13 Best Sights in North County and Around, California

Once a hangout for cowboys, Old Town is in full swing with boutique shops, good restaurants, a children’s museum, and a theater, while retaining its Old West appearance. A walking tour put together by the Temecula Valley Historical Society, starting at the Temecula Valley Museum, covers some of the old buildings; most are identified with bronze plaques. Free maps can be downloaded from their website ( www.temeculahistoricalsociety.org). A walking tour ($5) of Old Town Temecula is given every Saturday 10–11:30, departing from the Temecula Valley Museum, located in the Sam Hicks Monument Park directly across from the weekly Farmer’s Market.

A visit to this family-owned winery can be an enlightenment with its combinations of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petite Syrah, Zinfandel, and Pinot Noir. The winery is known for its big reds like Refugio Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as its Amour de L'Orange sparkling wine, which pairs well with breakfast dishes and hors d'oeuvres. There's live music Thursday through Sunday. 

You'll find three traditional styles of European wine reflecting French Cabernet Sauvignon; Spanish Tempranillo; and Italian Pinot Grigio. You can walk through lush gardens, grab a table under the pergola, and enjoy live music every Sunday 2–6 pm.

Bordeaux and Rhône blends are the specialties of this 20-acre hilltop estate with magnificent views of Cabernet Sauvignon vines. If it's available, try the winemaker's pride and joy, the Mélange de Reves (Blend of Dreams), made from the traditional Rhône combo of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. Winery tours take in the vineyards and the wine-making areas. The tours require a reservation, as do wine-and-food pairing sessions that might include fruits and cheeses or, in the case of dessert wines, chocolates. Leoness's popular French-inspired restaurant is open daily.

Temecula's hippest winery sits high on a hilltop. Rhône-style whites (including the Four Torch Blanc blend of Grenache Blanc) and reds like the estate Syrah and Opulente blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre are the strong suits, though the Tempranillo and rosé have their partisans. Taste inside at the casual bistro, outside on the deck, perhaps with an artisanal cheese plate. On Friday night from 5 to 8, the winery goes into party mode with tastings of wine and beer, music, and dancing that spills into the vineyards.

One of the original Temecula Valley wineries, opened in 1969, Mount Palomar introduced Sangiovese, a varietal that has proven perfectly suited to the region's soil and climate. New owners have transformed the homey winery into a grand Mediterranean villa with acres of gardens and trees, turning it into an award-winning wedding and event venue. The Sangiovese is worth a try, as are the Solera Cream Sherry (ask how it's made) and the popular Cloudbreak, an inky red blend with a Petit Verdot base. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner.

This is the imaginary home of Professor Phineas Pennypickle, where kids accompanied by parents enter a time machine that carries them through 11 rooms of interactive exhibits demonstrating perception and illusion, music making, flight and aviation, chemistry and physics, plus power and electricity. The shop stocks an array of educational toys, games, and books. Reservations are not taken, so be sure to get their early, especially during school vacations.

This 9,000-acre wooded preserve provides a glimpse of what this countryside was like back in the day, with bunch-grass prairies frequented by mule deer, golden eagles, and other wildlife. Trails wind through ancient oak forests and past seasonal, vernal pools and rolling grassland. A visitor and operations center has interpretive displays and maps; some of the reserve's hiking trails begin here. There are designated trails for leashed dogs, horses, and mountain bikers.

As one of the only local wineries to produce their wine on-site, South Coast is all about the experience with tastings and tours (by reservation) that start at the wall of awards and end with a wine-cheese pairing in the tasting room with a "wine tree" of five blends. The wine list here features estate-grown and -made Viognier, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Black Jack Port. The award-winning Group Therapy has spicy notes of Grenache, earthy character of Zinfandel, and acidity of Sangiovese. Be sure to try their sparkling wines. The winery also operates a hotel, spa, and restaurant.

Adjacent to Sam Hicks Monument Park, this museum focuses on Temecula Valley history, including early Native American life, Butterfield stage routes, and the ranchero period. A hands-on interactive area for children holds a general store, photographer's studio, and ride-a-pony station. Outside there's a playground and picnic area. A walking tour ($5) of Old Town Temecula is given every Saturday 10–11:30, departing from the Temecula Valley Museum.

Known for his line of popular sparkling wines using the French méthode champenoise, winemaker Tom Stolzer also produces still wines made from Rhône- and Mediterranean-type varietals such as Nebbiolo and old-vine Zinfandels. Tastings are offered daily, and jazz concerts are presented weekends April through September.

One of Temecula's busiest tasting rooms sits amid inviting, parklike grounds. Wilson is known for its Almond sparkling wine, but the winery also produces appealing still wines. Among these the Petite Sirah, Viognier, reserve Syrah, white Cabernet Sauvignon, and reserve Zinfandel all merit a taste. The on-site Creekside Grill Restaurant serves sandwiches, salads, seasonal seafood, and has an entire menu dedicated to those who are gluten-free.