Need a sunny Inland Empire getaway with small-town charm and easy SoCal access? Head to Menifee! Nestled between San Diego and Palm Springs, Menifee offers peaceful parks, local eateries, and mountain views. Whether you’re golfing, hiking, or just enjoying the laid-back vibe, Menifee makes a perfect home base for Southern California day trips.
Menifee, CA Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Hike in the nearby San Jacinto Mountains – Explore scenic trails, rock formations, and panoramic desert-meets-forest views.
- For History Buffs: Visit the Motte Historical Museum – See vintage cars, farming equipment, and stories from Menifee’s early ranching days.
- For Shoppers: Check out Menifee Countryside Marketplace – A convenient open-air shopping center with big-name stores and local gems.
- For Couples: Enjoy wine tasting in nearby Temecula Valley – A short drive brings you to award-winning vineyards, patios, and sunset sips.
- For Families: Relax at Spirit Park or Aldergate Dog Park – Picnic, play, or let the dogs run free in one of Menifee’s growing green spaces.
Best Time to Visit Menifee, CA
The best time to visit Menifee is from October through April, when temperatures are pleasant for hiking, outdoor dining, and exploring nearby wine country. Summer months can get very hot, making early mornings or waterparks the best bet for activity.
How to Get to Menifee, CA
- If you are traveling by car: Menifee is located along I-215, about 1.5 hours from Los Angeles and 1 hour from San Diego or Palm Springs.
- By Air: The nearest major airports are Ontario International Airport (ONT) and Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), both about 60–75 minutes away.
- By Train: The closest Amtrak station is in Perris, with Metrolink connections to Riverside, San Bernardino, and LA.
Where to Stay in Menifee, CA
- Recommended for Families: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Menifee – Comfortable, modern rooms with free breakfast and pool access.
- For Couples: South Coast Winery Resort & Spa (Temecula) – A luxurious vineyard retreat just 25 minutes away with spa services and fine dining.
- For a Budget Stay: Motel 6 Menifee – Sun City – Clean, affordable, and centrally located with basic amenities for travelers.
Best Things to Do in Menifee, CA
1. Drop Zone Waterpark
Rating: ★★★★★
Location: Perris, CA (near Menifee)
Recommended For: Families, thrill seekers, toddlers, swimmers, and anyone needing a cool summer escape.
What I Love: ♥ "From heart-pounding drops to giggling toddlers in splash zones, it’s the perfect balance of adrenaline and ease. Add a cabana and the day turns into a sun-soaked vacation."
- Slide into excitement with Terminal Velocity, a multi-slide complex for high-thrill lovers.
- Drift down Jet Stream, the lazy river perfect for a mid-day float in the sun.
- Ride the Hydroplane FlowRider for a simulated surfing and bodyboarding experience like no other.
- Play in Li’l Jumper’s Landing and Launch Pad Geyser—safe and fun for young children and toddlers.
- Relax with cabana rentals, or enjoy a game on the sand volleyball court between rides.
Cost: Admission prices vary by age and season; discounted rates often available online.
Best time to visit: Between May and September during the park’s operating season—weekdays are less crowded.
Local tips: Arrive early to claim shaded spots; reserve cabanas in advance, especially on weekends or holidays.
Distance: About 30 minutes southeast of Riverside, CA; 90 minutes from Los Angeles.
How to Get to Drop Zone Waterpark: From I-215, take Exit 22 for Ethanac Road, then head east. Turn right onto Trumble Road—Drop Zone is on the right at 2165 Trumble Rd.
Address: 2165 Trumble Rd, Perris, CA 92570
Phone: 951-366-0525
2. Motte Historical Museum
Location: Sun City, CA (near Menifee)
Recommended For: Classic car enthusiasts, history buffs, families, and local culture seekers.
What I Love: ♥ "Step inside and it’s like time travel on wheels—gleaming vintage Chevys, a rustic barn setting, and a real sense of local pride. It’s a hidden gem that revs nostalgia into high gear."
- Explore the nonprofit museum founded in 2007 to showcase the historic car collection of John and Evelyn Motte.
- Learn about the Motte family's French roots and their pioneering role in the Perris Valley since the late 1880s.
- View restored classics, including a 1926 Chevrolet Touring that inspired a lifelong passion for car preservation.
- Visit the salvaged wood barn housing the exhibit, complete with a classic theater and gift shop.
- Attend the annual February open house, featuring free tours, entertainment, and raffle giveaways.
Cost: Free admission; donations welcome to support the museum’s preservation efforts.
Best time to visit: February during the open house event or weekends for a relaxed, uncrowded experience.
