Three weeks in Morocco offered the perfect balance of cultural immersion, luxury relaxation, and coastal serenity. From exploring my husband’s hometown of Rabat to indulging in the opulence of Marrakech’s Oberoi and unwinding at the Sofitel in Tamuda Bay, this itinerary is packed with must-see landmarks, hidden gems, and travel tips to help you plan your own Moroccan adventure.
Day 1: Touching Down and Settling In
After a long journey with a toddler in tow, we kept things simple. We spent the day settling into the condo and letting our little one get familiar with the space (and let’s be real—stretch her legs after the flight!). There’s a peacefulness here I love—the call to prayer echoing in the distance, the warmth of the breeze, and the smell of fresh bread from the nearby bakery.
One of our first stops was Marjane (pronounced mar-zhaan), Morocco’s version of a superstore where you can find everything from produce to baby wipes to home goods. We grabbed some essentials—fresh fruit, bottled water, and Moroccan snacks we couldn’t wait to try.
Day 2: Beach Dinner and Bird Chasing
For dinner, we decided to take it slow and eat by the beach. Watching our little one chase birds along the shoreline while we dipped our toes in the cool Atlantic sand felt like the perfect start to this trip. It reminded me that sometimes the simplest moments are the most memorable. The ocean breeze, the golden sunset, and the sound of waves created a scene we’ll never forget.
Day 3-4: Landmark Views and Little Adjustments
Day 3–4: Landmark Views and Wild Encounters
By day three, we were ready to explore more of Rabat’s rich history. We made our way into the city for lunch at Harura Sushi, a modern and cozy spot that was perfect for a midday break. It might not be traditional Moroccan fare, but sometimes you just crave something familiar—and this hit the spot.
After lunch, we visited one of Rabat’s most iconic sites: Hassan Tower, a majestic unfinished minaret dating back to the 12th century. It stands surrounded by stone columns and wide open space, and every angle was simply breathtaking. Just next door, we explored the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, where Morocco’s kings are laid to rest beneath a grand, intricately decorated structure with a striking green-tiled roof.
But perhaps the most unexpectedly magical experience happened the next day when we visited the Jardin Zoologique de Rabat – La Rencontre Sauvage. And let me just say—it was one of the best zoos I’ve ever been to.
Unlike the zoos back home in the DMV area, this one felt exotic, expansive, and much more connected to nature. The habitats were thoughtfully designed to mimic real ecosystems, and the animals—from lions and gazelles to monkeys and birds—seemed right at home. Our little one was mesmerized, and honestly, so were we. It was such a wholesome, exciting way to spend the day as a family.
Travel Tip: Bring meds with you, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Our little one experienced some allergy symptoms adjusting to the air in the first couple of days. I was so glad I had packed our usual remedies in advance—it saved us a lot of stress.
Days 5–9: Marrakech Magic and Oberoi Luxury
After a few days of city strolling and cultural immersion in Rabat, we packed up and took a scenic road trip to Marrakech. The change of scenery was instant—Rabat’s calm coastal charm gave way to Marrakech’s vibrant energy and rich, desert-toned elegance.
Day 5: Arriving at The Oberoi Marrakech
We checked into what I can confidently say is the most beautiful hotel we’ve ever stayed in—The Oberoi Marrakech. It’s not just a hotel; it’s an experience. The layout, the architecture, the gardens—every single corner was thoughtfully designed and incredibly picturesque. That first day, we didn’t venture out much. We spent most of it walking around the grounds, getting familiar with the space, and honestly just soaking in the luxury.
Dinner that evening was on-site at one of the hotel restaurants. We went traditional and comforting—I ordered a vegetarian couscous, while my husband had a flavorful lamb dish with prunes (or maybe it was dates?). Either way, it was rich, warm, and absolutely delicious. We ended the night with another casual stroll under the lantern-lit pathways, taking it all in with our little one.
Day 6: Bacha Coffee and Cultural Charm
We started our day with a visit to one of Marrakech’s most iconic landmarks—the Koutoubia Mosque. Towering over the city with its intricate minaret and peaceful surroundings, the mosque is a must-see whether or not you’re practicing. While non-Muslims aren’t permitted inside, just admiring it from the gardens and plaza is enough to leave you in awe.
For lunch, we chose Manzah L’koutoubia, a charming rooftop restaurant that offers a stunning view of the mosque from above. The breeze, the view, and the light Moroccan dishes created a calm and peaceful pause in our day. It was a reminder of how breathtaking Marrakech is from every angle—rooftops included.
After lunch, we strolled through the medina on our way to Dar El Bacha, a beautifully preserved palace turned museum. Inside the palace is the renowned Bacha Café and Bacha Coffee—and yes, the hype is real.
