Kids are happily back at school, so instead of scheduling an epic road trip, you may want to keep it short and sweet with a daycation. We’ve got the perfect spot that’s just a drive away from both San Diego and Los Angeles; a trip to the blossoming and ever-evolving city of Temecula. Most people know Temecula for its flight of wineries, but the city is also home to amazing parks, farms and restaurants that families will love. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know to plan your visit.
Where to Eat & Drink
Brunch Spot
Toast Restaurant in Temecula is a must! You'll feel a cozy and homey ambiance immediately upon entering the restaurant. Combine that with the beautifully crafted foods and it makes for an experience you and your kiddos won't forget. From Babyccinos for the kids to Crab Cakes Benedict, Creme Brulee French Toast and Shrimp and Grits, there's something for everyone to savor here.
31093 Temecula Pkwy.
Temecula, Ca
Online: toasttemecula.com
Coffee Break
Head to Vail Headquarters, where you'll find every locals' favorite coffee shop, The Press Espresso. Enjoy your cup of jo in peace while the kids experience the rustic play area right outside the shop— we're pretty sure a playground adjacent to a coffee shop is every parent's dream! Once you're adequately fueled, it's time to explore the public square. In addition to being a hotspot for community events, it's enclosed by various eateries, a food hall, a brewery and many cute shops, including a kid-friendly art studio.
Fun Tip: The square was built from restored structures dating back to the roots of Temecula and there's plenty of information and historical artifacts that your littles are sure to love starting with the fact that REAL cowboys once roamed the same dirt paths they see today.
32115 Temecula Pkwy.
Temecula, Ca
Online: the-press-espresso.myshopify.com/
Dinner Destination
Oscar's Brewing Company sits atop a hill overlooking Temecula Duck Pond. It has an in-house brewery, a highly-rated menu, beautiful décor, a comfortable atmosphere, and views that speak for themselves. After dinner, take a family stroll around the pond for a perfect way to end the evening.
29375 Rancho California Rd,
Temecula, Ca
Online: Oscarsbrewingcompany.com
Family-Friendly Winery
Visit Longshadow Ranch Winery, where you can relax while the kids explore the play structure, zipline and farm animals! If you can make it on a Saturday for Bonfire Nights, you'll also get to enjoy live music and BBQ fireside!
39847 Calle Contento
Temecula, Ca
Online: Longshadowranchwinery.com
Where to Play
Temecula Pump Tracks
Located at Ronald Reagan Sports park, you will find two free pump tracks available to bikers, scooters and skateboards of all ages and levels! The pump track is a continuous loop of asphalt hills where riders can cruise without pedaling by relying on a pumping motion created with the track. The tracks can get very crowded but are so much fun and worth the effort! One of the tracks is very large and challenging, capable of thrilling even the most advanced BMX rider, whereas the mini track, right next to it and much smaller, can be ridden by toddlers not even two years old!
30875 Rancho Vista Rd.
Temecula, Ca
Online: Temecula.gov
Harveston Lake Park
This park is a beautiful place to go for family fun. Enjoy all the views, as you stroll on the cemented walkway surrounding the lake about a mile long. Afterward, play at the large playground and then surprise your little sailors by renting a pontoon boat on the lake! The boat rentals are powered by pedaling, can hold up to six passengers including pets, and are only available on the weekends. The rental stand offers snacks and there is also a small market within walking distance if you'd like to have a small picnic on the water.
40299 Balboa Dr.
Temecula, Ca
Online: Temecula.gov
Pennypickle's Workshop
Located in the heart of Old Town Temecula, this museum is anything but ordinary. As your kids rummage through the home of a wacky scientist, they will be learning hands-on as they explore wild (and mostly half-finished) gadgets, experiments and inventions. Make sure to check their hours online as they are open Tues.-Sun. with various two hour sessions to choose from. Afterward, take a walk through Old Town and pick up a treat from Old Town Sweet Shop, which claims to have the largest selection of retro candy in the Inland Empire, just a few blocks from the museum.
42081 Main St.
Temecula, Ca
Admission: $10/person
Online: Pennypickles.org
Where to Go for Seasonal Fun
Peltzer Pumpkin Farm
For fall only, Peltzer Winery opens up their pumpkin farm. The list of activities includes pony rides, train rides, a petting farm, gem panning, face painting, carnival games, and even mini John Deere carts to ride on. The winery also remains open. Make sure to check out their event schedule online because you can often find food trucks and live music to enjoy at their outdoor picnic bench dining area.
39925 Calle Contento
Temecula, Ca
Online: peltzerfarms.com
Halloween Carnival
Old Town Temecula will be hosting the community's annual Halloween Carnival. Old Town is a must-see for any Temecula visit. Here you can walk the wooden boardwalks among western-era buildings as you explore all that this shopping, dining, and entertainment hub has to offer. The carnival will be centralized at Town Square Park, where you can enjoy various carnival games and activities. There will also be a costume contest on the front steps of City Hall, a spooky maze at the Temecula Valley Museum, and trick-or-treating from participating Old Town merchants.
Oct. 29, 5:30-8:30
41902 Main St.
Temecula, Ca
Online: Temecula.gov
––Ivanna Elias
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