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Stroll Back in Time: America’s Most Walkable Historic Downtowns

Experience America’s past while enjoying the freedom of RV travel. These 12 walkable historic downtowns combine charm, culture, and convenience for the road-weary traveler.

Traveling by RV allows you to explore historic towns at your own pace, parking nearby and stepping right into the streets that tell America’s story. From cobblestone squares in the South to adobe-lined plazas in the Southwest, each town offers a unique blend of architecture, local flavor, and cultural heritage. The beauty of RV travel is that you can pair a scenic drive with a walking tour, savoring history both on the road and on foot.

These downtowns are compact, pedestrian-friendly, and packed with character. You’ll find inviting shops, historic museums, cozy cafés, and vibrant markets, all easily accessible without a car. Whether it’s exploring Revolutionary War landmarks in Boston, wandering Victorian streets in Bisbee or enjoying the culinary delights of Breaux Bridge, these towns are built for strolling and discovering hidden gems around every corner.

Beyond the sights, historic downtowns provide a glimpse into the lives and stories that shaped each region. Walking their streets lets you feel the pulse of history—from the frontier tales of Tombstone to the artistic legacy of Santa Fe. For RV travelers, the combination of mobility and walkable charm makes these towns ideal destinations for immersive, leisurely exploration.

Each stop on this list is chosen not only for its historical significance but also for its accessibility, atmosphere, and the memorable experiences that await those willing to slow down, park the RV, and step into the past. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a lover of architecture, these walkable historic downtowns offer something for every traveler.

Charleston *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

1. Charleston, South Carolina

Southern elegance and historic charm

Key highlight: Antebellum architecture and Southern charm
Must-see stops: King Street, The Battery, Historic churches, Waterfront Park
Walking tips: Cobblestone streets; early morning to avoid crowds; comfortable shoes recommended
Nearby RV Parks: James Island County Park, Mount Pleasant KOA, Oak Plantation Campground

Charleston’s historic downtown is a quintessential Southern treasure. Cobblestone streets wind past pastel antebellum homes, historic churches, and bustling waterfront markets. Visitors can enjoy boutique shopping, sample Lowcountry cuisine, or stroll along the Battery with views of Charleston Harbor. The city’s blend of history, architecture, and walkability makes it an essential stop on any southeastern RV route.

Drawing from the Charleston Bucket List: 20 Things To See and Do in Charleston, RV travelers can dive deeper into the city’s must-see experiences.

Take a walk along Rainbow Row’s colorful historic homes, explore the hidden gardens tucked behind centuries-old buildings, or enjoy a carriage tour through the cobblestone streets to see iconic landmarks from a unique perspective. From sampling shrimp and grits at local eateries to catching the sunset over Waterfront Park, these experiences highlight why Charleston embodies the essence of Southern hospitality, history, and charm for visitors arriving in their RV.

Savannah *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

2. Savannah, Georgia

Moss-draped squares and timeless beauty

Key highlight: Picturesque squares draped in Spanish moss
Must-see stops: Forsyth Park, River Street, Colonial Park Cemetery, Historic city squares
Walking tips: Flat and shaded streets; bring water during hot days; leisurely pace recommended
Nearby RV Parks: Skidaway Island State Park, CreekFire RV Resort, Red Gate Farms RV Resort

Savannah’s historic downtown feels like stepping into a Southern Gothic novel. Its leafy squares, centuries-old churches, and historic mansions create an atmospheric setting perfect for walking. River Street offers lively markets and waterfront views, while Jones Street is lined with stately homes. The city balances quiet, reflective corners with vibrant streets filled with culture.

Building on Savannah Offers History, Mystery, and Charm and Savannah Bucket List, RV travelers can enrich their visit with a deeper dive into the city’s unique blend of stories and scenery.

Centennial Park, Bonaventure Cemetery, and the hauntingly beautiful Colonial Park Cemetery reveal Savannah’s storied past while a slow stroll through Chippewa Square or Lafayette Square captures the timeless charm featured in your bucket list. Add in must-do experiences like exploring City Market, touring historic homes such as the Owens-Thomas House, or savoring Southern comfort food at classic Savannah eateries and you’ll understand why the city appeals to those drawn to its blend of history, mystery, and irresistible Southern grace.

Santa Fe *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

3. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Adobe artistry and vibrant culture

Key highlight: Pueblo-style adobe architecture and rich art scene
Must-see stops: Santa Fe Plaza, Palace of the Governors, Canyon Road galleries, Loretto Chapel
Walking tips: Watch for uneven adobe sidewalks; mornings are quieter; good walking shoes recommended
Nearby RV Parks: Santa Fe Skies RV Park

Santa Fe’s downtown plaza is a vibrant hub of culture, art, and history. Visitors can wander galleries along Canyon Road, admire adobe buildings, and explore the Palace of the Governors. The plaza hosts markets and events that showcase the city’s unique blend of Indigenous and Spanish influences. Its compact, walkable streets reward those who explore on foot.

As highlighted in Santa Fe Never Goes Out of Style and Top 9 Things to See and Do in Santa Fe, this timeless city continues to captivate travelers with its layered history and artistic soul.

The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, a must-do on your list, provides an intimate look at the life and work of one of America’s most iconic painters while a stroll through the mesmerizing galleries of Canyon Road showcases why Santa Fe remains a world-class art destination. Visitors can also trace the city’s spiritual heritage at San Miguel Chapel or admire the mysterious staircase inside the Loretto Chapel.

With its rich cultural tapestry, deeply rooted traditions, and effortlessly walkable streets, Santa Fe proves again and again why it never goes out of style—especially for RV travelers eager to immerse themselves in the Southwest’s most enduring cultural gem.

Boston *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

4. Boston, Massachusetts

Revolutionary history and cobblestone streets

Key highlight: Revolutionary War history and the Freedom Trail
Must-see stops: Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall, Beacon Hill
Walking tips: Streets can be crowded; plan your route along the Freedom Trail; comfortable shoes a must
Nearby RV Parks: Normady Farms Campground

Boston’s historic downtown combines colonial charm with modern city life. Walking the Freedom Trail takes visitors past taverns, monuments, and revolutionary landmarks while Beacon Hill offers cobblestone streets and brick rowhouses.

Drawing from Experience Boston’s Heritage and Discover the Birth of America on Boston’s Freedom Trail, RV travelers can dive deeper into the city’s most iconic historic sites.

Highlights such as Paul Revere’s House, the Old North Church, Faneuil Hall, and the Old State House bring the drama of the American Revolution vividly to life. Stops like the USS Constitution, Boston Common, and Granary Burying Ground—final resting place of Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Paul Revere—add powerful context to the country’s founding story.

Whether you’re tracing the steps of early patriots along the Freedom Trail or exploring Boston’s must-visit landmarks, this walkable downtown offers an unmatched journey into America’s origins, all easily accessible to travelers arriving by RV.

Bisbee *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

5. Bisbee, Arizona

Quirky charm and mining heritage

Key highlight: Quirky former mining town with Victorian architecture
Must-see stops: Old Bisbee district, Mining & Historical Museum, Brewery Gulch
Walking tips: Streets are steep; good shoes essential; start at the top of town
Nearby RV Parks: Bisbee RV Park at Turquoise Valley, The Shady Dell

Nestled in the Mule Mountains, Bisbee’s downtown is compact and colorful with steep streets lined with Victorian homes and galleries. Walking rewards visitors with stunning views, creative shops, and unique cafés. The town’s elevated layout provides both charm and a gentle workout for adventurous walkers.

Bisbee rewards those who linger. Beyond the postcard-worthy hillside homes and the iconic Copper Queen Hotel, the town reveals itself through its layered stories—miners who shaped the land, artists who revived it, and wanderers who stayed because they couldn’t bear to leave. Stroll past restored 19th-century facades to find cafés tucked into former saloons, murals blooming along stair-stepped alleys, and galleries that feel more like living studios than shops.

