We stayed at Bandy Canyon Ranch back in October to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary. I sat…read moreon this review for far too long because it honestly just made me so incredibly angry and I didn't want to relive the experience. I've also seen how the manager responds to other negative reviews and didn't feel like dealing with the attacks. I had been following Bandy Canyon on Instagram and the experience they promote online nowhere meets the reality. We chose to stay at the Eagle cabin because it had more space for our 2 kids and dog and the other rooms available were much smaller in comparison. The cabin didn't look upgraded online but for $910 for 2 nights, I assumed it had to be nicer than the photos looked. It was actually much, much worse. The website touts upgraded and renovated rooms but the Eagle cabin had clearly not been updated maybe since it had been built. I cannot begin to explain how depressing the cabin felt walking in at night. Floor to ceiling brown shiny walls illuminated by harsh white lightbulbs, no art or decor on the walls, tacky fake plant from the 90s covered in dust, yellow stained and ripped curtains. The floor was ripped and worn. It felt like a prison. The TV was missing the remote so we couldn't even turn on the TV for some added ambiance. It was dead silent. We spent hours turning the place upside down trying to find a remote, my husband was hyperventilating from how suffocating and tacky the room felt with no escape. We almost left as soon as we arrived. I called the front desk over the course of several hours. The front desk couldn't get us a remote that worked and tried calling her manager but couldn't figure out what to do. We hadn't eaten dinner so my husband reluctantly grilled us some food on the sad bbq outside our room in almost complete darkness. It was intended to be a special celebration of our 10-year wedding anniversary and it ended up being a weekend from hell. Did I mention they prohibit you from bringing your own wine? Because they sell wine on site as part of their "winery." However I was told they only had rose when I asked for a red. What is this, a college dorm? I'm going to get in trouble for bringing my own wine to celebrate my 10 year wedding anniversary? Didn't find this out until we were packing our bags for the trip and my husband was looking at their website. I somehow managed to convince my husband to stay the night versus driving home immediately. I really wanted to salvage our milestone anniversary trip! I tried using the shower and the pipes screeched loudly, sounding like someone was screaming in your ear the whole time. I sent video to the front desk. The noise was so unbearable that we couldn't even use the shower. The sound echoed through the entire house, making it impossible to ignore. These elements greatly diminished the comfort and ambiance we had anticipated. Furthermore, a major reason for choosing the ranch was the promise of a pool for our toddler to enjoy, especially as it's promoted across the ranch's Instagram. To our dismay, the pool was not heated and was too cold to use, which was very disappointing. Adding to this inconvenience, the pool bar was closed, further limiting our recreational options.    All the ranch workers we interacted with were supportive and apologetic, agreeing that the Eagle cabin was outdated and unfit for guests. They acknowledged that it should not have been rented out in its current condition. They promised us the manager would make it right. I was told she's get in touch with me after the weekend. It took me messaging them for about a solid month for the manager to finally call me, which by that point I had zero interest in talking to her. We paid good money to stay here and it was a complete waste. For 2 nights we spent almost 1k ($910 to be exact). You'd think for that kind of money we'd get a much nicer experience!

This charming ranch is perfect for a peaceful getaway. When I visited, the on-site restaurant was…read moreunder construction, so bring your own food--mini-fridges are in the cottages. I stayed in the cozy Sparrow cottage, which was well-decorated and had a fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and dishes for two. I loved the rocking chair on the patio for coffee and reading. The pool is cute and relaxing, though unheated, but the hot tub is warm. There's a serene stream with frogs croaking at night, and the property is secluded, with a few nearby wineries to explore. This retreat is ideal for couples or a small group of friends. Cons: The hot water is only lukewarm. The bed had some dirt/sand. My TV didn't work, and the bonfire is only available until 4 pm. The animal sanctuary ($7) requires a reservation, but the front desk told me to just show up. When I did, the staff said same-day reservations weren't allowed--and she was a bit cranky--so I couldn't visit. However, it's small enough to view from outside the fence. TL;DR: This ranch is feels safe, peaceful and promising. Once the restaurant opens and cleaning standards improve, it will be a perfect nature escape.

This place is an absolute gem hidden off of Melrose! You turn down in here and you see so many…read morebeautiful things. There are peacocks during the early morning time roaming around. They have a beautiful little movie theater where you can watch a show about how it all began and a tiny little gift shop. Then you can walk around and see all of the horse stables, houses, and beautiful reflection pool.

