You can make Los Angeles to Temecula in about 1.75 hours, but the people who love this drive never do it in one straight shot. At around 90 miles on I-15, it is short enough to start after breakfast and long enough to earn a night somewhere memorable among the vineyards.
Open this route in XCRSNLeaving Los Angeles
Aim to clear Los Angeles before the morning rush, or after it, never in it. Fill the tank on the edge of town where prices usually drop, set the playlist, and settle in for the first 52 miles to Riverside.
The headline stop on this route is Rancho California Road wineries. Leave real time for it; it sets the tone for the whole trip.
Riverside, the last stretch
Riverside sits about 52 miles in. It makes a good spot to stretch, eat something that is not from a gas station, and swap drivers.
Nearby, Old Town Temecula is worth the short detour if the day is going well.
Rolling into Temecula
The final 38 miles always go faster than you expect. Save a little energy for Sunrise hot-air balloon rides; it is a fitting finish.
By the end you will have seen Rancho California Road wineries, Old Town Temecula and Sunrise hot-air balloon rides, and you will understand why this corridor is a classic.
When to go and how to pace it
One night is the sweet spot. Temecula, CA is where most people stay, so book ahead on summer weekends.
Check live gas prices along I-15 before you go; they can swing a lot from one state or county to the next. XCRSN prices every leg for your exact car.
