Murrieta, California, in the southwest corner of Riverside County, helps form the anchor of California’s Inland Empire. Nestled in a scenic valley between the San Jacinto Mountains and the southern California coast, Murrieta offers everything for the outdoor enthusiast. From hiking to camping to fishing and boating, to horseback riding and golfing, Murrieta and the surrounding valley offers something for everyone.
Read on to find out about the best things to do in Murrieta, California:
1. Hiking in San Jacinto Park
Located 100 kilometers (60 miles) northeast of Murrieta, San Jacinto State Park offers a bit of everything for the lover of the outdoors. Mount San Jacinto stands at 3,300 meters (10,834 feet) above sea level, part of the San Jacinto Mountain Range, the second highest range in the state. Granite peaks, subalpine forests, and mountain meadows await those who venture into this high-country wilderness area. The Pacific Crest Trail, one of the country’s most scenic hiking trails, passes through the San Jacinto Mountains. Drive-in camping is available and can accommodate trailers and RVs up to 7.5 meters (24 feet) long. Most of the park is accessible only by backpackers and hikers. For those who like the idea of hiking down but not hiking up, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will carry visitors to the top of the mountain where they can start the long climb down.
Mount San Jacinto State Park
Address: 25905 Highway 243, 92549 Idyllwild, CA
Website: Mount San Jacinto State Park
2. Outdoor adventure at Lake Skinner Park
Located just thirty minutes east of Murrieta, the Lake Skinner State Park and Recreation area offers something for the whole family. The Metropolitan Water District operates the lake itself, which is supplied by the Colorado River and in turn supplies water to much of southern California. At 1400 surface acres, it is one of the region’s most popular fishing destinations. Anglers of all ages can find a reason to bait a hook. Both largemouth and striped bass are plentiful.
In addition, the District stocks catfish in summer and trout in the winter. Boating is popular on the lake, especially for those looking to do some easy kayaking or canoeing. Motor boats are allowed with some restrictions, and the marina offers boats for rent for those who don’t want to haul on their own. The recreation area has 241 campsites available for overnight stays or long term stays, each with a picnic table and fire ring. A well-stocked camp store keeps campers supplied for almost every need. Each May the area hosts the annual Solar Boating Cup, and in June, the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival calls Lake Skinner Recreation Area home.
Lake Skinner Recreation Area
Address: 37701 Warren Road, 92586 Winchester, CA
Website: Lake Skinner Recreation Area
3. Horseback riding at Susie Q Ranch
For the horse lover, there’s no better place in Murrieta than the Susie Q Ranch to experience the joy of a horseback ride. Susie Q offers riding lessons for kids and adults of all ages from the novice to the expert. Surrounded by dozens of miles of scenic riding trails, the ranch keeps horses of all sizes, shapes, and temperaments to suit even the timidest rider. For the kids, they have a petting zoo with rabbits, goats, chickens, ponies, and other animals. Summertime is Horse Camp time, and Susie Q offers kids’ lessons for all things equestrian, from grooming, tacking, and riding, to horse anatomy and health. For the adults, a scenic trail ride to the Lorimar Winery is just the thing to experience the beauty of wine country.
Susie Q Ranch
Address: 28330 Mary Place, 92563 Murrieta, CA
Website: Susie Q Ranch
4. Golfing at The Links at Summerly
Grab your clubs and head to the tee box for an unparalleled golfing experience at the foot of the Ortega Mountains. Created by renowned golf course architect Cal Olson, the Links at Summerly integrates into the serene southern California landscape. Bunkers abound through every twist and turn of the rolling course that will challenge the golfer of all skill levels.
Says Olson, “Every hole has been designed to provide golfers with a variety of playing strategies, as well as offer an authentic, traditional Scottish-style golf experience in a serene, natural setting.” Unique to a golf course today, The Links allow golfers the options of walking the course, taking golfing back to its roots and allowing players to experience the beauty and serenity of this unique and challenging course.
The Links at Summerly
Address: 29381 Village Parkway, 92530 Lake Elsinore, CA
Website: The Links at Summerly
5. Take a hot air balloon ride (from USD 218.0)
A visit to Murrieta wouldn’t be complete without a hot air balloon ride. From the comfort of a wicker basket, you’ll experience the wonder and majesty of this fertile land nestled between the San Jacinto and Ortega Mountains. Fly over wineries and farms and see the lush landscape as only a bird can.
Cool morning breezes and predictable sunshine provide the optimum weather for enjoying the beautiful Temecula Valley from the vantage of man’s oldest form of flight. California Dreamin’ Balloon Adventures will give you breathtaking views of the vineyards, wineries, olive, and citrus groves scattered across the landscape. A Grape Escape offers up to 75-minute flyovers of scenic wine country. Be warned. Reservations are a must for these trips and expect to wake up early for the joy of seeing the sun rise from a thousand feet.
A Grape Escape Balloon Adventure
Address: 33475 La Serena Way, 92591 Temecula, CA
Website: A Grape Escape Balloon Adventure
California Dreamin' Balloon Adventures
Address: 33133 Vista Del Monte Road, Temecula, CA 92591
Skyward at Sunrise: A Premiere Temecula Balloon Adventure
Duration 3 to 4 hours
6. Craft brewing at its finest
After a hot day exploring the Temecula Valley, hiking the San Jacinto Mountains, riding horses, or hitting the links, nothing refreshes quite like a cold beer. Murrieta and the Temecula Valley are home to more than a dozen breweries and brewpubs, enough to quench even the most discerning palate. Start your journey at Inland Wharf Brewing Company to sample a traditionally brewed cask ale. Next up is 8 Bit Brewing Company with a full complement of IPAs and ales to take a “byte” out of your day.
The Electric Brewing Company offers brews with catchy names like Grove for Broke and The Dark Side. Nationally distributed Ballast Point Brewing will fill your growler with their award winning beers. Refuge Brewery serves up beers brewed with fresh fruit including a Grapefruit IPA and Blood Orange Wit. Finally, stop in at Crush & Brew where they serve up hand-crafted cocktails, brews from all the local breweries, and delicious cuisine prepared from the fresh ingredients supplied by local farms. It’ll be a rewarding end to a great day exploring Murrieta, California.
Inland Wharf Brewing Company
Address: 26440 Jefferson Ave, 92562 Murrieta, CA
Website: Inland Wharf Brewing Company
8 Bit Brewing Company
Address: 26755 Jefferson Ave, 92562 Murrieta, Caifornia
Website: 8 Bit Brewing
Electric Brewing Company
Address: 41537 Cherry St., 92562 Murrieta, CA
Facebook: Electric Brewing Company
Ballast Point Brewing
Address: 28551 Rancho California Rd, 92590 Temecula, CA
Website: Ballast Point Brewing
Refuge Brewery
Address: 43040 Rancho Way, 92590 Temecula, CA
Website: Refuge Brewery
Crush & Brew
Address: 28544 Old Town Front St., 92590 Temecula, CA
Website: Crush & Brew
Something for everyone
Murrieta, California will thrill every outdoor enthusiast. From horseback riding to balloon rides to wine tasting and great beer, this picturesque Southern California valley has something for everyone.