Whether you’re savoring the cool mountain air from a terrace perch or wandering the winding lanes that seem to unravel in delightful surprise, Bisbee invites you to slow down, look closer, and enjoy a destination that feels fiercely authentic and wonderfully offbeat.

Galveston *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

6. Galveston, Texas (The Strand)

Coastal history and Victorian architecture

Key highlight: 19th-century iron-front buildings and Gulf Coast history
Must-see stops: The Strand, Galveston Railroad Museum, Seawall, Bishop’s Palace
Walking tips: Flat streets; early morning/late afternoon ideal for photos; bring sun protection
Nearby RV Parks: Galveston Island KOA, Dellanera RV Park, Jamaica Beach RV Resort, Galveston Island State Park

Galveston’s Strand Historic District offers a vivid glimpse into the city’s maritime past. Visitors can stroll the ornate streets, explore museums, and enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants. Walking along the seawall adds coastal views to the historic experience.

Galveston unfolds like a coastal anthology—equal parts seaside escape, architectural treasure, and living museum of Gulf Coast heritage. As you explore, you’ll recognize many of the highlights celebrated in Top 10 Things to See & Do in Galveston: Beaches, History & Family Fun from its broad sandy beaches to its grand Victorian landmarks. But it’s The Strand that anchors the experience, a district whose charm and historic character captured so vividly in The Strand Historic District: Galveston’s Timeless Heart.

Wandering these streets, you can feel the island’s past humming beneath the ornate iron balconies and weathered brick storefronts, each building telling stories of resilience, trade, and salt-sprayed adventure. Galveston invites RV travelers not just to visit but to linger—to stroll, to savor, and to soak in a rhythm that blends maritime spirit with warm Southern ease.

Temecula *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

7. Temecula, California

Old West streets and vineyard vistas

Key highlight: Old Town charm and nearby vineyards
Must-see stops: Old Town boardwalk, Temecula Valley Museum, wine tasting rooms, Farmers’ Market
Walking tips: Casual shoes fine; combine downtown stroll with scenic vineyard drives
Nearby RV Parks: Pechanga Casino RV Resort, Pala Casino RV Resort

Temecula’s Old Town is lined with wooden boardwalks and restored storefronts offering a mix of history, boutique shopping, and local dining. Wine tasting rooms and farmers’ markets add to the leisurely walking experience, making it a perfect stop for RV travelers looking to combine history with relaxation.

Temecula rewards the slow traveler—especially those rolling in by RV—with a blend of Old West charm and vineyard elegance that feels both surprising and perfectly natural. As you meander through wooden boardwalks and century-old storefronts, you’ll recognize many of the gems highlighted in Exploring Old Town Temecula: 11 Must-See Stops for RV Travelers, from artisan shops to historic buildings lovingly preserved in place.

Yet Temecula’s story extends beyond its rustic downtown. Just a short drive away, the hills open into the pastoral beauty of Temecula Valley Wine Country where sun-drenched vineyards, tasting rooms, and scenic overlooks offer a graceful counterpoint to Old Town’s frontier vibe. For RVers, this dual personality—heritage and harvest—creates an experience that invites lingering afternoons, unrushed strolls, and the kind of discovery best enjoyed when home is parked just down the road.

Mobile *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

8. Mobile, Alabama

Southern traditions and festive spirit

Key highlight: French, Spanish, and Creole heritage; Mardi Gras traditions
Must-see stops: Historic squares, Mobile Carnival Museum, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Exploreum Science Center
Walking tips: Squares are ideal for strolls; bring sun protection; leisurely pace recommended
Nearby RV Parks: Meaher State Park, All About Relaxing RV Park

Mobile’s downtown streets preserve a rich mix of cultural influences. Visitors can explore historic squares, museums, and waterfront parks often punctuated by live music and vibrant festivals. The compact layout makes walking enjoyable and convenient.

Mobile greets travelers with a spirited mix of history, coastal culture, and Southern warmth—an atmosphere that RVers quickly discover is as welcoming as it is intriguing. Many of the city’s most memorable experiences echo those featured in 14 Awesome Things You Can Do in Mobile + Alabama Beaches where centuries-old forts, leafy squares, and shoreline views form the heart of exploration.

But the Ultimate Guide to Mobile, Alabama reveals an even deeper rhythm: the birthplace of America’s original Mardi Gras, a port city shaped by diverse influences, and a downtown where historic architecture meets waterfront breezes. Walking Mobile’s streets, you feel that blend of heritage and modern energy—colorful, storied, and unhurried—inviting RV travelers to pause, wander, and immerse themselves in a city that’s both timeless and constantly evolving.

Mesilla *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

9. Mesilla, New Mexico

Adobe plazas and old southwest charm

Key highlight: Old Southwest plaza and adobe architecture
Must-see stops: Mesilla Plaza, Basilica of San Albino, artisan shops, La Posta de Mesilla
Walking tips: Plaza is compact; watch for uneven brick sidewalks; casual pace recommended
Nearby RV Parks: Hacienda RV Resort, Sunny Acres RV Park

Mesilla’s plaza captures the essence of Old Southwest charm. RV travelers can stroll cobblestone streets, visit local shops, and enjoy traditional restaurants. Regular cultural events add to the experience making Mesilla a lively and accessible historic destination.

Mesilla invites travelers into a world where history feels strikingly alive, something captured in La Mesilla: Where History and Culture Become an Experience. As you wander its storied plaza and linger beneath the deep-shaded portals, the town reveals the quiet power of place—adobe walls that have witnessed empires shift, legends like Billy the Kid, and the long arc of frontier life that shaped the region.

Old Mesilla: Where Time Stood Still echoes through every step reminding RVers that this is a destination best savored slowly. Whether you’re sampling authentic New Mexican cuisine, admiring handcrafted art, or simply sitting in the soft glow of late-afternoon sun, Mesilla offers a rare gift: the feeling that the past isn’t behind you at all but woven into the rhythm of the moment.

Breaux Bridge *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

10. Breaux Bridge, Louisiana

Cajun culture and crawfish flavor

Key highlight: Cajun culture and the Crawfish Festival
Must-see stops: Main Street, Crawfish Museum, Bayou Teche Boardwalk, local music venues
Walking tips: Flat streets; lively evenings; casual shoes sufficient
Nearby RV Parks: Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Breaux Bridge, Poche’s RV Park

Breaux Bridge’s downtown streets reflect the town’s Cajun heritage. Visitors can enjoy local cuisine, music, and small-town charm, particularly during festival season. The compact streets are perfect for strolling at any time of day.

Breaux Bridge delivers the kind of cultural immersion that makes RV travel unforgettable—a place where food, music, and community blend into an atmosphere as warm as a Cajun kitchen. Authentic Breaux Bridge: Crawfish Capital of the World captures the town’s unmistakable spirit from its legendary crawfish dishes to the way locals turn every gathering into a celebration.

That same infectious energy shines through in I’m Going to Cajun Country! a reminder that Breaux Bridge is more than a stop—it’s an invitation into a living, breathing culture. Strolling through its historic downtown, RVers encounter the rhythms of zydeco, the aroma of spicy étouffée, and the charm of bayou life that seems to flow right through the heart of town. It’s a place where travelers don’t just observe Cajun heritage—they feel part of it.

Tombstone *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

11. Tombstone, Arizona

Wild west legends and frontier history

Key highlight: Legendary Wild West town and OK Corral
Must-see stops: OK Corral, Bird Cage Theatre, Allen Street, Courthouse State Historic Park
Walking tips: Compact downtown; sturdy shoes for wooden sidewalks; casual pace fine
Nearby RV Parks: Tombstone RV Park & Campground, Tombstone Territories RV Park

Tombstone’s Old West history is preserved in its downtown streets. Wooden storefronts, saloons, and reenactments make walking through town feel like stepping into a frontier movie. RV travelers enjoy easy access to the heart of this historic locale.

