gillybrit

Hello - any "must do" things in the Temecula area.
I've actually been there before and we spent some time in LA and San Diego, but just wondering if I am missing anything. Prefer outdoors type things - scenery etc...
I know this is pretty vague, but deliberately left it that way as I have a very open mind about this.

Thanks!

RBCal

There is not a lot of outdoors stuff near.

There is a sky diving center in Perris
www.skydiveperris.com

Idyllwild is not that far and has hiking up in the mountains.
www.idyllwild.com/hiking

gillybrit

Thanks - I'm open to just about anything, so if the outdoors doesn't fit the bill, do you have any other suggestions?
Idyllwild looks nice though.

logandog

How about a night at The Pala Casino?
It is a nice natural setting with a better than average buffet and a nice pool.

usroadman

I enjoyed the Palomar Observatory when we were in the area a few years ago, probably mostly for the refreshing cool, crisp air at the top of the mountain. I thought the building was kind of interesting, especially since they were doing work so I got to watch it move. They also had a few exhibits, but I think you have to be into that kind of thing (I tried to keep my visit brief since my wife seemed a tad bored while we were there).

stumpworks73

You can visit a winery or take a tour of several of the wineries or take a hot air balloon over the vienyards. Callaway is the one I have visited. The web has lots of information.

If you like hiking, there are trails around the plateau with beautiful views of the valley. There is a park at the site of the original ranch in the area. Both are great hikes, and because I was a guest on both occassions, I can't tell you the names or locations, you'll have to do more search.

globetrotterxyz

The wineries and Pechanga Casino are the main touristy things in Temecula. Out of the many wineries, Thornton Winery and South Coast Winery are quite popular.
http://www.thorntonwine.com/winery.html
http://www.wineresort.com/

Lake Skinner is the closest outdoors recreation area for fishing, swimming, boating.

Although a bit of a drive, Palomar Observatory is interesting and is a nice drive up the mountain.

Even further of a drive, if you're interested in desert landscape, you could visit Anza Borrego State Park.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=638

sheri_lp

I like Thornton Winery - they have a nice indoor/outdoor area, and a great tasting menu (I like the champagne tasting and the brie en croute yummmm)

flyme2themoon

If you like antiques and vintage stuff, the old downtown area is a good place to buy some antiques. There is a lively Saturday market here, from early morning to noon. Also lots of small shops and boutiques to browse around in, wine tasting bars, and some good restaurants. There is a Mexican Restaurant here that's called The Bank which was an old bank that was converted to a restaurant. They serve decent Mexican food at very reasonable prices.