Temecula is a family friendly place, say what? I didn't know either!
When I used to think of Temecula (pre-baby), I thought about wine tasting for adults only. A city filled with different wineries for guests to come sip and enjoy their wine creations. Come to reality, this city is actually more family-friendly than I thought!
As two working parents, it's been quite busy and we were craving for a mini getaway. We don't really have much free time nowadays and I was looking into a 1-nighter trip somewhere in Southern California. Then one night, the idea of Temecula came up but I wasn't sure if it was family-friendly or not. After all, the last time I went to Temecula was for my bachelorette (here) back in 2018 where we rented a party bus and sipped at 3 different wineries - totally recommend doing this!
After researching hours online for several days, we finally narrowed it down and booked our stay at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa (this was one of the wineries we went to during my bachelorette that was such a pretty spot so I was curious - and excited - to come back and stay at the actual resort this time). What made me choose South Coast Winery Resort and Spa? Well first, I loved how when you go to their website the first thing that pops up is that it has been family owned and operated since 1995. That just made me feel like they value family and understand the importance of family as well. Second, this full service resort pretty much has everything you need in one spot which makes it super convenient:
indoor and outdoor wine tasting areas (check!), multiple amenities including spa/heated saltwater pool/gym (check! check! check!), as well as their own Vineyard Rose Restaurant which you can order room service for (check!). Third, their website provides the best available rates and when you book with them directly (via on their site or by phone) you get a complimentary bottle of one of their wines upon check-in which is such a great bonus (they do include a wine opener and wine glasses in your room too)!
BOOKING TIP :: If you have AAA, you also get a discount on room rates. ;)
It was now official and no going back: we were taking our 1st family trip for 2022! Keep on reading for more info on my ATK City Guide for Temecula: the family-friendly version!
The morning of our trip, our day started later than anticipated (it happens right?). We eventually got out of the house and headed towards Temecula! Our first stop was lunch at The Goat and Vine, a made-from-scratch rustic kitchen eatery located in Old Town Temecula, cause we were craving pizza. If you know us, you know we love pizza and can have it pretty much every week so we had to try pizza in Temecula. We ordered The Favorite pizza that came with "house made fennel sausage, roasted crimini mushrooms and house marinara" and a Popeye and Olive Oil salad made with "spinach, bacon, spicy Marcona almonds, feta cheese, grape tomatoes, green onion and champagne vinaigrette." Everything was delicious and their decor was impressive. Definitely recommend coming to The Goat and Vine if you want some good pizza out here!
FOOD TIP :: They don't take reservations so add yourself to the waitlist on Yelp (here) before coming to save time waiting.
Afterwards, we headed to South Coast Winery for wine tasting. By this time, Kaibear knocked out so we got to have a little bit of "grown up time" to enjoy a round of wine tasting and charcuterie. It was really nice, to be able to know that you can still be a parent AND enjoy adult things at the same time - they don't really tell you that growing up. Anyways, Kaibear woke up after we finished wine tasting (it's like he knew!) and we all got to catch the sunset together while we took a stroll to the front to check-in to our suite.
WINE TASTING TIP :: Let them know you're staying at the resort and you get a discount on tastings - sweetttt!
After relaxing and getting situated in our hotel suite, we went out for dinner. We weren't craving anything really and since it was cold, we went with Jake's Rocking Ramen that was not too far from the resort. The hubby got the spicy rockin' ramen (this was good), I got the shoyu ramen (plain so I could split some out for Kaibear but then added their spicy paste into my bowl afterwards and it was MUCH better), and Kaibear almost finished all the spam musubi by himself. It was simple, it was easy, it was comforting. Just perfect and exactly what we were looking for. Great service here too!
FOOD TIP :: You can also preorder ahead online (here) for to-go if you prefer to bring it back to your hotel.
Ended the night with a Walmart run and staying in our hotel suite watching movies. It felt so nice, just us 3. The next morning, I woke up early to catch the sunrise. Shortly after I woke up, Kaibear woke up too and enjoyed the sunrise with me. It was calm and peaceful and I just wanted to soak it all in before starting the day.
We wanted to get an early start so we checked out of our suite and headed out to breakfast at Toast, a made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch spot with specialty cocktails and coffee. The hubby ordered the shrimp & grits (delicious) and I got the corned beef skillet (okay, needed sauce, was better with their salsa verde) and the vanilla ice ice charcoal matcha (now this was good hot). Kaibear liked their squaw toast, shrimp & grits, and the eggs on top of the skillet (haha).
Then we headed back home after breakfast and our 1-nighter family trip to Temecula was officially over. But, the memories we created and the special alone time we got together will be forever cherished. We all enjoyed it so much, we were inspired to do more easy family-friendly trips and hope it inspires you too. If you have any places you recommend or that we should try, let us know in the comments below! Otherwise, stay tuned as we explore and share more places near and far.
Have you gone to Temecula for a staycation yet?
If not, what are you waiting for? Use my ATK City Guide as a resource to plan your next getaway!
As always, thanks for reading and sending you virtual air hugs!
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