Things to do in Temecula wine country

Temecula sits inland between Los Angeles and San Diego, a roughly 90-minute to two-hour drive from either depending on traffic, with a warmer, drier climate than the coast and no Metro connection, so a car is required.

The valley holds around 40 wineries, and most visitors book a multi-winery tastings tour rather than driving themselves between tasting rooms. A sunrise hot air balloon flight over the vineyards is the other signature activity, though flights depend on calm wind and are cancelled or rescheduled fairly often.

Old Town Temecula adds a separate, unrelated draw: ghost tours and paranormal investigations through its 19th-century buildings, a deliberate contrast to the valley's wine-country image.