10 Unforgettable Things to Do on a Summer Girls Trip to Temecula (Plus a Sip & Snap Winery Photoshoot You’ll Love)
Temecula is the ultimate destination for a summer girls trip in Southern California. From wine tastings at stunning vineyards to adventurous skydiving and hot air balloon rides, this guide covers 10 unforgettable experiences to share with your best friends. Whether you're planning a birthday bash, bachelorette party, or a long-overdue reunion, we’ve also included photography tips to make every moment Instagram-worthy. Don’t miss your chance to download our free girls trip planning guide and book the Sip & Snap Winery Photoshoot to capture it all in style.
Planning a girls' getaway to Temecula? Whether you're celebrating a birthday, a bachelorette, or just reuniting with your favorite people, Temecula delivers a perfect mix of wine, adventure, and beautiful backdrops. With so many picture-perfect spots, why not turn your day into an unforgettable photoshoot too?
Below are 10 must-do experiences in Temecula to inspire your summer itinerary—each paired with photography tips so your memories look as amazing as they felt.
1. Europa Village Wineries & Resort
Why Visit: Travel through Europe without leaving California. This themed winery includes Spanish, French, and Italian-style villages.
Things to Do: Wine tasting, live music, elegant dining, and seasonal festivals.
Photo Tip: Arrive during golden hour for the best lighting. Capture architectural details, garden paths, and candid toasts by the fountains.
Link: Europa Village
2. BOTTAIA Winery
Why Visit: Sleek and modern, BOTTAIA is the spot for luxury and chill.
Things to Do: Barrel room tastings, lounging at the pool club, private wine experiences.
Photo Tip: Use clean lines and neutral backgrounds for fashion-forward shots. Poolside cabanas offer a breezy, glam vibe.
Link: BOTTAIA Winery
3. Somerset Vineyard & Winery
Why Visit: Fun, casual, and full of life—great for friend groups who want music and movement.
Things to Do: Live bands, weekend events, wine tasting, and picnic areas.
Photo Tip: Dance it out! Capture movement, laughter, and sunset silhouettes.
Link: Somerset Vineyard
4. Old Town Temecula
Why Visit: A rustic blend of history and charm with boutique shops and great nightlife.
Things to Do: Antique shopping, wine bars, artisan eats, farmers' markets, and local art.
Photo Tip: Early morning for soft light and fewer crowds. Play with textures—brick walls, vintage signs, and quirky storefronts.
Link: Old Town Temecula
5. GoJump Oceanside Skydiving
Why Visit: For the brave besties—take the ultimate leap and cross skydiving off your bucket list.
Things to Do: Tandem skydives with views of the Pacific and Temecula Valley.
Photo Tip: Book the video/photo add-on. You’ll want those in-air reactions!
Link: GoJump Oceanside
6. Hot Air Balloon Ride
Why Visit: Soar above vineyards at sunrise with bubbly in hand.
Things to Do: Group rides, post-flight champagne toasts, proposal-friendly setups.
Photo Tip: Wear flowy outfits that move in the wind. Use burst mode to capture lift-off.
Link: Temecula Balloon Rides
7. Wine Country Trails by Horseback
Why Visit: A relaxing way to explore the vineyards on horseback.
Things to Do: Guided trail rides, sunset tours, private group experiences.
Photo Tip: Earth-toned outfits blend beautifully with the landscape. Candid riding photos are always a hit.
Link: Wine Country Trails
8. SoCal Axe Throwing
Why Visit: Throw something sharp, safely—and bond while you're at it.
Things to Do: Axe throwing lanes, team games, group competitions.
Photo Tip: Snap slow-motion shots mid-throw. Group pics with axes (held safely!) are always epic.
Link: SoCal Axe
9. Yoga in the Vineyards
Why Visit: Stretch, sip, and reset with vineyard views all around.
Things to Do: Group yoga classes, sound baths, wine and wellness retreats.
Photo Tip: Wide-angle shots during group poses. Early morning light enhances the serenity.
Link: Yoga in the Vineyards
10. Spa Day at GrapeSeed Spa
Why Visit: Because your crew deserves pampering.
Things to Do: Massages, facials, spa pool, rooftop lounging.
Photo Tip: Matching robes and champagne flutes = perfect group shot. Spa staff usually happy to help snap it.
Link: GrapeSeed Spa
Make Your Memories Last with the Sip & Snap Package
You planned the trip, packed the outfits, and made the group chat pop off—don’t let it all live in blurry selfies.
Book our Sip & Snap: Unforgettable Photoshoot for Your Girls’ Winery Day and let us capture the fun, the friendship, and the fabulousness with:
1.5 hours of photography coverage
30+ edited images delivered in an online gallery
A short highlight reel to relive the trip
Fun, flattering, candid direction (zero stress)
Final Thoughts
Temecula is the kind of place where memories are made. Whether you’re clinking glasses at a vineyard, dancing in Old Town, or skydiving into the horizon, these moments deserve more than your phone can handle.
Let us help you preserve the magic. Book the Sip & Snap Girls Trip Photoshoot and turn your weekend escape into a collection of moments you’ll cherish forever.
