Tis always the season for self-care as a mom. Whether you need a little me-time or you want a weekend with your girl tribe, we’ve found the best staycations for moms near San Diego. We know that being close to home (but feeling a world away) is important for maximum relaxation––and these mom getaways are serene spots that fit the bill. Scroll through our guide and book your trip today.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Local luxury! Unwind at this 400-acre Mediterranean resort full of old-world charm. You’ll find a world-class spa, six restaurants, a premier golf course, and even an equestrian center. Revive with a fitness or yoga class. Even more, hit a few balls on the tennis court or take a lesson. Moreover, if you want to go anywhere, they offer luxury car service. You’ll leave feeling like you're living a dream.

When planning your trip, be sure to check out Fairmont Grand Del Mar's Way of Wellbeing workshops here. Be sure to make reservations for their grand and elegant afternoon tea. Then head to their Center for Wellbeing to enjoy some much deserved pampering via spa treatments and beauty services, fitness classes and wellbeing therapies.

Cost: From $448/night (plus resort fee $40/night)

5300 Grand Del Mar Ct.
San Diego, CA 92130
Online: fairmont.com

Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa

Miramonte Resort via Yelp

Desert oasis! Nestled in the Santa Rosa mountains amongst olive trees, you’ll find this beautiful resort with an award-winning spa and first-rate golf course awaits you. Dine in and enjoy the locally sourced food at the Citrus & Palm restaurant. Even more, try the eucalyptus steam room or get your nails done in the salon. Take time to relax by one of the three pools and take a dip to rejuvenate yourself.

Cost: From $118/night (plus resort fee $35/night)

45000 Indian Wells Lane
Indian Wells, CA 92210
Online: miramonteresort.com

Monarch Beach Resort

Monarch Beach Resort

First-rate! With AAA Five-Diamond hospitality and a Pacific Ocean view, you’ll feel miles away, yet close to home. From the private beach and oceanfront golf to the Miraval Life in Balance Spa and the Drybar Salon, you can find many ways to take care of yourself. Make time to indulge in the fine dining at Bourbon Steak OC.

Cost: From $499/night 

One Monarch Beach Resort
Dana Point, CA 92629
Online: monarchbeachresort.com

Rancho Bernardo Inn

Rancho Bernardo Inn

Although it's renown for its beautiful grounds and serene atmosphere, we know that a Swedish massage, hydrating facial and poolside lunch with your gal pals will be the highlight of your trip. Even more, fireside dining at the Veranda lounge with music playing in the background allows you to sit and relax while being waited on.

Cost: From $198/night (plus resort fee $29/night)

17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr.
Rancho Bernardo, CA 92128
Online: ranchobernardoinn.com

Cape Rey Resort and Spa

Cape Rey Resort and Spa

Notably, this resort is right across the street from the beach. Check-in, go for a walk, then head to the Ocean Crest Spa for a massage and a facial. Moreover, the steam room (included) is worth the trip. Dine while looking at the ocean at the on-site Chandler's restaurant and relax at the lobby bar––it has a nice ambiance.

Cost: From $137/night (plus resort fee $27.50/night)

1 Ponto Rd.
Carlsbad, CA 92011
Online: caperey.com

La Quinta Resort

La Quinta Resort via Yelp

Let the show begin! Surrounded by the Santa Rosa mountains, the La Quinta resort is where Hollywood stars from Greta Garbo to Clark Gable would go to relax. Unwind in the beautiful guest rooms with leather furniture and (most!) with fireplaces. Get a good workout playing on one of the seven golf courses or head to the Tennis Center to hit the ball around. The resort is spread out with 41 outdoor swimming pools and seven restaurants to choose from.

Cost: From $179/night (plus resort fee $35/night)

49-499 Eisenhower Dr.
La Quinta, CA 92253
Online: laquintaresort.com

La Valencia Hotel

La Valencia Hotel

Surely a little pampering in La Jolla would make a perfect getaway. First of all, the views are stunning and also, you're within walking distance to the shops downtown. If you're there on the weekend, the brunch at The Med is a must––and spending the evening at the La Sala bar is a nice perk too.