Local tips: Bring a camera—photography is welcome. Check the museum’s site for updated hours or private event closures.
Distance: About 30 minutes southeast of Riverside, CA; 90 minutes from Los Angeles.
How to Get to the Motte Historical Museum: From I-215, take Exit 22 for Ethanac Road and head east. Merge onto CA-74 East—museum is located at 28380 CA-74 in Sun City.
Address: 28380 CA-74, Sun City, CA 92585
Phone: 951-928-3210
3. Painted Earth
Location: Menifee, CA
Recommended For: Families, creative kids, couples, art lovers, and DIY enthusiasts.
What I Love: ♥ "Paint a mug, fuse some glass, or shape your own clay—then come back a week later to see your art come to life. It’s a hands-on studio that sparks joy and creativity at any age."
- Create your own masterpiece by choosing from dozens of pre-made pottery shapes to paint and personalize.
- Customize with your favorite colors—then let staff glaze and fire it to make it food- and dishwasher-safe.
- Join engaging art workshops or explore glass fusing and free clay workstations for more hands-on fun.
- Pick up your finished piece about a week later—fully fired, glossy, and ready for use or gifting.
Cost: Studio fee plus pottery piece; pricing varies by size and activity.
Best time to visit: Weekends and school holidays for group fun; weekdays for a quieter, relaxed experience.
Local tips: Great for birthday parties or date nights—call ahead to reserve space for special events.
Distance: About 30 minutes southeast of Riverside, CA; 90 minutes from Los Angeles.
How to Get to Painted Earth: From I-215, take Exit 10 (Newport Rd) and head east. Turn right on Haun Road. The studio is located in the Menifee Countryside Marketplace.
Address: 30010 Haun Rd. #240, Menifee, CA 92584
Phone: 951-679-6800
Attractions for Couples
4. The Mason Jar Brewing Company
Location: Menifee, CA
Recommended For: Craft beer lovers, casual sippers, homebrew enthusiasts, and locals looking for a laid-back hangout.
What I Love: ♥ "From award-winning recipes to beer poured in actual mason jars, this place feels personal, creative, and rooted in community. Each brew has a story—and some serious flavor."
- Visit Menifee’s first and only craft microbrewery, founded by nationally recognized homebrewers Grace Santiago and Robert Carter.
- Sip standout brews like Raz-Ma-Taz (a chocolate coconut raspberry stout) and Blonde Next Door Ale.
- Try seasonal and inventive beers like Howling Cow Coffee Pumpkin Spice Stout and Coco Loco Coconut Lime Pale Ale.
- Enjoy your drink served the signature way—in a mason jar—at the welcoming taproom.
- Stop by any day of the week—open daily with afternoon and evening hours for relaxed social time.
Cost: Prices vary by pour; flights and growlers available. Great value for craft quality.
Best time to visit: Evenings and weekends for the full taproom vibe; weekdays for a quieter sip-and-relax experience.
Local tips: Ask for the latest small-batch or rotating seasonal brew—tap selections change often!
Distance: About 30 minutes southeast of Riverside, CA; 90 minutes from Los Angeles.
How to Get to The Mason Jar Brewing Company: From I-215, take Exit 10 for Newport Road, then turn south onto Murrieta Road. Turn right on New Hub Drive—brewery is in Suite A.
Address: 29683 New Hub Drive #A, Menifee, CA 92586
Phone: 951-244-5277
5. Menifee Lakes Golf Course
Location: Menifee, CA
Recommended For: Golfers of all levels, corporate event planners, wedding parties, and fans of scenic landscapes.
What I Love: ♥ "Two 18-hole gems surrounded by water and rolling greens—it’s a peaceful yet challenging retreat. With 36 acres of lakes and a clubhouse built for celebration, it’s golf and hospitality in one beautiful package."
- Play two 18-hole championship courses designed by renowned landscape architect Ted Robinson.
- Navigate lush fairways, over 100 bunkers, and 36 acres of tranquil waterways.
- Improve your game with tips from friendly staff ready to assist players of all skill levels.
- Host private events in the 20,000-square-foot clubhouse—perfect for weddings, celebrations, and corporate gatherings.
- Enjoy full-service catering from Menifee Lakes Country Club, available for all special events.
Cost: Green fees vary by time and day; special group and twilight rates available. Call ahead for event pricing.
Best time to visit: Year-round, with spring and fall offering ideal weather and lush course conditions.
Local tips: Book tee times online for the best availability, and ask about seasonal membership packages or event rentals.
Distance: About 30 minutes southeast of Riverside, CA; 90 minutes from Los Angeles.
