The 12 Best California Beach Resorts for Families
California is a popular choice for family beach vacations because of its many wonderful beaches.
Are you taking a family trip to California? There is a great selection of hotels that welcome children.
Remember that a family trip to the California coast doesn’t always require staying in a five-star resort.
There are numerous exciting activities that won’t break the bank but will still keep you occupied for days on end.
This article will describe my top 12 favorite family-friendly beach resorts in California.
- The Waterfront Beach Resort, Huntington Beach
The Waterfront Beach Resort is an excellent, single-story beach resort that is well-known by locals and beloved by all who stay there.
It’s one of the few places to stay that allows small pets, entertains children, and offers plenty to do for adults (like access to beach equipment, including surfboards).
A complimentary breakfast may be included, depending on the package you select, and there’s free Wi-Fi so you can watch Netflix while you relax by the enormous pool.
- Surf & Sand Resort on Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach
You can walk to Laguna Beach from the Surf & Sand Resort, where you can choose from various rooms, some of which have balconies and all overlook the water.
This California coast resort welcomes families with a kid-friendly pool, free milk and cookies, and special camping-in sessions for kids.
Extra services (like cleaning and laundry) can be arranged upon request, and standard conveniences like free Wi-Fi and access to on-site restaurants are provided as standard.
- Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa, San Diego
San Diego’s Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa has a fantastic beach that can only be accessed from the hotel, and it’s one- and two-bedroom suites have breathtaking ocean views.
Guests can enjoy free in-room Wi-Fi, a complimentary breakfast, and the option to purchase adult beverages at the pool bar during their stay.
Also available are a heated pool, a Kei-Kei-Club specifically for children under 12, and a video game arcade.
Sea World is conveniently located just outside the resort, making it easy to arrange a day trip.
- The Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, Santa Barbara
The condo-style apartments at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort are a fantastic option for beachfront lodging, with stunning ocean views in every direction.
The outdoor pool is the largest in Santa Barbara, and the complimentary breakfast buffet each morning is quintessential Hilton (which, as a bonus, is free for young kids).
- The Loews Coronado Bay Resort, Coronado
The Loews hotel chain has a long tradition of providing families with a high-quality vacation experience that caters to children of all ages while also providing a high level of service and amenities that will please adults.
All of the suites offer spectacular sunset views. The spacious rooms and contemporary conveniences will appeal to families with school-aged children.
Children will enjoy the giant outdoor chess set, while parents can take advantage of the complimentary shuttle service to the beach and other area hotspots.
- The Blue Sea Beach Hotel, San Diego
The Blue Sea Beach Hotel in California is ideal for a family vacation, thanks to its convenient location right on the sand and its breathtaking ocean views.
The rooms are large, and those traveling in a larger group can request a suite instead.
This exemplifies the fact that California beach resorts aimed at families do not necessarily need to be elaborate megaresorts to be enjoyable.
Wi-fi, a large pool, and fun activities for adults and children (including video games) are all included in the cost of your room.
- Monarch Beach Resort at Dana Point, Dana Point
Most of the rooms and suites at the Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point offer a fantastic view of the ocean or the pool and spa area, and the resort is just a short walk from the beach.
The two pools at the Monarch are heated, and the hotel has a fantastic kids’ club with many exciting activities.
It’s a beach resort that’s not just the beach and is one of the few with a fantastic open lawn area, making it ideal for families.
- Sanctuary Beach Resort, Monterey
The Sanctuary Beach Resort is one of the most beautiful places in California.
You won’t just be able to walk to the best parts of the beach; you’ll have access to extras like a weekly bonfire on the sand where you can roast marshmallows and other beach treats (provided you bring your sticks).
A kitchen, mini-fridge, TV, and complimentary Wi-Fi are just some of the modern conveniences of each resort’s spacious and luxurious guest rooms.
It’s not just an excellent place to visit during the summer; the enormous indoor pool has a gorgeous panorama, making it ideal for a winter vacation.
- Tamarack Beach Resort & Hotel, Carlsbad
The one- and two-bedroom suites at Tamarack Beach Resort & Hotel feature an excellent fusion of beachfront decor and rustic charm. The hotel features a variety of convenient amenities, including a games room with a vintage pool table.
Many of the resort’s hot tubs are reserved for adults, while children can splash around in the pool.
Once you’re done, head to the beach for a beautiful sunset or to Legoland, both of which are within walking distance.
- Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica
The oceanfront pool at Shutters on the Beach is large enough for an entire family and safe enough for young children to splash around.
The front desk can provide recommendations for local attractions and activities, as well as arrange for babysitting services and bicycle rentals for families with children of all ages.
As well as a kitchen and Internet, each unit also includes a washer and dryer.
- Hyatt Regency HuntingtonBeach Resort & Spa, Huntington Beach
The Huntington Beach Resort & Spa has all the amenities one would expect from a Hyatt hotel because it is a part of the prestigious Hyatt hotel chain.
Just a short walk from the sand, this fantastic resort features two outdoor pools, a playground, and an arcade and game room that will entice guests of all ages.
There are numerous eateries and a small shopping center within walking distance of the resort.
- Terranea Resort, Palos Verdes
We chose Terranea Resort because of its proximity to the beach, which makes it ideal for a relaxing getaway.
Luxury suites accommodate up to five guests and feature separate living areas, kitchenettes, and private balconies or patios.
The resort offers supervised activities for children, as well as bike rentals and friendly staff who can make recommendations for nearby attractions.
On-site amenities include a golf course, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs in each room.
Moreover, a fantastic, expert spa is available.
