Visit Us

Located just 20 minutes east of Temecula wine country, we’re far enough away to provide an escape into nature while being close enough to everything to allow for day adventuring.

Explore our favorite things to do just below. Whether looking for a fine wine, cold beer, good food, or an outdoor adventure, it’s all nearby.

 

Wineries

  • Vineyard

    Akash

    This has become our go-to. The wine is good, some award winners amongst the many varieties offered, and, it's dog friendly. Outdoor seating has misters when warm and fire pits when cold. You'll be looking out over textured hills covered in vines as the sun sets beyond. 28 minute drive into Temecula

  • Europa Village

    A collection of wineries alongside a resort. The wine had here was good. We've only been once and the dinner was the primary focus (the paella is strongly recommended), but all our wines paired well with the food and only elevated the experience. 30 minute drive into Temecula.

  • South Coast Winery & Spa

    Set on 63 acres of vineyards, this winery has fine dining, good wine, and an accompanying spa should you want to settle into complete relaxation. 30 minute drive into Temecula.

  • Emerald Creek

    Some of the better wine we've had (small though the sample size may be). Grab a glass or a flight and sit back as you soak up the views of Palomar Mountain. 15 minutes down valley.

  • moorish architecture

    Fazeli Cellars

    Though we haven’t yet been, the architecture is beautiful, the wines supposedly quite good and the variety ample. 25 minutes into Temecula.

  • garden and cottage

    Briar Rose Winery

    Opened by a previous Disney employee with a bent for Snow White, you’ll find a winery composed of buildings taken straight from the Disney Classic. The wine is solid and the experience one to remember. 30 minutes into Temecula.

Attractions

  • woman on horse strolling through vineyard

    Horseback Riding

    The options for gallivanting through the vineyards are many, this seems to be amongst the best. WINE COUNTRY TRAILS BY HORSEBACK offers packages spanning single riders to large groups. 30 minutes down mountain.

  • large table with white table cloth under olive trees

    Temecula Olive Oil Company

    A charming hideaway in the midst of an olive grove. An idyllic spot for a picnic (bring your own food) with many a shady spot to lounge. Olive oil or vinegar tastings await all visitors. Wine and kombucha served on site. 5 minutes down mountain.

  • pool with palm trees

    El Im Hot Springs

    For $30 you can spend the day jumping between 3 hot springs, a cold plunge, a pool and sauna (covid dependent). It's a good spot to relax. 5 minute drive up mountain.

  • dragon sculpture popping out of ground

    Ricardo Breceda's Sculpture Garden

    Ricardo specializes in large scale art, but also has plenty of whimsical small creatures next to the giant. Occasional $10 fee for walking through that can be applied to purchasing a small sculpture. 15 minute drive down mountain.

  • glider flying through sky

    Skysailing

    Take a glide through the mountains. Though we've yet to take flight, the experience looks like one well worth the having should flying be of interest. Book at SKYSAILING.COM. 25 minutes down mountain towards Warner Springs.

  • mountains with setting sun and clouds behind

    Idyllwild

    A day trip to Idyllwild is what first drew us to this area. As you drive into the mountains you are whisked into a slightly separate world. This town stands apart from all around in the best way possible. Visit, you won't be disappointed.

  • western style commercial porch

    Old Town Temecula

    Good food, bars and entertainment housed in a stretch of buildings that nod to their old west heritage. Our favorite spot to visit is the arcade, Coin-Op 30 minutes down mountain into Temecula.

  • tram in desert mountains

    Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

    This one is pushing the drive, but, if you take it, you'll be rewarded with a beautiful drive up and down mountain and an ~8,000' tram ride into the San Jacinto Mountains. 90 minute drive up and down mountain.

  • apple pies on table

    Julian

    Apple pie, hiking, beer and a town that feels preserved in a resin resistant to outside persuasions. Enjoy a drive through beautiful country and arrive sometime in the past. 50 minute drive down mountain.

Food & Drink

  • classic cars with beer sign in background

    Garage.79

    We STRONGLY recommend visiting - this beer garden is a little slice of perfection in the middle of a sweeping valley below Palomar Mountain. Exceptional aesthetic, beer selection and setting. Food rotates with tacos, burritos, bbq, and gourmet grilled cheese being the most common options. 20 minutes down valley.

  • espresso machine making espresso

    Graffiti Coffee

    This is amongst our favorite local spots - the coffee is solid, bagels better than expected and service always wonderful. Outdoor patio or drive through options. A 10 minute drive up the road.

