Temecula, California is Riverside County’s southernmost city, bordering San Diego County. Over the years Temecula has become practically a resort town, with more and more things to see, do and drink. It is most famously known for being Southern California’s Wine Country, but I am about to share with you a surprising list of the best things to do in Temecula with kids (or without!).
Here’s what’s in this article:
- Wine Tasting
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Temecula Breweries
- Pechanga Resort & Casino
- Golfing
- Old Town Temecula
- Promenade Mall
- Rosa’s Cafe & Tortilla Factory
- Filippi’s Pizza Grotto
- Penfolds
- Winery Restaurants
- Pechanga Restaurants
- Old Town Temecula Restaurants
- Winery Hotels
- Vail Lake RV Resort
- Pechanga Resort
- Pechanga RV Resort
- Temecula Creek Inn
- Glamping Temecula
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Family-Friendly Temecula Attractions
Wine Tasting
This is Temecula’s most popular attraction as it is known as Southern California’s Wine Country. With over 40 wineries and growing, you will definitely want to spend some time exploring and tasting your way through some of these beautiful wineries by booking a stay at a winery hotel (link will take you to the full guide to Temecula’s winery hotels). For those who only have a day, the best way to see the most without having to worry about driving, is booking a wine tasting tour. For more information, see my post featuring the most unique winery tours in Temecula.
Bringing the kids? No problema. Check out my list of the best kid-friendly wineries in Temecula. Many of the wineries in Temecula have live music, restaurants and events that are for the whole family.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
A popular activity in Temecula is soaring over wine country in a hot air balloon. There are several companies to check out, like Temecula Shared Hot Air Balloon Rides and Sunrise Temecula. The tours usually cost around $200 and take about two to four hours. Think about it, the Temecula sky is sprinkled with hot air balloons and you could be in one! See more details at the link below.
Temecula Breweries
Temecula is not only a wine country, but a burgeoning beer country with a booming brewing industry. There are over 20 craft breweries in Temecula that you can visit and enjoy tasting local brews. Some have fantastic patios and live music, while some have great onsite restaurants. Like the wineries, you can book a brewery tour or just pick one and have some fun. Check out my guide to the very best breweries in Temecula.
Pechanga Resort & Casino
45000 Pechanga Pkwy, Temecula, CA 92592
Pechanga is a popular entertainment hub in Temecula. It is a one stop shop for live music, dancing, fine dining, shows, gambling, golfing, spa, pools and more. Pechanga has the largest casino floor in California with over 5,000 slot machines, 158 table games, a 30 table poker room and a 700 seat bingo room. In addition to the casino, Pechanga is a resort hotel and RV Resort, so there is a lot to do even if you don’t gamble. It is a great place to grab a meal at one of their amazing restaurants, like Great Oak Steakhouse or 1882 Cantina, before catching a music concert or comedy show.
Golfing
If you love to golf, then you will love Temecula. There are several premiere golf courses, some even designed by Arthur Hill. There are seven golf courses located in Temecula, but over 20 more located within 20 miles. Temecula golf courses take advantage of the beautiful surrounding nature, mountains, creeks and oak trees. Check out our guide for a list of Temecula golf courses.
Fun places to shop in Temecula
Old Town Temecula
Old Town Temecula has the best of both worlds as it marries the past with the present beautifully. Stroll along 19th century buildings as you pop into boutique shops, browse for one-of-a-kind antiques and dine at some of the best restaurants in town.
Here, you can start or end a day of fantastic wine or beer tasting with a delicious meal and some live music. If you love ghost stories, Old Town Temecula has a few including a haunted bar! Find out more with a haunted pub tour.
Promenade Mall
40820 Winchester Rd, Temecula, CA 92591
Temecula’s mall, this shopping complex opened in 1999 and has continued to thrive as a hub for shopping, dining and entertainment. Over the years, the mall has grown and improved. It now features a giant two-story outdoor plaza.
Top Temecula Restaurants
Rosa’s Cafe & Tortilla Factory
28134 Jefferson Ave, Temecula, CA 92590
This Mexican restaurant is a favorite among locals as well as this family. It is kind of like a quick-service establishment where you can dine in or take-out. Inside you order up front and grab your meal when your number is called or you can pick drive-through. However, the inside atmosphere and food quality is nothing short of restaurant quality (for a great value). The atmosphere is bright, colorful and festive while the food is beyond amazing. They make the tortillas fresh and you can watch this process through the open kitchen windows. I recommend the beef tacos, queso, carrot cake and sopas! Definitely check it out, it won’t disappoint.
