Temecula, CA -Is the traffic always rotten there?
 

I would like to do a day trip from Long Beach to Temecula, but the last time I drove through there, we sat in traffic for at least an hour and that did not include the time to get there. I would like to visit the wineries. Is there a day, time we could go where the traffic would not be terrible? Are week days better than weekends? Any advice would be appreciated? Thanks.

Traffic in Temecula has gotten pretty bad but sitting for an hour seems like a lot. The worst time for Temecula traffic is during the week at evening rush hour. I would definitely avoid anything between 3-6 pm, that is if you are coming into town. However, if you visit during the weekday and arrive in the morning, you should have no problem leaving town in the afternoon. Temecula is a big commuter town, in the morning everyone is leaving and from 3-6 pm the off ramps from the 15 back up as everyone is returning home. Usually the Wincester off-ramp is worse because people use that exit to get to the Mall, Costco, etc. However, if you are visiting the wineries you would use the Rancho California Rd exit which can back up but usually isn't as bad.

I am actually heading over there now (Sunday) so I will let you know what the weekend traffic is like when I get back. Sometimes the weekends are bad and other times are less busy than during the week. However if you are visiting the wineries, I would go during the week. On weekends, the most popular ones can be very crowded.

Thanks Paula for responding. Would love to know how the weekend traffic is and will be looking forward to your report. I'm thinking of going on Easter week in the morning. Do you see any problems then?

annetti - I would think that the morning during Easter week should be fine. The schools will be on break and some may be on vacation so the traffic might be lighter. I would double check with the wineries to see what time they open in the morning. Have fun. Make sure you go to Wilson Creek Winery (almost the last winery) and try their Almond Champagne.

Paula,Thanks for the winery suggestion. We will do that. Any recommendations for a nice restaurant, but in the moderate price range, say around 30-40$ without wine for two? How was the weekend traffic? I imagine it was pretty light because of Super Bowl. Here in LB, the roads were empty and hardly a soul in Belmont Shores! Parking was an absolute breeze, but people watching was a bore.

annetti - I was actually surprised how many people were out and about on Sunday in Temecula considering the rain and the Super Bowl. However, it wasn't very crowded.

As far as restaurants, I would highly recommend the restaurant at Thornton Winery. First class food and you can get lunch for 2 for $40 with some of the other entrees, others would make the bill around $50. They have a beautiful patio if the weather is good and is definitely worth it. The other one you might want to check out is the restaurant at Ponte Winery. I haven't eaten there but I've heard good things about it. Both wineries have websites so you can check out there menu ahead of time.

Paula, Thanks very much for your suggestions. I am looking forward to trying them. We stopped in at the Thornton winery, the last time we passed through Temecula and the restaurant was packed, so it must be the food that was drawing in the crowds! Thanks again.