Why Murrieta, California Should Be Your Next Weekend Getaway—Waterfalls to Hot Springs
From healing mineral pools to scenic hikes, this charming town offers the ultimate spring retreat
Key Takeaways
- Murrieta Hot Springs Resort offers 50+ mineral pools and senior discounts.
- Hike to Tenaja Falls for postcard-worthy views, especially after rain.
- Visit Murrieta Market Nights on first and third Thursdays for local goods.
There’s no better place to celebrate spring’s warmer weather than sun-soaked Murrieta, California.
Explore nature’s beauty at Santa Rosa Plateau
Kick off your long weekend retreat with a leisurely hike through the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, home to more than 200 species of native birds. Be sure to stop at the Moreno and Machado adobes, former cowboy bunkhouses that date to 1846.
Savor local flavors in historic downtown
For postcard-worthy views, stroll to Tenaja Falls (even more beautiful just after it rains!). Worked up an appetite? Refuel at The Mill Restaurant in historic downtown Murrieta, where you can snack on sourdough garlic cheese bread or dig into the famous BBQ chicken pizza.
If you’re visiting on the first or third Thursday of the month, pencil in time for Murrieta Market Nights from 5 to 9 pm downtown, where you can shop handmade goods from dozens of local vendors and enjoy fare from food trucks.
Soak in healing waters at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort
Ready for a little R&R? No visit is complete without a stop at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, a renowned wellness destination originally founded in 1902 that boasts more than 50 natural mineral pools, cold plunges and contrast bathing zones. Opt for a day pass (discounts are available for seniors) to unwind beneath the swaying palm trees, or book an overnight stay for around-the-clock access to the healing hot springs and soak under the stars.
Grab dinner at the resort’s Talia Kitchen for delicious—and nutritious—fare. Finish your spring escape with a scenic hot air balloon ride over neighboring Temecula Valley Wine Country. Or if you’re traveling with little ones, spend the day at Mulligan Family Fun Center for laser tag, mini golf and go-karts.
Bonus: Experience Murrieta at home
Sip tropical mocktail inspired by the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort and admire the dazzling display of wildflowers during a rare California “super bloom.”
Exotic oasis
Ingredients:
- Tajin seasoning
- Ice
- 1 oz. lemon juice
- 1 oz. vanilla syrup
- 2 oz. pineapple juice
- Coconut soda
- Lemon wheel garnish
Coat the rim of a glass with the juice from a lemon wedge, then dip it in a shallow bowl of Tajin. Fill the glass with ice, then add lemon juice, vanilla syrup and pineapple juice; stir to combine. Top with coconut soda and garnish with a lemon wheel.
Marvel at nature’s stunning beauty
A spring super bloom (when many flowers bloom at once) can happen after a season of heavy rainfall. Get lost in a sea of colorful wildflowers by searching for “Valley PBS California Super Bloom” on YouTube.
This story first appeared in the April 6, 2026, issue of Woman’s World magazine.
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