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Finding a rental car in Temecula is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers across California with no booking fees. From budget-friendly compacts for Old Town parking to roomy SUVs for group wine tours, we list real-time deals in one quick search. Book early to lock in low weekend rates and pick up in town or at nearby airports like San Diego or Ontario.
| Location | Details | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Temecula City Locations | • Enterprise, Hertz, Budget • Mainly along Ynez Road and in retail corridors |
• Often closed Sundays • Limited hours (usually 8 AM - 6 PM weekdays) • May offer pickup service from hotels |
| San Diego Int'l Airport (SAN) | • All major rental companies • 60 miles (97 km) south |
• 1-1.5 hour drive to Temecula • Consolidated rental facility • Full selection of vehicles |
| Ontario Int'l Airport (ONT) | • All major rental companies • 55 miles (89 km) north |
• 50-60 minute drive to Temecula • Often less congested than San Diego or LA airports |
| Palm Springs Airport (PSP) | • All major rental companies • 70 miles (113 km) east |
• 1.5 hour drive to Temecula • Seasonal variations in rates |
| John Wayne Airport (SNA) | • All major rental companies • 50 miles (80 km) west |
• 1 hour drive to Temecula • Convenient for combining Orange County visit |
On average, car rentals in Temecula cost around $72 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $23 per day.
Skip airport pickup when you can – Temecula city depots avoid 10%-plus concession fees charged at SAN, ONT and other airports. Just watch the shorter hours (usually 8 AM-6 PM, closed Sun).
Run quotes for every nearby airport – San Diego, Ontario and John Wayne are all about an hour away, and one often undercuts the rest by $10-$15 a day. Add the fuel cost of driving in to see the real winner.
Shift your dates – Weekend and wine-festival pickups (March-May, Sept-Oct) get pricey fast. Moving to a Mon-Thu start or grabbing a 5-7-day "weekly" rate can slash the daily price.
Go compact unless you have a crowd – Winery roads are paved and parking is free. Smaller cars rent cheaper and sip less gas on side trips to San Diego or Palm Springs.
| Location | Where to Park | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Old Town Temecula | Free public lots and street parking | Limited time restrictions in some areas |
| Wineries | Free at most locations | Larger wineries have substantial lots |
| Promenade Temecula Mall | Free parking | Large shopping center |
| Pechanga Resort | Free self-parking | Valet also available |
| Temecula Creek Inn | Free for guests and golf course | Resort with golf facilities |
| Lake Skinner Park | Paid entrance/parking fee | Recreation area east of city |
| Harveston Lake Park | Free street parking | Popular community park |
Complete stops required at stop signs (enforced in Riverside County)
Designate a non-drinking driver when visiting wineries
Book a car rental to drive to:
Temecula Valley Wine Country – wineries vineyards tasting rooms
Old Town Temecula – shops restaurants craft breweries
Pechanga Resort Casino – gaming entertainment concerts
Lake Elsinore – lake recreation outlet shopping
San Diego – beaches zoo museums
Palm Springs – resorts golf courses art district
What's the best way to tour Temecula's wine country?
Renting a car gives you the most freedom to explore Temecula's wine country, but you should always have a driver who isn't drinking. Or, you can take a guided wine tour so everyone can enjoy the tastings. You'll find most wineries along Rancho California Road and De Portola Road, about 5-10 miles (8-16 km) east of Old Town Temecula.
How many wineries can I reasonably visit in one day?
Most people find visiting 3-4 wineries in one day is a good pace and doesn't feel rushed. You should plan to spend about 45-90 minutes at each winery. The tasting rooms usually open around 10 AM and close by 5-6 PM. If you visit on a weekday, you'll likely have a more relaxed time because the tasting rooms are less crowded.
What's the best type of vehicle for visiting Temecula wine country?
Any standard car works well on Temecula's wine country roads, since they are paved and in good shape. Many people like to drive convertibles to enjoy the scenic countryside, especially during the mild spring and fall. If you are in a group, renting a minivan or SUV and having a designated driver can be cheaper than a wine tour service.
Is it difficult to drive in the wine country region?
You'll find the wine country roads are mostly easy to drive on, but some parts can be winding. Most wineries have clear signs pointing to them from the main roads. Your cell service might be poor in some spots, so it's smart to bring a map or download directions beforehand. The roads get busiest on weekend afternoons when many cars are turning into and out of wineries.
What's the parking situation in Old Town Temecula?
You can find plenty of free parking in public lots all around Old Town Temecula's historic district. You can also park on the street along Old Town Front Street and its side streets. Even on busy weekends, you can usually find a spot just a short walk from the shops and restaurants. Some lots limit how long you can park (usually 2-3 hours) during business hours.
How far is Temecula from major airports?
Temecula sits between several airports. It's about 60 miles (97 km) north of San Diego International Airport (a 1-1.5-hour drive), 55 miles (89 km) south of Ontario International Airport (about a 1-hour drive), 50 miles (80 km) east of John Wayne Airport in Orange County (around a 1-hour drive) and 85 miles (137 km) southeast of Los Angeles International Airport (a 1.5-2.5-hour drive depending on traffic).
Can I easily do day trips to other Southern California attractions from Temecula?
Yes, Temecula is a great starting point for day trips because of its central location. You can get to San Diego, about 60 miles (97 km) south, in 1-1.5 hours. The Orange County beaches are 45-55 miles (72-89 km) west (a 1-1.5-hour drive) and Palm Springs is about 70 miles (113 km) east (around a 1.5-hour drive). Even Los Angeles attractions are close enough for a day trip at 85-100 miles (137-161 km) away (1.5-2.5 hours depending on traffic).
Are there any scenic drives worth taking beyond the wine country?
Yes, you can take several scenic drives from Temecula. The Ortega Highway (Highway 74) is a beautiful drive through the mountains to Lake Elsinore and Orange County. Highway 79 South takes you through the countryside on your way to Warner Springs and Julian. If you want a longer trip, the back roads to Palomar Mountain have spectacular views and lead to the famous observatory.
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