Nestled in Southern California’s Temecula Valley, Murrieta is a hidden gem that blends an array of fun activities like relaxing hot springs, delicious dining, and exciting outdoor adventures. I visited recently in March of 2025 for the first time, and I have to say my first impressions were great! It was the perfect spot for a little weekend getaway, especially if you are coming from San Diego or L.A.! Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a fun-filled weekend with friends, or an RV adventure, Murrieta offers plenty to explore and experience!
Relax at Murrieta Hot Springs
One of the area’s most famous attractions and one of my personal favorites from the trip is the Murrieta Hot Springs. Recently renovated and re-opened, this resort needs to be top of your list for a day of relaxation and rejuvenation! The grounds are stunning from every point of the property. You can opt for a day pass (like my partner, Eric and I did!) and enjoy the hot springs from 9am-10pm, or you can even stay on site there for 24-hour access.
The Murrieta Hot Springs has over 20+ geothermal pools that you can try and experience, all ranging in temperature. My favorite had to be the individual soaking tubs overlooking the pond and fountain. It is worth spending an entire day here to experience all they have to offer! In addition to the geothermal pools, they have an onsite mud cove, yoga classes in their fitness studio, a café,restaurant, and a cabana-inspired bar featuring fun cocktails, spirit-free sips, and healthy elixirs to enjoy poolside. We were in complete bliss all day— and could tell everyone else was too! Whether you’re a spa enthusiast or just want to unwind from exploring or traveling, this spot is perfect.
Explore Wine Country
Just a short drive from Murrieta, we visited Temecula wine country as it’s a must-visit for wine lovers. The landscape driving there was breathtaking! With rolling vineyards and charming wineries, you definitely feel like you’ve escaped to Europe. This region offers tastings, vineyard tours, and picturesque picnic spots. During our time, we visited Europe Village which was aptly named. The property is beautiful and hosts three different tasting rooms all designed to transport you to the old world villages of Spain, Italy, and France! We chose Vienza, their Italian inspired tasting room, for a tasting flight of their featured wines. I highly recommend coming a little before sunset to enjoy the beautiful courtyard during the day time and then stay for sunset!
Soar over Murrieta in a Hot Air Balloon
For a truly unforgettable experience, consider booking a hot air balloon ride with The Grape Escape. I’ve always wanted to try a hot air balloon ride, so this was my chance! Grape Escape partners with Europa Village to check-in riders at their Spanish tasting room (called Bolero) so I felt at ease the next morning for the early wake up call and check in time! I enjoyed soaring up to 6,000 feet with 15 other passengers during our 1 hour flight time. Floating over the vineyards and valley right after sunrise offers breathtaking views, plus it was SO cool to go above the clouds and even see snowcapped mountains in the distance. Our pilot and his team were incredible, and made everyone feel safe and comfortable from the time we checked in to the time we landed. To celebrate our successful flight, we enjoyed a champagne toast, and I even received an honorary aeronaut certificate! This experience was hands-down my favorite part of our getaway to Murrieta.
Savor Murrieta’s Local Dining Scene
While in the area, make sure to check out the local dining scene. Murrieta boasts an array of options, offering everything from cozy cafés to upscale dining. Here are some of the places we checked out on our trip:
- The Mill Restaurant – A local favorite known for its delicious wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes. We loved the casual vibe, and it was fun to sit at the bar and watch them cook in front of us, especially while we could watch our favorite basketball team play! Don’t miss out on the pizza here— the ingredients were so fresh!
- Toast Murrieta – You can tell this is a go-to brunch spot as it was a happening spot even on a weekday! The menu features creative twists on breakfast classics like créme brulée stuffed french toast and strawberry cheesecake pancakes, which of course we had to try. I also enjoyed a cinnamon toast latte, which was so tasty!
- Anthony’s Lounge & Ristorante – If you’re craving authentic Italian cuisine, Anthony’s is the place to go. You can tell this place is family-owned and well loved. The staff was incredible and the menu features an extensive wine list and amazing Italian dishes. Eric savored the Veal and I enjoyed a flavorful pasta dish. We both left with full stomachs!
- The Crafted Scone – Perfect for a quick stop or a cozy afternoon treat, we stopped at this café before heading out of town. I couldn’t believe the variety of flavors for the scones! We opted for a banana chocolate chip and a lemon lavender – both were fantastic and even still warm from the oven!
Take a Trip to Lake Elsinore
A short 20-minute drive from Murrieta, Lake Elsinore is a great way to experience the water without having to go too far! Whether you want to go boating, jet skiing, fishing, or simply relax by the shore, this freshwater lake offers plenty of activities. We enjoyed strolling along the shoreline and watched the fishermen head out for the afternoon! If you visit in spring, you might also catch the famous superbloom of wildflowers covering the nearby hills in a vibrant sea of orange and purple.
Stay in Style at Launch Pointe RV Park
For those traveling in an RV (like us!) or looking for a unique overnight stay, Launch Pointe RV Park at Lake Elsinore is a fantastic option. The park has SO many ways to stay, and is not only just for RVers! This beautifully maintained campground offers vintage campers and Airstream rentals, giving you a fun, retro glamping experience. They even have Yurts on site too! We were thoroughly impressed with this RV park as we have been RVing for nearly a year in numerous parks, and this one ranked high for us. You can enjoy waterfront views, modern amenities, and easy access to outdoor activities, plus make sure to grab a meal or two at their restaurant on site – The Bobber. We loved the outdoor patio with lake views, plus they smoke their own meats so make sure to try!
Final Thoughts
We loved visiting this little gem in Southern California. Murrieta is the perfect weekend getaway if you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, and great food. From soaking in natural hot springs and sipping wine in Temecula Valley to taking in the sights from a hot air balloon, this trip was incredibly relaxing for us. Whether you’re road-tripping in your RV or planning a weekend escape, Murrieta should definitely be on your travel list! Use this blog to plan your next trip or visit ExploreMurrieta.com for some more inspiration.