California shares the shortest border with Mexico, about 900 mi (559 km) along the Pacific Ocean. There are 420 public beaches, numerous hiking trails, 9 national parks, and almost 8,000 mountain peaks in the state. If you enjoy skiing, The Golden State also boasts 35 ski resorts served by 254 ski lifts. Those wanting to sample wines will never go wrong with a trip to California’s famed wine country, Napa. If you want to learn more about the state’s past, then don’t forget to include some of the museums in your travel agenda. Planning a family vacation here soon? Check out our list of the top family resorts in California.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to family-friendly amenities and activities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 13, 2024.
1. Terranea - L.A.'s Oceanfront Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes (from USD 610)
Situated on Palos Verdes Peninsula, Terranea - L.A.’s Oceanfront Resort features stunning views of the ocean and Catalina Island. While here, guests can enjoy a massage at the resort’s spa, take a walk through the beautiful gardens, or soak up the scenery while sitting in front of an outdoor fireplace. You can also take a dip in one of three swimming pools or partake in one of the many activities such as kayaking, scuba diving, or horseback riding. After a long day of exercise and entertainment, guests can look forward to the warm comfort of family rooms with fireplaces, luxurious bathrooms, beautiful balcony views, and wonderfully cozy beds.
Terranea Resort
Address: 100 Terranea Way
269.1 km (167.3 mi) from Madonna Inn
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2. SeaVenture Beach Hotel, Pismo Beach (from USD 227)
Slightly expensive, but worth it for beachfront location and amenities.
Spacious rooms, hot tubs, beach access, and excellent restaurant on-site.
Prime location right on Pismo Beach, walking distance to shops and pier.
Exceptional seafood choices, excellent room service, and cozy restaurant ambiance.
Bright, colorful, and adjacent to the beach, this exciting hotel presents guests with a feeling of bliss. While here, you can kick your shoes off and feel the sand between your toes at the nearby beach, take a dip in the hot tub on a private balcony, or wind down at the hotel’s spa. Select guest rooms feature a seating area with a fireplace, free WiFi, a minibar, and a coffee machine. There is a 24-hour reception and laundry service, and guests can rent bikes to explore the areas along the beach. An on-site restaurant serves seasonal fare prepared from locally sourced ingredients and premium cuts of meat.
SeaVenture Beach Hotel
Address: 100 Ocean View Ave
14.83 km (9.3 mi) from Madonna Inn
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3. Surf and Sand Resort, Laguna Beach (from USD 674)
Premium rates for oceanfront rooms, worth the cost for stunning views and beachfront access.
Beachfront property with pool, spa, and exceptional staff service.
Prime spot on Laguna Beach, with easy access to restaurants and shops.
Impeccable dining experience, especially the breakfast burrito and French toast.
This remarkable hotel is located in Laguna Beach, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. A little under an hour’s drive you will discover Aquarium of the Pacific, a public aquarium that spans 5 ac (2.0) on Rainbow Harbor. After a long day at the beach or park, the hotel will welcome you with its luxurious en-suite guest rooms. For your cravings, head to Splashes that offers sumptuous breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you run out of things to do, avail yourself of the tickets to attractions or shows nearby.
Surf and Sand Resort
Address: 1555 South Coast Highway
328.84 km (204.4 mi) from Madonna Inn
4. The Meritage Resort and Spa, Napa (from USD 359)
Expensive resort with complimentary wine, but pricey dining options
Adult-only pool, outdoor jacuzzi, coffee machine, complimentary bottle of wine, free parking, various dining and leisure options
Walking distance to attractions, vineyard view from rooms, close to downtown Napa
Exceptional breakfast, limited and expensive dining options, vegan choices available
Located 10 minutes from downtown Napa, this resort is bright and boasts spectacular views of the surrounding vineyards. It features an outdoor pool for hours of summer fun with the family as well as a 12-room spa that offers guests specialized health treatments. Take a bike ride around the beautiful orchards or sign up for an exciting wine-tasting tour. After a long day, guests can relax in luxurious rooms with comfortable beds, lovely fireplaces, and beautiful marble bathrooms.
