Napa may be deemed the G.O.A.T. for American wine country, but there are plenty of less crowded and more authentic experiences than, say, Napa’s cheesy wine train and touristy prices.
In fact, Napa was named the most expensive U.S. destination in 2018 and has found itself playing hopscotch on the same list ever since.
While travelers may think of Hollywood, paradisal beaches, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo when it comes to vacationing in Southern California, there’s a city brimming with posh chateaus and glamorous tasting rooms for a jam-packed wine country weekend.
But venture inland away from the coast and you’ll find Temecula, Southern California’s “Napa” —and it’s only an hour away from numerous major airports.
Plus, the neighboring town of Murrieta is sneaking up in its shadow as one of California’s up-and-coming hotspots, so you’ll never run out of things to do.
Travel + Leisure Names Temecula As Top California Getaway
Between wildflower blooms, gleaming beaches, and astounding national parks, Temecula was a big surprise to crack the top 5 destinations to visit in the Golden State.
Travel + Leisure crowned Yosemite as the best, but a few slots down Temecula beat out such places as Santa Monica, Lake Tahoe, Santa Barbara, and even San Diego, which is often the most popular springboard to get here.
What didn’t make the ‘top 25′ list is Napa, but there were a handful of other wine getaways named behind Temecula, including Healdsburg (uhh, where?) and San Luis Obispo, another up-and-comer worth noting.
As for Temecula, I had the pleasure of visiting for the first time in December and never felt more ashamed that I’ve been sleeping on this treasure trove of luxe wineries and picturesque streets of Old Town just an hour from home.
Lavish Wineries & Beyond: What To Do In Temecula
Visiting Old Town Temecula is a must. This rustic, village-like region of town is a far cry from the bright lights of Hollywood just an hour and 15 minutes away (without L.A.’s headache-inducing traffic, of course).
Here you’ll find a blend of breweries, boutique shops, cozy wineries, and historic inns lining the old-timey streets of Temecula’s vibrant townscape.
But don’t allow yourself to sit here on a barstool all weekend; Temecula’s backroads are calling. This is where you’ll find some of the most lavish wineries and vacation rentals, some of which are spitting images of French chateaus.
One of the best ways to venture out into Temecula’s rolling hills and sprawl of vineyards is by booking a wine tour. Plus, you don’t have to worry about overpaying for Ubers or assigning a designated driver.
Who wants to spit out the wine anyway? Maybe the “hawk tuah” girl?
TripAdvisor ranks these 3 tour operators as the best in Temecula:
- Grapeline Wine Tours
- SoCal Wine Tours
- Poppin’ Wine Tours
When visiting Temecula, one attraction I was told I couldn’t miss by multiple locals is Temecula’s popular hot air balloon rides.
While looking down at Earth as if it’s an ant farm isn’t personally something I enjoy since I prefer sky-high views from window seats, one of the best events held here this spring is the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival slated for June 20 – 22, 2025 — just in time before Temecula’s unbearable 100-plus degree days in the heart of summer.
Sorry, Travel + Leisure! I Believe Murrieta Is The Place To Be
Murrieta is a small unsuspecting town, yet offers laid-back luxury and the same rustic charm in its own downtown district albeit a pint-sized version.
While not offering the same wineries Temecula has in the scenic countryside, Murrieta does have a handful of it’s own wine bars and wineries where you can still sip Temecula’s award-winning local blends such as Altisima’s 2021 Petit Verdot.
Additionally, my favorite aspect of Murrieta is a double whammy — a revamped hot springs resort with one of my favorite restaurants I’ve had in years, and it’s new too.
Formerly a celeb-hotspot decades ago, ultimately becoming a Bible college, and ultimately a resort again, newly-relaunched Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is a must for the ultimate relaxing getaway and it’s seemingly hidden in plain sight off right off I-15 and a stone’s throw from numerous Temecula gems.
Pools are open 24/7. Better yet, the resort is offering 50% poolside cabanas and a free Day Pass on your birthday, a common loophole for those who want to enjoy all the health benefits of the spa and geothermal springs without the hefty overnight rate.
But the ultimate prize is Talia Kitchen, not only the resort’s trendiest restaurant but a destination unto itself for all of SoCal.
Need a new date night spot? Talia Kitchen is worth the day-trip journey from L.A., Orange County, and San Diego just to grab a bit to eat of sensational, meticulously-crafted dishes and an impressive list of regional wines.
For what it’s worth, Travel + Leisure recommends staying at Temecula’s The New Inn.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