  • classic diner scene

    Paradise Cafe

    Our go-to weekend breakfast spot when in the mood for a lazy morning. Likely to see a PCT thru-hiker or or a Porsche parked out front. 25 minutes up mountain.

  • beautiful restaurant interior

    The Goat & Vine

    When we're in the mood for an upscale dining experience, Goat & Vine is where we go. The entire menu is made from scratch, is consistently delicious and the aesthetic is one that transports us straight back to our days in Brooklyn. 30 minute drive to reach Old Town.

  • burger and fries on plate with condiments behind

    Missy's 15th Hole

    Just down the hill you’ll find good bar food with views of Palomar Mountain beyond the pond beside which you sit. Be warned, it’s in an RV park and we have, on rare occasion, had to wait at the gate to be let in. 10 minute drive down valley.

  • coffees and a croissant

    Le Coffee Shop

    The best breakfast sandwich either of us has ever had. Decadent, delicious and a great way to melt into a morning. The pastries and coffee are also quite good. A 30 minute drive will take you here, downtown Old Town.

  • pad see ew on a plate

    Taste of Asia

    Solid Thai food just up the road. We’re always happy with the food and it makes for a pleasant outdoor dining experience if you’re keen on bocce ball while eating your Thai. 15 minutes up mountain.

  • outdoor dining with modern furniture

    Cork & Fire

    A farm to table approach with regional wines to accompany the dishes. Our first stop here was coincidental. We've been back many times since. Dine with Temecula Valley as your backdrop. 35 minute drive.

  • cocktail with bottles behind

    Apparition Room

    A speakeasy in the back of Devilicious. A portal through the wall opens to a dimly lit cocktail bar awaits. The drink menu is ample, but be comfortable going off menu and trust in the barkeeps to concoct something delicious with your direction as heading. Reservations typically required.

Get Outside

  • climber with clouds and mountains in background

    Black Mountain Bouldering

    Limitless bouldering to be had. Quality climbing on hard granite with as much undiscovered as discovered. We can toss the guidebook your way. Have a blast in the hills above Idyllwild. 45 minute drive up mountain.

  • mountain lake at sunset

    Lake Hemet

    A beautiful spot 20 minutes up mountain. Though swimming is prohibited, a stroll around the lake affords sweeping views of Mt. San Jacinto with the lake as foreground - it can be stunning at the right time of day. There are a number of day use areas with picnic tables, fishing points and trails. Adventure pass needed for parking.

  • granite outcropping in hilly forest

    Devils Slide Trail

    An out and back that offers stunning vistas at almost every turn. Go 1 mile, go 50. You connect with the PCT and can hit Mt. San Jacinto if the appetite is there. 45 minute drive up mountain.

  • rock outcropping in shape of eagle

    Eagle Rock Trail

    One of the more popular hikes in the San Diego area - if going on a weekend, be prepared to look for parking. If on a weekday, enjoy this pristine trail mostly to yourself. You’ll wind your way along a creek bed (in season), into desert scrub, into high country rolling hills. Beautiful the whole way. 35 minutes down valley.

  • sun setting over a green valley

    Dripping Springs Campground

    An easy to access and relatively easy trail. At 12.4 miles, this out and back is long, but can be cut short. Views are great and you have a number of options with connecting trails. 20 minutes down mountain.

  • rocky trail in green mountains

    Cactus to Clouds

    What a day this would be. ~11 miles (2x if you descend) and 10k' of elevation gain. If done in the summer, tack on the heat. Start early (night before/1am/2am sort of thing) and summit before sun hits hard. Take the tram down and bask in the glory of having finished this hike.

  • green valley at golden hour

    Ramona Trail

    15 minute drive up mountain. Easy/moderate hiking gains sweeping views of Mt. San Jacinto and surrounding ridge. Hike begins at ~4000' in Mountain Center and can also be done on Mountain Bike if desired.

  • dirt road with steep drop off to left side

    Palomar Divide Trail

    Want a driving adventure? This 25 mile road begins 7 minutes down the hill and winds its way into the mountains. 2WD will get you through, but 4WD is stongly recommended. Head towards THE PRESERVE AT TEMECULA CREEK and just keep going.

  • snow capped mountains in far distance

    Cahuilla Mountain Trail

    4WD recommended for getting to trailhead. This moderate trail sweeps you along the side of Cahuilla mountain and affords views of Palomar, San Jacinto and the valleys between. 30 minute drive up mountain.