Cost: From $225/night (plus resort fee $30/night)

1132 Prospect St.
La Jolla, CA 92037
Online: lavalencia.com

Balboa Bay Resort

Balboa Bay Resort via Yelp

All aboard! If you love boats, the ocean, a Mediterranean vibe and luxury, this resort is a perfect spot in Newport Beach. This AAA Four Diamond resort has hosted all kinds of celebrities. Dine on locally caught fish in the sea-view restaurant and splash in the expansive pool, or treat yourself to a relaxing heated seashell massage at the spa. Explore the harbor in one of the hotel’s electric Duffy boats.

Cost: From $233/night (plus $30 resort fee)

1221 W. Coast Hwy
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Online: balboabayresort.com

Marriott Coronado Resort

Marriott Coronado Resort

Above all, a room with bay views and a pillow top bed are both beautiful and relaxing. Not to mention the plethora of exercise options: free bike rentals and fitness classes, a gym and tennis courts. After your workout, you can get a massage, then dine in the Current restaurant with views of the San Diego Bay.

Cost: From $224/night (plus resort fee $25/night)

2000 Second St.
Coronado, CA 92118
Online: marriott.com/coronado-island-resort

Kimpton Hotel Palomar San Diego

Kimpton Hotel Palomar San Diego via Yelp

Without the littles in tow, you can truly experience San Diego nightlife. First of all, this boutique hotel is located in the Gaslamp Quarter where there are plenty of restaurants and things to do. Even more, you'll find a rainfall shower head and a comfy bathrobe to relax in while in the room. In fact, you can have free wine and chips in the afternoon, then play games in their hang out room. 

Cost: From $92/night (plus resort fee $22.50/night)

1047 5th Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
Online: kimptonhotels.com/palomar

Kona Kai Resort

Kona Kai Resort

Every room has a view at this local getaway. Surely, staying at this resort you'll get some rest and rejuvenation. Not only does it have its own private beach, but you can also enjoy a mani-pedi or a relaxing facial at the spa with the girls. Even more, dine by the water at the Vessels Restaurant and Bar or hit up the pool's cool tiki bar during the day.

Cost: From $121/night (plus resort fee $27/night)

1551 Shelter Island Dr.
San Diego, CA 92106
Online: resortkonakai.com

The Lodge at Torrey Pines

The Lodge at Torrey Pines

For one thing, the luxurious touches like Egyptian-cotton linens, marble baths and leather seating will invite you to relax in style. A warm-spiced mani-pedi and de-stressing massages will feel even better. Above all, the beautiful sunsets and fireplace in the rooms will win you over.

Cost: From $290 (plus resort fee $35/night)

11480 North Torrey Pines Rd.
La Jolla, CA 92037
Online: lodgetorreypines.com

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

If you're looking for an island getaway right in San Diego, then this upscale resort and spa is a good go-to spot. From (included) exercise classes to hot stone massages, you'll feel like you've left it all behind for a day or two. Plus, there are five restaurants that serve delicious eats from burgers to seafood and Mexican food too.

404 Vacation Rd.
San Diego, CA 92109
Online: paradisepoint.com

Omni La Costa Resort and Spa

Omni La Costa Resort and Spa

There are a plethora of things to do (and not do) at this stunning Carlsbad resort and spa. From free bicycles, Pilates and tennis lessons to a sauna, steam room and spa pool, you can find both fitness and downtime at this resort. Plus, there are plenty of dining options from Bob's Steak House to VUE restaurant (located on the golf course).

Cost: From $224/night (plus resort fee $35/night)

2100 Costa Del Mar Rd.
Carlsbad, CA 92009
Online: omnihotels.com/lacosta

––Nikki Walsh

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Think a day at a winery is an adults-only affair? Think again. These days, more and more vintners understand that it’s not always easy for mom and dad to get a weekend away from the kids to enjoy a little wine appreciation. With bocce ball courts, special kids rooms and alpacas for petting, these vineyards have all the perks you need to keep the kids entertained while you enjoy some Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. Keep reading to see our top spots.

