My Day Trip to Old Town Temecula, California
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I love visiting little towns and when I discovered that Old Town Temecula was only an hour drive from Downtown San Diego I made the drive up on a Monday morning. Old Town Temecula has raving reviews on Trip Advisor and I couldn't help but notice the old Western architecture in the reviews.
I love western movies, so visiting anything western themed is sorta my thing. Last year I stopped by Paramount Ranch and Lone Pine, which were both very Western-themed locations. You may be wondering, "What is there to do in this tiny town?" It's an actual functioning town with a community theater, historic hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, and more.
The best thing about this location is it's super close proximity to Temecula Valley's Wine Country. Temecula is well known for their wineries, so if you are making a weekend trip to Temecula, I would suggest stopping by Old Town to get a little break from the tasting rooms.
Visiting during the week is great if you want to avoid the crowds and squeeze in some cool photos, but this town is mainly bustling on Saturday's during the popular Farmer's Market. If you have accommodation nearby it's best to Uber to the Farmer's Market as parking is pretty limited.
My friend and I walked around and popped our heads into a few of the shops and decided to have lunch at Soro's Mediterranean. I know, it's not very western of us. I did see a cool looking burger shop, but I was more in the mood for some hummus and gyro.
It was mid afternoon so it was pretty quiet, but we didn't feel alone since everyone in the restaurant was super friendly. Our server was very inviting and even the owner, Papa Soro, came out and posed in front of a painting that he said was himself. At least that's what I think he said. He was talking a little too fast for me and I couldn't quite catch everything he was saying.
We ordered the Chicken Kabob Sandwich and the Chicken Kabob Plate. Both dishes were fresh, light, and packed with rich flavors. After our late lunch, we sat outside for a bit and then headed home around 5:30 PM. A lot of the shops close early during the weekdays, so leaving around this time was perfect timing. But if you want to stick around for dinner and drinks these type of establishments are open late.
Old Town Temecula is such a unique little spot and the perfect town for a day trip. Next time I would like to check out the nearby wineries and the Farmer's Market. I heard the town has a "Westworld" themed saloon in the works, which I have to check out when it's complete because I am a huge fan of that show.
OLD TOWN TEMECULA
ADDRESS: 28690 Mercedes St., Temecula, CA 92590
PHONE: (951) 389-0299
WHERE TO STAY
Temecula Creek Inn
44501 Rainbow Canyon Rd, Temecula, CA 92592
Vacation Rentals
Trip Advisor's Top 10 Vacation Rentals
Airbnb Temecula Creek Cottage
Located minutes from Old Town Temecula.
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