Sometimes you just want to get away—but due to those pesky responsibilities, a couple days off during a non-busy workweek will have to suffice. Fortunately, there’s a dreamy destination around an hour away that’s filled with hassle-free, wallet-friendly ways to relax and soak up the SoCal vibes. This hidden gem is Murrieta, a cozy community in the heart of the Temecula Valley that boasts laid-back charm, picturesque surroundings, and plenty of opportunities to recharge and reconnect—all without the stressful crowds and inflated prices often associated with the weekends.
Murrieta takes the philosophy of self-care seriously. Whether that means meandering along its miles of hiking trails, sipping your way through the region’s wineries, or soaking in the legendary thermal springs, Murrieta has you covered. And if it’s the latter that tickles your fancy, Murrieta can even save you some dough, making that weekday escape even more enticing.
Visitors who book a weekday (Sunday through Thursday) stay directly on ExploreMurrieta.com can enjoy two complimentary day passes to the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort. Valued at $198, these passes open the gates to the historic spa-style luxury retreat and its revitalizing mineral-rich alkaline water pools, refreshing cold plunges, detoxifying panoramic sauna, and more. The resort is built around natural geothermal mineral springs that have been used for centuries for relaxation and healing. The water, rich in minerals like calcium, lithium, potassium, and magnesium, is believed to help ease inflammation, boost mood, and support overall cellular health.
Murrieta is also the ideal jumping off point for exploring the Temecula Valley’s highly acclaimed wineries and vineyards. There’s something for casual sippers and seasoned sommeliers alike thanks to the award-winning wineries that take advantage of the region’s unique system of microclimates to produce well-balanced, crowd-pleasing varietals. But just because they’re upscale doesn’t mean they’re pretentious. Expect the same laid-back charm and welcoming atmosphere that Murrieta is known for. It’s all the best things about Temecula wine country, but calmer, quieter, and less crowded.
And we’d be remiss not to mention one of San Diego’s favorite pastimes: hiking. Murrieta’s miles of trails traverse rolling hills, oak groves, and wildflower fields, plus a range of difficulties—from the very mellow Tenaja Falls to fairly challenging, like the 5.9-mile Santa Rosa Plateau Trail—means there’s something for everyone. Plus, expect less foot traffic during the week, meaning more opportunities to reconnect with nature, crowd-free.
So, what are you waiting for? Take the day off, plan a “Wellness Wednesday,” and indulge in sunshine, self-care, and a long-overdue exhale. For more information or to book your midweek getaway, visit ExploreMurrieta.com.
Most homeowners want two things before they commit to a remodel: a realistic sense of cost and a clear picture of what the finished space will look like. Milan Design + Build helps deliver both through its online remodeling estimator and personalized design consultations, supported by a showroom experience and 3D renderings.
“The online estimate gives homeowners a starting number in about a minute, and the showroom and 3D renderings let them see materials and layouts before anything is built,” says David Noriani, CEO of Milan Design + Build. “Keeping design, permits, and construction with one team helps us manage expectations and keep everyone working toward the same vision.”
Courtesy of Milan Design
Modern design is a particular focus for Milan, with an emphasis on clean lines, natural light, functional layouts, and carefully selected materials. The team adapts each design to the homeowner’s lifestyle and the character of the property. Milan Design + Build combines thoughtful design with construction expertise, creating spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful.
The online estimator covers kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, full-home remodels, and ADU construction. At Milan’s showroom on Carroll Road, visitors can review real materials, finishes, and design options, meet the design-build team, and discuss project scope, budget, and timing. Consultations can also be held virtually for homeowners who prefer to start remotely.
At Milan Design + Build, one integrated team works on the entire project. Design and construction aren’t divided between separate firms. The process begins with a consultation and feasibility review, followed by design, space planning, and 3D renderings developed from detailed measurements and digital scans. The team also coordinates architectural plans, structural engineering, city approvals, and material selection, with construction overseen by a dedicated project manager.
Homeowners can explore their remodeling options, get an initial estimate, or request a design consultation at MilanBuild.com.
In the last several years, there’s been a surge in FDA approvals for what’s known as oral oncolytics. Oral oncolytics are targeted cancer therapies that come in tablet, capsule or liquid form that patients can take at home, rather than in an infusion clinic. Scripps physicians have seen exponential growth using this approach, with patients citing convenience as a major quality-of-life enhancement in their cancer treatment. This approach also allows treatments to be customized based on specific genetic mutations and a patient’s unique disease biology. Find out more about oral oncolytics here.
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Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
Unio Specialty Care is a multi-specialty practice specializing in urology, gastroenterology, and radiation oncology.
Unio’s Radiation Oncology team—Dr. Donald B. Fuller, Dr. Tahir Ijaz, Dr. Reza Shirazi, and Dr. Siavosh Vakilian—combines extensive clinical experience with a commitment to personalized cancer care. The RO team treats cancerous and non-cancerous conditions using precision therapies including SBRT, IGRT, and the CyberKnife® S7 System, the only system of its kind in Southern California. Their expertise spans prostate, breast, lung, gastrointestinal, pancreatic, and central nervous system cancers, as well as low-dose radiotherapy for osteoarthritis.
In 2026, Dr. Shirazi and Dr. Vakilian were recognized as San Diego Top Doctors, joining Dr. Fuller and Dr. Ijaz, who have previously received this distinction.
Faces of Healthcare 2026: San Diego Fertility Center
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
Susanna Park, MD; Sandy Chuan, MD; Brooke Friedman, MD; Said Daneshmand, MD; Valerie Flores, MD; Bryn Willson, MD
At San Diego Fertility Center, parenthood starts with personalized, cutting-edge care. Nationally recognized physicians offer individualized plans spanning IVF, PGT, egg donation, surrogacy, Gentle IVF, fertility preservation, and LGBTQ+ family building. Newsweek ranked them among America’s Best Fertility Clinics in 2026: top 6% of 450+ clinics nationwide, and best in San Diego.
“Remind yourself you are not alone! You don’t have to have all the answers before you walk through the door,” says Dr. Friedman. “Our job is to listen, explain your options, and guide you toward what makes sense for you. Because fertility care isn’t one-size-fits-all — and building your family should feel like your journey, supported every step of the way.”
Faces of Healthcare 2026: North County Cardiovascular Specialists
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
At NCCS, both doctors take a personal, traditional approach to cardiovascular care. Patients speak directly with their physicians and build lasting relationships with doctors who know them.
“We became doctors to care for patients, not to run a business,” says Dr. Kabra, who trained in England and the United States and leads the practice’s office-based cardiac care. Dr. Rajamanickam, an interventional cardiologist trained under renowned Dr. Samin Sharma, shares the same philosophy.
Guided by evidence-based medicine, they tailor care to each patient’s unique history, physiology, lifestyle and goals. Both are respected, well-reviewed physicians and four-time Top Doctors.
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3142 Vista Way, Suite 206, Oceanside, CA 92056 760-224-7776
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
Community health is about more than just vaccines and checkups, At Neighborhood Healthcare, patients receive whole-person care, giving them access to the resources they need to live their best lives—whether that’s primary care, pediatrics, dental care, behavioral health, lab services, or pharmacy needs.
Neighborhood Healthcare is a private, non-profit community health organization in San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. Primary Care Physician James H. Schultz, MD goes above and beyond in serving people with high integrity, professionalism, and collaboration. Alongside the entire Neighborhood Healthcare staff, he works to improve the health and happiness of the community, regardless of situation or circumstance.