Pennyroyal Farm—Booneville, CA

Kate Loweth

This goat farm and vineyard is the perfect spot to stop on your way to the Mendocino coast. The kids will get a kick out of meeting the goats and sheep and learning that each one has a name! Book a farm tour to meet the animals. All tours end with a cheese tasting for all, wine tasting for parents and sparkling grape juice for the little ones. They even have bunnies and small playground equipment to keep everyone busy. 

Online: pennyroyalfarm.com

Black Star Farms—Suttons Bay, MI

Black Star Farms

Sure, Mom and Dad will go to taste the signature chardonnay, riesling and pinot noir wines made at this 21-year-old estate located just off the bay of Lake Michigan on the Traverse Wine Coast, but kids will be more into the stuff outside the walls. The vineyard's 160-acre grounds are home to a variety of easy to moderate hiking trails, an outdoor garden, a petting zoo, a café with family-friendly dining and a gorgeous equestrian center. Kids also enjoy the outdoor fun with paella night that they can watch come together. This occurs on the patio of the café, complete with kids' menu.

Hint: Come May to October when the vineyard's Hearth and Vine Cafe offers wood-fired pizzas, pasta, farm fresh appetizers and special dining events. 

Online: blackstarfarms.com

Alexis Bailly Winery—Hastings, MN

Holly M. via yelp

Minnesota may seem like an unlikely spot for grapes to grow, but “making wines in the world’s most difficult climate” has become Alexis Bailly vineyards’ triumph. And since it’s only open April through October, owners of the 45-year-old vineyard want families to enjoy their time in the sun: visitors are encouraged to picnic in the fields or bring bicycles to explore surrounding bike trails. Those who want to stick close to where the wines are can play bocce ball in the courtyard or explore the outdoor sculpture garden.

Insider Tip: Got little movers? Kiddos can groove to live jazz on Sundays in July and August. 

Online: abvwines.com

Prairie Berry Winery—Hilly City, SD

Prairie Berry Winery

If seeing stone-faced American presidents has your mouth watering for good, sweet wine, head to Prairie Berry Winery. Known for its fruit and berry wines, including the aptly named, "Red Ass Rhubarb," Prairie Berry is located about 10 miles from Mount Rushmore. With an on-site restaurant, visitors can enjoy a free tasting then have a meal on the porch with a view of Black Elk Peak. The restaurant caters to sophisticated—and four-year-old—palates, featuring everything from beer-braised pork to PB&J. Now, back to those presidents: Which four were carved onto that mountain again?

Hint: If beer is more your speed of beverage, the Miner Brewing Co. is right next door, and offers lawn games and munchies for the kidlets and a plethora of specialty and seasonal beers on tap for thirsty parents.

Online: prairieberry.com

Barrel Oak Winery—Delaplane, VA

Pegah Y. via yelp

The owners of this Piedmont countryside winery believe that wine-tasting trips shouldn't be reserved just for people without kids. Consequently, kids are handed juice boxes and scavenger hunt maps upon entrance to this award-winning vineyard. Littles can play with outdoor toys and games, and families are encouraged to pack a picnic and spend the day. 

Bonus: This spot is also a farm-crafted brewery for those who prefer beer to wine. 

Online: barreloak.com

Get the scoop on more wineries in the D.C. area here

Stoller Family Estate—Dayton, OR

Stoller Family Estate

It sounds like “Stroller” so it must be kid-friendly, right? You decide—the Stoller Family Estate has all the ingredients for a perfect day out with the kids: there’s a disc golf course, a tire swing hanging in a scenic spot (hello, Instagram!), picnic tables set on a hilltop and, of course, award-winning pinot for the parents.

Hint: Want to spend more than the day? Weekenders can stay at one of three houses on the property.

