Why is Menifee so popular?
If you’ve driven down Newport Road lately, you know the secret is out: Menifee is growing. What used to be a quiet collection of rural communities, such as Sun City and Quail Valley, has transformed into a bustling city. But despite all the new developments and traffic lights, the heart of our community remains the same.
As a long-term resident, I’ve watched the landscape change from open fields to shopping centers, but I’ve also seen how our recreational scene has grown by leaps and bounds. If you’re new to the area, you might be surprised to find out that there is actually plenty to do if you know where to look.
Here is my personal guide to enjoying what Menifee has to offer, from hidden historical gems to the best spots for a Friday night out.
What is there to do in Menifee, California?
1. Recreational Hiking
One of the benefits of living in this part of Riverside County is the access to open space. Although we aren’t nestled directly in the mountains, we have some excellent local trails and hikes that offer stunning views of the Menifee Valley.
For a quick morning workout, the paved path down the Salt Creek Trail is fantastic and filled with wildlife. If you’re willing brave a steep, rocky climb, we have the Menifee Cross Hike that’s perfect for a warm, sunny day.
2. BMXing at Gale Webb Action Sports Park
If you have kids (or are a thrill-seeker yourself), the Gale Webb Action Sports Park on Craig Avenue is a must-visit. Named after the legendary “Kids-R-#1” advocate Gale Webb, this place is the largest of its kind in all of Southern California. It’s not just a slab of concrete; it features a massive pump track and various jumps that cater to different skill levels. It’s a great spot to burn off energy, and seeing the local talent out there is always entertaining. This spot is also a fun night activity in the summer months as it is very well-lit.
3. Visiting Our Public Parks
Did you know Menifee has over a dozen distinct parks? We are incredibly lucky to have green spaces maintained by both the City and the Valley-Wide Recreation and Parks District.
- Remington Park: This is the big one off McCall Blvd. It’s got a fantastic kids’ playground with a zip line, pickleball courts, and plenty of space for picnics.
- Aldergate Park: A favorite for dog owners, thanks to the fully-fenced off-leash areas for dogs to play together. This park is also known for its vast wildlife, as it sits right against undeveloped hills.
- Audie Murphy Ranch Sports Park: Located on the west side, it features fantastic playground equipment and covered picnic shelters. This 11-acre sports park boasts a baseball field, soccer field, basketball court, and even houses our popular skate park (perfect for teens).
4. Events Like Foodie Fridays
Community events have really stepped up in recent years. My personal favorite is Foodie Fridays at Mt. San Jacinto College (Menifee Valley Campus). Running from March through October on the first Friday of the month, this event brings the community together over the universal language of food. You can expect a lineup of gourmet food trucks, boutique vendors, and live entertainment. It’s a low-pressure way to start the weekend and enjoy the summer sunsets outdoors.
5. Trying Local Restaurants
While we have plenty of big chains, the local food scene is finding its footing. We have some hidden gems for taco lovers and sushi enthusiasts scattered throughout the shopping centers. Exploring the locally-owned spots rather than hitting the drive-thru is a great way to support the local economy. For a full list of local restaurants, visit my in-depth article on the Best Restaurants in Menifee.
6. Visiting The Menifee History Museum
Menifee’s history is surprisingly deep. If you’ve ever wondered about the mining history or the early homesteaders of the valley, you need to visit the Menifee History Museum on Garbani Road. Run by the Menifee Valley Historical Association, this museum is a treasure trove of artifacts and photographs. It’s usually open on Sundays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. It gives you a profound appreciation for the people who built this community long before the 215 freeway was busy.
7. Night Life at The Grey Iron Brewery
For a long time, “nightlife” in Menifee meant driving to Temecula or Riverside. That’s changing. Grey Iron Brewing Company (formerly The Mason Jar) on New Hub Drive is a standout. It’s a family-owned spot that captures that “Blue Collar Craft” vibe perfectly.
They have a rotating tap list of excellent beers, and the atmosphere is incredibly welcoming (kids and dogs are welcome, too)! It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a long week. Recently, they have added some exciting new events to our local calendar, including the launch of live wrestling and a speakeasy-style comedy club.
8. Grabbing some Robelle’s Cookies
If you have a sweet tooth, you can’t miss Robelle’s Cookies. What started as a local sensation has become a go-to for dessert. Their cookies are handcrafted in a home bakers locaed in Audie Murphy Ranch. These soft, gooey cookies come in rotating flavors that keep you coming back. It’s the kind of small, family-owned business we love to see in Menifee, and with their cookies bringing locals from over an hour away, it’s definitely worth the hype.
