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Temecula, CA is famous for its resorts, golf courses, and festivals, but it's also home to some of the best museums in Riverside County. They cover everything from the city's history to paleontology and geology. While you're in the area, you should definitely consider taking a trip to these spots! Make the Drive: 3 of the Best Museums Near Temecula, CA 1. Temecula Valley Museum If you have an interest in learning about local history, this institution on 28314 Mercedes Street is definitely the go-to spot! The Temecula Valley Story is its primary historical exhibit, containing centuries-old artifacts from indigenous Californian tribes, equipment used by ranchers and farmers, and photographs. The exhibit also does a terrific job of illustrating how Spanish missionaries, settlers, and the development of the railroad system shaped the valley. There's also a children's area where they can touch and interact with actual historical items, such as a stove and a store register from the late 1800s. Fans of Perry Mason author Erle Stanley Gardner can explore a faithful reproduction of his home office and a large collection of memorabilia and photos. 2. Fallbrook Gem & Mineral Society Fallbrook is located on 123 W. Alvarado Street, where it's dedicated to preserving Southern California's rich natural history. Its large and varied collection of beautiful gemstones and minerals include amethyst, aquamarine, tourmaline, vanadinite, and much more. Visitors can also view saber-toothed cat and mastodon fossils from the previous ice age. Jewelry made from gemstones, geodes, and small fossils can be purchased at the museum's gift shop. Throughout the year, Fallbrook's expert staff members lead informative field trips to nearby fossil beds. You'll have no problem reaching these sites with the Cadillac XT5's capable all-wheel drive system! 3. Pennypickle's Workshop The whole family will love visiting this fun-filled children's science museum on 42081 Main Street! That's because it allows kids to learn about how the world works through a number of interactive rooms. For example, a visit to the Dining Room features lights that are powered by the static electricity that results from their glass panels being rubbed. The Kitchen has powerful magnets and a pantry containing strange, glowing chemicals. Various optical illusions can be encountered when you visit the Bedroom, and the Music Room has several instruments for you to try out. Unique to Pennypickle's are its hidden passages and rooms, so be sure to keep an eye out for them and explore their secrets! It's certain to be an enriching experience when you visit any of these places. They're all just a short drive away from the center of town! On the way home, make a stop at Paradise Cadillac and browse our extensive inventory of new and certified pre-owned automobiles! Image by Pexels from Pixabay

Temecula, California, offers a relaxing oasis filled with history, vineyards, and wineries while being surrounded by rolling hills and majestic mountains. When visiting, consider making reservations at one of these hotels to enhance your stay. Ponte Vineyard Inn When visiting California vineyards, a stay at Ponte Vineyard Inn puts you in the heart of wine country. The luxury 4-star inn caters to guest comfort on all levels providing a variety of options. The in-room amenities include a mini-refrigerator, complimentary Wi-Fi high-speed internet, iHome docking station, 42-inch flat-screen HDTV, pillow top mattress, fine linens, and plush bathrobes and slippers. During your stay, enjoy and refresh yourself at the poolside bar and cafe, quench your thirst at The Cellar Lounge, and please your palate at the Bouquet Restaurant and The Restaurant at Ponte. While visiting the winery, take a tour of the vineyards and experience the taste of the grapes in the tasting room. The Hotel Temecula A stay at the Hotel Temecula is a step back in time. The hotel was built in 1891 and is steeped in history as guests will see from the many artifacts on display within the hotel. Guests have a choice of well-appointed king or queen rooms where cowboys and pioneers stayed in the past. Relax in the guest parlor, sit near the wisteria that was planted in 1891, or step out on the front porch and enjoy the view of Old Town. Reservations are recommended. Palomar Inn Hotel Built in the late 1920s, the Palomar Inn Hotel is a 10-room historic landmark hotel. Situated in Old Town, guests have easy access to the city's culture. Be sure to visit the many art galleries, performing arts theaters, museums, antique dealers, and specialty shops and restaurants that are within walking distance of the hotel. Rooms with queen, full, and twin bedding are available and feature cable TV, shared or private bathroom, and kitchenette. Book online or call ahead for reservations. South Coast Winery Resort and Spa Stay in the lap of luxury when you make reservations at South Coast Winery Resort and Spa situated in the historical district. The hotel has an attached winery, restaurant, full-service spa, and free Wi-Fi. Choose from any of the 132 well-equipped rooms fitted with an in-room refrigerator, coffee and tea maker, bottled water, safe, bathrobes, complimentary toiletries, and complimentary wireless internet access. Rooms also have a fireplace, cable TV, Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters, television with premium cable channels, pay movies, and deep soaking tubs. Unwind at the Grapeseed Spa with 11 rooms for individuals or couples and treatments that include Swedish massages, deep-tissue massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, hydrotherapy, and aromatherapy. After a day of wine tasting and vineyard tours, relax in the sauna or spa tub. Onsite amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, outdoor pool, dry cleaning service, ATM, gift shop, complimentary newspapers, luggage storage, 24-hour front desk, garden and picnic area, pool cabanas, and a bar and lounge. For your next visit to Temecula, experience the beauty of acres of vineyards set in a backdrop of interesting history and a landscape of natural highlights. Image via Pixabay

Feel like you've been cramped up in the house too long? It's time to take that family and have some fun outside. If you're looking for some new things to do or places to visit, then you're in the right spot. Here are four things to enjoy with your kids in Temecula, California. Play with Some Alpacas Outdoor fun and adorable animals come together at The Alpaca Hacienda. They offer private family and friends tours where you can discover all of their friendly alpacas. Your tour will include a bag of treats for feeding and begins with a presentation. Tours last about an hour and a half, and the park will be closed to the public during your scheduled time. For an additional cost, they will set up a picnic area for you if you want to bring your own lunch. Check out the gift shop when your tour is finished, and you can take home alpaca fleece items and llama and alpaca themed gifts. Don't forget your camera because this is an event you will want to remember. Find this family-friendly activity at 31755 Rancho Vista Road. Get Creative Tap into your families' creative side with a visit to the Painted Earth Pottery and Art Studio. Whether enjoying open studio time or participating in one of their many workshops, you're sure to leave with a beautiful piece of art. Choose a ceramic piece and then personalize it with stencils, paint, and patterns. Painted Earth Pottery and Art Studio will then glaze and fire your piece making it safe for eating and dishwasher use. Clay more your style? Visit their Clay Room where everyone can create a priceless memory featuring their footprints or hands. Located at 27507 Ynez Rd. in Temecula, current information on classes, hours, fees, and other specials is available on their website. Go for a Horseback Ride Another great outdoor activity in Temecula for family fun is to go horseback riding at Green Acres Ranch. Explore the countryside in an entirely new way. This western-style ranch is a working horse ranch and has great trainers and leaders for any rides you take. Reservations must be made beforehand, but this is a great way to get out and enjoy some fresh air with the family. If your kids really take to riding, they also offer riding lessons and are accepting new students. They are located at 35750 De Portola Road. Enjoy the Outdoors For a perfect family outing, check out Harveston Lake Park. This park has a children's play area, walking path, picnic areas, and available restrooms to make spending the entire day easier. The public lake is perfect for fishing or just watching the turtles and ducks play. The park does remind families to not feed the ducks, as it's detrimental to the duck's diet to consume food intended for humans and invites you to simply enjoy their presence. Rent a boat and get out on the water to truly soak in the beauty of Harveston Lake. We hope that your next family outing is full of fun and adventure at one of these great places. Stay safe and enjoy yourself! Image via Pixabay