Online: stollerfamilyestate.com

Find more family-friendly OR wineries here

Castello di Amorosa—Calistoga, CA

Jim G. via flickr

Unleash your knights-in-training on this replica 13th century Tuscan castle. Little ones can race across the drawbridge over a real moat to explore eight levels of fairy tale ambiance (four above and four below ground), including 95 rooms devoted to winemaking. The 121,000-square foot castle features secret passageways, towers, torture chambers and more. While you’re there, keep an eye out for wandering emus and peacocks and be sure to visit the dungeon tasting room where grown-ups can sip signature Italian-style wines while kids sip grape juice and go to work on coloring pages that are provided.

Good to know: Strollers are not allowed in the castle.

Online: castellodiamorosa.com

Check out this post for more NorCal wineries where kids are welcome. 

Dierberg and Star Lane Vineyard Tasting Room—Rita Hills, CA

Kate Loweth

This winery in the Santa Ynez Valley offers an expansive lawn that's perfect for bocce ball while the parents do some wine tasting. A flight of five wines will cost your $20, and it showcases the diversity of three estate vineyards. The unique climates of each of the three vineyards allow for the production of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah. Send the kids out to the garden to look for lizards while you enjoy all that the region has to offer.

Online: dierbergvineyard.com

There's no shortage of wineries in this area, find more of our favorites here

Martha Clara Vineyards—Riverhead, NY

Maria R. via Yelp

The 200 acres of Martha Clara Vineyards is considered one of the most family-friendly wineries in Long Island. Little animal lovers can get up close and personal with the critters at the petting zoo, enjoy horse and carriage rides and have a picturesque lunch or snack in the outdoor picnic area. For parents worried about muddling the winery's peaceful vibe, there are private tasting rooms (for an extra cost) where you and your clan can buckle down and taste away.  

Online: marthaclaravineyards.com

Snowy Peaks Winery—Estes Park, Co

This winery doesn't look like much from the outside, but it's worth a stop if you're mountain-bound with your brood (Estes Park is known as a base for the Rocky Mountain National Park). Need a break before the big hike? Your kids will be happy to hang in the "No Wine-ing Zone," a small playroom stocked to the brim with toys, books, crafts and games (and located just next to the tasting room!).

Hint: If you're looking for something fun to do besides marvel at the exquisite wilderness (moose, elk and bears are all nearby residents), this awesome outdoor adventure park, featuring bungee trampolines, miniature golf, giant slides and go-karts, is just around the corner.

Onlinesnowypeakswinery.com

Pindar Vineyards—Peconic, NY

Pindar Vineyards

Pindar's cut-your-own sunflower fields are so picturesque that you might want to haul your small rays of sunshine here just to snap a pic. While there's no dedicated child space at this 35-year-old family-run vineyard, kids are welcome to tag along in the tasting room, and wiggle worms will love the wide open space adjacent to the vines.

Hint: Come on select Saturdays and Sundays (see the events calendar) to enjoy live outdoor music from 1-5 p.m. 

Online: pindar.net

Larson Family Winery - Sonoma CA

The Larson Family Winery goes all-out to make families feel welcome. The family rents out a farmhouse in the grounds of their Sonoma estate, set among rows of chardonnay vines. There are farm animals on site as well as friendly dogs for petting. There's a bocce ball court and there's a huge lawn for games like tag and corn hole.  When the winery has tastings during the day there are coloring sheets for the kids while parents test their wine palettes. 

 

The Lake House Inn—Geneva-On-The-Lake, OH

The Lake House Inn

Head to The Lake House Inn if you are looking for a weekend getaway to go with your wine tasting. Families will especially love the three beachside cottages for setting up their home away from home. Paddling and pebble collecting on the shore are popular with little ones, and families are encouraged to check out nearby Geneva State Park with its lakeside swim beach, volleyball courts and trails. You won't get views of vines from the inn (the grapes are grown elsewhere in the Grand River Valley), but you will get top-notch small batch wines including dry rosés and darker reds, plus a sweet apple cider wine and a peach wine produced from local fruits. Tastings take place daily at the Inn's on-site family-friendly restaurant.