9. Horseback Riding
Despite the development, Menifee holds onto its rural roots. There are still equestrian trails and properties throughout the city. If you don’t own a horse, there are local stables and trainers in the surrounding rural areas where you can take lessons. Riding through the quieter parts of the valley at sunset is a reminder of why many of us moved here in the first place.
10. Painting Pottery
For a more creative activity, check out Painted Earth Pottery on Haun Rd in the Countryside Marketplace Shopping Center. It’s a fantastic date idea or a way to keep the kids occupied on a hot summer day when you want to stay indoors with the A/C blasting. All you have to do is show up, pick out some pottery, and sit down to paint it in your own creative way. This location also hosts many guided painting events to help you if you struggle with creativity.
11. Play Pickleball
Pickleball has taken the nation by storm, and Menifee is no exception. You can find courts at Aldergate, La Ladera, Remington, and many more parks throughout the city. It’s social, easy to learn, and surprisingly competitive. If you haven’t played it yet, you can take lessons through the city to gain some experience.
12. Swimming
Summers here get hot, like triple-digit hot. The DropZone Waterpark in nearby Perris is a popular destination, but locally, we have the public swimming pool at Paloma Valley High, or many communities have clubhouses with pools available to residents. If swimming is too much for your tots ages 2-10, there is a brand-new splash pad available to the public at Banner Village Park.
13. Golfing
Menifee has a beautiful golf course located at the Menifee Lakes Country Club, which offers beautiful 36-hole golfing with plenty of water features (as the name implies). This course is open to the public and is considered one of the best ways to spend a day outdoors in Menifee during the cooler months.
14. Classic Car Shows
Keep an eye on the calendar for car shows. Given our proximity to Route 66 culture and the deep roots of classic car enthusiasts in Southern California, local parking lots often transform into impromptu museums of American muscle and chrome on weekends. Nearly every event we hold in Menifee also features a car show from either the Sun City Crusiers or Old Town Classics car clubs.
15. Escape Rooms
Looking for a challenge? Escape rooms have popped up in the area, offering a mental workout for groups of friends. Many residents agree that it’s a great team-building activity or just a fun way to test your puzzle-solving skills before grabbing dinner. With one located in Sun City and one in the Bradley Rd Shopping Center, you have the option to choose which is best for your group or family.
16. Recover at Prevail Health
With all this activity, self-care is important. Prevail Health is one of the local wellness spots where you can focus on recovery from athletic stress. Whether it’s cryotherapy or other wellness services, taking care of your body allows you to keep enjoying the hiking and sports our city offers. This facility is highly sought after as it is one of the only facilities in the Inland Empire offering fully electric cryotherapy, an infrared sauna, and medical-grade red-light therapy.
17. Antiquing & Thrifting
Because Menifee has such a long-established senior population, the estate sales, thrift stores, and antique shops here are modern-day gold mines. You can spend an entire Saturday hunting for vintage furniture, classic vinyl, or retro decor for a fraction of the price you’d pay in LA. One of the best hidden gems for this fun hobby is located in Sun City, called the Menifee Valley Community Cupboard, where you can find some of the best deals on vintage clothes, furniture, and artwork. All proceeds from this antique store also go to feeding those in need through the connected food bank.
18. Youth Sports Games
On any given Saturday, the parks are alive with youth sports. From Menifee Valley Pony Baseball at Wheatfield Park to soccer matches at La Ladera, going out to cheer on the local kids is a great way to feel connected to the community vibe. High school sports are also very popular in our city, with Paloma Valley and Liberty High continuing to make headlines in the local news blogs.
19. Visiting Nearby Attractions
Finally, one of the best things about Menifee is its location. We are located right in the hub of the Inland Empire, next door to Murrieta. You are 25 minutes from the wineries of Temecula, 25 minutes from the skydiving and lake activities in Lake Elsinore, and a short drive to the Western Science Center in Hemet to see mastodons. Menifee serves as the perfect home base for exploring the entirety of the Inland Empire.
Get Out and Explore
Menifee is more than just a stop along the 215. It’s a city rich with activity, history, and potential. Next time you’re wondering what to do on a weekend, try one of these local favorites. You might just find a new appreciation for our growing city. Send us a message and share with us what you like about the City of Menifee. We love to read about what our locals enjoy doing in the area.
