Things To Do
Old Town Temecula
Old Town Temecula combines the region’s storied past and its exciting up-and-coming future in a unique blend of shops, restaurants, hotels, entertainment, and event opportunities in one walkable, easy-to-navigate hub for visitors to explore.
Ponte Winery
This is one of our favorite wineries in Temecula! Actually, this is the first place Steve met Jen’s parents! You can enjoy a personalized wine tasting experience, sampling handcrafted wines such as their popular Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and unique blends like the Super "T" and Meritage. The winery also has a beautiful restaurant where you can dine among the vines, offering brunch, happy hour, and options for vegan and gluten-free diets.
Pechanga Resort Casino
Pechanga Resort Casino has one of the largest casino floors in the country with 200,000 square feet of gaming space that features 5,500 state-of-the-art slot machines, 152 table games, a High Limit Salon and private gaming rooms, plus an entirely non-smoking environment throughout the entire resort/casino.
Murrieta Hot Springs Resort
Seeking a revitalizing escape from your daily routine? Purchase a Day Pass to soak in our healing waters during public hours. For frequent visitors drawn to our hot spring oasis, annual memberships provide the optimal value to soak in well-being year-round. Our pools are filled with 100% pure, naturally flowing geothermal mineral water drawn from ancient springs on the resort. A select few pools—the Oasis adults-only pool, Blue Lagoon family pool, historic Roman Spa, and our invigorating Vitality Plunge—offer a curated experience via treated, domestic water sources.
Explore in a Hot-Air Balloon
At dawn, head out for a fabulous airborne escapade as you join the party of hot-air balloons rising 1,500 feet above Temecula’s vineyards. Book a spot with California Dreamin’ Balloon Adventures, Magical Adventure Balloon Rides, or A Grape Escape, then go up, up, and away. Your balloon is propelled by blasts of hot air and the whim of the wind (and your experienced pilot’s skill). Enjoy amazing views of citrus groves, vineyards, and the distant mountains. After touching back down to earth, celebrate with a sparkling-wine toast.
Taste at Wilson Creek Winery
Spend your weekend’s second day wine-tasting. The Temecula Valley was once known for Chardonnay grapes, but today’s winemakers have branched out into Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and dessert wines. (Check out the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association website for tasting coupons and discounts.) For a fun-loving tasting experience, head straight to Wilson Creek Winery. Even if your palate leans toward Cabernet, expand your horizons with a sip of Wilson Creek’s signature almond sparkling wine. Live bands play on the lawn most summer weekends, and an outdoor bar serves wine slushies—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo pioneered cageless exhibits that replicate natural habitats, fostering a more authentic experience for both animals and visitors. Featuring over 4000 animals, the park gives you a peek into the wildlife of several ecosystems, from deserts to rainforests. It also features special experiences like the Skyfari gondola, which offers bird's-eye views of the zoo and surrounding Balboa Park! .
La Jolla Cove
At this beach surronded by sandstone cliffs on the San Diego coast, the water is calm enough for travelers to enjoy diving and snorkeling. Walk along the rocky shore to spot large colonies of sea lions lounging in their natural habitat and looking after their pups, and have a picnic while soaking up the views of the ocean from the cliffs at sunset. If you visit at low tide, you’ll get to swim in the crystal clear tidal pools as well.
Balboa Park
This 1,200-acre nature park comprises 17 museums, gardens, musical theaters, a sports complex, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The park’s Spanish-Moorish architecture and 19 distinct gardens (some require admission fees) attract both tourists and locals. Don’t miss the San Diego Air and Space Museum, the Spanish Village Art Center for unique handicrafts, and the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, where free concerts are hosted in the evenings. Travelers recommend putting aside the whole day to explore the park. To make the most of your time, hop on the Balboa Park trams (they’re free!) to get around. – Tripadvisor
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Home to more than 3,600 animals representing over 300 species, San Diego Zoo Safari Park lets you to get up close and personal with animals from around the world. Hop on the safari tram, observe animals in their natural habitats and get insights to the conservation work in the park. You can also experience nature uniquely through the zip line adventure or board a tethered hot air balloon which soars over the park. Buy your discounted one-day pass in advance or get a multi-day pass that includes entry to their sister park, the San Diego Zoo. – Tripadvisor
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Although this park is located within San Diego's city limits, it remains one of the wildest landscapes along the Southern California coast, with miles of unspoiled beaches, chaparral, elegant Torrey Pine trees and a lagoon vital to many species of migrating birds.
Oceanside Pier
Longest wooden pier on California coast at 1941 feet, 1/3 of a mile, there is a convenience store half way out stocked floor to ceiling with fishing pole rentals, bait, tackle, snacks and beverages, and a whole lot of souvenir's stuffed into a 7X15 foot space. The pier it self is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week, a great place to watch the sunset and surfers!