Tombstone invites RV travelers to step directly into the legend of the Wild West, a town where history and storytelling are alive on every street. The dusty sidewalks, wooden storefronts, and reenacted gunfights on Allen Street give visitors a sense of the frontier’s grit and drama. Beyond the famous OK Corral there are hidden gems to discover—historic saloons, museums, and quirky shops that preserve the spirit of the 1880s. Walking through Tombstone you feel the echoes of resilience and adventure that earned the town its reputation making it clear why this small Arizona outpost has survived, thrived, and captivated generations of travelers.

Sutter Creek *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

12. Sutter Creek, California

Gold rush heritage and small-town charm

Key highlight: Gold Rush-era town with Victorian storefronts
Must-see stops: Main Street, Amador County Museum, local wineries, historic buildings
Walking tips: Short, flat streets; combine with scenic drives; casual shoes fine
Nearby RV Parks: Jackson Racheria Casino RV Resort, Far Horizon 49ers Village

Sutter Creek is a charming Gold Rush-era town where visitors can stroll brick sidewalks, explore antique shops, and enjoy nearby wineries. The compact downtown encourages leisurely walks with the added pleasure of scenic California foothills surrounding the town.

Sutter Creek offers RV travelers a charming step back into California’s Gold Rush era where brick sidewalks, Victorian storefronts, and boutique shops invite slow, immersive exploration. As highlighted in Sutter Creek: The Hidden Gem of California’s Sierra Nevada Foothills, the town’s scenic streets and local eateries capture the essence of small-town California charm.

Meanwhile, Towns along the Gold Rush Trail: Amador City & Sutter Creek underscores the historical significance of this region, reminding visitors that every corner carries stories of prospectors, pioneers, and the flourishing communities they built. Walking through Sutter Creek, travelers can savor wine tasting rooms, antique shops, and historic architecture—all framed by the surrounding foothills—making it a quintessential stop for those seeking history, scenery, and a welcoming pace.

Conclusion & reflection

Stepping back in time while moving forward on the open road

Exploring these historic downtowns on an RV journey allows travelers to experience the best of America’s past at a relaxed pace. Each town offers its own story—from cobblestone streets in Charleston to Wild West legends in Tombstone—and walking them lets history come alive.

Traveling by RV adds flexibility and adventure, letting you pair scenic drives with strolls through vibrant, walkable streets. As John Burroughs said, “I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” On the road through America’s historic downtowns, that sense of calm and discovery extends to streets, plazas, and squares, where the past still feels alive for every traveler willing to stroll back in time.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in December 2025. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. For topics that may change quickly, please verify current details before planning. To ensure honesty and avoid bias, this website features no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just straightforward information for fellow travelers.

Exploring Old Town Temecula: 11 Must-See Stops for RV Travelers

A historic gem for RV travelers exploring Southern California Wine Country

The Golden State of California is far more than its Hollywood stars, Los Angeles freeways, or Disneyland magic. Beyond the coastal sprawl of San Diego and the urban buzz of San Francisco lies another side of California—one that calls to road-trippers and RVers alike. Nestled in the rolling hills between San Diego and Palm Springs, Temecula offers that perfect Southern California blend of sun, scenery, and small-town charm.

Known for its antique shops, craft breweries, championship golf courses, and farm-to-fork restaurants Temecula’s heart beats strongest in its Old Town. Here, rustic wooden boardwalks, vintage storefronts, and friendly faces invite you to slow down, stretch your legs, and soak up the easygoing vibe of wine country.

Whether you’re parked nearby for the night or exploring on a longer Southern California loop, Old Town Temecula is the perfect stop—rich in history, flavor, and eleven beautiful sights every RVer should experience.

Old Town Temecula *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Getting there for RVers

These routes ensure safe and comfortable driving for RVs

Old Town Temecula sits just off Interstate 15 about halfway between San Diego and Riverside—making it an easy detour or overnight stop on any Southern California RV route. The Main Street/Temecula Parkway (Highway 79) exit leads directly into town where wide streets and several public parking lots make maneuvering straightforward for smaller and mid-size rigs.

For larger motorhomes or those towing trailers consider parking at Temecula City Hall’s public lot off Mercedes Street or at Pechanga RV Resort just a few minutes south of Old Town where you can catch a quick rideshare or local shuttle.

Best time to visit: Spring and fall bring mild weather and smaller crowds though winter offers crisp days and clear skies for exploring. Weekdays are ideal if you prefer a more relaxed pace while weekends buzz with live music, markets, and festivals.
Insider tip: Combine your Old Town visit with a scenic drive through Temecula Valley Wine Country just five miles east—perfect for an afternoon of vineyard views before heading back to camp.

11 must stops in Old Town Temecula

Experiences that make it a must-stop destination

Step back in time and soak in the small-town magic of Old Town Temecula—where wooden boardwalks meet wine bars, street art, and vintage treasures. Don’t miss these 11 beautiful highlights that capture the spirit of Temecula.

1. Stroll the wooden boardwalks of Front Street

A step back in time

No visit to Old Town is complete without a leisurely walk along Front Street where the scent of barbecue mingles with the hum of live country music. Lined with western-style buildings, boutique shops, and saloons, this stretch captures the soul of Temecula’s frontier past. You’ll find a mix of old and new here—historic façades now home to wine bars, cafes, and artisan galleries.
RVer tip: Park in the large public lot off 6th Street and start at the Old Town Archway Sign for a scenic introduction. Early morning and golden hour walks offer great light for photos and fewer crowds.

2. Visit the Temecula Valley Museum

A good short stop for all ages

Nestled in Sam Hicks Monument Park, the Temecula Valley Museum offers a fascinating window into the region’s evolution—from its Native American beginnings to Spanish mission days and the boom of ranching and winemaking. The exhibits include historic maps, antique wagons, and rare photographs that tell the story of a town built on hard work and hospitality. Parking is available nearby but RV travelers should park at their resort or designated city lots, as street parking may not accommodate larger rigs.

Why RVers love it: The museum’s compact size makes it easy to explore in under an hour and there’s plenty of shaded space for picnics or a quiet coffee break.

3. Let your inner kid loose at Pennypickle’s Workshop

A hands-on children’s science museum

You’ll know you’ve arrived at Pennypickle’s Workshop when you spot the quirky gadgets, gears, and pipes spilling from the windows. Inside, the “home” of Professor Phineas Pennypickle is part science museum, part imagination factory. Kids (and adults who never lost their curiosity) can push buttons, open hidden doors, and explore creative contraptions.

RVer tip: It’s a delightful stop if you’re traveling with family—or simply need an air-conditioned escape on a hot Temecula afternoon. Parking is generally available nearby but RVs should use designated lots or resort parking before walking into Old Town.

4. Admire the Historic Chapel of Memories

A beautifully preserved wooden chapel

Built in 1917, this quaint white chapel once served as a community church for early settlers. Today, the Chapel of Memories stands as a beautiful symbol of Temecula’s heritage with its stained-glass windows casting colorful light across worn pews. The small garden outside offers a peaceful moment amid the bustle of Old Town.

Why RVers love it: Centrally located, free to visit, and ideal for quiet reflection or a quick photograph—this little landmark embodies the spirit of small-town California.

5. Sip and sample local flavors

There’s something for every palate

Old Town is a foodie’s dream. Wander into Temecula Olive Oil Company for complimentary tastings of locally grown olive oils or enjoy wine flights at Lorimar Loft and Baily’s Tasting Room. Pair your sip with farm-to-table bites at Public House or a gourmet burger from 1909 Temecula where the historic building once housed a saloon and brothel.

RVer tip: Visit mid-afternoon to avoid dinner crowds. If you plan to sample wines, park the rig and take a short walk through town—everything is within easy reach.

6. Hunt for antiques and artisan treasures

Happy hunting!

Temecula’s Old Town is a treasure chest for collectors and craft lovers. Step inside Fourth Street Antiques or Old Town Antique Faire where you might uncover a vintage sign, mid-century glassware, or an old Route 66 souvenir. Alongside antiques, local artists sell hand-thrown pottery, leather goods, and jewelry.

Why RVers love it: After days on the road browsing these cozy shops feels like a treat—and it’s easy to find small, packable keepsakes that fit perfectly into an RV lifestyle.

