Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
California is awash in popular and famous travel destinations: Yosemite, Redwoods, LA, Napa Valley, all come to mind when someone says they are traveling to the state. So when I discovered a quieter, slightly off the beaten path part of the state, it was hard to decide whether to share it or keep it to myself. Below you can see exactly how to spend a weekend glamping and all the best things to do in Temecula.
After reflecting on the 3 nights I spent glamping in Southern California at the Vail Lake KOA, I realized that Temecula is too good to keep quiet about. It has a beat of it’s own and seems to suck people into its charm from the vineyards to the mountain biking trails.
I’ve spent decades exploring family adventures, epic hikes, and National Parks across the world. For more inspiration, check out my National Parks Page or see some of my favorite destinations to plan your next adventure and make sure to join my weekly newsletter.
My stay was hosted by KOA. As always, all opinions are my own.
Quick Look at Temecula
Where it is: Inland Southern California, about 60 miles from San Diego and 90 miles from Los Angeles. Roughly 1 hour from San Diego and 1.5 to 2 hours from LA.
Where we stayed: Vail Lake KOA, Duluxe Cabin, 3 nights
Best time to go: Spring and fall for mild weather; summer gets hot. I visited in Sept and
Who it’s good for: Couples, friend groups, and families. I visited on a girls press trip weekend and it was perfect for our group
Why Temecula Deserves a Spot on Your California List
If you are looking for a flashy destination with towering mountain peaks or plunging coastal cliffs, don’t come to Temecula. This inland town tucked into the hills invites you slow down and seems to find it’s own niche somewhere between a mellower version of Napa Valley and an adventure destination with hiking and mountain biking.
Driving into Temecula from San Diego, you come into a valley almost like an oasis in the desert. The words ‘hidden gem’ and ‘off the beaten path’ come to mind, but Temecula isn’t completely undiscovered and the people I met were deeply proud of their town and all it has to offer.
Best Things to do in Temecula
There is plenty to do in Temecula. Below you can see a list of the best things to do and try.
Go Wine Tasting
This is what Temecula is best known for as a destination. There are over 50 wineries in the area and many of them offer tours or you can book a group tour that takes you to several wineries in a single day. We visited 2 wineries during our visit. Plan on visiting no more than 2–3 wineries in a day, build in time for food, and use a designated driver, wine tour, or rideshare if everyone wants to taste.
Truffle Pig Winery: A beautiful winery up on a hill that just opened in 2025. This is as much a destination as a winery with a gorgeous tasting room and outdoor space and an incredible restaurant. After our wine tasting we also ate dinner in the restaurant.
Oak Mountain Winery: this winery offers a unique experience and you can take a tour of their wine cave or even eat dinner nestled in the cave between wine casks. It’s a particularly good choice if you’re looking for something distinctive and experiential rather than simply another tasting. Ask for James for your tour: he was fantastic!
Explore The Great Outdoors: Hiking, Biking, and More
Mountain Biking at Vail Lake
Dave might be the more serious mountain biker in the family, but I was very impressed with the mountain biking scene in Temecula all located on the grounds of Vail Lake KOA. There are some real downhill trails winding through the hills, but there are also plenty of trails if you just want a more casual ride to explore. Many serious bikers bring their own bikes but you can also rent them from the campground.
Hiking Around Temecula
If you’d rather explore on foot, there are several good hiking areas within an easy drive of Temecula. Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve is one of the best options, with trails through rolling grasslands, oak woodlands, and seasonal vernal pools that feel surprisingly wild considering how close you are to town.
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
OK – so I didn’t actually do this one, but when I was researching the area, it kept popping up. These rides take you up above the vineyards and generally take off early.It’s definitely a splurge, but if you’re looking for one memorable adventure to add to a Temecula weekend, this is a fun alternative to spending the entire trip wine tasting.
Kayaking or Paddleboarding on Vail Lake
Vail Lake is a large body of water right in Temecula. Starting in the spring of 2027, you can now rent kayaks and paddleboard through KOA for use on the lake. They are the only boats permitted, although youcan get a fishing permit and fish from shore (we saw so many fish jumping).
Things to do in Temecula: Visit Vail Lake
More Ways to Get Outside
You can easily build more outdoor time into a Temecula trip beyond hiking and biking. Lake Skinner is another nearby option for walking, fishing, boating, and picnicking, while horseback rides offer a completely different way to experience wine country’s rolling landscape.
And don’t overlook simply getting up early: sunrise or sunset over the vineyards and surrounding hills can be one of the prettiest times of day in Temecula. Make sure to pack a picnic or a charcuterie board!