We got the opportunity to walk with a docent/guide during a light rain we had in May. It was s nice…read moreto walk in the rain and hear stories of the past at Leo Carrillo Ranch. The cacti were in blossom which was a unique treat! We saw peacocks, a wide variety of local biota and enjoyed talking story with a knowledgeable elder.

The most honest, caring, and KIND people you will ever meet. We recently purchased a horse from…read morethem and she is everything that they said she was and more. Even after the sale was complete, they continued to answer our questions and even took time to Facetime with us on a Saturday morning to teach us some of the horses buttons. Leann even went so far as to send me some research she had done on equine insurance and took time out of her schedule to meet with me when I needed some more help! There are few people you can trust out there, especially in the equine world, but the Lawson's are not only trustworthy, they are incredibly sweet.

From the owner: Performance Horse Training and Boarding. Cowboy Mounted…read moreShooting Horse Owner Training

This is a great family-friendly winery and also a great spot for groups without kids!…read more The enormous estate grounds and surrounding views were beautiful. We visited midday on a Saturday and there were lots of people there, but it didn't feel crowded. There were many spaces to gather: the patio by the wine bar, a grassy area next to the bar, an air-conditioned room with a couple seating areas, and a massive front lawn with picnic tables and bounce houses. The setting was enhanced by the music from the guitarist. These grounds deserves 5+ stars! The kids in our group (ages 8-13) had fun going on the hayrides, exploring the estate, and playing on the bounce houses. Glad to see that one of the bounce houses was only for kids ages 4 and under. They also offer craft activities on Sundays. We adults enjoyed the music, ambience, and wine tasting, especially since the kids were occupied with activities. The winery served several types of wine and sangria. The adults in our group rated the wines 3 stars- not amazing but not bad either. They served burgers, sliders, hot dogs, bratwurst, and nachos with ground beef, all sourced from cattle raised on their ranch. The kids and adults gave the food 4 stars. Overall, Rancho Guejito Vineyards is a fantastic place to visit! We will definitely be coming back and we'll be bringing more family friends with us.

Beautiful vineyard, enjoyed the open space, the music & fine white wine…read more Ambience was so comforting. Families, singles & all types of cultures were welcome on a sunny Sunday afternoon

They open first week of October, I've been here 3 times in the fall in the past years not…read moreconservatively. Almost everything is pretty much the same. It's family owned very nice people. Great experience each time. Bring water and maybe a hat or go early. Plenty of persimmons so don't worry about them selling out. They have other fruits too but not abundant like persimmons. Take your loved ones it's a fun outdoor experience.

Bar 2 Ranch is still the best place for persimmon picking. The owners/staff are very friendly. You…read moremay pick them yourself or purchase them already picked at $1 per pound. Price hasn't increased from last year. Highly recommended!!!!

We were blessed enough to be invited to celebrate a Christmas party at this venue and had an…read moreabsolute blast! It was beautifully decorated and we felt a tremendous amount of joy and peace just walking around admiring the beautiful wooden buildings and their architecture with carefully placed decorations all over. They had several fires going which just added so much warmth and comfort to the already uplifting scenery. We were fortunate enough to sit down near one of the owners and got the chance to speak with him for a while. He was very welcoming and warm person and we happily thanked him for having us at his beautiful establishment. We also got the chance to visit and pet some of the animals! (with permission) It was a big highlight for us last year during the holiday season and we hope to be able to visit again someday!

My 11-year-old son attended Rawhide Ranch for a one-week summer camp. As part of the camp's policy,…read morechildren do not have access to electronics or direct communication with parents during their stay. Prior to camp, we arranged a simple system where he could signal me through a snack purchase if he needed help. Early on the third day, he used that signal. I called the camp and did not receive a response. After approximately eight hours, I called again and requested to speak with the camp director, I was eventually connected with the camp director, who indicated there had been an issue earlier that day involving my son and wrong medication being given. After insisting, I was allowed to speak with my son. He was clearly distressed and informed me that he had been given the wrong medication that morning. Instead of his usual over-the-counter allergy medication, he was given a high-dose antidepressant not prescribed to him and not intended for a child his age. According to the information provided to me, staff at the health office realized the error and attempted to have him self induce vomiting with a spoon, (he was instructed to stick the spoon down his throat), which was unsuccessful. They then contacted poison control for guidance. At no point during this process was I notified. After speaking with my son, I decided to pick him up immediately. When I arrived, I found communication from staff to be limited, and I was unable to get clear or detailed information about the incident despite asking direct questions. I requested to speak with the camp director, who eventually met with me. During that interaction, I found his demeanor to be notably nonchalant given the circumstances. The situation--a child being given the wrong medication and the parent not being notified--was presented in a way that did not reflect the level of concern I would have expected. When I attempted to ask for clarification and express concern about what had happened, the conversation became extremely tense. There was a clear difference in how seriously the situation was being viewed, and the discussion escalated into a heated verbal exchange. Given the lack of clear communication and the response to what I consider a serious safety issue, I made the decision to withdraw my son from the camp that same night. Following the incident, I contacted the camp multiple times. I was initially told that a refund would not be provided, though I was offered a credit for a future summer. After further communication, I did receive a refund. I also attempted to reach out to members of the organization's leadership to share concerns about the incident. This experience was extremely concerning, particularly given the seriousness of a medication error involving a child and the lack of timely parent notification.