7. Stock up at the Saturday Farmer’s Market

Fresh, local flavors and artisan goods

Every Saturday morning, Old Town’s 6th Street bursts into color and flavor with its open-air farmers market. Fresh strawberries, local honey, tamales, and handmade soaps fill the stalls. Live musicians add a festive air as visitors sip coffee and sample warm pastries.

RVer tip: Arrive by 8:30 am to snag good parking and the freshest produce. It’s a great way to refill your RV fridge with local goods before hitting the road again.

8. Step back in time at the Historic Hotel Temecula

One of Old Town’s most storied landmarks

Built in 1891, the Hotel Temecula is one of the town’s crown jewels. Once a stagecoach stop and later a railroad inn it’s been lovingly restored with creaky wood floors, antique furniture, and black-and-white photographs of early Temecula. Even if you don’t stay overnight, ask for a quick tour—owners often share stories of the building’s colorful past.

Why RVers love it: Easy to access right on Front Street and an atmospheric stop that brings Temecula’s Old West history vividly to life.

9. Enjoy live music and local events

Event schedules vary by season

Old Town Temecula’s calendar is packed with energy. From outdoor concerts at the Civic Center Plaza to the legendary Temecula Rod Run, there’s always something happening. The streets hum with live bands, car enthusiasts, art vendors, and great local food. On summer nights, patios glow with string lights and laughter.

RVer tip: Check the city’s events calendar before your visit—parking fills quickly during festivals so plan to arrive early or stay nearby at one of the RV resorts.

10. Capture the perfect Temecula sunset

Historic backdrops for sunset shots

When the day winds down, the town’s rustic facades and string-lit streets turn golden beneath the setting sun. Watch from the Civic Center terrace or take a quiet seat on a bench along Front Street as the mountains fade to purple. The soft glow over the historic rooftops makes for unforgettable photos.

Why RVers love it: It’s the perfect way to end your day before heading back to your rig—glass of local wine or scoop of ice cream in hand.

11. Discover the Old Town murals

A visual journey through Temecula’s past

As you explore Old Town keep your eyes open for the colorful murals that decorate its buildings and alleyways. These large-scale artworks celebrate Temecula’s heritage—depicting scenes of ranch life, vineyards, and the early railroads that shaped the town’s growth. Some favorites include the “Grapes of Wrath” mural on Front Street and the “Butterfield Stagecoach” mural near the Civic Center, both perfect photo backdrops.

Why RVers love it: The murals make for a fun self-guided walking tour that combines history and art. Bring your camera (or phone) and capture your rig’s mascot or travel companions in front of each—instant road trip memories!

Pechanga Casino RV Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Where RVers can stay nearby

Here are the best-rated and most convenient places

You’ll find several RV-friendly campgrounds within minutes of Old Town Temecula:

Pechanga RV Resort: Full hookups, immaculate facilities, and a shuttle to the casino and restaurants.
Temecula/Vail Lake KOA: Spacious sites, a pool, hiking trails, and a peaceful wooded setting just east of town.
Lake Skinner Recreation Area: Scenic lake views and plenty of space to relax; ideal for longer stays.
Pala Casino RV Resort: Just a short drive south of Temecula this luxury RV park offers oversized pull-through sites, pristine facilities, and access to one of Southern California’s best casino resorts. I stayed here for a week—it’s amazing! With mountain views, a sparkling pool, and friendly staff, it’s a destination in itself.

All four locations offer easy access to both Old Town and Temecula Valley Wine Country.

RV travel tip box

Fuel up: Large, easy-access fuel stations are available along I-15 and Temecula Parkway. Avoid Old Town’s narrowest side streets in larger rigs.
Parking: Use the public lots off 6th and Mercedes Streets. If in doubt, scout first in your tow vehicle.
Timing: Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds and more elbow room on Front Street.
Day trip idea: Pair Old Town with a drive through Temecula Valley Wine Country or head south to Pala Casino for fine dining, live entertainment, or a relaxing pool day.
RV comforts: Pechanga and Pala RV Resorts both offer resort-style pools, spas, and excellent on-site dining—perfect for unwinding after a day in town.

Similar reads

For readers interested in further exploring the Temecula area

If you have more time: Nearby Temecula adventures

Making your RV stay even more memorable

For those traveling by RV or staying a few extra days, Temecula’s surroundings promise unforgettable side trips. These nearby adventures blend natural beauty, local flavor, and a taste of Southern California’s diverse landscape.

Temecula Valley Wine Country: Just five minutes east of Old Town this rolling landscape of vineyards and tasting rooms is a must for wine lovers. Many wineries offer shaded patios, picnic areas, and scenic views of the valley—perfect for RV travelers looking to stretch their legs and sip local wines.
Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve: A short drive west brings you to this stunning natural area where oak woodlands, grasslands, and vernal pools are home to rare wildlife. Hiking trails range from easy loops to longer adventures offering panoramic views of the Temecula hills—ideal for an early-morning or sunset hike.
Pala Mission and Cultural Center: Located south of Temecula near Pala Casino this historic Spanish mission showcases California’s early colonial history. Take a quiet stroll through the gardens, admire the architecture, and reflect on the region’s rich heritage—an easy stop before returning to your RV resort or campsite.

Insider tip: These day trips pair perfectly with Old Town Temecula. Park your RV at a nearby resort like Pechanga or Pala Casino RV Resort and explore each destination at a leisurely pace.

Final thoughts

The area caters well to RV travelers

Old Town Temecula is more than a quick stop—it’s a place where California’s past and present meet in one walkable welcoming district. For RVers, it’s the perfect blend of history, flavor, and convenience with attractions you can enjoy without ever leaving town.

So next time you’re cruising the I-15 set your GPS for Temecula and spend a day exploring its heart. Between the clinking wine glasses, live street music, sunlit murals, and golden sunsets you’ll quickly see why Old Town Temecula is one of Southern California’s most beautiful stops for RV travelers.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in November 2025. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. For topics that may change quickly, please verify current details before planning. To ensure honesty and avoid bias, this website features no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just straightforward information for fellow travelers.

Worth Pondering…

Old Town Temecula is the kind of place that makes you slow down, stretch your legs, and savor every moment. From sunlit murals to charming boardwalks and local wines, it’s a reminder that the best adventures are the ones you park for, step out, and truly explore.

The 10 Best Day Trips in Southern California

Did your favorite Southern California experience make the list?

Home to so many large urban centers, Southern California is also incredibly rich in diverse ecosystems that range from deserts to mountaintops. Small charming towns provide a wonderful, relaxing destination in their own right while national and state parks offer active recreation but also an opportunity to get close to the natural world.

Palm Springs

Located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Palm Springs is known for its healing hot springs, luxury hotels, world-class golf courses, and pampering spas. Palm Springs has a number of great mid-century modern architecture examples especially in its downtown shopping district on Palm Canyon Drive.

Just outside the city is Coachella Valley with excellent trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the top of San Jacinto Peak for spectacular views of the city. Visit the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens to see what thrives in the sparse desert ecosystem. Enjoy the 1938 Palm Springs Art Museum to learn about regional art, performing arts, and natural science.

Julian

Julian is a charming historic town and a popular mountain getaway in the scenic Cuyamaca Mountains. Julian was in the heart of the only San Diego gold rush when gold was found in a local creek in early 1870. The gold rush did not last long but many miners stayed to farm the rich land. Many remnants from the gold rush era are still standing and visitors can travel back in time by visiting the historic 1870 buildings.

Gold made Julian, but apples made Julian famous. Its legendary crop won first prize at two World’s Fairs and is still the reason many visitors flock to this mountain town. No trip to Julian would be complete without digging into a slice of the town’s famed apple pie.

Old Town Temecula

Located in the heart of Temecula, the Old Town district is a unique blend of historic buildings, shops, restaurants, museums, hotels, weekly farmers’ markets, and special events in one walkable area. History buffs can wander the streets viewing rustic buildings, sidewalks, and storefronts reminiscent of the historic golden west in the 1880s. Take a step back in time and stroll along the wooden boardwalks past rustic western-era buildings, antique shops, and specialty boutiques.

