Family time at the beach can create lifelong memories and California has some of the best beach resorts in the world. Termed a vacation wonderland, the Golden State offers numerous family getaways with the ideal relaxed setting. It is a magnificent vacation destination with national parks, beaches, vineyards, and thrilling theme parks.
Whether you want to unwind at the spa or enjoy activities with your kids, there is something for everyone at most of these resorts. People often say there is no vacation time once you have kids but with the list of beach resorts, you will disavow that statement. A spacious room with in-room perks like high chairs and cute little robes, a kids’ menu option, and a kids’ club should make the experience worth it. Here is a list of the top 10 beach resorts in California where you can have an exciting time with your family:
Best Family Resorts in California
1. Hotel del Coronado
Picturesque Coronado Beach with the majestic Hotel del Coronado in the background is the scene you won’t forget. One of the historical resorts dating back to the late 18th century, it is also a National Historic Landmark. Hotel del Coronado has had famous visitors including Marilyn Monro, Charlie Chaplin, and numerous US presidents. Discover ghost stories that come with it. You will find four neighborhoods with distinct flare: The Victorian, The Cabanas, The Views, and The Beach Village.
You will always have unparalleled access to the beautiful shores in front of the hotel where you can play in the waves, search for seashells, and build a sandcastle. Rent family bikes from the hotel to cruise along the flat beach, or learn how to surf and get paddleboard lessons.
2. The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel
Ideal for any family beach vacation with everything that can please all kinds of guests regardless of age. You will love lounging on the beach, eating Californian delicacies at their restaurants, and indulging in water activities. They have a kids’ club which your children will love participating in, and as adults, you can have fun at their luxurious spa and private cabanas. The convenient location in the scenic Huntington Beach of Southern California offers easy access to gorgeous beaches and crystal-clear waters. The downtown Pacific City provides shopping and entertainment if you want to explore the town.
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3. The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach
Set on the bluffs of Newport Beach, The Resort at Pelican Hill is a Renaissance-style resort with architecture reminiscent of churches and palaces. Grand and luxurious, you will enjoy the stunning view of the golf course in the foreground and the brilliant Pacific behind it. The rooms are spacious and each bungalow features a private terrace with ocean views, a fireplace, and decor at its finest.
The Beach Experience includes complimentary round-trip coach service, beach chairs and umbrellas, a beach bag with towels and water, and food and beverages. That is the style of pampering you can expect!
Book The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach
4. Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa
Located oceanside in the hip city of Surf City USA, this chic resort is a perfect spot for chilling out. Whether you want to relax in a cabana or launch a family adventure, Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa is the perfect beach resort. You can bike the beachfront boardwalk, catch waves in the Pacific, or cozy up to a firepit for s’mores.
Go for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, or stroll to the beach to wiggle those toes in the soft sand. There is a luxury spa for adults who want to unwind after a long, tiring day of activities and exploring.
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5. Oceanpoint Ranch
Imagine a combo of a beach and a ranch. That is what Oceanpoint Ranch offers to its guests. You can tour the beautiful ranch on Clydesdale horses with a beach background. This Central Coast resort is located on Cambria’s Moonstone Beach, a spot famous for its tide pools. Family fun times include cornhole, horseshoes, and croquet.
You can also swim at the beach or lovely resort’s pool, walk along its trails, watch movies on the lawn, or roast some s’mores around the firepit.
read more: Romantic Getaways in Southern California
6. San Diego Mission Bay Resort
You will love staying at this resort with your family as they have many choices. It is located on Mission Bay rather than the Pacific Ocean, meaning gentle waves and warm waters. All ages will love their zero-entry pool where you can float in an innertube or lounge to watch family-friendly dive-in movies. The nights can be spent cozily on the beach firepits roasting marshmallows or listening to live bayside music on special nights. There is much to do: volleyball, basketball, ping pong, and tennis. If you want to explore beyond the resort, rent a bike and follow the trail that winds around the bay and beyond.
7. La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club
An exclusive and private beach club, you will find members from the most elite families in San Diego. Luckily enough, La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club is also a full-service resort, so you can enjoy the company of rich people and rub shoulders with them. Located on the sandy La Jolla Shores Beach, the setting is spectacular as the gentle waves lap around the sand, and you will love exploring the famous La Jolla sea caves sharing the same cove.
You must take guided kayak tours of these caves! As for the suites, they are quite spacious with small kitchens and other modern amenities. There is a large heated outdoor pool, a small kiddie pool, a fitness center, massage services, a golf course, tennis courts, and a playground. Guests can rent a BBQ, table, and a few chairs for a small fee to participate in the Beach BBQ.
8. LEGOLAND California Resort
It doesn’t matter whether your family spends hours together piecing together small plastic bricks, but LEGOLAND’s ability to wow with its impressive structure, themed rooms (pirate, princess, Ninjago warrior, and more), as well as top-notch restaurants, pools, and other playful features (a slide in the lobby and a knock-knock themed door). A favorite among youngsters, it is the place to be for an excitement-filled vacation. It includes a theme park, a water park, and more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions.
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9. Seabird Resort in Oceanside
One of the newest resorts, it has recently opened its door to guests in 2021 and is a baby compared with majestic, historical resorts. Despite that, the guests will love every moment of it, starting with the lobby, abundance of fresh flowers, and local artwork. It is a boutique hotel with a cozy library, and a pool overlooking the Oceanside boardwalk.
The hotel is also a blend of art galleries with a private rotating art collection on loan from the Oceanside Museum of Art. You will love that it is within walking distance of most spots including restaurants, museums, and the beach. The resort’s team has events for children to keep them entertained including scavenger hunts, tie-dye crafts, kite flying, and more.
Book Seabird Resort in Oceanside
read more: Romantic Hotels in California
10. Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel
The stunning Ritz Carlton sits on the bluffs overlooking one of the best views of the SoCal coast. Staying at this family-friendly resort is always going to be a fun ride. The resort has two pools, a playground, an organic garden, and tennis courts for a variety of activities to indulge in.
They also offer complimentary yoga, pilates classes, and a full-service spa with an impressive range of treatments. You can sit on the Adirondack chair overlooking the ocean and watch the ocean crash on the shore from the outdoor patio or take a complimentary ride to the bluff and be enchanted by the picture-perfect surroundings.
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Concluding Words
There is so much sea, and wondrous areas to explore in this wonderful state. With miles and miles of beautiful coastline and gorgeous snow-filled mountains, California is the perfect place to spend quality time with your loved ones. They also have some of the best amusement parks in the world that your kids won’t forget in a hurry.
Famous for its mild climate, you can book a vacation at any time of the year. From Disneyland to LEGOLAND, there is much to explore and enjoy all the while creating memories that will last forever.
