air fans and millions of BTUs of heat. Once you’re floating up in the clear air where the sun shines brighter, a sense of relaxation overcomes you. How about spending a birthday sipping champagne above Temecula’s vineyards and wineries? Or spending an anniversary ballooning over the expansive Temecula valley floor, taking it all in?

On your ride, you’ll leisurely float over the rolling hills and impeccably planted rows of lush vineyards as well as magnificent country estates and ranches. You might even skim through the top branches of a citrus tree – and harvest a fruit in the process – all in the course of an hour – covering anywhere from three to seven miles. You’ll fly high enough to afford a commanding view of the sprawling and spreading South Coast Winery and Resort, Ponte Estate Winery, Stuart Cellars, Long Shadow Winery, and Mount Palomar Winery, to name a few.

There are quite a few companies that offer hot air balloon rides, but California Dreamin’ offers something special. Following the Temecula wine country balloon ride is a delectable breakfast at La Vindemia, hosted by California Dreamin’. You’ll enjoy a gourmet pastry breakfast, featuring specialty fruits, bagels, muffins, cheese and juice, tea or coffee, in a private rose garden. For rates and other information, visit californiadreamin.com or call 800.373.3359.

The Wineries of Temecula

Temecula Valley wine country is synonymous with fine wines and exceptional hospitality. Twenty-one wineries produce award-winning wines made possible by a unique microclimate and well-drained, decomposed granite soils. Its 1500-foot elevation makes for cool summer nights, and delightful afternoon breezes through the vineyards.

Tasting rooms are open year round. Many of the wineries have delicatessens, full service restaurants and delightful gift shops. Enjoy a bottle of your favorite Temecula wine while you savor the panoramic views of vineyards and countryside from one of the many scenic picnic areas.

Wine calls for celebration! Requests to go beyond the tasting room experience and gain greater access to the Valley’s winemakers, premium wines and vineyards has inspired the Winegrowers Association to offer quarterly events, including the Harvest Wine Celebration, which takes place in November. Many other events are held at individual wineries throughout the year.

Golf, Golf and More Golf!

Temecula is a golfer’s paradise!  Enjoy a day of golf at any one of Temecula’s award winning, impeccably maintained championship golf courses, which are open to the public seven days a week.  Temecula offers picturesque golf settings, the best designs and most intriguing fairways at its courses.  If you are looking for your best game of golf, search no more…come visit Temecula and take your experience home. For a complete listing of golf courses in the Temecula Valley, visit temeculacvb.com or call 888.363.2852.

Temecula Lodging

Spend an afternoon, a weekend, or a week and discover the magic of Temecula. Come and enjoy the warm hospitality where there is something for everyone. Whether you prefer a charming bed and breakfast, family guest house, hotel, motel, golf resort, wine country resort, four-star casino resort, or even decide to camp under the stars, there are a wide array of accommodations from which to select.

Most facilities feature a variety of packages geared toward a total Temecula Valley experience.  There are packages for golf, wine country, hot air ballooning, romantic getaway, spa adventures and more, which allow you to pick and choose your favorite activities. For overnight accommodations in the Temecula Valley, visit temeculacvb.com or call 888.363.2852.

Pechanga Resort & Casino

For gambling enthusiasts, Temecula offers Pechanga Resort & Casino. Its vast 188,000 square foot gaming floor makes Pechanga California’s biggest casino. A multitude of AAA 4-Diamond amenities and services make Pechanga California’s best. Designed in a style reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright, Pechanga Resort & Casino reflects a casual elegance infused with Native American art and culture. Dining options abound at Pechanga, including quick service Mexican, Italian, Asian and American food court choices available at the Festival of Foods situated just off the casino floor. For reservations or more information, visit www.pechanga.com.

Come relax and play in the Temecula Valley. Nestled quietly amongst rolling hills under clear, azure skies, the Temecula Valley is an outdoor enthusiast's playground full of day and nighttime activities for all ages. Whether you want to play with family or friends, the Temecula Valley has all the excitement you could ask for under the warm California sun. It’s an easy drive from Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and Palm Springs. For more information about all Temecula offers, including complete listings for lodging and golf, and a complimentary brochure about Temecula Valley wineries, call 888.363.2852 or visit www.temeculacvb.com