THANK YOU ! excellent overall, wonderful restaurant.. and…read moregardens. The only drawback is the on site account manager who did not manage my booking correctly and there is a balance of $160 due to be returned to me + my Christmas groceries and gifts that were removed from the fridge and from my room, $250 groceries & $1000 in Xmas gifts and linens. I understand this was a mistake on the part of the housekeeper and / or account manager as they thought I had left. in fact I traveled to The Mission Inn, Riverside for 2 nights for the holiday festivities and I left a voice mail on the Lazy H Ranch machine to say I will return. I prepaid for my entire visi at Lazy H which was for 3-4 during the Christmas holidays of 2024. I would like to host a conference at this location for my former students from Woodbury University in the future. I suggest a clear written agreement for the 'Lazy H Ranch rental rooms or cottages' is printed with an invoice, statement of services to be provided and then a printed or emailed for payments received. I suggest a print out on the Inn bedroom doors stating rates, fire safety and emergency contacts along with instructions for operating the heating; A/C ; the WiFi., and television. understandably the SDG&E were having power outages for testing their systems during my stay so for 3 or 4 days there was no power or hot water, the Manager provided extra blankets and a discount. It was peaceful on those day s as the restaurant was closed. I traveled to visit Glen Ivy in Corona for a bath and to access internet to send messages home. When these minor issues are addressed the 'Lazy H Ranch' will be one of the finest establishments in California. 2024 - 2025 Xmas & New Year 3 week stay. Juliette Robina Howay M. .

We've visited three times because of the consistently great reviews, assuming we must have caught…read morean off night. Unfortunately, the experience has been the same each visit. Sitting at the bar feels oddly enclosed and lifeless. Even with open windows, the atmosphere comes across as closed off and quiet in an uncomfortable way, more empty banquet hall than inviting restaurant. Each time, the place felt dead. Service at the bar was also lacking. The bartender was frequently away talking with servers, leaving us waiting a long time for drinks despite how slow the restaurant was. The food was equally underwhelming. The sides that are often praised, including the twice-baked potato, tasted like frozen, reheated items rather than something freshly made. The meat itself was mediocre and forgettable, with nothing that stood out. We really wanted to like this place and gave it multiple chances, but after three visits, we're genuinely confused by the hype.

Hidden Hills Ranch is an amazing place. It's meticulously maintained, clean and the horses all look…read morehealthy and happy. Trainers Nichole, Nick, and Courtney have been wonderful to work with. We would recommend this ranch to anyone looking

Hidden Hills equestrian was completely unknown to me before I was recommended there by a dear…read morefriend. The name speaks for its self as it is beautiful and secluded up in the hills of sunny Bonsall. At the time I was a 19 year old college student who worked a full time job and an active world ranking competitor in mounted shooting (and still am). I worked my ass off to assure that my horses received nothing but top-of-the-line care. THE RATE IS 100% PERCENT WORTH IT!! (It comes with roughly 4 flakes of hay a day, fresh shavings 3 times a week, blanketing/fly sheets whenever asked, hot and cold water year round, secure tack rooms, and great footing in arenas.) I was absolutely astonished when I first pulled in with my horses as I never toured the property before arrival. The pictures on the website don't DARE do the beauty of the property justice. I stabled two multinational and world champion horses there and was 100% satisfied in their care and safety. The barns, arenas and pastures were upheld to the highest standard I had ever seen in the San Diego area. They have one massive sand arena and two smaller ones which are groomed every morning at 7-7:30 and a sand round pen which is groomed as needed (3-4 times a week). When it rains, which I think we can all agree trashes SoCal, the owners immediately turn their attention to draining and maintaining the foundation of the property. I can whole heartedly recommend this barn to everyone who truly cares for their horses well-being and safety. Attached are some of my favorite pictures taken around the ranch!