Online: thelakehouseinn.com

Tobin James Cellars—Paso Robles, CA

Stephanie L. via Yelp

Kids can sip sparkling grape juice and play arcade-style video games while parents wine-taste at this funky, western-style winery that was once an old stagecoach stop. Tots (accompanied by parents) will enjoy the large lawn on the property. 

Got a pup? This place loves pooches and well-mannered doggies are welcome to join in the fun (they're allowed almost everywhere except the tasting room).

Onlinetobinjames.com

Chisholm Trail Winery—Fredericksburg, TX

Shelly S via Yelp

Nestled in the Texas Hill Country outside the charming town of Fredericksburg, Chisholm Trail Winery has the casual feel of an Old West saloon. Grown-ups can sip on “Bad Ass Blush” (it’s a sweet, pink wine) while kids chow down on fresh, wood-fired pizzas. Outside, relax on the porch, challenge your little ones to a game of horseshoes, or give a pat to one of the winery’s friendly pet donkeys.

Be sure to check the calendar for special events including live music, grape stomping and jazz brunches.

Online: chisholmtrailwinery.com

Bernardo Winery—San Diego, CA

Beth Shea

San Diego’s oldest operating vineyard isn't just a winery, it's more like an old-world village. You can wander through artists shops to catch a glimpse of everything from mosaics and oil paintings to botanical soaps. After soaking in the village, grab a cheese plate and a glass of wine. If you want to take advantage of the wine tasting with chocolate pairings (who doesn’t?), grab a table on the patio and kick back as you listen to live music and your kids get their groove on. Stop by on Friday mornings for the Farmers Market where you’ll find local produce and lots of other families. 

Insider’s Tip: It’s okay to bring light snacks for young kiddos, but the winery does not allow outside food or drinks for adults. 

Onlinebernardowinery.com

We spill the beans on other favorite San Diego wineries here

The Biltmore Village Hotel—Asheville, NC

Biltmore

The Biltmore Village Hotel is a family-friendly starting point to explore the impressive 8,000-acre estate in North Carolina which was the home of the Vanderbilts for generations. There are castle tours, landscaped gardens, bike rentals and trails, hiking, horseback riding and farm animals to keep the family busy as well as diverse dining options (all of which have kids menus) and of course, wine tasting. Complimentary tastings are included with Biltmore admission, and kids aren't forgotten—they get free grape juice! There are additional wine experiences on offer like behind the scenes tours of the production facility, a visit to the vineyard or curated wine and chocolate pairings.

Online: biltmore.com

Harbes Family Farm—Mattituck, NY

Harbes Family Farm

This place is equal parts farm and vineyard. Grown-ups will probably want to get right to sipping the vineyard's signature (award-winning) steel-fermented chardonnay; kids will want to head for the Barnyard Adventure, a farmhouse-style play zone featuring hay rides, pig races, a petting zoo and tractor trikes. Kids will especially love the “Jumbo Jumpers”, large inflatable bouncing pillows, a sports zone with football and baseball tossing games, and a “Li'l Farmers Play Land” that’s geared for tiny tots.

Hint: Try to visit in the fall, when there’s a pumpkin patch and a huge corn maze. And, don't leave without trying the homemade apple cider donuts.

Open from mid-May through November. 

Online: harbesfamilyfarm.com

Potomac Point Winery—Stafford, VA

VG via Yelp

Kids can watch DVDs and play games in the winery’s “Lil’ Buds Room” (located right next to the tasting bar!) at this scenic estate 45 minutes south of D.C. Hungry? There’s a full-service bistro with a kids menu serving lunch and dinner. Try to visit in the fall, when the kids can stomp some grapes of their own at the annual Harvest Festival, which also features face painting, bounce houses and carnival games. Oh, and don't forget about Fido—dogs are welcome here, too!

Good to know: The third Thursday of the month during the school year brings the Moms & Merlot lunch—just what you need! 