Cabot’s Pueblo Museum

Cabot’s Pueblo Museum is a house museum in Desert Hot Springs. A large, Hopi-style pueblo was built in the Pueblo revival style by homesteader and adventurer Cabot Abram Yerxa in the early 20th century. The four-story 5,000-square-foot house was entirely hand-made from found and reclaimed objects and has 35 rooms, 65 doors, and 150 windows.

The house museum is a fascinating portrait of the life adventures of Cabot Yerxa and his family. It includes many household artifacts collected during their adventures through the Dakota Territory, Mexico, Alaska, Cuba, France, California, and the Southwest. There are also many artworks from Alaska Native and Native American cultures as well as curious memorabilia of desert homesteaders’ life.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park has two distinct desert ecosystems, the high Mojave Desert and the lower Colorado Desert. It is home to an incredible diversity of plants and is characterized by stark, empty desert landscapes and rugged and colorful rock formations.

The park got its name for one of the most common trees in the region: The twisted, strange-looking, bristly Joshua tree. The incredible beauty and strange energy of the place have long attracted painters, musicians, and other artistic types.

Today, the park offers all kinds of adventures, from exploring the Indian Cove Nature Trail to rock climbing at Echo Cove or any of over 8,000 climbs and 400 rock formations to strolling through the magical Cholla Cactus Garden.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Anza-Borrego Desert, the largest state park in California, and was established in 1933 to protect unique and fragile desert ecosystems. The park is framed by rugged ranges of the Bucksnorts, the Santa Rosas, the Jacumba Mountains, the Vallecito Mountains, the Pinyon Mountains, the Anza-Borrego Mountains, and the Carrizo Badlands.

More than 500 miles of roads run through the park, over rocky hills, deep sands, cool streams, and steep hills, some requiring an off-road vehicle. The park includes some of the warmest temperatures in the country as well as rich 6,000-year-old archaeological findings. Visiting the park in the spring will award visitors with a spectacular mosaic of wildflowers. The park is home to many animals including mountain lions, coyotes, and bighorn sheep.

Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge

As a US congressman from California, Sonny Bono fought for funding to save the Salton Sea which suffers from water depletion, pollution, and too much salinity. The refuge was established in 1930 as a breeding ground for birds and wild animals and was renamed to honor Bono after he died in a skiing accident in 1998.

Over 400 bird species, 41 species of mammals, 18 species of reptiles, four species of amphibians, and 15 species of fish have been recorded on the refuge. The refuge features a visitor center, an observation tower, and a trail that climbs to the top of a small inactive volcano—two miles out and back.

Temecula Wine Country © Rex Vogel, *all rights reserved*

Temecula Valley Wine Country

For many visitors, the Temecula Valley Wine Country is a surprise. After all, a lot of people just don’t expect to see gently rolling hills blanketed with rows of vineyards in Southern California. But the Temecula Valley has been producing top wines since the 1970s. And like the best vintages, this wine country just gets better with age.

It’s a diverse growing region, home to everything from cooler climate grapes like Chardonnay to such warm-weather loving varieties as Syrah and Grenache. The tasting experience is varied, too. Visit posh wineries with lavish restaurants overlooking the vines and summer concerts featuring top performers.

Coachella Valley Preserve

One of the most unique places in the Coachella Valley is the Coachella Valley Preserve. The 17,000-acre site has 25 miles of hiking trails and is home to the spectacular Thousand Palm Oasis which is fed by water seeping out of the San Andreas Fault.

There are also several other palm oases including the Willis, Hidden Horseshoe, and Indian Palms. Located in the center is the Paul Wilhelm Grove which is also the location of the Preserve’s visitor’s center. The preserve has several hiking trails including the McCallum, Hidden Palms, Moon Country, Pushawalla Palms, and Willis Palms.

Borrego sculptors © Rex Vogel, *all rights reserved*

Monsters in the Desert

The desert landscape near Borrego Springs has been changed forever by the appearance of prehistoric creatures that pop up alongside the roadside. The original steel welded sculptors, the craft of artist/welder Ricardo Breceda, began arriving in April 2008 on Dennis Avery’s private parcel of land known as Galleta Meadows Estate.

There are now over 130 meticulously crafted metal sculptures sprinkled throughout the small town of Borrego Springs. Elephants, raptors, mammoths, sloths, and saber-toothed tigers prowl the desert off Borrego Springs Road north and south of the town proper. From ground-hugging desert tortoises to rearing horses, each rust-colored sculpture is filled with intricate detail–from the curling eyelashes of 10-foot high elephants to the shaved metal fur of the equally imposing sloths.

Worth Pondering…

Trampled in dust I’ll show you a place high on the desert plain where the streets have no name, where the streets have no name …

—Joshua Tree, sung by U2, 1987

California Missions: San Antonio de Pala Asistencia

When visiting, be sure to see the chapel which has been fully restored

Starting in 1769, Spain built a chain of 21 missions across the length of Alta California—from San Diego to Sonoma—as a way of gaining a foothold in the new frontier. California’s mission era ended in 1834 but you can still see the architectural legacy that endures in the state’s red tile roofs, whitewashed walls, arched colonnades, and bell towers.

San Antonio de Pala Asistencia *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The missions were built approximately 30 miles apart—about a day’s journey by horseback—covering 650 miles total. All 21 missions are open to visitors and feature a gift shop and museum and most of them hold mass on Sundays (or even daily).

Old Mission San Luis Rey de Francia is the 18th in a chain of 21 California missions. It was established in 1798 by Father Fermin Lausen who was president of missions during that era.

Located in present-day Oceanside, the mission was named for Louis IX, king of France. The main church was designed and constructed in the shape of a cross. Its impressive architecture combined Spanish, Moorish, and Mexican influence. All the buildings were arranged around a 500 by 500 foot quadrangle, nearly the size of two football fields.

Mission San Luis Rey was one of the largest outposts stretching over 1,000 square miles in what is now San Diego and Riverside counties. This outpost provided support for the mission and also allowed baptized Indians to remain in their native villages and serve the mission by working on the ranchos.

Mission San Luis Rey expanded its influence north and east including the Pala Valley. Mission San Luis Rey’s first record of construction at Rancho de Pala was in the annual report of 1810. This construction was a granary and other buildings soon followed. As Mission San Luis Rey began to flourish, Father Peyri felt it was necessity to establish an asistencia near Pala because it was the natural congregating place for a large native population. A chapel was built in 1816.

Within two short years, the quadrangle was complete, two granaries were built, and two apartments were built, one for men and boys and one for women and girls. By 1818, a small town had began. Father Peyri had an aqueduct built to supply water to the mission. By 1821, the mission only lacked a resident priest to make the asistencia a full mission. Mission Pala had reached its peak prosperity by 1827.

Three mission asistencias were built in the San Diego district. Mission Pala is still in active service and is the only Mission to have remained in continuous service as was originally established ministering a native population.

The Asistencia was named in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua, nicknamed the “Wonderworker of the world.” Pala continues to be an active Church.

The bell tower is striking in that it is detached from the building, unusual in the mission system. It is modeled on a tower in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. The two bells were cast in Mexico. The larger is dedicated to St. Francis, St. Luis the King, St. Clare, and St. Eulalia. The maker of the bell is named as Cervantes. The smaller bell is dedicated to Jesus and Mary.

Step back from the tower and look carefully at the top of the tower. There you will see a small cactus plant growing by the base of the cross. It is said that upon completion of the Asistencia, Padre Peyri climbed the tower and planted a cactus to symbolize Christ conquering the desert (both in California and the human heart and soul).

There is a courtyard in front of the church entrance.

Across the street from the Asistencia is a park.

Inside the Church you will find the original floor and outstanding Indian art. The chapel here is much smaller than the typical mission chapel and it uses a lot of large wood beams which you do not see as often in the other missions. The chapel can still hold a decent amount of people though and it is working chapel for Mass on the weekends. The altar is relatively plain but beautiful in its simplicity and the walls are covered in a fading pattern.

