Indian Wells - Miramonte Resort near Palm Springs - 2 hours from Los Angeles
Miramonte Resort & Spa is a Tuscan-style getaway, located in the desert town of Indian Wells, near Palm Springs. One of the best California weekend getaways, Miramonte features a spa, beautiful gardens and two outdoor pools with hot tubs and cabanas. Natural water wells in the Palm Springs area have attracted travelers seeking rejuvenation to the California desert for generations. Play golf on nearby championship golf courses, visit the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, work out in the 24-hour fitness center at the resort, or go horseback riding, hot air ballooning and bicycling. There is also excellent shopping in Indian Wells or in Palm Springs. More info
45000 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells, CA 92210, Phone: 760-341-2200
Anaheim - Grand Legacy at the Park, a California Vacation Idea for Families
Grand Legacy at the Park is a lively and luxurious family-friendly hotel located across the street from Anaheim's Disneyland Resort theme park, in operation for more than four decades.
The resort allows guests to purchase single-day and Park Hopper tickets for both the Disneyland and Disney California Adventure theme parks, skipping the hassle of park lines in favor of the hotel's friendly customer service team. There is a heated pool, a children's Splash Zone, and a rooftop restaurant and bar.
1650 S. Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802, Phone: 800-854-6097
Sausalito - Cavallo Point
Cavallo Point is a family-friendly getaway with a perfect view of The Golden Gate Bridge, CA.
The hotel rooms and guest suites are located in two-story buildings that are environmentally sensitive and have green architecture, a gas fireplace, radiant heat floors, bamboo furniture and panoramic floor-to-celling windows. Get a signature massage or facial at the Healing Arts Center and Spa, which offers acupuncture, clinical massage, hypnotherapy, energy work and nutrition based healing. Take a hands-on or demonstrational cooking class at the 1,200-square-foot Cavallo Point Cooking School.
601 murray circle Fort baker, Sausalito, CA 94965, Phone: 888-651-2003
Claremont Club & Spa
Overlooking San Francisco Bay, like a grand old dame, Claremont Club & Spa reflects stylish grace and old-world charm. Colonial architecture, beautiful interiors and exquisite gardens echo the golden age of America’s Gold Rush and will take you on a luxurious sojourn back in time. This family-friendly hotel has three outdoor pools, over 60 fitness classes, a spa and Kids Club. Unwind at the award-winning spa and salon, where you can treat your body to luxurious rejuvenation and relaxation on a truly royal scale.
Savor California cuisine and delicious cocktails at Limewood, Claremont’s award-winning restaurant, serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch amid stunning Bay views.
41 Tunnel Road, Berkeley, California 94705, Phone: 510-843-3000
Hilton Checkers LA, CA with Kids
Hilton Checkers in Downtown Los Angeles has a stylish rooftop pool where you can relax and enjoy the view of the LA skyline. The hotel dates back to the 1920s with many of its historic features preserved. Checkers Spa is located at the very top of the hotel. Checker's Downtown restaurant serves California cuisine with French and Asian influences. Outdoor patio seating is perfect for an intimate meal or a cocktail. More info
535 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90071, Phone: 213-624-0000
El Capitan Canyon - 1 hour 45 minutes North of LA
El Capitan Canyon provides an easy way for families to experience nature in upscale cabins surrounded by a beautiful forest. This getaway is only a two-hour drive from Los Angeles. Cabins and tents are surrounded by 3,500 acres of hiking trails and a state beach. During the summer months, try ocean kayaking or take a surfing lesson. Upgrades such as fireplaces, whirlpool tubs and sleeping lofts are also available. If you are looking for inexpensive kid friendly vacations, El Capitan Canyon is a good choice. More info
11560 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, California 93117, Phone: 805-685-3887
Santa Barbara offers many free & affordable attractions for the whole family.
The Philo Apple Farm
The Philo Apple Farm is perfect for a relaxing getaway for those who want to connect with nature, pick fresh apples, and enjoy home-cooked meals. You can select between Stay & Cook rates and Just Stay rates, with the first one including three hands-on meals with wine, instruction, and recipes.
There are four guest cottages to select from, with the original one being located above the dining room and providing gorgeous views of the orchards, gardens, and hills. You can buy snacks or food to take home at the Farm Stand or take a stroll through the orchard where there are 1,700 trees. The dining room located in the main building is where you can enjoy breakfast and those who select Stay & Cook will get to prepare their own meals.