Tip: If you’re planning to visit Bacha Café, be sure to make a reservation in advance. It gets very crowded, and while we were able to wait for a table, many were turned away at the door. The café is stunning, with rich decor and an aroma that fills the air the moment you walk in. We sipped on specialty coffee, took in the details of the space, and let our little one enjoy a small treat of her own while watching the room buzz with energy.
The day was a beautiful mix of historical landmarks, elevated views, and peaceful moments of pause—exactly what I love about Marrakech.
Day 7: Pool Days and Nighttime Shows
The next day was designed around relaxation. We stayed at the hotel all day, enjoying the poolside setup, lounging in the sun, and ordering lunch poolside. It was one of those days where you don’t need a big plan—just water, warmth, and lots of toddler giggles.
That evening, we dressed up for a night out and headed to a restaurant that featured a live show—music, dancing, and so much energy. We stayed out until midnight, and believe it or not, our little one stayed with us the entire time. She was completely enthralled by the lights and movement. Definitely a core memory for all of us.
Day 8: A Heartfelt Stop in Safi and Back to Home Base
After a magical few days in Marrakech, we hit the road back to Rabat. It was a long drive, but we planned a special stop in the coastal city of Safi, where some of my husband’s family live. Safi is known for its pottery and ocean views, but for us, this stop was all about the food and family.
When we arrived, the table was already set—home-cooked Moroccan dishes prepared lovingly and waiting for us. From tender meats to warm bread and colorful tagines, every bite tasted like comfort. There’s something incredibly grounding about being welcomed into someone’s home, especially after a few days on the road and in hotels. It reminded me of why we love coming back to Morocco: it’s more than just travel—it’s connection.
We didn’t push ourselves to do much else that day. After lunch, we continued the drive, made it back to Rabat, and took the evening to settle back into the condo and reset.
Sometimes, the in-between days are the ones that let everything else sink in.
Days 11–17: Slowing Down in Temuda Bay
After days of road-tripping, sightseeing, and bustling through medinas, it was time to reset—and Temuda Bay was the perfect place to do just that. We packed up and took a scenic drive north to M’diq, a beach town near Tetouan along Morocco’s Mediterranean coast. Just a stone’s throw from parts of Spain, this stretch of Morocco felt like a gentle blend of North African charm and European ease.
We checked in at the Sofitel Tamuda Bay Beach & Spa, a stunning hotel right by the water that became our home for the next seven days—our longest hotel stay during our entire Morocco trip. The hotel itself was exceptional, filled with vibrant design, peaceful surroundings, and the calming soundtrack of waves just steps away.
For the most part, we kept our rhythm slow and restful. We explored nearby Tetouan, admired the architecture, and took in the coastal scenery by car, but we spent the majority of our time soaking in the quiet at the hotel. With many of the restaurants and beach cafés still closed during the off-season in May, we ended up dining almost exclusively on-site.
Tip: If you’re planning to visit Temuda Bay, I’d recommend waiting until the summer season officially begins. Many places, especially local restaurants and lounges, were still closed or operating on limited hours during our stay in May. Come summer, I imagine the area really comes to life.
Still, it didn’t stop us from savoring every moment. The seafood was fresh and flavorful, and there was nothing quite like eating by the pool or sipping mint tea after a swim. The beach itself was breathtaking—honestly, some of the clearest water I’ve ever seen, comparable to Hawaii. The sand sparkled with seashells, and my little one and I made a ritual of walking the shore and collecting shells together, chatting, laughing, and watching the tide roll in.
While we embraced the slow pace of the coast, my husband had an exciting highlight of his own—he got to attend a live match to see his favorite Moroccan soccer team, FAR (Forces Armées Royales), play in the city. It was such a proud and nostalgic moment for him to cheer on his team in person, surrounded by local fans. I loved seeing his joy—it was a reminder that even in a slower travel week, there are still opportunities for those spontaneous, memory-making moments.
There wasn’t much to “do” in the traditional travel sense—and that was exactly what we needed. This chapter of the trip was about being present, slowing down, and truly being in the moment as a family.
Wrapping Up Our 3-Week Morocco Adventure
Traveling through Morocco with my family—especially with our little one—was everything I hoped it would be: immersive, inspiring, and full of meaningful moments both big and small. From the historic beauty of Rabat to the energy of Marrakech and the peaceful shores of Temuda Bay, this trip gave us a deeper appreciation for my husband’s home country and reminded me just how magical it is to see the world through the eyes of a child.
If you’re planning your own journey to Morocco with your family, I hope our story helps you feel more confident that it’s not only possible—but truly rewarding.
And because I know how helpful it is to have a little guidance when planning a trip with kids…
Enjoy a FREE downloadable 3-week Morocco itinerary—complete with family-friendly ideas, toddler-approved stops, and helpful travel tips to make your own Moroccan adventure as smooth and memorable as ours.
Thanks for following along on our journey. I can’t wait to share more travels, reflections, and cozy family moments with you here at Haus of Qora.
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