Behind the bell tower is the cemetery for both Indians and people who lived and worked at the mission. It is the original cemetery for the Asistencia and contains the remains of hundreds of Indian converts and early California settlers. It is still in use as evidenced by some of the current dates on the headstones.

Pala Casino RV Resort *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Walking through the cemetery and out the back to the main church office offers an interesting view on cultural differences. In front of the office you will find a statue of St. Anthony of Padua; but unlike many such statues you see at other churches and missions, this one depicts St. Anthony as a person of color. Around the front, there is a bell post that signifies this spot as a mission on the El Camino Real Trail.

It took about 20 minutes to walk around this mission and see it. I wouldn’t say you should plan a trip just around visiting this mission but if you are in the area then it is worth stopping by as it is interesting and historic.

Pala Casino RV Resort is reason enough to be in the area with 100 large full-service sites with grass lawns and picnic tables. Temecula and Temecula Valley wineries are 22 miles to the north. Here you can taste and tour through nearly 50 wineries, stroll the boardwalks of historic Old Town, shop Promenade Temecula or the local farmers’ markets, and play a round of golf.

Worth Pondering…

The lack of a sense of history is the damnation of the modern world.

—Robert Penn Warren (1905-1989)

When you need to get out of the Phoenix Heat, Cool off with These Getaways

Looking for somewhere to escape the heat? Here are some of the coolest places near Phoenix.

When you’ve had it with 100+ degrees, plan a trip to one of these cooler destinations.

Summer is so hot in Phoenix. You’re desperate to escape. But … you are out of ideas.

If you need inspiration on where to flee the oppressive triple-digit temperatures, you’ve come to the right place. All of these destinations can be done in a recreational vehicle.

Here are six cool getaways, complete with mileage from central Phoenix and typical summer temps. (Don’t blame us if you hit traffic.)

Prescott

100 miles, 85 degrees

Topping our list is an Arizona city that gets you into cooler temps in the least amount of time. Prescott sits at an elevation of 5,200 feet and the mercury rarely hits 100.

Watson Lake, Prescott *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Whether you want to hike or kayak on Watson Lake or Lynx Lake or check out the art scene, the Prescott Office of Tourism has some suggested itineraries on its website.

Fans of history will enjoy strolling Whiskey Row (don’t miss the Palace Saloon, Arizona’s oldest bar) or browsing booths at the art festivals on Courthouse Plaza most summer weekends. If you want to make it a weekend trip or longer, there are plenty of RV parks and campgrounds to choose from.

Williams

174 miles, 80 degrees

The opium dens, bordellos, and other landmarks of Williams historic past are long gone. But some kinder, gentler vestiges of this town’s Wild West era remain. The town of 3,000 residents, considered the gateway to the Grand Canyon, is home to the Grand Canyon Railway, an excursion train that traverses the scenic, high-desert plateau between a historic depot and the canyon.

Grand Canyon Railway *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Williams boasts the final stretch of Route 66 to be bypassed by Interstate 40 (on October 13, 1984). Today, the town’s Main Street is a National Historic District. Its storefronts house gift shops and classic diners and motels which preserve a bygone era.

Bisbee

207 miles, 90 degrees

You might not think you’ll get cooler by heading to southern Arizona, but if you visit the historic mining town of Bisbee, elevation 5,538 feet, you’ll find temperatures 15-20 degrees cooler than Phoenix.

Queen Mine, Bisbee *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Once the largest town between St. Louis and San Francisco, Bisbee dwindled to a small town after the mines shut down. But there’s still a lot to explore. Learn about the town’s mining history by touring the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum and Queen Mine. Visit Arizona’s smallest bar, go on a ghost tour, or climb the Heritage Stairs.

Chiricahua National Monument

230 miles, 90 degrees

Situated in southeastern Arizona, Chiricahua National Monument spans an elevation of 5,124 feet at the visitor center to a peak of 7,310 feet at the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. That elevation makes it a cool mountain getaway where you can hike amid wildly eroded rock formations.

There’s no admission fee to the monument. You’ll only have to pay if you plan to camp, which costs $20 per site, $10 if you have an America the Beautiful access pass.

For a full-service RV park, base yourself in Willcox, 35 miles away. The little community is building a reputation among wine lovers for its downtown tasting rooms and numerous wineries within easy driving distance.

Temecula, California

347 miles, 82 degrees

Southern California’s wine country made Wine Enthusiast’s 2019 list of 10 best wine travel destinations. Temecula Valley has nearly 40 family vineyards and a variety of craft breweries and distilleries.

Old Town Temecula is the heart of the foodie and event scene. Along with Shakespeare in the Vines at the Baily Winery, popular events include the Temecula Art & Street Painting Festival and Pechanga MicroBrew Festival in June, Old Town Temecula 4th of July Parade, and California Wine Month in September.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

480 miles, 83 degrees

Santa Fe prides itself on celebrating all of its rich history. It recognizes its roots in Pueblo Indian culture, the Spanish colonial period, and its position today as New Mexico’s state capital and a haven for artists, writers, and other creative types.

Palace of the Governors, Santa Fe *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Santa Fe means holy faith in Spanish and the city also celebrates its spiritual heritage with some of the oldest churches in the country. With its intriguing mix of galleries, restaurants, museums, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, Santa Fe has experiences for everyone.

Loretto Chapel, Santa Fe *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Worth Pondering…

“‘Heat, ma’am!’ I said; ‘it was so dreadful here, that I found there was nothing left for it but to take off my flesh and sit in my bones.”

—Sydney Smith

Temecula Valley Wine Country

Wine Enthusiast has named Temecula Valley one of the 10 Best Wine Travel Destinations

For years, the Temecula Valley wine country—an unassuming area of rolling hills set close to the Southern California desert—has been somewhat of an under-the-radar destination. But it’s a secret no longer. Wine Enthusiast has named Temecula Valley one of the “10 Best Wine Travel Destinations for 2019” shining a spotlight on the area’s winning combination of notable wines and top-notch hospitality.

Robert Renzoni Vineyard & Winery *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The first modern commercial vineyard was planted in 1968 by the late Vincenzo Cilurzo and his wife Audrey. Cilurzo worked as a television lighting director in Los Angeles for many years and, like many later Temecula Valley pioneers, he fostered an interest in winemaking as a hobby before he decided to pursue his dream full time.

Later in 1968, Guasti-based Brookside Winery also planted a vineyard in Temecula Valley. In 1971, Brookside Winery produced the first commercial wines made from Temecula grapes.

Fazeli Cellars *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Callaway Vineyard and Winery began farming grapes in 1969, and opened the first Temecula Winery in 1974. Its founder, Ely Callaway went on to gain fame and fortune in the world of golf with his namesake company, Callaway Golf.

John Poole’s Mount Palomar Winery opened in 1975, and in 1978 the Cilurzos opened the third Temecula winery at a new site. Their original vineyard, Temecula’s oldest, is now owned by Maurice Car’rie Winery.

Temecula Valley received formal recognition as an American Viticultural Area in 1984, first as Temecula AVA with a subsequent name change to Temecula Valley AVA in 2004.

Temecula Valley now boasts over 40 licensed wineries, producing over 500,000 cases annually.

The De Portola Wine Trail is quickly becoming the new “Wine Row” of Temecula, and this is a balance combination of the picturesque valley and the nine unique wineries that nestle amid the rolling hills.

Located on the west end of the De Portola Wine Trail is family owned Robert Renzoni Vineyards. The tasting room is located on 12 acres of rolling hills featuring nine acres dedicated to classic Italian and Bordeaux grape varieties, uniquely planted in six segmented micro climate blocks. The Renzoni family began creating wines over 100 years ago along Italy’s northern coast. Today, Robert Renzoni Vineyards continues the tradition begun by their ancestors.

