Day Trip: 11 things to do in Temecula

Surrounded by scenic rolling hills and vineyards, Temecula is an ideal destination for visitors wanting to explore wine country. An hour from San Diego and an hour and a half from Los Angeles (sans traffic), it’s compact enough that you can see many of the town’s main attractions in a day without feeling as if you’ve missed something. The city has an energetic, small-town vibe and lots to see and do, both on the main drag and in the surrounding area. Wondering what to do in Temecula? Here are 11 places to visit.

The distinctive blue hot air balloons fly over the Temecula Valley at dawn 7 days a week and spend about an hour in the air, although the entire experience—including firing up and coming down—lasts about 3 hours. For skydivers who are at least B-licensed and have their own parachute, the company also offers jumps from their balloons. Shared flights start at $170 per person.

This pleasantly stuck-in-time greasy spoon has been a local favorite for almost 100 years. Judging by the weekend crowds, it isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Take a spot at the counter and steel yourself for a hearty breakfast. If asked whether you want the 4- or the 6-piece French toast, go for the bigger portion—it’s that delicious. 

This is a must-see whether you’re a show jumper, a cowboy or cowgirl, or simply someone who admires the equestrian aesthetic. Temecula was horse country before it was wine country, and this packed-to-the-gills equine emporium carries everything from woven saddle blankets to cowboy boots to all types of tack. 

Many area wineries offer dining, but family-owned Akash Winery may be the only one with a private open-air dining experience literally within the vineyard (book at least 2 weeks in advance). Among this award-winning winery’s options are a Three’s Company red, which combines blueberry and licorice notes, and a Parlez-Vous rosé with hints of cranberry and lemon. Be sure to designate a driver if you plan to drink alcohol.

Lunch at airy, cheery Bottega Italia is a treat, whether you come for the restaurant’s hand-tossed pizzas, such as the capricciosa, made with cremini mushrooms, prosciutto, and baby artichokes; desserts (try the hazelnut gelato or the cannoli); or the colorful, imaginative drinks.

This is the kind of store that makes you want to revamp your entire home. Find everything from vintage furniture to computer keyboard brushes made with goat hair and horsehair. Owner Porsche Poltl makes regular pilgrimages to antiques fairs to bring back one-of-a-kind pieces (including European imports), and you can see her refined sensibilities in every item. 

New on the local winery scene, the elegantly appointed Altisima Winery has some of the best views in town. In addition to a tasting room, it’s home to Gaspar’s restaurant, which pays homage to the area’s Spanish roots and often features live music. For $98, you can book a 90-minute estate tour that culminates in a cheese-and-wine tasting in the VIP lounge.

Bring your budding scientist or junior steampunker here. Featuring a series of themed rooms, including a time-travel library and a chemistry-and-physics kitchen, this entertainment venue teaches children scientific principles through play. Don’t miss the extensive gift shop. Children, $10; adults, $8.

Indulge in a glass of vino, lounge by the pool (for a fee), and perhaps even rent a poolside cabine (private changing rooms) for the day. If you’re serious about wine, sign up for its wine lab to concoct your own wine under an expert's supervision.

Following a “fewer, better things” ethos, this restaurant’s dinner menu is limited but hearty. It features satisfying starters like organic mushrooms with duck-fat dashi, black garlic, and yuzu, along with mains like hand-cut rib eye in a red wine reduction with bone marrow truffle butter. If you arrive too early for dinner, you can enjoy the restaurant’s lovely charcuterie selections from 2 to 4 p.m. Fridays through Sundays. 

Channel your inner urban cowboy or cowgirl at the Temecula Stampede. With a mechanical bull, Friday-night line-dancing lessons, and occasional dance competitions, this is where locals and visitors alike gather to dance and enjoy a drink at the outdoor bar Thursdays through Saturdays.

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