18501 Greenwood Rd, Philo, CA 95466, Phone: 707-895-2333
Check out this kid-friendly stop-motion video tour of California.
The Oasis at Death Valley - 4 hours 30 minutes from Los Angeles
The Oasis at Death Valley provides a great starting point for exploring Death Valley National Park. Families can choose from activities such as tennis, horseback riding, horse-drawn carriage rides, golf and spa treatments. There is a children's playground and spring-fed swimming pools.
Death Valley National Park Highway 190, Death valley, California 92328, Phone: 800-236-7916, Video
Montage Resort in Laguna Beach, California
Montage Resort & Spa located in Laguna Beach, offers vacation activities for all ages. Whether your family enjoys swimming, kayaking or hiking, the area offers something for everyone.
For the younger guests, Montage has a children's club designed for children 5-12 years old where kids can engage in arts, crafts, games and activities such as cooking, hiking, and fishing in the kids pool.
30801 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, California 92651, Phone: 949-715-6000
La Costa Resort and Spa - 1 hours 30 minutes from LA
La Costa Resort and Spa features new splash Landing pools and waterslides, including three pools, three waterslides, a waterplay zone and the Splash Cafe. Small children have their own sandy beach pool. Visit Carlsbad Beach, just five minutes from the resort. This is one of the top beaches in California, great for swimming and surfing. The resort offers a shuttle to the beach in the summer. Kids ages 6-12 can take their first surfing lesson at the Half-Day Surf Camp, offered seasonally by La Costa.
2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad, California 92009, Phone: 760-438-9111
Safari West - 1 hour 10 minutes from San Francisco
Plan a California family vacation to Safari West, a wildlife preserve in Napa Valley and watch 400 animal species such as zebras, giraffes and cheetahs. Safari West offers daily safari tours as well as private safaris on the 400-acre wildlife preserve. Sleep in one of the upscale safari tents imported from Africa. Details & Photos
Safari West, 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa, California 95404, Phone: 707-579-2551
The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco
The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco is a first class hotel for families. Kids can play in the hotel's indoor pool and order from the children's menu at The Terrace Restaurant. Visit Fisherman's Wharf, ride in a cable car and take a family photo at the Golden Gate Park. The hotel provides family vacationers with the "Nanny Survival Kit" and the "POLO" Program which provides young guests with a night-light, tub spout cover and electrical outlet plugs. San Francisco offers many free & affordable attractions for families with kids.
600 Stockton Street, San Francisco, California 94108, Phone: 415-296-7465
JW Marriott Santa Monica Le Merigot
If you are looking for quick weekend getaways from Los Angeles and San Diego, JW Marriott Santa Monica Le Merigot is located on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. The hotel features scenic Pacific Ocean views from many of its guest rooms and suites, easy access to the beach and upscale amenities. The 6,500-square-foot spa offers a menu of services, including massages, body treatments and signature services. More info
1740 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, California 90401, Phone: 310-395-9700
1 Hotel San Francisco
1 Hotel San Francisco is a luxury waterfront hotel overlooking the bay. The property features modern interior design with soothing natural elements. The hotel has a spa, and outdoor rooftop deep soaking tubs. The historic Ferry Building Marketplace with a selection of shops and restaurants is across the street. If you want to access other parts of the city, the historic trolley cars stop in front of the Ferry Building.
8 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105, Phone: 415-835-0300
Bahia Hotel, San Diego
The Bahia Hotel is scenically nestled on a 14-acre peninsula, which means it is almost completely surrounded by fun water opportunities. There are sandy beaches where kids can enjoy castle building while parents relax on a lounger. If your family prefers pool action they will love the large outdoor pool and younger children can spend hours at the children’s playground.
998 West Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109, 858 488 0551
Evergreen Lodge in Yosemite - 3 hours 20 minutes East of San Francisco
Located right next to Yosemite National Park in California, the Evergreen Lodge is an outdoor adventure getaway that provides a great base for exploring the north-western corner of the park. If you are looking for family summer vacations, this historic property offers a selection of guided activities, a program for kids and relaxing massages at the end of your active day. Guided outdoor activities include fly fishing, biking, touring, hiking, rafting, snowshoeing, geocaching and more. The lodge is a 3.5-hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area and 6 hours from Los Angeles, California. More info
33160 Evergreen Road, Groveland, California 95321, Phone: 209-379-2606
More ideas: Things to Do in Half Moon Bay
The Fairmont Miramar
The Fairmont Miramar in Southern California has a year-round heated swimming pool. Guests of the hotel have easy access to the Santa Monica State Beach. Enjoy a picnic, visit the Santa Monica Pier, or go out for an afternoon of shopping. Choose from rooms and suites in two towers, or splurge on one of the 32 garden bungalows with private patios.