How to Get to Menifee Lakes Golf Course: From I-215, take Exit 10 for Newport Road and head east. Turn right onto Menifee Lakes Drive—golf course is on the left just past La Piedra Rd.
Address: 29875 Menifee Lakes Dr, Menifee, CA 92584
Phone: 951-672-4824
6. Aldergate Dog Park
Location: Menifee, CA
Recommended For: Dog owners, families, outdoor enthusiasts, and local residents seeking a pet-friendly community park.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s more than just a dog park—it’s a green, welcoming space where pups can play off-leash and families can relax or shoot hoops nearby. It’s community fun with tails wagging."
- Let loose at this off-leash dog park with ample grassy space and separate play areas for small and large dogs.
- Relax as your dog enjoys safe, grass-covered terrain designed to support healthy play and socialization.
- Supervise your pet nearby, as required by park guidelines to ensure safety and courtesy for all guests.
- Explore additional amenities like a children’s playground, basketball and tennis courts, a baseball diamond, and restrooms.
- Note that while tennis courts are available, they are not enclosed—so bring spare balls!
Cost: Free admission; open to the public daily during park hours.
Best time to visit: Early mornings and late afternoons when temperatures are cooler and dogs are most active.
Local tips: Bring water for your pup and a towel for muddy paws after a good romp on the grass!
Distance: About 30 minutes southeast of Riverside, CA; 90 minutes from Los Angeles.
How to Get to Aldergate Dog Park: From I-215, take Newport Rd east, then turn south on Menifee Road. Continue to the intersection with Aldergate Drive—park is on the corner.
Address: 28680 Aldergate Dr, Menifee, CA 92584
Phone: 951-654-1505
Where to Eat
7. The Breakfast Club of Menifee
Location: Menifee, CA
Recommended For: Breakfast lovers, coffee enthusiasts, families, health-conscious diners, and early risers.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s the kind of place where your eggs come with heart and your mocha with flair. Local ingredients, barista-crafted drinks, and that homey, everyone-knows-your-name vibe make this a morning favorite."
- Dine on made-to-order American classics like egg dishes, burgers, and housemade corned beef hash.
- Start your morning at the full-service coffee bar—open daily at 6:00 am with hot, iced, or blended drinks.
- Sip signature creations like the Rosa Rita Mocha while you wait for a fresh, hearty meal.
- Enjoy gluten-free and sugar-free options that cater to dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
- Join the locals who’ve voted it Best Breakfast in Menifee year after year since 2009.
Cost: Moderately priced; generous portions and great value for the quality of ingredients.
Best time to visit: Early mornings for coffee and a quieter meal; weekends for the full brunch buzz.
Local tips: Get there early on weekends—it’s a popular spot! Don’t skip the daily specials or house-made hash.
Distance: About 30 minutes southeast of Riverside, CA; 90 minutes from Los Angeles.
How to Get to The Breakfast Club of Menifee: From I-215, take Exit 10 for Newport Road and head east. Turn right onto Haun Road—restaurant is in the Menifee Countryside Marketplace.
Address: 30076 Haun Rd, Menifee, CA 92584
Phone: 951-301-9800
8. Giovanni's Pizza and Pasta
Location: Menifee, CA
Recommended For: Italian food lovers, pizza enthusiasts, families, casual diners, and event hosts needing catering.
What I Love: ♥ "From eggplant parmesan to Thai pizza, Giovanni’s balances tradition with bold flavor. It’s local, family-owned, and packed with comfort—perfect for date night or takeout with the kids."
- Dine in or order out from this long-standing Italian restaurant serving the community since 1991.
- Choose from Italian classics like eggplant parmesan, baked cannelloni, and spaghetti carbonara.
- Build your own pizza or try signatures like the Thai pizza, Giovanni’s Special, or BBQ chicken pie—available with gluten-free crusts.
- Explore American dishes too, including barbecue pork ribs, Angus steak, ahi tuna, and chicken marsala.
- Plan your next gathering with catering options ideal for family events, parties, or business functions.
Cost: Moderate; great portions with family-friendly pricing and daily specials available.
Best time to visit: Evenings for dinner and weekends for relaxed family meals; call ahead for takeout during peak times.
Local tips: Try the Giovanni’s Special deluxe pizza and save room for dessert—portions are hearty!
Distance: About 30 minutes southeast of Riverside, CA; 90 minutes from Los Angeles.
How to Get to Giovanni's Pizza and Pasta: From I-215, take Exit 10 for Newport Road and head east. The restaurant is in the shopping plaza on your right near Bradley Road.
Address: 26900 Newport Rd #112, Menifee, CA 92584
Phone: 951-672-8080
Plan Your Trip