Murrieta, California

Nestled at the southern end of the Santa Ana Mountains, the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve is a tract of protected land that offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and ecosystems of the area. Spanning 9000 acres, the Reserve protects a variety of unique ecosystems such as riparian wetlands, bunchgrass prairie, coastal sage scrub, Engelmann oak woodlands, chaparral, and vernal pools, along with 49 endangered, threatened or rare animal and plant species, and more than 200 species of native birds. The Reserve features several nature walks and trails for mountain biking and horseback riding, and interpretive educational programs that delve into the rich history of the region.

39400 Clinton Keith Road, Murrieta CA 92562, Phone: 951-677-6951

Tenaja Falls is a 150-foot waterfall in the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness of the Santa Ana Mountains that cascades over a sandstone staircase with several sliding tiers on exposed slippery-when-wet granite. The picturesque and remote waterfall can be reached by a short and easy 1.5-mile round trip hike along the Tenaja Falls Trail, which allows dogs on leashes and attracts hikers, and birder year-round. The top tier of Tenaja Falls features a near vertical drop of over 15 feet and offers alluring views where the cascading water bumps off a large boulder on its way down before plummeting into a clear pool.

Forest Rte 7S02, Murrieta, CA 92562

The Mulligan Family Fun Center promises fun for the whole family. The center features an array of fun activities, rides, games and other forms of entertainment for children of all ages, ranging from miniature golf, go-karting, batting cages and a rock-climbing wall to laser tag, water slides, Holgate and extreme air jumper. The Center is also home to several restaurants, cafés and food concessions serving all-American cuisine and drinks, and caters for groups and a special celebration with a selection of all-inclusive packages that include tickets to the rides, food, and beverages.

24950 Madison Avenue, Murrieta, CA 92562, Phone: 951-696-9696

The Golf Club at Rancho California is one of three golf courses within the city limits of Murrieta and offers a challenging par 7, 18-hole championship course. Designed by the legendary golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr, the course boasts a championship layout with a course rating of 73.3, a slope rating of 134, and 7,036 yards from the longest tees. The course has played host to several major competitions, including SCGA Championships, Senior PGA Tour Qualifying, and the California State Open, and the beautiful setting of the course makes it ideal for hosting special events such as weddings and celebrations. The club features a modern clubhouse and banquet facility that can accommodate up to 120 guests.

39500 Robert Trent Jones Pkwy, Murrieta, CA 92563, Phone: 951-677-7446

Calhoun's Texas BBQ is a small, family-owned restaurant in downtown Murrieta that serves classic Texas barbecue in a relaxed and inviting setting. The homey, counter-serve restaurant serves enormous portions of prime cut and smoked barbequed meats along with an array of sides, fresh salads, and their famous sweet potato pie. Signature barbecue dishes from the fire pit include Baby Back Ribs, Spare Ribs, Quarter Chicken, 12oz Beef Brisket, and 12oz Pulled Pork, and sides range from baked beans and coleslaw to potato salad. Calhoun's Texas BBQ is open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Sunday.

24710 Washington Ave #11, Murrieta, CA 92562, Phone: 951-698-3777

Located in Murrieta Pointe, Richie's Real American Diner is a retro-style diner that serves a menu of all-American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a comfortable, inviting atmosphere. The restaurant prides themselves on serving an assortment of freshly-prepared food, and mouthwatering made-from-scratch desserts, with signature dishes such as Linda's Pan-Fried Chicken, Old-Fashioned Pot Roast and Center-Cut Pork Chops Ozark Style Glazed Ham, Linda's Southern Sweet Potato Pancakes, and Ribs slathered in a special Richie's Honey Apricot BBQ sauce. Richie's Real American Diner is open Monday through Sunday.

40651 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd, Murrieta, CA 92562, Phone: 951-696-5504

Anthony's Lounge and Ristorante is a family-owned restaurant on Washington Avenue in downtown Murrieta. Originally opened as Anthony's Ristorante, the restaurant is the oldest eatery in Murrieta and serves a menu of delicious dishes based on authentic family recipes from Calabria in Italy, such as manicotti and cannelloni, ravioli and lasagna, homemade sausage, pasta, veal, chicken, fresh seafood and an array of antipasto. Daily specials include Chilean Seabass, seasonal salmon, Porterhouse Steak, New Zealand Lamb, and their famous Osso Bucco. Guests can enjoy their refined dining experience against a backdrop of live piano music in a charming, relaxed ambiance.

24630 Washington Ave STE 100, Murrieta, CA 92562, Phone: 951-677-1099