Things To Do
Europa Village Wineries & Resort
Obviously, one of our favorite spots for so many reasons. Not only is it beautiful, but there is a little something for everyone. From multiple wine sipping areas to stunning views to award-winning restaurants, you won't regret spending extra time at Europa. Bolero Restaurant- If you can't get enough of the cooking from our wedding, Chef Hany is in charge over at Bolero. His brunch is spectacular on the weekends, and his paella for dinner is unmatched. Mercato Di Vienza Market- If you don't want a full sit-down meal, this Italian deli is well stocked with bites, pizzas, and desserts.
Miramonte Winery
Miramonte is another nearby favorite winery of ours! They offer tastings, a delicious Bistro, and some of the best views.
Wilson Creek Winery
It's one of the bigger and well-known wineries in Temecula, but it must be for a reason! Wilson Creek specializes in many flavors of champagne. Their tastings are generally pretty fun. *Pro Tip- If Peach or Almond ends up being your favorite and you want to take a bottle home, they are 1/3 the price at Costco.
Vitagliano Winery
This winery is near the east end of winery row in Temecula. They don't do tastings, but have a very pretty lake and shaded area to enjoy a glass, or two, or three. We don't judge by how many you have.
Peltzer Winery & Farm
We don't typically drink here, but for our friends traveling with kids, check out their hours that minors are allowed, as they have a farm, petting area, and yard games.
Old Town Temecula
Old Town Temecula is their little downtown area. It is full of restaurants and bars. Great for lunch or dinner! However, everything closes down pretty early, as Temecula has a 10:00 pm outdoor noise ordinance. *The only late-night bar that I have been able to find is "Stampede", which is open until 2:00 am. I cannot vouch for it and will very likely not be joining you, but for anyone looking to keep the party going, this is basically your only option. It has a 2.6/5 Yelp star rating and a mechanical bull. Make of this information what you will.
Mo's Egg House
We honestly have yet to have an overnight trip to Temecula, where we DIDN'T stop at Mo's Egg House on our way home. Hannah recommends the chicken-fried steak with hashbrowns and a biscuit, while Luis prefers the steak and eggs.
Glen Ivy Hot Springs
About 30 miles northwest of Temecula is our favorite day spa and hot springs. You can purchase a pass for the day to enjoy mineral baths, pools, cold plunges, saunas, and a mud bath.
Murrieta Hot Springs
To be fair, neither of us has been to this hot spring, but we have heard good things. It is the fifth-largest hot spring resort in the USA, so we thought it was worth mentioning.
LEGOLAND California
Luis and the boys highly recommend a trip down to LEGOLAND. Less than an hour from Temecula, this offers family fun!
Pure Project Carlsbad
For parents who have braved the trip to LEGOLAND or anyone heading south, Pure Project is one of our favorite breweries in Carlsbad. It's small and doesn't have any food, but the beers are delicious, and they offer flights so you can try them all. There are also four other locations beyond Carlsbad, the closer you get to San Diego.
Newtopia Cyder
If beer or wine isn't your favorite but you like a hard cider, Newtopia is the place for you! Just north of San Diego, my personal favorite is Chai Me a River cider. A combination of tea and Justin Timberlake mixed into a drink? What's not to love!
San Diego
If you are heading down south or flying out of San Diego, there is much to do! From the Zoo to Balboa Park to the Gaslamp district and beaches, there is something for everyone. If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of LA but still want a beach vacation, San Diego may be the perfect place for you!
Brewery X
Finally heading back into some OC attractions, Brewery X is one of our favorite hangouts. We have held many birthday parties and hangouts here. As it is dog-friendly, it is also highly recommended by Sushi the pug. Hannah recommends the pickle lemonade seltzer if it is in season. Luis recommends the Aloha pizza from the X Eats truck
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
If you are interested in traveling Broadway shows, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child just so happens to be playing from July 11 - 25, 2026. We will be seeing it when we return from our honeymoon!
Disneyland Resort
While the bride can no longer get you any sort of discount on tickets, if you're coming all the way to Southern California, you might as well spend a day at The Disneyland Resort. If you don't want to go into the parks, the Downtown Disney District and hotels offer great shopping and dining. We recommend Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar at The Disneyland Hotel.
Palm Desert
If big cities aren't your thing but you want to make a trip out of your time in California, we love the desert area an hour or so east of Temecula. From dining to shopping to lounging by a pool in the heat, we are always guaranteed to have a great time. While Palm Desert is the bride's personal favorite, Palm Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, Coachella, and other desert cities all basically blend into one. Plus, Palm Springs has a really cool airport!
Joshua Tree National Park
Cross another National Park off your list. Joshua Tree offers a unique blend of hiking, nature, and desert. Be careful in the summer heat of long hikes, but walking and driving may still be great fun. The last time the bride went, in February, it snowed, which was a very unique sight. The groom, however, has had much more pleasant weather and highly recommends it.
Cabazon Dinosaurs - World's Biggest Dinosaurs
If you are heading out to the desert, don't forget to stop and take a picture with the Cabazon Dinosaurs. The bride has never actually entered the dinosaur park behind it, but never misses a photo opportunity to stop and say "hello" to this roadside attraction.