We tasted a portfolio of five wines in the Tuscan Villa tasting room that included Barile Chardonnay, Barbara, Old Vine Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, and Montepulciano. Tasting fee is $15 ($20 on weekends). We purchased two bottles of Zinfandel.

We previously visited the Temecula Valley Wine Country in November 2001 while staying at Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes Preserve. We took in the 10^th annual Harvest Wine Celebration held the third weekend in November. At that time 14 wineries produced premium wines made possible by a unique micro-climate and well-drained decomposed granite soils.

Traveling east on Rancho California Road, we started with the last winery, Wilson Creek. Founded and operated by the Wilson family, Wilson Creek carried a broad selection of premium wines and offered a unique tasting experience including the very popular Almond Champagne. Next to the winery and tasting room was an elegant wedding gazebo, landscaped gardens, a large event tent, and a natural creek and pond.

Today, Wilson Creek Winery and Vineyards features a welcoming tasting room, full-service restaurant with vineyard view dining and expansive patio, creek side picnic area, indoor and outdoor conference and event spaces, romantic wedding venue, and exclusive retreat accommodations.

The following day we returned to the Temecula Valley Wine Country stopping for tastings at Filsinger, Keyways, Van Roekel, and Callaway Wineries. And that was 17 years ago when wine tasting was $3 to $5 a person and often with a complimentary wine glass.

A family-owned winery since 1978, Filsinger currently produces about 7,000 cases including seven different varietal wines and four types of champagnes.

Founded in 1989, Keyways Vineyard and Winery was one of the original wineries along Temecula Valley’s winding De Portola Wine Trail. Keyways’ beautiful building and grounds are reminiscent of an early California mission, complete with vineyards and horses grazing in a nearby coral.

Maurice Car’rie Winery produces wines under the Maurice Car’rie and Van Roekel labels.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery wines are only available at the winery and are offered for tasting and purchase in their gift shop and tasting room.

Pechanga Casino RV Resort *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Where to Stay: Pechanga Casino RV Resort, Temecula

Worth Pondering…

Maybe it’s because I’m getting older, I’m finding enjoyment in things that stop time. Just the simple act of tasting a glass of wine is its own event.

―David Hyde Pierce

Temecula Valley: 50 Years in the Grapes

Winegrowing goes back over 50 years in Temecula Valley

A stone’s throw from the millions of people who inhabit Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties, the Temecula Valley sits in western Riverside County.

Robert Renzoni Vineyard *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

On a hot August day in the late 1960s, Eli Callaway, a very East Coast businessman, was being driven on what is now Rancho California Road when he came upon a very pregnant woman working in a small family vineyard.

“It must have been over 100 degrees,” said Audrey Cilurzo, who with her husband, Vincenzo, had planted the first commercial vineyard in the region.

Dressed in a Brooks Brothers suit and wearing white shoes, Ely Callaway wasted little time.

“He walked up to me and said, ‘My name is Ely Callaway and I’m the CEO of Burlington Industries and I only have two hours to learn all there is to know about the wine business.'”

Fifty years later, much has changed in Temecula.

Temecula’s Wine Country, a dream of a handful of pioneers five decades ago, has grown in both size and prestige having been named one of the “10 Best Wine Travel Destinations for 2019” by the prestigious Wine Enthusiast.

Ely Callaway and John Moramarco met on a dirt road in what is now Temecula’s Wine Country when Callaway was looking for property to buy.

In 1967, Moramarco who descended from a long line of viticulturists had been hired by Brookside Winery of Rancho Cucamonga to come to Rancho California to plant 1,000 acres of grapes. Brookside and the Cilurzos were the first to plant commercial vineyards in the valley.

Callaway asked Moramarco where a good location would be for a winery. Moramarco pointed to the spot where the winery sits today.

In 1968, Callaway bought 150 acres. Soon after, he hired Moramarco away from Brookside to plant grapes and manage the vineyard.

The next year, Moramarco planted 105 acres of grapevines, including 40 acres of sauvignon blanc, 40 acres of chenin blanc, and 25 acres of white riesling.

In 1973, Callaway sold 25 tons of grapes to Robert Mondavi Winery, keeping just enough of his harvest to determine whether he should build a winery in Temecula.

After heading up giant textile manufacturer Burlington Industries, but being passed over for its chief executive officer position in 1973, Callaway “retired” to Temecula to oversee the vineyard. In January 1974, he began building the winery, with plans to crush and bottle the first Callaway wines that September. Moramarco served as the vineyard’s manager. The first wines were sold in October 1975.

Eli Callaway sold the winery to Hiram Walker & Sons in 1981 and went on to gain fame and fortune in the world of golf with his namesake company, Callaway Golf.

You can find almost every familiar variety in California here, from Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon to Syrah, Zinfandel, Grenache, and Merlot. There are also some grapes that aren’t so common, like Vermentino, Falanghina, and Counoise.

Red blends are popular including classic styles like Rhône and Bordeaux blends. Grapes that originate in warmer climates, like Sangiovese and Tempranillo, also do well.

The rather warm region is cooled by Pacific Ocean wind and fog that sails through the “Rainbow Gap” of the Santa Margarita Mountains. Today, thanks to more than 40 wineries and their multifaceted tasting rooms, the hospitality industry is thriving, with restaurants, hotels, golf courses, breweries, distilleries, and even a casino with a 5-star RV Park.

With great wines and beautiful scenery, Temecula Valley is a fun place to spend a few days or a few weeks in your RV with lots of options for all ages.

Where to Stay: Pechanga Casino RV Resort, Temecula

Worth Pondering…

Products from the soil are still the greatest industry in the world.

—Dick Cooper, 1966

Temecula Valley Named Best Wine Destination for 2019

The Southern California wine region was named one of the best destinations for 2019

The esteemed annual list is a product of extensive travel and tastings that Wine Enthusiast editors and contributors undertake throughout the year.

Robert Renzoni Vineyards © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

“We seek locales that offer world-class wines as well as unforgettable restaurants, hotels, and cultural activities suited for the intrepid wine lover,” says the publication’s executive editor, Susan Kostrzewa. “The list balances classic, famed regions with emerging, insider gems that have yet to be discovered.”

This marks the first time that Temecula Valley was selected.

“The wines have never been better,” says Wine Enthusiast contributing editor Matt Kettmann, “and I’ve sensed an increased focus on grape growing and quality winemaking in just the past five years that I’ve been covering the region. Plus, there’s a lot more excitement surrounding their hospitality offerings now than ever before.”

Temecula Valley has been producing notable wines since the late 1960s, when early adopters discovered that a wide range of varietals could flourish here. Now, winemakers have had time to take their craft to the next level. In addition, some have opened hotels and gourmet restaurants to round out the experience.

“Not long ago, Temecula Valley was just beginning to create tourism experiences with only a handful of wineries and offerings,” says Kimberly Adams, CEO of Visit Temecula Valley. “The pioneers had a dream and persevered; it was their passion—and that of those who followed—that continue to make this a destination people fall in love with.”

Relative newcomers are making an impact, too—like Robert Renzoni and his vineyard, which he opened in 2008 on the west end of the De Portola Wine Trail. The tasting room is located on 12 acres of rolling hills featuring nine acres dedicated to classic Italian and Bordeaux grape varieties, uniquely planted in six segmented micro climate blocks.

The Renzoni family began creating wines over 100 years ago along Italy’s northern coast. Today, Robert Renzoni Vineyards continues the tradition begun by their ancestors.

“Back in the day, people used to laugh at Napa and Paso Robles,” he says. “It took determination and experimentation for those regions to get to where they are now.”

He says Temecula is following the same trajectory: Dedicated winegrowers are settling here, doing their homework, and continually experimenting. Now they’ve had time to figure out what grows best; with a terroir and elevation similar to Tuscany, that’s been mainly the Mediterranean varietals.

“Syrah and Sangiovese will make this region famous,” he says, but Petit Sirah, Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, Montepulciano, and Vermentino are flourishing as well.”

On a recent visit we tasted a portfolio of five wines in their Tuscan Villa tasting room that included Barile Chardonnay, Barbara, Old Vine Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, and Montepulciano. Tasting fee is $15 ($20 on weekends). We purchased two bottles of Zinfandel.

