Murrieta is a sun-drenched city surrounded by rolling vineyards. It’s a gateway to the Temecula Valley, where you’ll find some of the top wineries in the Golden State. Beyond award-winning wines, Murrieta offers a vibrant downtown district packed with cafes, microbreweries and antique shops.
Things to do in Murrieta
Spend the day winery hopping in the Temecula Valley. From Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay to Merlot and Viognier, the region grows a huge variety of wines. Guided tours offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the grape-to-glass process. Several estates offer stylish restaurants where you can enjoy chef-driven cuisine and sweeping vineyard views.
Looking for something more exhilarating than a wine-tasting tour? Take to the skies on a scenic flight over Murrieta and the Temecula Valley. From the sky, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the sprawling vineyards. Skydiving over Lake Elsinore will get your pulse racing.
With an average of 275 days of sunshine a year, Murrieta is an excellent base for outdoor adventures in Southern California. Hike to tumbling waterfalls and tee off on world-class golf courses. Visit in spring and early summer to see the hills surrounding Murrieta carpeted with colourful wildflowers. Horseback riding is a great way to discover the picturesque countryside.
From antique shops to craft breweries, you’ll find plenty of action in Downtown Murrieta. California’s famous Historic Route 395 cuts through the town centre and is lined with pioneer-era buildings. Brush up on local history at the Murrieta Museum. The collection is eclectic and features everything from rocks, minerals and geodes to antique toys and ranching memorabilia.
Getting there
Downtown Murrieta is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The city is in Riverside County, a 1.5-hour drive from San Diego and two hours from Los Angeles. Rental cars are the best way to visit Murrieta and explore the Temecula Valley at your own pace. San Diego International Airport is a two-hour drive away.