Penfolds
28250 Old Town Front St, Temecula, CA 92590
This casual restaurant is a popular spot for breakfast, but they also have a great lunch menu. If you love omelets, then you will love Penfolds. They have a whole page on their menu of different kinds of omelets.
Filippi’s Pizza Grotto
27309 Jefferson Ave #110, Temecula, CA 92590
This is a delicious family-friendly Italian restaurant. The atmosphere is warm, cozy and old-school Italian. The food is yummy and comes in generous portions for a great price. It’s a great spot for a date night or a big celebration. The house-dressing, by the way, is amazing as it mixes house Italian dressing with Bleu Cheese in the perfect proportions!
Winery Restaurants
The wineries offer a lot more than wine tasting. In fact, the wineries are a great place to grab a delicious meal with a beautiful view. Often there is even live music on the weekends too. Many of the wineries in Temecula have beautiful restaurants, but some of the more popular ones to check out are The Vineyard Rose Restaurant at South Coast Winery, Bolero Restaurante, The Restaurant at Ponte Family Estate Winery and Cafe Champagne at Thornton Winery, just to name a few. There are about 20 winery restaurants to visit, so plan an extended trip and try them all!
If you want to explore more about Temecula wineries, see my guide on the best family-friendly Temecula wineries, the best winery hotels and the most unique wine tours in Temecula.
Pechanga Restaurants
45000 Pechanga Pkwy, Temecula, CA 92592
At Pechanga, Temecula’s resort and casino, there are about ten different dining options that are worth going to, even if you are there to gamble. There is something for everyone, including The Great Oak SteakHouse, Umi Sushi & Oysters, 1882 Cantina, Blazing Noodles, Paisano’s, Bamboo and more. There are also a number of bars and even a food court for more options!
Old Town Temecula Restaurants
Old Town Front Street, Temecula, Ca 92590
There are a ton of great dining options in Old Town Temecula, along Front Street! Some of the most notable are Baily’s Old Town, which is a dining and entertainment venue that has weekend brunch and live music and The Bank, which is a great Mexican restaurant located in a historical bank where you can dine in the old vault! Both restaurants have great patios too! However, that is just two of many. Restaurants like 1909, Small Barn, Goat & Vine, Be Good Restaurant and many many more are super popular and definitely worth popping in for a meal and drink. It is wise to have an empty stomach and go explore.
Hotels, RV Resorts & Glamping in Temecula
Winery Hotels
Many of the bigger wineries in Temecula also have attached hotels and resorts, which is great for making a vacation out of your visit. Europa transports you to Italy, while South Coast gives you a luxury resort experience. There are so many options! If you would like more details on these beautiful and unique hotels, check out my guide on the best winery hotels in Temecula.
Vail Lake RV Resort
38000 Hwy 79 South, Temecula, CA 92592
At Vail Lake RV Resort you will have non-stop fun outdoors. On-site, there are three swimming pools, Happy Camper Cafe, Bunkhouse Bar, disc golf, mini- golf, horseshoe, pickleball and basketball courts. There is also access to bike trails and hiking trails. Plus there are always seasonal events to look out for, like Winter Wonderland Weekends. I have an older post describing our own family adventures at Vail Lake RV Resort.
See photos, reviews & more
Pechanga RV Resort
45000 Pechanga Pkwy, Temecula, CA 92592
Located on the Pechanga property with access to all the same amenities you would have staying at the hotel, the RV Resort offers beautiful scenic sites for you to enjoy. The sites have picnic tables, gazebos, BBQs and fire pits.
Temecula Creek Inn
44501 Rainbow Canyon Rd, Temecula, CA 92592
This hotel offers 127 rooms plus a private three-bedroom home as well as access to three premiere golf courses. For your enjoyment the rooms all have a private balcony or patio, lending to a lovely view. There is an on-site restaurant as well as a swimming pool and hot tub. Additionally, as a guest at Temecula Creek Inn you have access to The Cove, the luxurious pool at Pechanga.
Pechanga Resort
45000 Pechanga Pkwy, Temecula, CA 92592
Indulge in a luxury hotel stay at Pechanga Resort where you can book a room or a deluxe suite in the Resort Tower. While at the resort you have access to The Cove pool, several on-site restaurants, The Journey Golf Course, live entertainment, fitness center and of course the casino!
Glamping Temecula
If you are looking for a more outdoor vibe, but you don’t have an RV, I suggest checking out some of Temecula’s glamping options. Conveniently, I have put together a list of some of the best glamping sites in Temecula for you to explore!
That’s a Wrap!
Wow, that’s a lot of fun for one little town right? Next time you are looking for a fun weekend getaway, put Temecula on your list! It is sure to be a great time.
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