Renzoni also jumped on the flourishing hospitality trend by opening an on-site trattoria, Mama Rosa’s, a few years ago. And he’s happy to see the area begin to receive national attention for all of its offerings. “Eventually, we’ll get to the point where people will say, ‘Remember when people laughed at Temecula?’”

Pechanga RV Resort © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Where to Stay: Pechanga Casino RV Resort, Temecula

Worth Pondering…

Products from the soil are still the greatest industry in the world.

—Dick Cooper, 1966

5 Cities with Perfect Weather in June

Where can you travel to in June to enjoy warm weather with blue skies and sunshine?

There are many wonderful late spring and early summer destinations in the U.S. Much of the country is more temperate in June (although some parts are already exceedingly hot or still quite cool). Warm and sunny days coupled with pleasantly cool evenings make for the perfect time for an RV trip.

This list features the best weather the country has to offer in June. Included is the average monthly high and low temperatures, along with the number of days to expect rain or amount of rain, according to US Climate Data. Here are five American cities with perfect weather in June.

New Mexico Museum of Art, Santa Fe © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Santa Fe, New Mexico

83°/49°; 3 days of rain

Santa Fe, New Mexico, is one of the top destinations in the American Southwest. A city that embraces its natural environment, Santa Fe is a city whose beautiful adobe architecture blends with the high desert landscape. A city that is, at the same time, one of America’s great art and culinary capitals. Santa Fe draws those who love art, natural beauty, and those who wish to relax.

New Mexico’s capital city is beautiful in June. It has a very temperate early summer season and you’ll want to be outside almost every minute. If you plan a trip to Santa Fe in June, you will witness a carnival of the senses at ARTfeast’s Edible Art Tour (EAT), a two-night movable feast event.

Historic Route 66, Williams © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Williams, Arizona

81°/49°; 1 day of rain

The opium dens, bordellos, and other landmarks of Williams’ rough-and-tumble past are long gone. But some kinder, gentler vestiges of this town’s Wild West era remain.

Williams boasts the final stretch of Route 66 to be bypassed by Interstate 40 (on October 13, 1984). The original “super-highway,” as Route 66 was known in 1926, spanned more than 2,300 miles from Chicago to Long Beach, California and opened up the West to road travel. Today, the town’s Main Street is a National Historic District.

The town of 3,000 residents, considered the gateway to the Grand Canyon, is also home to the Grand Canyon Railway, an excursion train that traverses the scenic, high-desert plateau between a historic depot and the canyon.

Temecula, California

81°/56°; 0 days of rain

Taste and tour through a hidden-gem wine region boasting over 40+ wineries, stroll the wooden boardwalks of historic Old Town, shop Promenade Temecula or the local farmers markets, play a round of golf, or test your luck at Pechanga Resort Casino while camping at their 5-star RV resort.

Brian Head Scenic Byway between Cedar City and Cedar Breaks National Monument © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Cedar City, Utah

83°/48°; 0.51 inch average rain

Some call Cedar City “Festival City, USA.” Because it has a lot of festivals. For Shakespeare, for livestock, for music, for wild flowers, for classic cars and films.

Others call it “Gateway to the National Parks” because it’s one hour from Zion, 90 minutes from Bryce Canyon and 3 hours from Capitol Reef or the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

And Cedar Breaks National Monument, only 30 minutes away. Like a mini Bryce Canyon, minus the crowds, Cedar Breaks contains a stunning assortment of hoodoos and cliffs. Technically an amphitheater, the monument is three miles wide and 2,000 feet deep, filled with craggy rock formations jutting up from the base like natural skyscrapers.

Columbia River Wine Country © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Pasco, Washington

78°/51°; 0.67 inch average rain

Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland-West Richland, aka the Tri-Cities of Washington State, offer a plethora of activities from golfing and walking and biking trails to fishing and boating to tours of local vineyards and wineries. Award-winning wines can be tasted at many of the local wineries, from the slopes of Red Mountain to Tulip Lane there is an abundance of world class cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and petite verdot to sample from most of the 200 area wineries in the Columbia Valley.

Worth Pondering…

I wonder what it would be like to live in a world where it was always June.
—L.M. Montgomery

Casinos Cash-In with RV Resorts

Southern California casinos are betting big on RV campers by catering to that demographic with full-service campsites, like the one at Pechanga Resort & Casino

RV camping is on the upswing.

In a report released last August, the RV Industry Association forecast that 505,900 RVs were expected to be shipped to dealers in 2018, “capping nine straight years of growth and resulting in the highest annual total for the RV market.”

And demographically speaking, with both boomers and millennials expressing an affinity for RV camping, it’s no wonder casinos have found a new market to woo.

Pechanga Casino RV Resort © Rex Vogel, all rights reserve

As a result, casinos are now setting aside precious marketing dollars and physical space on their properties to attract the growing RV-campers-who-like-to-gamble clientele.

In southern California, two casinos—Pala and Pechanga—have carved out big chunks of their casino land to cater to RV campers. Here’s a look at Pechanga.

Pechanga Resort & Casino

Location: 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula

Opened: March 1, 2000

How big: 16 acres

How many sites: 210, all full-service

Site details: All sites have 12 feet of grass on either side with electrical, water, and sewer hookups and free Wi-Fi and cable television service. Of the 210 sites, 112 are deluxe back-in sites, 24 are deluxe pull-through sites, 17 premium pull-through sites, and four luxury sites. In addition, there are larger spaces—the “Chairman” is 2,400 square feet—that include fenced sites, each equipped with a gazebo and picnic table. For those camping with other RV enthusiasts, there are 22 buddy sites, which allow campers to position their RVs so their doors are facing.

Amenities: If you want to relax beyond the RV, near the clubhouse you’ll find a swimming pool and two spas. The clubhouse is available for use for an extra fee. RV resort guests can use the driving range at the Journeys golf course for free. There’s a 24-hour Laundromat, and throughout the campground, there are three restroom facilities, two with showers. Outdoor amenities include a fenced dog park and a guest pavilion with outdoor seating for campfires or just relaxing.

Old Town Temecula © Rex Vogel, all rights reserve

Pets: The resort allows three pets per RV at a fee for $5 per pet per stay, up to seven days.

Forgot something?: The remodeled Pechanga Mini-Mart, adjacent to the gas station, has been remodeled and carries everything you might need while you’re camping at the resort—from produce to snacks to beer and wine. Inside the Mini-Mart is Baja Express, which serves traditional Mexican food.

Tip: Forget about making fresh guacamole. Let the folks at Baja Express do the work—just order a pint for $7.

Shuttle service: Shuttles are available 24 hours a day from the RV resort to the Pechanga hotel and casino.

Temecula Wine Country © Rex Vogel, all rights reserve

Discounts: 10 percent discounts available to members of Good Sam, AAA, AARP, and military.

Accolades: Good Sam has awarded Pechanga RV Resort perfect 10s for five consecutive years. In 2017, both Trailer Life and MotorHome magazines gave the resort a Silver Award.

Dining tips: Those who don’t want to cook in the RV don’t need to go far for other dining options. Pechanga has everything for every taste—from grab-and-go and casual fare to fine dining.

The Lobby Bar & Grill, located in the atrium, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with prices that won’t deplete your gambling budget. The mostly American-centric menu serves up everything from soups and salads to burgers and seafood, but don’t miss the steak and fries (hanger steak, $27) and the crispy Brussels sprouts with apple glaze and asiago cheese ($6).

Outside of the main hotel and casino area, there is Journey’s End. It has beautiful views of the golf course and serves breakfast and lunch. If you’re looking for something light to munch on for happy hour, swing by after 3 p.m. The happy hour menu has a varied appetizer selection—from quesadillas and nachos to wings and pot stickers—as well as wine from Temecula wineries ($5).

Worth Pondering…

Casino gambling is colorful and dramatic and theatrical.

—Steve Wynn