Online: potomacpointwinery.com

Longshadow Ranch Vineyard & Winery—Temecula, CA

Pradeep M. via Yelp

Kiddos can rub noses with the horses, play on the jungle gym and check out the alpacas and goats at this Temecula winery. Up for a late night? The vineyard hosts bonfires on Saturday nights from April to October, featuring face painting, mechanical bull-riding and a bonfire.

Online: longshadowranchwinery.com

Ponzi Vineyards—Sherwood, OR

Ponzi Vineyards

Little ones can color at the kids' table while grown-ups taste award-winning reds at this vineyard just minutes from Portland. Pack a picnic, pop open a bottle of pinot and enjoy the outdoor tables and bocce courts. Rainy outside? Plop the kids in front of the large window overlooking the winemaking and bottling facility.

Online: ponziwines.com

—Kate Loweth & Melissa Heckscher

 

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Editor’s Note: Red Tricycle wants parents to have fun and be safe with their kids. Please drink responsibly and always designate a driver. 

Summer will be here before we know it. For most families, that means sunshine and playtime. But it also means no school and some pretty unstructured days. Not sure what to do with the kiddos all summer? We’ve got your guide to summer camps all over North County, from Bonsall to La Jolla. Whether you have a bookworm or a beach babe, your options are limitless.

Photo credit: Perrin W. via Yelp

Getting Artsy, Crafty and Musical
Want something crafty? Try Carlsbad Art Farm in Carlsbad, MonArt in Solana Beach, or Glitter and Glue Studio with locations in Escondido and Rancho Penasquitos. Budding musicians can rock out at Rockademy in Solana Beach. Of course, there are musical theater and Shakespeare camps at Intrepid Shakespeare in Encinitas.

City Camps and Day Camps
Want to stay local? Most cities offer great half- and full-day camps through their Parks and Recreation Centers. A few standouts that offer multiple options and include lots of ages are Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista and Encinitas.

If your kids like lots of variety and you need the better part of the day covered, there are spectacular day camps to choose from. Camp Village View in Carlsbad only lasts two weeks in July, but is jam-packed with everything from art to Muay Thai. Magdalena Ecke YMCA in Encinitas is well-loved by parents and kids alike, as is the YMCA La Jolla. The Boys & Girls Club camps are everywhere from Escondido to Solana Beach and further south, while Camp Jaycee hosts tons of fun in La Jolla.

Photo credit: Photo Credit: Capitol Debate via Yelp

EduCamps and Animal Schools
Sure playtime is fun, but if you want your kids to learn more than papier mache, try one of these educational camps. Lingua Natal and Mis Casitas (both in Encinitas) offer Spanish camps, some to kids who are only 2-years-old. Your 7-16-year-olds can learn all about marine life at Zuba Diving in Sorrento Valley and La Jolla. Want to learn about taking care of animals? The Rancho Coastal Humane Society (Encinitas) serves up exciting camp weeks of hands-on games, activities, arts and crafts, guest speakers, and of course live dogs, cats and bunnies.

There’s the ever-popular San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, which offers all kinds of areas of animal-related study and activities and also takes kids as young as two. Birch Aquarium at Scripps offers Summer Learning Adventure Camp from June 22 – August 21 for kids as young as 4-years-old. From the classroom to the seashore, campers investigate marine habitats, create ocean art projects, learn about careers in oceanography, and combine the science and sports of surfing and snorkeling.

Photo credit: Oceanside Gymnastics Facebook page

Gymnastics, Dance and Horseback Riding
For the physically agile kiddo over 4-years-old, there are great gymnastics camps at Oceanside GymnasticsTRC with locations in Solana Beach and Sorrento Mesa; Gyminy Kids in Rancho Bernardo; and Pacific Coast Gymnastics in San Marcos. Your tiny dancer can get her groove on at the Academy of Dance, which has multiple North County locations and All Star Dance in Solana Beach.

