Search
With its stunning views, historic charm, and dozens of wineries and vineyards, Temecula Valley is a great place to visit during the summer, as the long days and cool nights allow for an endless array of activities. Whether sipping cocktails poolside, riding through the vineyards at sunset on horseback, shopping in Old Town or taking an early morning hot air balloon flight, there are plenty of experiences to enjoy. Midweek visits are recommended for special rates, and guests are more likely to rub elbows with the many makers and mavericks that make Temecula Valley a bucket list destination.
Temecula’s summer season kicks off early with Pechanga Resort Casino’s annual opening of its incredible 4.5-acre tropical pool oasis, The Cove. If the idea of an ideal getaway is nothing more than relaxing poolside, Temecula Valley has it covered. BOTTAIA Winery, Ponte The Vineyard Inn, and Carter Estate Winery & Resort, all offer poolside Zen. Groups and families can enjoy Dive-In Movie Night at Embassy Suites or dine poolside at Hilton Garden Inn.
Throughout the summer, Temecula Valley restaurants will offer tasty seasonal menus and thirst-quenching summer cocktails. Sign up for our Digital Pass and check in at each establishment to earn points for prizes all summer long
Fun Summer Activities for Groups & Families
At CRC Ranch, guests can take horseback trail rides seven days a week and its charming Western Town is open every weekend from noon until 7pm for BBQ and refreshments, music, and outdoor games. Kids can play corn hole or grab a lasso and capture a stationery “junior steer.”
Located off of DePortola Road, Old Town Ranch offers six uniquely decorated and appointed Conestoga Wagons suited for glamping as well as trial rides and special outdoor market events that include food trucks, vendors, pony rides, games, live music, and more. The Summer Market will be held June 18.
To honor the Red, White & Blue, Temecula will host its highly anticipated 4th of July Parade in Old Town. The parade begins at 10 a.m. sharp on Old Town Front Street, followed by afternoon festivities and evening fireworks at Ronald Reagan Sports Park.
On July 17, kids can unleash their culinary creativity during the Lil’ Chef Cooking Class at Vienza Kitchen, located in Europa Village Wineries & Resort. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Hany Ali, one mini chef and two guests can craft their own pizza masterpieces during this hands-on cooking adventure. Students will receive an apron and a Chef’s hat.
The Temecula Carriage Company offers a variety of activities for groups and families all summer long, including:
Horse Drawn Hayride and Family Grape Stomp: Groups of eight or more can take an old-fashioned hay wagon ride through the vines, followed by a grape-stomping competition. Available daily. Cost: $525 per group of up to eight, each additional person is $65 extra.
Historical Covered Wagon Tour: On Saturday, June 29, guests can step back in time to Temecula Valley in the late 1800's onboard an authentic covered wagon and learn all about the Southern Emigrant Trail and the Butterfield Stage Route. $65 per person.
Paint and Ride on Horse Drawn Wagon: Beginning in late May and continuing through the summer, guests can enjoy an afternoon of Plein Air painting with the Clydesdales of the Temecula Carriage Company. A horse drawn hay wagon will take guests through the vineyards, followed by a guided painting class by a local artist. Starting May 19. $55 per person.
Sizzling Summer Entertainment and Events
Held in front of City Hall on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 5-9 p.m., the Temecula Sunset Market features musical entertainment, a gourmet food court, and a variety of beautiful and unique hand-crafted goods made by Southern California artisans. More here.
The popular Summer Sunset Taste of Old Town returns on July 25. Guests can stroll through Old Town, enjoy live music, and sample items from participating restaurants, wineries, breweries, and shops during this delicious culinary adventure! Tickets go on sale June 1.
And on June 8, craft beer, chili and entertainment come together to raise money for Habitat for Humanity at Pechanga Resort Casino’s 13th annual Microbrew Craft Beer & Chili Cook Off.
A haven for music lovers, Temecula Valley is buzzing with live entertainment during the summer months. Here are some of the area’s best places for live entertainment. Several destinations offer a series of summer performances:
Pechanga Resort Casino offers an elite assortment of headline acts, including concerts and comedy shows. The upcoming lineup includes Jon Stewart, Heather McDonald, Air Supply, Gipsy Kings, Dione Warwick, Pat Benatar & Neal Giraldo, RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Live, and more. South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Rhythm on the Vine Concert Series has a fantastic lineup that includes familiar faces as well as a few performers taking the stage for the first time. Visitors can enjoy great music while sipping on award-winning wines. Thornton Winery’s popular Champagne Jazz Concert Series summer guests include an impressive line-up of talent: Gerald Albright, Jeffrey Osborne, Chris Botti, Average White Band, Damien Escobar, and more. Wilson Creek Winery offers pristine grounds, beautiful vistas, and a great venue for live music, including Friday Night Late Nights. Several nationally known acts, including Chris Lane and Dylan Scott, will perform on the Wilson Creek stage this Summer. More information available here.
