The Leisurist Weekend Guide: Rancho Valencia, San Diego
If I had to pick one hotel in San Diego where I could happily spend an entire weekend without leaving, it would hands down be Rancho Valencia.
I've stayed here a few times, both with my kids and without them, and I love it every time.
There are only 49 casitas spread across 45 acres, so even when the hotel is full, it never really feels like it. The rooms are huge and cozy, with fireplaces and private patios, and the whole property is just beautiful. But honestly, it's all the little things they do that make me love it so much.
There’s champagne when you check in, a handwritten note welcoming you to the resort, a bottle of wine waiting in your room and usually something sweet too. Then every morning, they leave fresh-squeezed orange juice outside your door. None of these things are huge on their own, but together they make the whole experience feel really thoughtful.
And if you bring kids, they're just as spoiled.
The last time we went, mine each got to pick out a Jellycat stuffed animal when we arrived. They had little robes and slippers waiting in the room, and at one point giant warm cookies showed up at our door. Obviously, they were thrilled.
The family pool is also so good. There's a huge covered area with Xbox, arcade games, ping pong, foosball, books and toys, so when the kids are done swimming or need a break from the sun, they have a million other things to do.
The Spa
Do not skip the spa.
It's easily one of my favorite spas I've ever been to. The treatments are amazing, but what I really love is how much space there is to actually spend time there. A lot of it is outdoors, so you're walking between the different areas surrounded by trees, flowers and gardens. It feels more like its own little retreat within the resort than just a hotel spa.
There's a steam room, sauna, cold plunge, spa pool and jacuzzis, plus one of the best hotel gyms I've been to. You could easily spend half the day here, which I definitely recommend doing.
The yoga pavilion is also probably the prettiest place I've ever taken a yoga class in San Diego. They also offer Pilates, TRX and a bunch of other classes too, so check the schedule when you arrive.
Or just spend the afternoon by the spa pool. Both are very good choices.
Tennis, Pickleball & Padel
Rancho Valencia has always been known for its tennis program, but they also have pickleball and padel. You can book a lesson or just grab a court, and they have equipment there so you don't need to bring anything.
The Pony Room
And you have to eat at The Pony Room.
It's one of my favorite restaurants in San Diego even when I'm not staying at Rancho Valencia. The menu is seasonal and always changing, with tons of options and a lot of ingredients grown right there on the property. Everything feels fresh, and there's always something new to try even if you've been before.
The cocktails are great too, and it's one of those places where you go for one drink and somehow you're still sitting there an hour later.
A Weekend at Rancho Valencia
The best part is you really don't need to plan much.
Wake up, grab the orange juice outside your door and have coffee on your patio. Maybe take a yoga class or play tennis. Spend a few hours at the spa. Have lunch by the pool. Eventually make your way over to The Pony Room for drinks and dinner.
That's pretty much a perfect day as far as I'm concerned.
Planning a stay? Learn more about Rancho Valencia here.
Planning a stay? Learn more about Rancho Valencia here https://ranchovalencia.com