101 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, California 90401, Phone: 310-576-7777
More California vacation ideas: Perfect Lake Tahoe Weekend Escapes.
Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows, California
Built in Colonial style in 1946 and located in the San Diego’s North Park neighborhood, overlooking Mission Valley, the Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows was a notorious place where celebrities used to hide or party. After quite a colorful history and many different incarnations, Lafayette has been renovated and returned to its original glory with 131 rooms and private bungalows, all exceptionally comfortable, with all modern amenities. The hotel’s famous 25 meters long Weissmuller Pool was designed in 1946 by Johnny Weissmuller, an Olympic swimmer who played Tarzan in the movies.
2223 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92104, 619-296-2101
El Cordova Hotel
Bring the kids to El Cordova Hotel, Coronado and let them feel a bit of California history. Built in 1902 as a home of the rich industrialist Elisha Babcock, El Cordova is a hacienda-style charming mansion on Coronado Island, with the courtyard filled with flowers and paved with colorful Mexican tiles. You can enjoy one of the hotel’s four restaurants, venture out and hit one of the best California beaches or stroll through the charming beach town of Coronado and explore its shops, restaurants and theatre.
1351 Orange Avenue, Coronado, California, 92118, 619-435-4131
Family Fun at Legoland Hotel in California - 1 hours 30 minutes South of LA
Legoland Hotel offers plenty of fun and is an ideal California vacation for kids. The hotel has 250 colorful guest rooms themed after three of the famous LEGO toy lines: Adventurer, Pirate and Kingdom. Guest rooms at Legoland Hotel are designed with a separate sleeping area for kids. There are Interactive LEGO features through the hotel, play areas, a heated swimming pool, themed elevators and a buffet restaurant that makes kids feel at home. The Skyline Bar serves fresh drinks and snacks with a view throughout the day. The atrium has a knight's castle where kids can play on a 32-foot high pirate shipwreck and a river of Lego.
One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008, Phone: 877-534-6526
Hyatt Regency Monterey on Del Monte Golf Course, California
Hyatt Regency Monterey on Del Monte Golf Course is a 550-room resort located on the Pebble Beach Company's Championship Del Monte Golf Course. The resort has a 12,000 square foot Accista Spa which utilizes locally-derived natural ingredients such as organic seaweed, sea salt and juniper. To stay in shape during your golf and spa vacation, work out at the hotel's 24-hour gym, swim in the pools, go biking and jogging.
1 Old Golf Course Road, Monterey, California 93940, Phone: 831-372-1234
More ideas: Things to do in Tracy, CA
Fairmont San Francisco
Located atop Nob Hill, the Fairmont San Francisco is situated near cable car lines that provide guests with quick access to Union Square, Fisherman's Wharf and the Financial District.
The hotel features a grand lobby, Roof Garden, a relaxing spa and a grand public space with two restaurants and two lounges.
When making a reservation, be sure to ask for one of the rooms with a view of the city and the bay.
950 Mason Street, San Francisco, California 94108, Phone: 415-772-5000
Surfer Beach Hotel, California
If the beach is your main reason for coming to San Diego, then the Surfer Beach Hotel is your home away from home. Located on one of the most beautiful city beaches, Surfer Beach Hotel is a perfect combination of clean comfort, quirky mid-century décor and great location. Just outside of the hotel there are many great restaurants and bars, and a short drive away are all the city attractions such as San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, Gaslamp Quarter, the Historic Old Town and Balboa Park.
711 Pacific Beach Drive, San Diego, CA 92109, 800-820-5772
| San Francisco, CA To | Driving Time |
| Yosemite National Park | 3 hours 20 minutes |
| The Town of Napa | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| From Los Angeles, CA To | Driving Time |
| Indian Wells, CA | 2 hours |
| Carlsbad, CA | 1 hours 30 minutes |
| Santa Barbara, CA | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Death Valley National Park | 4 hours 30 minutes |
Map:
Conclusion
Whether you want to play by the pool, have fun on the beaches, or explore a new town, California offers an impressive range of vacation ideas. Popular family-friendly destinations include Laguna Beach, Carlsbad, San Diego and San Francisco.
Plan your California vacation and visit museums, have fun at a theme park or go on an adventure while staying at one of the best family resorts. Browse Northern and Southern California vacation ideas.