Equestrians can ride to their heart’s content at Raw Hide Ranch in Bonsall or eat, sleep and breathe horses at Raintree Ranch in Julian. Don’t want to drive that far? Concord Equestrian Center in Del Mar offers camps, as does The Horsemanship Academy in Rancho Santa Fe, and the Riding Academy in San Marcos.

Photo Credit: Brookeh S. via Yelp

Surf and Sports
Sportsmen and women can play volleyball in San Marcos, tennis in Encinitas, and learn to skate in Encinitas. Kids can learn to play soccer with Little Rascalz almost anywhere in North County or get zen at NRK Karate in San Marcos. Most of the aforementioned day camps, city camps, and the Boys & Girls Club all offer specific sports camps. Are your kids’ looking to hang ten or get tubed? Surf Camp USA in Oceanside, Maui Surf Academy, Fulcrum SurfEli Howard, Leucadia Surf School in Leucadia and Del Mar, and Dawn Patrol (Encinitas) are all da kine.

Did we miss any cool North County summer camps? Tell us in the comments so we can all check it out.

— Allison Stabile

Looking for a date night activity that will really get you going? Well, giddy-up! Horseback riding in the Bay Area has never been so convenient and so fun, with countless ranches and stables ready to give you and your family a majestic day with horses. Whether you’re a cowboy at heart or a horseback riding novice, whether you’re taking the kids along or looking for a romantic activity alone as a couple, 7×7 has the dish on the best places to learn, ride, and play. So jump on up and gallop away to a new and exciting date night!

Learn

Skyline Equestrian Center and Ranch
Whether you’re a bareback champion or a wishful greenhorn, the Skyline Equestrian Center and Ranch in the Oakland Hills is the perfect place for learning the basics of horseback riding. Starting at $40, group and individual lessons cover English-style riding, as well as tacking, grooming, and handling. More advanced equestrians learn how to take on dressage and some jumping techniques. 5750 Redwood Road, Oakland, 510-336-0850, skyline-ranch.com

Ride

Mar Vista Stables
A 15-minute drive south of SF brings you to Mar Vista Stables, where you can take your boarded (or rented) steed up and down the sand dunes and through low tide. Perched on a picturesque bluff of Thorton Beach, the livery offers hour-long guided rides for $40. The 3-mile trail takes you through blooming succulents before getting down to the surf, where you can sometimes see dolphins swimming. Mar Vista is cash-only and has about 20 horses on hand, so don’t worry about a reservation unless you have more than five in your party. Private lessons are also available for beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders. 2152 Skyline Blvd., Daly City, 650-991-4224, marvistastable.com

Miwok Livery
The Western-style Miwok Livery leads daily trail rides through the Marin Headlands. For $75 an hour, you can wind through the hills of Golden Gate National Recreation Area and catch glimpses of the ocean, Mount Tamalpais, and San Francisco’s skyline. Make a reservation at least a week in advance, and if it’s open, stop at the farm stand on your way up Tennessee Valley Road for delicious fruit and some carrots to feed your horse. 701 Tennessee Valley Road, Mill Valley, 415-383-8048, miwokstables.com

Play

Stern Grove
If you’re more of a ringer than a rider, check out Stern Grove’s horseshoe throwing pits. Well-maintained and not too crowded, the eight courts are home to casual Friday evening games. Other times, the SF Horseshoe Pitching Club (sfhorseshoepitching.com) hosts tournaments here and at Golden Gate Park’s 16 pits. Farther west into the park, patrolling officers mount their horses at the red Golden Gate Park Police Stables. Visit any 9 a.m.–2 p.m. to pet and feed the equine force. Stern Grove Court, Sloat Boulevard and 19th Avenue; Golden Gate Park Court, Fulton and Stanyan streets; Police Stables, James W. Bloesch Road and 36th Avenue, 415-752-6255

For more information and insider-tips, read the full 7×7 article here.

Written by John Knight

This is our weekly guest post from our friends at 7×7, a site that keeps you up on the best of SF. We’ve teamed up for an exciting partnership to bring you a fantastic Date Night idea each week. Be sure to check out their blog for hourly doses of the best of SF.