Things to Do in Old Town Temecula

Old Town Temecula is filled with a variety of family friendly shows and museums, as well as a number of historical sites. This historic city was first built as a railroad town in 1882. Since then, more modern areas have been added, but the town still possesses its historic charm. The shopping areas include a selection of one-of-a-kind boutiques, antique shops, and individually owned and operated restaurants. The art galleries are a great way to spend an afternoon browsing. You might even find the perfect accent piece for your living room!

While there is a lot to see and do in Old Town Temecula, there are a few attractions that stand out above all others.

The Old Town Community Theater has been a staple of Temecula entertainment for the last decade. With a variety of entertainment brought in from around the world, the Old Town Community Theater is sure to have something that appeals to anyone. This 361-seat theater is the venue for intellectual events such as Ted Talks, concerts with top 40 artists, and showings by dance companies and traveling orchestras. It is also the site of top-notch theater productions ranging from the classics to more modern scripts. The Old Town Community Theater can be entered through the historic Mercantile Building. This 1890s building is a sight to see all on its own. This relic of 19th century construction adds yet another layer to the theater experience.

The Temecula Children’s Museum – Pennypickles Workshop – is a great place for the whole family. This museum, the home of Professor Phineas T. Pennypickle, is an interactive experience that is sure to delight children of all ages. This museum includes secret passages to explore, puzzles to solve, and inventions to test out.

While it’s not exactly an attraction, the Temecula Valley Historical Society has set up plaques throughout the city denoting the historic sites. While the old buildings are remarkable in their own right, these plaques add a bit of background that can make exploring Old Town Temecula an even more memorable event. The Temecula Valley Historical Society has also worked to restore a stage coach and the Louis Wolf Tomb, both of which can be an interesting addition to a tour of Old Town Temecula.

The Old Temecula Jail is a two-story building that shares its storefront with a jewelry shop. This jail includes mannequins that supposedly represent the old time criminals that would have been held there. Interestingly, this may not be historically accurate. This “jail” was never used as a proper jail. Instead, it was typically used as a holding cell for drunks. At various points in its history, the building also served as a wine cellar, a saloon, and a storage area for the Ramona Inn. This history is not officially recorded and is based off of various citizens oral records, passed down from family members. But regardless of its origins, this granite construction is a must see sight for anyone interested in historic architecture.

When you’re ready to start exploring all that Temecula has to offer, don’t hesitate to contact me. With years of experience in the real estate market, I look forward to helping you find your perfect California retreat. Let’s get started today!