One of California’s premier wine growing regions, the Temecula Valley also has an endless variety of recreational opportunities.

Ocean breezes come through the vineyards every afternoon, and the 1,100-ft. elevation makes for cool summer nights. The Temecula Valley Wine Country, 3,000 acres of rolling green countryside, is Southern California's only wine region. Twenty-two wineries produce award-winning premium wines made possible by a unique microclimate and well-drained decomposed granite soils. Be sure to dine and stay amongst the vineyards. 

The Santa Ana Mountain Range runs through the Southwest Region. In these coastal mountains, nature lovers delight in the Santa Rosa Plateau, known for its centuries-old oak groves, grassy meadows, and abundant wildlife. Throughout the Plateau’s ecological reserve is an extensive trail system enjoyed by hikers and equestrians. 

With 460,000 acres, the Cleveland National Forest has an incredible variety of terrain, plants and wildlife. There’s plenty of opportunities for camping, bird watching, mountain biking, and OHV use. If you have the chance, explore the stars at the forest's Palomar Observatory Campground. 

The rugged Ortega Mountains provide the most scenic, and physically demanding, hiking in the Inland Empire. One trail brings you to a magnificent 140-foot waterfall. 

The Southwest’s lakes, Skinner and Elsinore, are a sports-enthusiast’s haven. Whatever you’re into, you’ll find it here: boating, water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing, windsurfing, sky diving, fishing, camping, hiking and horseback riding.

Train lovers enjoy the Orange Empire Railway Museum, a heritage railway in Perris focusing on Southern California’s railroad history.

Sports fans can watch racing at Lake Elsinore Motocross Park or take in a baseball game at Diamond Stadium, home of Lake Elsinore Storm professional baseball team, an affiliate of the San Diego Padres.