More Things to Do in Temecula
If the outdoor activities and the wine tasting aren’t enough, there are other things to do in the area.
Check out Old Town Temecula
Downtown Temecula is seriously cute. The main road stretches between boutiques, coffee shops and some sweet little stores where you can find some cute local goods. Also pop into the Temecula Lavendar Company.
MAke sure to start at one end so you can see the cool old sign coming int town announcing that you’ve made it.
Explore the Food Scene
The food scene is nothing to joke about. Many of the best restaurants are folded into the wineries, but you’ll find a few good places to stop in town. We ate at The Goat & Vine, a popular Old Town restaurant known for its scratch-made food, artisan pizzas, sandwiches, and big salads, and it was exactly the kind of casual but really good meal we wanted after a day of exploring.
Visit the Farmers Market
If you’re visiting on a Saturday, the Farmers Market is worth a stop. Most of the stalls sell food and hand made items, and it’s a great way to see what’s happening in the area: local flowers, mead, vegetables, nad homemade dog leashes are just a few things you’ll find.
Where to Stay: Glamping at Vail Lake KOA
OK – so if you’ve ever been to a KOA, you know it’s not all about glamping, you can also pop a tent or bring your own RV, but if you are looking for an easy and comfortable stay, one of their delux cabins might just be the way to go.
Before I get into what to expect in one of the cabins, it’s worth knowing the this is a KOA resort with over 385 acres of space and when I say there is something for everyone, I mean it. In addition to the Mountain biking and kayaking mentioned above you’ll also find walking trails, a pool, mini-golf and if you’re there is the fall, a full blown Halloween celebration with a haunted house (no – I didn’t do the haunted house – I am a big scardy cat).
If you are looking for a glamping stay, the cabins on site have comfy beds, full bathrooms, a kitchen and dining space, and the best part: a full outdoor space with fire pit, grill, and dining table. It’s the perfect balance of outdoor/camping life combined with the comforts of a hotel.
Putting it Together: A weekend in Temecula
Now that you’ve got a place to stay and have an idea of some of the best things to do, how do you put it all together. Depending on whether your exploring on your own, with a family or as I did on a girls weekend there are lots of ways to put it together. Here’s what we did with 3 nights and 2 days in Temecula.
This itinerary is based on glamping in a cabin at the Temecula KOA, so arrive in time to enjoy an evening meal on the grill and a firepit.
Day 1
Grab breakfast right in the KOA cafe on site. You’ll find breakfast sandiches and more.
Hop in your golf cart, did I mention the best way to get around is via golf cart, and head to Vail Lake. Starting in the spring of 2027, Vail Lake KOA will offer kayak and paddleboard rentals on site. You can’t bring your own boat to pretect the lake against invasives so this is the best way to get out on the water.
Head into town and grab lunch at the Goat and Vine.
After lunch, it’s time for some wine tasting. Start at the Oak Mountain winery and do a tour with James. Walk through the different wines and the wine cave.
In the late afternoon, make your way to Triffle Pig for a last glass of wine before dinner in their amazing restuarant. Get back to the KOA to toast some smores.
Day 2
Start eary and get in a hike or bike ride.
By late morning, head into town and walk around – grab a coffee at Pressd (seriously good coffee drinks!) Grab lunch in town, if it’s Saturday, the farmers market is worth a stop.
In the afternoon pack a picnic and either drive or hike to a nearby overlook. We headed up on the trails above the campground and were rewarded with an incredible view.
Cook dinner back at your campsite and enjoy the fresh air.
Temecula FAQs
Is Temecula worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you want wine country without the Napa price tag or crowds. It’s an easy trip from San Diego or LA, and it’s more than wine: you can hike, bike, take a hot air balloon ride, and wander Old Town all in one weekend.
Is Temecula family friendly?
It can be. Wine tasting is the main draw and is mostly an adult activity, though some wineries welcome kids on their patios or grounds. The outdoor options, Old Town, and campground-style stays give families plenty to do between tastings.
How many days do you need in Temecula?
Two to three days is a good amount of time. That’s enough for a full day of wine tasting, a day outdoors, and time to explore Old Town without rushing.
Is Temecula better than Napa?
They’re different trips. Temecula is more laid-back and more affordable, with tasting fees typically in the $15 to $25 range. Napa has the bigger reputation and the higher-end wines, and prices to match. If you want a relaxed, approachable wine weekend with outdoor adventure mixed in, Temecula is a great pick. I loved Napa, but Temecula is a different experience.
Can you go glamping near Temecula wineries?
Yes. We stayed at the Vail Lake KOA, from wine country, in a cabin. This is a great location with plenty to do and comfortable cabins.
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