Things to Do in & around
Murrieta
From scenic trails and community events to wine country weekends and lakeside recreation, here's what makes daily life in Murrieta and the surrounding valley so enjoyable. This guide covers Murrieta along with Temecula, Menifee, Winchester, Wildomar, and beyond.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Murrieta?
Murrieta isn't just a great place to buy a home, it's a great place to live. With 50+ parks and trails, 300+ days of sunshine per year, a growing restaurant scene, and 40+ wineries in Temecula wine country just 15 minutes away, the city offers a surprising range of activities and amenities for a community of 115,000+. This guide also covers the surrounding valley: Temecula brings wine country tastings, Old Town dining and shopping, and a packed events calendar; Menifee, Winchester, and Wildomar offer parks, trails, and open space; and Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake deliver lakeside recreation. Here's a look at what you can expect day-to-day, and for a step-by-step plan, our weekend guide to Murrieta walks through a perfect two days in the area.
Parks & Outdoor Recreation
Los Alamos Hills Sports Park
Multi-sport fields, playgrounds, walking paths, and picnic areas — a hub for youth sports and weekend family outings.
Copper Canyon Dog Park
A spacious off-leash dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs, shaded benches, and water stations.
Santa Rosa Plateau
Protected ecological preserve with hiking trails through vernal pools, oak woodlands, and native grasslands — perfect for nature lovers.
Bear Creek Regional Park
Features a lake, playgrounds, sports fields, and the popular Bear Creek Greenbelt trail system.
Lake Elsinore
Southern California's largest natural freshwater lake, with boating, water skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming beaches, and fishing.
Canyon Lake
A private, gated lake community where residents and their guests enjoy boating, water skiing, paddle boarding, and year-round fishing on the 400-acre lake.
Wildomar
Neighborhood parks and trailheads near the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, including the Tenaja Trail and Marna O'Brien Park.
Menifee
Community parks, sports fields, and walking trails across the city, including the lake and paths at Heritage Park.
Winchester
Home to Lake Skinner Recreation Area, a large county park with camping, fishing, boating, and hiking trails, plus Diamond Valley Lake just east of town.
Dining & Local Flavor
Downtown Murrieta
A growing dining district with local restaurants, coffee shops, and the weekly Friday nightout scene.
Local Craft Breweries
The area's craft beer scene continues to grow, with taprooms offering local brews and community vibes.
Temecula Wine Country
Just minutes away — over 40 wineries with tastings, events, and stunning vineyard views across the rolling hills.
Farmers Markets
Fresh produce, artisan goods, and community connections at regular farmers markets throughout the area.
Old Town Temecula
Restaurants, wine-tasting rooms, and cafes set in Old Town's historic storefronts along Front Street.
Menifee & Winchester Dining
A relaxed local dining scene with restaurants, coffee shops, and quick bites spread across Menifee and Winchester.
Community Events & Culture
Friday Night Live
A beloved community concert series bringing live music, food vendors, and family fun to downtown Murrieta.
Summer Concert Series
Free outdoor concerts in local parks throughout the summer — bring a blanket and enjoy the music under the stars.
Holiday Parades & Festivals
From Fourth of July celebrations to winter holiday events, Murrieta knows how to bring the community together.
Community Theater
Local performing arts groups put on productions throughout the year, from family-friendly shows to dramatic performances.
Downtown Temecula Events
Old Town Temecula hosts street fairs, festivals, and seasonal celebrations on its historic main street throughout the year.
Wine Country Events
Temecula Valley wineries host harvest-season celebrations, festivals, and year-round events across the vineyards.
Lake Elsinore Diamond
Home of the Lake Elsinore Storm, a Single-A minor-league baseball affiliate of the San Diego Padres, with home games through the summer.
Shopping & Entertainment
Murrieta Town Center
A mix of retail, dining, and services in a convenient central location.
The Promenade Temecula
A major shopping destination with national retailers, restaurants, a movie theater, and seasonal events.
Old Town Temecula
Historic district with unique boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and a charming small-town atmosphere.
Pechanga Resort & Casino
A world-class resort featuring gaming, dining, entertainment, a spa, and a championship golf course.
Menifee Neighborhood Shopping
Everyday retail, groceries, and local services spread across Menifee's neighborhood shopping centers.
Lake Elsinore Downtown & Waterfront
A relaxed downtown along Main Street near the lake, with independent shops, local restaurants, and water views.
"Murrieta's best-kept secret is how much there is to do once you live here. You don't need to drive to the coast to have a great weekend — there's always something happening in the community."
— Laura Holbert, Team Integrity Realty
Looking for even more local events and happenings? Check out our complete local events calendar.
Want the Inside Scoop on Local Life?
We live here, work here, and love sharing what makes this area special. Reach out anytime — we're happy to help you get acquainted.