The Vintage Comeback: Why Retro Photoshoots Are Rising in the Age of AI (And 10 Tips to Plan Yours in Southern California)
With the rise of AI-generated photos and ultra-polished social content, there’s a growing desire to return to something real—something timeless. That’s why retro and vintage-style photoshoots are trending across Southern California. From Temecula’s rustic charm to the mid-century modern flair of Palm Springs and the eclectic streets of San Diego, clients are stepping back in time to celebrate birthdays, engagements, and styled sessions that feel soulful, creative, and nostalgic. Whether you're dreaming of 70s film vibes, Bridgerton-inspired elegance, or Y2K throwback glam, this guide shares why vintage photography is making a major comeback, 10 expert tips to plan your own, and the best local thrift shops and locations to bring your vision to life. Book your next vintage photoshoot with Last Minute Photoshoot and let’s create memories that never go out of style.
Photo Credit: Photo by @guicaetano – check out his Instagram for more of his work.
Why Are Retro Photoshoots Trending?
As photographers, we’ve seen firsthand how artificial intelligence has changed the creative space—offering quick edits, generated prompts, and polished visuals. But with this rise in efficiency comes a hunger for something real.
Vintage photography offers just that: emotion over perfection, character over automation, and style over filters. Whether you're drawn to the boldness of the 80s, the soft glow of the 70s, or the classic glam of the 50s, these styled sessions create a timeless vibe that AI simply can’t replicate.
10 Tips to Plan a Retro or Vintage-Inspired Photoshoot
1. Pick an Era That Speaks to You
Are you feeling 60s mod, 70s disco, or Y2K glam? Choosing a specific era helps guide the styling, location, and even the mood of the shoot.
2. Find the Perfect Wardrobe at These Local Vintage & Thrift Stores
Temecula
Urban Exchange Temecula – Trendy resale shop with rotating vintage pieces.
Assistance League Thrift Shop – A huge upscale shop with a boutique-style section.
Salvation Army Thrift Store – Affordable vintage basics, shoes, and accessories.
Palm Springs
Revivals Stores – Furniture, fashion, and vintage flair with midcentury modern vibes.
Angel View Thrift Boutique – Affordable vintage clothing and accessories.
Dazzles Palm Springs – Costume jewelry and 50s/60s accessories galore.
San Diego
Captain’s Helm – Classic surfer and Americana vibes with a built-in café.
Sea Hive Station – A massive space featuring dozens of vendors with curated vintage selections.
Flashbacks Recycled Fashion – Decades of fashion from the 20s to Y2K.
Day to Day Vintage – Handpicked streetwear and Americana, located in North Park.
3. Incorporate Props That Anchor the Look
Bring meaningful items like a vintage suitcase, rotary phone, typewriter, polaroid camera, old-school TV tray, or even a classic car. These details instantly elevate your aesthetic.
4. Shoot at a Retro-Inspired Location in SoCal
Kimberly Crest House & Gardens, Redlands – For Victorian and Bridgerton-style elegance.
Old Town Temecula – Western-style architecture and vintage storefronts.
Mission Inn Hotel, Riverside – Spanish Revival luxury for timeless glamour.
Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern District – Ideal for 60s and 70s mod.
Crystal Cove Historic District, Laguna Beach – Rustic beach cottages and vintage charm.
Salvation Mountain, Niland – Vivid colors and 70s hippie vibes.
5. Use Golden Hour for That Timeless Glow
Shoot during golden hour to get that soft, nostalgic light that flatters skin and adds instant vintage magic.
6. Embrace the Imperfections
Vintage photography thrives on light leaks, grain, and slightly blurred moments. Let your hair down and trust the process—it’s about feel, not flawless.
7. Shoot with Real Film or Vintage Lenses
While we often shoot digital, we love using vintage lenses or emulating real film for that authentic grain and depth. We can also shoot on 35mm film upon request!
8. Build a Color Palette for Your Theme
Boho browns for the 70s, bright neons for the 80s, bubblegum pinks for Y2K—choose 2–3 anchor colors to make your photos visually cohesive.
9. Make It an Experience, Not Just a Shoot
Turn your session into a styled day out. Blast music from your chosen era, bring a retro-themed picnic, or grab milkshakes at a diner. Make it memorable.
10. Book a Photographer Who Specializes in Styled Sessions
At Last Minute Photoshoot, we specialize in themed and stylized portrait sessions that feel authentic, creative, and true to your story. Whether it’s a retro birthday shoot, Bridgerton-style engagement, or just-for-fun throwback, we help with:
Wardrobe guidance
Vintage prop curation
Location planning
Lighting that fits your theme
Optional reels and short videos for social media
Final Thoughts
In a world where AI can edit your face, write your caption, and choose your background, more people are realizing how much they miss the real. Retro and vintage photography is rising not just because it's trendy—but because it brings us back to a time that felt more personal, more expressive, and more human.
Ready to Book Your Retro Photoshoot in Southern California?
Let’s bring your favorite decade to life. We serve Temecula, Redlands, Riverside, San Diego, Palm Springs, and surrounding cities with styled vintage and retro photography sessions.
👉 Contact us today to book your vintage shoot or explore our available packages.
Let’s make magic—and memories—that never go out of style.