Temecula, CA is a city with a rich and varied history, from its indigenous roots to its modern-day attractions. It's known for its professional golf courses, hot air balloon adventures, and award-winning wineries located on 3000 acres of picturesque wine country. But that's just the beginning. Temecula is also home to a historic old town with unique shopping and exploring opportunities, a gastronomic paradise, and special events throughout the year.
The name Temecula comes from the Luiseño indigenous word “Temecunga”, “temet” meaning “sun” and “-ngna”, which means “place of. The Spanish interpreted and spelled the word as “Temecula”, translated as “Where the sun crosses the fog”. In 1858, Temecula became a stop on the Butterfield Overland Stage route and established the area as a shopping mall. The Civil War ended Butterfield's great land scenic service; however, in 1882, a railroad line from National City to Temecula was completed with regular service between the two cities.
Today, Temecula combines its rustic 19th-century California ranching and stagecoach history with an authentic yet modern small-town atmosphere. Families can explore history at the Temecula Valley Museum, see a theatrical production at the Temecula Community Theater in the old town, and meet local manufacturers and artisans at three weekly farmers markets. If you visit in early June, don't miss the Temecula Valley Wine and Globe Festival, the largest in California. Fueled by a local agricultural and agricultural region, with some talented culinary mavericks at the helm, Temecula is quickly becoming a gastronomic paradise.
