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Family Fun in Murrieta: Your Outside-Lovers Guide to the Perfect Family Vacation

Looking to set off on a much-needed family vacation? Well, it’s finally summer, and the Murrieta area is a perfect place to get outdoors for a SoCal weekend getaway with the whole family. From camping to zip-lining, Murrieta has everything you need to establish it as your new favorite family vacation destination. Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Murrieta.

Outdoor Activities

A set up campsite in Murrieta, surrounded by wildflowers and tall grass

Spend sunny days your way in Murrieta, where you can always find plenty to do (especially when it comes to outdoor adventure). Follow the sunshine wherever it may lead you, from winding hiking paths to refreshing freshwater pools. Your family can find it all right here in Murrieta!

Hiking Trails

Murrieta has no shortage of amazing hiking and biking trails just waiting to be explored. A favorite of locals and visitors alike is the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve. The Vernal Pools and Trans Preserve Trail Loop are great options for family-friendly hikes. This area offers a fantastic opportunity to soak up the sun while potentially getting a glimpse of some of the flora and fauna that call the area home. 

Other community favorites for hiking include stunning trails like Tenaja Falls, the Rancho Los Alamos Loop, Cole Canyon, and La Alba Trail. With trails ranging from mellow to more moderate in difficulty, make sure to check the difficulty level before heading out with your family!

Fishing

Murrieta is in close proximity to several freshwater lakes where families can enjoy a day of fishing, boating, kayaking, jet skiing, and more. Along with the previously mentioned Lake Skinner Campground, the Lake Skinner Recreation Area contains a range of non-body contact water activities like boating, fishing, and sailing, the perfect place to take the kids for a day on the shores of this beautiful freshwater lake. The Recreation Area also has a splash pad for kids to cool off on hot days.

Water Activities

With the beautiful Ortega Mountains rising above it, Lake Elsinore is a great place to have some outdoor adventures on the water. More adrenaline-oriented families can enjoy watersports like windsurfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, and jet skiing. You can get even more extreme activities like hang-gliding, zip-lining, dirt biking, and more. The surrounding City of Lake Elsinore provides many options for food and entertainment, so you’re never far from something you may need during your family’s outdoor adventure.

Camping and Glamping

Just north of Murrieta lies Wilderness Lakes RV Resort, a scenic 80-acre campground offering 523 camping sites with water, electric, and sewer services in addition to trailer, cottage, and cabin rentals. Wilderness Lakes is beloved among anglers for the canals stocked with channel catfish that weave throughout the scenic resort. Fishing permits can be bought on-site or at the nearby ranger station.

If glamping is more your style, you’ll feel right at home at Vail Lake KOA. The campground sits on 385 acres of recreation space, offering 467 campsites and miles of world-class hiking and mountain bike trails. Convenient amenities like Wi-Fi and a stocked on-site snack bar ensure that your every need is covered while you enjoy the outdoors with a swim in one of the KOA’s swimming pools, or shoot some hoops on the basketball court.

Nestled in the gorgeous rolling hills of Winchester, California, the Lake Skinner Campground is part of the 1,400-acre Lake Skinner Recreation Area. The campsite offers 257 sites for RVs, trailers, and tents, as well as a variety of lakeside activities for the whole family that include fishing and playing on the nearby splash pad.
On the opposite side of Lake Skinner is Launch Pointe at Lake Elsinore, a campground on the shores of Southern California’s largest natural freshwater reservoir that offers a unique and fun-filled RV experience. The site offers 7 different themed spaces for RV camping, all varying in location, privacy, view, and more. If you don’t have an RV, no worries! Launch Pointe also offers themed yurts and vintage trailers that each have a private deck/patio area to relax on.

The perfect, sun-filled adventure is right at your fingertips in Murrieta. Bring your family out for an exciting summer vacation they won’t soon forget. For more guides, tips, and articles of intrigue, be sure to check out the rest of our blog! 

Plan your family-friendly summer vacation in Murrieta today.

FAQ


Is Murrieta a good destination for a family vacation?

Yes, Murrieta is a great destination for a family vacation! Whether your family prefers adventure or relaxation, there are plenty of can’t-miss things to do in Murrieta.

What are the best outdoor activities for families in Murrieta?

There are lots of family-friendly outdoor activities to choose from in Murrieta. A few of the most popular choices for families include hiking, biking, water sports, and camping. 

How far is Murrieta from Los Angeles and San Diego?

Depending on traffic, Murrieta is a little over an hour from both Los Angeles and San Diego, as it sits almost directly between the two. 

Is Murrieta close to Temecula wine country?

Yes, Temecula wine country is easily accessible from Murrieta. Depending on traffic, the drive between Murrieta and Temecula wine country is around 30 minutes. 

What family-friendly hiking trails are near Murrieta?

There are many family-friendly hiking trails in Murrieta, depending on the level of difficulty. Some local favorites include Tenaja Falls, the Rancho Los Alamos Loop, Cole Canyon, and La Alba Trail.

Are there water activities near Murrieta?

There are lots of water activities in or near Murrieta, including paddling through calm waters, cruising on a jet ski, or casting a line from shore. 

What indoor activities are available for families in Murrieta?Murrieta has lots of family-friendly indoor activities to choose from, including Urban Air Adventure & Trampoline Park, Lucky Strike Bowling, Uptown Jungle Fun Park, and Mulligan Family Fun Center.