Fox Point Farms is a super unique farm-style hangout that blends nature, activities, and a small…read morebrewery experience all in one spot. Pros: This place has such a fun and refreshing vibe very outdoorsy, peaceful, and almost like a little escape from the usual city spots. It feels like you're on a farm (because you are), which makes the whole experience really different and memorable. There's a brewery on-site with a good variety of beers, and I liked that some of them had Japanese-inspired flavors it made the selection feel more unique than your typical brewery. We also did the farm ride, which was $15 per adult, and honestly it was a really fun experience. It's definitely more geared toward kids (the little tractors are tiny haha), but it was still enjoyable getting to ride through the farm, learn about everything, and then interact with the animals. Being able to pet horses and chickens was such a cool touch and made it feel very wholesome. Parking is free, which is always a plus. It's more of a make-your-own-spot situation on a dusty lot, but it wasn't too bad overall we were still able to find a space without too much trouble. Cons: The parking setup can be a little tricky, especially if you have a bigger car like an SUV since you kind of have to squeeze into spaces. Also, the farm ride is definitely more kid-oriented, so just keep that in mind if you're expecting something more adult-focused. I also wish the brewery operated more like a full bar setting, but it was still nice to try the beers. Verdict: If you're looking for something different and a little more interactive, this is a really fun spot to check out. It's great for a casual day outdoors, especially if you want a mix of activities, animals, and drinks. I'd definitely come back and would be interested in trying the restaurant there next time!

FOX POINT FARMS @ ENCINITAS…read more Parking here is a bit unique, it's a free, open gravel lot with no marked spaces, so you kind of create your own spot. It can be a little tricky to maneuver, especially with a larger car like an SUV. I visited on a Sunday afternoon, and it was definitely busy. It filled up quickly, but I was still able to squeeze into a spot with a little patience. The whole space has a farm-style setup, with most things located outdoors. There's a brewery, a restaurant upstairs, and a small market all within the same area. I came specifically to check out the farm and the tractor ride. My boyfriend and I caught the 2:30 PM ride, and while it was a fun experience, it's definitely geared more toward kids. Adults can ride too, but since most of the group was children and families, it felt a little out of place. That said, it was still enjoyable we learned a bit about the farm and even got to interact with some of the animals like horses and chickens. The brewery wasn't quite what I expected. While there's a large building labeled as a brewery, it's not open to walk through or explore. Instead, it operates more like an outdoor stand, and you can also grab drinks from inside the market. I was a bit disappointed since I was hoping for a more immersive brewery experience, especially since my boyfriend is really into that scene. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to try the restaurant upstairs because it closes on Sundays from 1:30 PM to 4 PM, we arrived right in that window.

Family-Friendly hiking / biking through Escondido's eastern agriculture district…read more If you want to experience the San Pasqual Valley you need to do without a car. Sorry, just visiting the Wild Animal Park doesn't count.. There are so many biking/hiking trails that span the entire valley. The diversity of wildlife here in San Pasqual is as rich as any other place in San Diego. Once known as the valley of eagles, you can still see many hawks gliding up and down the hillsides. On any given day you may come across a snake, a coyote, a deer and many unique insects. Some of these trails are heavily trafficked by mountain bikes (Coast to Crest/Mule Hill), so be cautious if you're a hiker. In any case, pick a trail, keep your eyes open, and have a great time with the family. Tip - A good destination is Raptor Ridge. You;ll get a view of all sides of San Pasqual Valley plus there are parking lots within a few miles of the viewpoint. Ysabel Creek Rd larking lot to the East, and the Old Coach lot off Highland Valley Rd. San Pasqual Trail Guide - Mule Hill Trail - San Pasqual Agricultural Preserve Trail - Highland Valley Trail - Coast to Crest Trail - Clevenger Canyon North Trail. - Clevenger Canyon North South.

When mother nature calls…read more.. It's time to get out and visit your local backroads! In North County San Diego, there is an area dedicated as an agriculture preserve known as the San Pasqual Valley. Much of the 14,000 acres remains untouched and is maintained by the city or county of San Diego. The area is established under an Escondido zip code (part of the second largest city in San Diego County) and is in close proximity to the communities of Ramona, Poway and Rancho Bernardo.You will find vineyards, wineries, farms, orchards, produce stands, CSA's, ranches, trails, historical sites, museums, and the world famous San Diego Zoo Sarfari Park in the valley! I first visited the valley approximately 10 years ago and I have never left...it's the perfect balance for a town and country day! #SanPasqualValley #WorldFamousSanDiegoZoo #TownandCountry