Lucy and Ethel would have their grape-stomping cut out for them in Temecula, home to hundreds of vineyards including South Coast Winery & Spa, which has been named the best California State Winery three times in the past five years. Try an afternoon of samples at the Cellar Lounge, Curry Vineyards Tasting Room or Fazeli Cellars Tasting Room.
If you love to be the life of the party, Temecula is the place for you. Annual festivals include the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival, the Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival, the Temecula Wine and Music Festival and the Temecula Street Painting Festival. This city will keep you celebrating all year long.
Temecula is home to Pechanga Resort and Casino, the largest casino in California with more than 3,000 slot machines and 200,000 square feet of gaming space! A 1,200-seat theater plus three additional smaller performance venues host a wide range of shows and entertainers on a daily basis. It's practically a city unto itself.
Hot air balloons make up half the entertainment at the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival-you can watch them launch at sunrise, glow after sunset, or take one yourself for a tethered ride. Local companies also keep the spirit afloat year round-A Grape Escape Balloon Adventure and Magical Adventure Balloon Rides are just two spots where you can hop aboard.
Temecula is the ultimate Southern California cliché. The average high in January is 70 degrees; in June it's 83 degrees. The city was named one of Suntan.com's Top 10 "Best Weather Cities" in the United States, keeping company with hotspots like Honolulu and Miami Beach.
Temecula is the only city in California with its aboriginal name, which comes from the Luiseño Indian word "Temecunga," a combination of "teme" (meaning "sun") and "nga" (meaning "place of") and interpreted as "Where the sun breaks through the mist." Obviously.
Temecula was named a 2013 Playful City USA by the national nonprofit KaBOOM! for its 39 parks, 116,500 square feet of recreational facilities, and an impressive 43 acres of school sports fields and playgrounds for public use when school's out.
Temecula hosts seven plush golf courses, and 17 more are within 20 miles of town. With this many links, there are more than enough options to find the golf pros and country clubs that are right for you. If you're thinking of making a career of the game, Temecula's Professional Golfers Career College offers a specialized Associate's degree in Professional Golf Management.
No one in California takes clean air for granted, and people in Temecula breathe with pride. In the American Lung Association's two recent reports, Temecula was one of only 17 cities and counties in the whole state to receive an "A" in Overall Tobacco Control.
If you're a horse lover you've come to the right city. Galway Downs features show jumping, cross-country and dressage-culminating in the annual three-day Galway Downs International Event. The venue is also home to the Temecula Valley Polo Club for anyone wanting to brush up on their game. And the Temecula Eq-Wine Riders offer day-long equestrian outings into the gorgeous countryside.
It comes as no surprise that tourists love Temecula (see items 1-10). But tourism is actually a huge local racket-a $600 million city industry that continues to grow all the time. A study conducted for the Temecula Valley Convention and Business Bureau showed there were 6,580 travel-supported jobs for local dwellers in the year 2012, a whopping 476% increase compared to the year 2000.
Kids can explore their curiosity and maybe even discover something new at Pennypickle's Workshop, Temecula's pride-and-joy children's museum. The 7,500 cluttered square feet of hands-on inventions, gadgets and experiments are the perfect inspiration for kids (and kids at heart).
The most beloved restaurant in town is Pamir Kabob House, and everyone has their favorites. Some diners gush about their four types of infused basmati rice. Others swear by their Afghan Cherry Blossom Tea. But the one thing everyone leaves dreaming about is the unparalleled kabobs.
Temecula is a melting pot of ethnicities and experiences, and logically, so is the food. Get a little piece of Italy at Gourmet Italia, La Bella Vita, and Spuntino Pizzeria. For some of the best Mexican food this side of the border, check out Aztek Tacos Real Mexican Grill, Baja Cactus, and Casa de Lucy. For Asian inspiration, Aiyara Thai Cuisine and Sushi Boat.
The median resident age in Temecula is 33.4 years, compared to a California median age of 45.6 years. It was also named one of the top 20 least-expensive California cities to do business in by the Kossmont-Rose Institute, and a state-designated Innovation Hub. Add this entrepreneurial spirit to its practically perfect weather, wine and friendliness, and young people here have it made.
The city of Temecula really came into being when the California Railroad steamed its way through the valley in 1882, and local investors established the town's first bank, shops and saloons. Old Town Temecula still highlights this heritage with historical architecture, unique boutiques, inspiring galleries and neighborhood restaurants celebrating the railroad roots.
Temecula is just a short drive away from two beloved escapes to nature: Lake Skinner and Diamond Valley Lake, which offer campgrounds, hiking trails, crystal clear water and tons of fishing (striped bass, largemouth bass, carp and bluegill all year round, plus catfish in the summer and trout in the winter).
Temecula revisits its Western roots every May with the annual Western Days celebration featuring old-timey skits, a high noon shootout, Western music and trick roping. Be sure to leave room in your belly for the chili cook-off, because it's serious business-in fact it's been an International Chili Society qualifier in three categories: Red Chili, Chili Verde and Salsa.
For only a buck a year you can roll with the cool kids at Temecula Skate Park. Scooters, skateboarders and in-line skaters are all welcome to show off in the competition 60-foot diameter bowl. The plaza level brags a pyramid, fun box, curbs, ramps, stairs and a 20-foot handrail to practice all your moves.
If you're in Temecula, chances are you'll happen upon a fairytale wedding. Between the gorgeous vineyards, glistening lakes and manicured golf courses, there are thousands of ways to make a dream wedding come true. Temecula Valley Wedding Professionals is a one-stop shop for hundreds of venues and the highest-rated vendors in the area.
The kids might say their favorite subject is recess, but in Temecula they get a great education in everything. The Temecula Valley Unified School District (which includes a variety of charter schools) maintains an 8 out of 10 rating from GreatSchools.org-the best report card in the region!
It might be Southern California, but Temecula's got a country heart. Every first and third Saturday night, the cowboy boots tap it out with Country at the MERC. Gwyn and Sandi host along with The Ranch Rockers, and bring in a variety of beloved country performers along the way. If you have country singin' dreams of your own, be sure to give it your best shot at the audition slot between shows!
Old Town Temecula Community Theater is more than its humble name implies. The state-of-the-art theater holds 361 seats and the complex houses rehearsal rooms, a large dance studio and a courtyard where performing arts lovers can congregate. Their high-quality facilities are home to five different resident theater and dance companies, so there's always a great show going on.
Every Saturday and Wednesday Temeculans flock to their community Farmer's Market in Old Town and the Promenade Mall, respectively, where the farmers are all California-certified and ready to sell you produce with a smile.
Locals know you don't miss the Temecula Rod Run. Every March, the two-day extravaganza draws up to 100,000 people to ogle over (and brag about) 700 classic rides, special interest vehicles, hot rods and custom cruisers. You'll also find great food and drinks, live music and general merriment.
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