The Meritage Resort and Spa
Address: 875 Bordeaux Way
360.55 km (224.1 mi) from Madonna Inn
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California Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
Tours by Stephanie
5. Mount Shasta Resort (from USD 148)
Tucked away on 126 ac (50-ha) of land with majestic mountain views, this cozy resort features an 18-hole golf course. Spanning 6100 ft (1859 m), Mount Shasta Golf Course offers electric golf cart rentals as well as a golf clinic for novices. After a day of fun, the entire family can get pampered with a massage or manicure at the resort’s Sacred Mountain Spa. Guest rooms here are well-furnished with a fireplace and kitchenette. Plus, they come with a balcony boasting incredible views around.
Mount Shasta Resort
Address: 1000 Siskiyou Lake Boulevard
684.44 km (425.3 mi) from Madonna Inn
6. Fern River Resort, Felton (from USD 110)
This resort is situated in the beautiful part of California with giant redwoods and fragrant air. Also, this resort features quick river access, beautiful hiking trails, and a terrace with barbecue facilities. Kids can tell stories around the campfire, play games in one of the resort’s designated areas, or just play checkers in front of the fireplace inside the room. After a day of play, everyone can retire to their rustic guest rooms that feature polished wood throughout, kitchenettes, WiFi, and soft beds.
Fern River Resort
Address: 5250 Highway 9
233.51 km (145.1 mi) from Madonna Inn
7. Redwoods River Resort & Campground, Leggett (from USD 244)
Reasonably priced rustic lodging with cozy cabins and spacious rooms.
Campground with a variety of accommodations, outdoor kitchen, pool, and recreational room.
Nestled amidst the Redwood Forest with Eel River access and beautiful river walks.
Quaint pub with good food, lovely staff, and charming ambiance.
Rustic but homey, this resort offers all the comforts of a five-star hotel with a more serene environment. Surrounded by tall trees and brimming with outdoor entertainment, it is a wonderful place to bring the family. The resort features an on-site restaurant, a bar, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, billiards, table tennis, and even a children’s playground. Not enough? Need not worry as there is plenty more to do around here given its access to amazing hiking and biking trails. Guest rooms are cozy and equipped with flat-screen televisions and private bathrooms.
Redwoods River Resort & Campground
Address: 75000 Highway 101 N
584.67 km (363.3 mi) from Madonna Inn
8. Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel, South Lake Tahoe (from USD 149)
Just a short walk from Heavenly Ski Resort Gondola and shopping options in Heavenly Village, this three-star hotel features spectacular mountain views, well-maintained rooms with luxurious beds and private baths, and an indoor swimming pool with a hot tub. The wonderful suites boast separate living areas, well-lit workspaces, wet bars, coffee machines, microwaves, and refrigerators. When it comes to dining, you don’t have to go far. The hotel features Echo Restaurant, which is set on the top floor, that serves lunch and dinner made from locally sourced ingredients.
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Address: 4130 Lake Tahoe Boulevard
415.56 km (258.3 mi) from Madonna Inn
9. Bear Creek Resort, Big Bear Lake (from USD 79)
Located just 2950 ft (899 m) from Big Bear Lake and Big Bear Lake Marina, this family-oriented resort features an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub with beautiful mountain views. Aspen Glen Picnic Area is just 505 m (1804 ft) from the resort, while Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain is just .7 mi (1.1 km) away. After a day of swimming or hiking, the family can come home to the guest rooms that feature fully equipped kitchens, WiFi, and comfortable beds.
Bear Creek Resort
Address: 40210 Big Bear Boulevard
361.12 km (224.4 mi) from Madonna Inn
10. Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, Los Angeles (from USD 420)
Located on the beach,14 mi (22 km) west of downtown Los Angeles, this hotel offers guests breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Here, you get to relax in an expansive 4th-floor elevated swimming pool, enjoy any of the13 firepits on the pool’s deck, or relish some desserts in the poolside ice cream shop. In case you get hungry, head to Ocean and Vine Restaurant that serves delicious meals made from locally sourced ingredients. Guests can work out with their personal trainer in the gym, or cycle around the area with the bikes provided. After a long day, guests can retire to their cozy guest rooms or enjoy drinks on a private balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
Address: 1700 Ocean Avenue
243.75 km (151.5 mi) from Madonna Inn
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Explore California
California is an amazing state with everything, from mountains and beaches. Also, it is one of the destinations in the US that promises endless family fun. For a place to stay, don’t hesitate to refer to our list above.
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