Taste Your Way Through Temecula Valley
- LaShai H
- Jun 1, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 2, 2023
Everything you need to know to plan a great trip to Temecula!
Let's get A-W-A-Y to Temecula!!! The first time I went to Temecula was for a friend’s birthday. She wanted to go wine tasting, but Napa and Sonoma were way out of our budget. I had no idea what a great alternative Temecula was or how much I would fall in love with the Southern California Wine Country. We had such a great time on that first trip and now I sneak down for a quick day trip or weekend getaway as often as possible.
Temecula is just a 2 hour drive away from Los Angeles. Old Town has quaint eateries, mom and pop shops and one of my favorite antique shops. There is something for everyone in Temecula and I’m going to tell you everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.
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ACTIVITIES
Best Activities in Temecula
Temecula is at the top of my list for So Cal celebrations. I've driven down for birthdays, anniversaries, bachelorettes and so much more. It's my favorite place for quick group trips because there's really something for everyone. Temecula has over 50 wineries and a variety for any palette. Be sure to check out my Top 5 Wineries in Temecula. Old Town Temecula is country chic with the cutest antique malls and mom and pop shops. While you're in town, ask a local about the speakeasy scene. This is a great place to grab a relaxing weekend. Below are my top three Temecula activity recommendations:
First things first. The wine! Many of the vineyards in Temecula got their start in the 1970s. Since then the expansion has been massive and now there are over 50 wineries in the area. There are lots of cool ways to go wine tasting from limousine rentals to golf carts to wine trolleys. You don’t have to be an expert or sommelier of any level to get in on the fun. The owners and staff in Temecula are often really friendly and gracious. If you aren’t sure where to start, check out My Favorite Temecula Wineries.
The photo below is a super throwback from a little over a decade ago. Another very memorable trip to Temecula was with my then boyfriend, now husband and he proposed in a hot air balloon ride. It was such an exciting and beautiful ride I’ll never forget. If you haven’t yet experienced a hot air balloon ride, you won’t regret soaring over the rolling hills and vineyards. The views from the top are breathtaking.
It can be pretty warm in Temecula, especially during the summer months so this activity I highly recommend enjoying in the fall. There are also sunset tours available when it’s starting to cool down and that’s a really romantic way to enjoy the area. You shouldn’t ride when you’ve been drinking for safety reasons, so you also want to reserve this activity on a non-wine tasting day.
WHERE
Where to Stay on your Trip to Temecula
There are lots of accommodation options in Temecula. Most of the hotels can be found near the freeways and a few minutes from old town. Several of the wineries also have connecting resorts and spas. Depending on your plans for the weekend, there are also a ton of great Airbnb or VRBO options in the area for groups. I've included my recommendations for where to stay on your trip to Temecula, below:
Pechanga is a great option if you’re heading down to Temecula. The amenities here are top notch. There are multiple restaurants and the spa at Pechanga is one of my personal favorites. Even if you aren’t a big gambler, this resort has everything you need for a great trip.
I love the look and feel of this hotel. The decor really aligns with classic wine country in the best of ways. The rooms are really large and stays here also come with free breakfast which helps to make the trip affordable. The location is also super convenient as it’s just 10 minutes away from the wineries.
The grounds of this hotel are really lovely. You don’t have to be a huge golf course fan, it’s easy to appreciate how well the grounds are maintained and how charming this hotel is. This is the perfect location for a quiet romantic getaway.
Affordable
How to make your visit to Temecula Affordable
While this So Cal Wine Country is typically lower in cost then it's Napa or Sonoma competitors, some of the activity cost can still add up. That said, there are some pretty simple ways that you can save money. Making your plans during the week will save you both hotel and wine tasting rates. In addition to those here are somethings I've done to save on my trips to Temecula:
1. SIP Pass
The Sip Pass is a steal for wine tasting. You get 5 tastings for $50 at locations that typically charge $25 to $30 for one. The pass comes with a wide variety of wineries available and you don’t have to make reservations in advance.
2. Lyft instead of wine tasting tours
There are tons of wine tasting tours available in Temecula and they average $100 to $150 per person depending on the level of luxury you’re going for. While the tours are cool, there are time restrictions and the cost per person adds up quickly. Rather than paying per person, using lyft or uber allows you to visit the wineries at a fraction of the cost with far more flexibility.
One of the other reasons I love to visit Pechanga is that depending on your level of membership in their free club, you’ll also get invites that include free or discounted rooms. If you are able to get a free room, it will easily save you hundreds of dollars per night.
Your Packing List
What to Pack for Temecula
Last but not least. Let's talk all the things you want to bring with you to either save money or to make the most of your trip:
Furtalk Sun Visor- I am obsessed with this sunhat. I own it in multiple colors and take it everywhere.
Neutrogena Sunscreen Stick - Temperatures in Temecula can get well into the 100s. Sunscreen is a must, and this stick is super convenient and doesn't count as a liquid at the airport.
Rockport Women's Wedge Sandal - This shoe is perfect because you can dress it up or down AND they are super comfortable. Whenever I'll be in warm weather and need a cute sandal - I reach for these.
The Original Drop It Wine Drops - I'll be the first to admit that I had my doubts about how effective these would really be. I've taken them on multiple wine tasting trips and NO HEADACHE. Just make sure you don't use too many per serving.
Nefeeko Collapsible Water Bottle- With wine tasting on the to do list, you absolutely want to make sure you're drinking tons of water. This travel water bottle is super convenient and can clip onto any bag.
Hope these tips have you excited to plan your next trip to Temecula. For more helpful information, download my Perfect Day In Temecula Itinerary (insert link) and subscribe to be the first to know when new posts arrive. Remember no matter where the road takes you, stay curious, kind and compassionate.
Happy Exploring!
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