Southern California is at the center of surf culture in the US, and Dana Point, where the first surfboards made from foam were mass-produced, is at the thick of it. Dana Point is known for being one of the best spots for dolphin and whale watching, regardless of the season. Blue whales, humpback whales, and Pacific white-sided dolphins are some of the varieties you can spot here. Its proximity to California’s theme parks such as Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm is an added reason why the city is a good family-friendly destination. Use this list to help you find the best family-friendly resorts in Dana Point, 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 12, 2024.
1. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa (from USD 349)
Pricing was on the higher side, with valet parking at $46 and breakfast not included in the cost.
Amenities included bike and surfboard rentals, a pool, and a kids' club, but some areas were not well-maintained.
The hotel is located in a beautiful area near the harbor, with easy access to the beach and local attractions.
The dining experiences varied, with overpriced food, limited restaurant options, and some service issues.
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa may sound like an adults’ playground, but it has plenty of child-friendly amenities. Its two heated swimming pools have designated zones that are safe for kids. It also has outdoor play equipment that they can use. If for some reason families end up hanging out indoors, there are board games and puzzles that they can play with to pass the time.
The on-site restaurant serves kids’ meals so you don’t have to worry about where to bring your children to eat. The resort also offers family-friendly activities such as mini golf and cycling.
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
Address: 25135 Park Lantern
493 meters (0.4 ft) from Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Dana Point
2. Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club (from USD 658)
A majestic view of the Pacific Ocean is not the only thing you can expect from this resort. It has three pools, one of which is a kiddie pool while another one has a shallow end so that the whole family can have fun splashing around in the water. The resort also has a kids’ club, providing your tots opportunities to play with other children. There’s also an indoor play area where they will enjoy spending their time.
If you want to do some exploring of your own, babysitting services can be availed of. Kids’ meals are available here.
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club
Address: One Monarch Beach Resort
3.32 km (2.1 mi) from Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Dana Point
3. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel (from USD 819)
Dana Point is a playground for beach lovers, and its fun atmosphere is carried by this resort. It has outdoor play equipment so children can have fun after a day of sightseeing. Older kids will enjoy playing a few rounds of tennis or ping pong here. Kids’ meals are offered in the restaurant, a boon for parents who have little picky eaters.
This hotel truly welcomes every member of the family as it also allows guests to bring their pets.
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
Address: One Ritz-Carlton Drive
3.06 km (1.9 mi) from Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Dana Point
4. Capistrano SurfSide Inn (from USD 208)
Reasonable pricing for spacious 2-bedroom suites with ocean views.
Beach equipment, bikes, and a pool available. Kitchen facilities provided.
Convenient location near stores, restaurants, and beach. Easy access to nearby attractions like Metrolink and Nixon Presidential Library.
No complimentary breakfast, but well-equipped kitchens for meal preparation.
The location of Capistrano SurfSide Inn is more than enough reason to book this property if you’re looking to spend a family-friendly holiday in Southern California. Both Disneyland and Legoland California are easily accessible from here, as both are about 64.4 km (40 mi) away from the property. Want to relax after spending time exploring these theme parks? You can do so by playing board games or puzzles with your brood when you get back.
Capistrano SurfSide Inn
Address: 34680 Coast Highway
1.79 km (1.2 mi) from Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Dana Point
Nearby family-friendly resorts
5. Surf and Sand Resort (from USD 604)
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.
Surf and Sand Resort, as its name suggests, allows you to enjoy views of the water and easy access to the beach. If you’re worried about your kids’ safety on the beach, you can take them to the pool, which has a shallow end. This resort is also in a good location, putting you within easy driving distance from Disneyland and the Aquarium of the Pacific.
Pets are welcome in this resort. Hypoallergenic rooms are available in case you or a family member in your party is prone to seasonal sniffles.
Surf and Sand Resort
Address: 1555 South Coast Highway
10.88 km (6.8 mi) from Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Dana Point
6. Montage Laguna Beach (from USD 1160)
Montage Laguna Beach pulls out all the stops to make sure kids will have fun and parents will have peace of mind during their stay here. This resort has a kids’ club. Its pool is fenced and comes with a shallow end. Strollers are available so you don’t have to worry about packing your own. Babysitting services are also available in case you need someone to watch your kids.
The resort has an indoor play area, and games and puzzles are available for guests to play with. Kids’ meals are also available here.
Montage Laguna Beach
Address: 30801 South Coast Highway
8.59 km (5.4 mi) from Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Dana Point
7. Laguna Riviera (from USD 179)
Family rooms are available at this beachfront hotel. Board games and puzzles can be provided if you need a little assistance in keeping your kids entertained. Want to enjoy the lovely Southern California weather? You can have a barbecue and enjoy your meal with your family at the picnic area.
You may request permission from the management should you wish to bring your pet here.
Laguna Surf Lodge
Address: 825 South Coast Highway
11.7 km (7.3 mi) from Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Dana Point
8. San Clemente Cove Resort (from USD 198)
Sitting on a bluff right over the Pacific Ocean, San Clemente Cove Resort provides families easy access to the beach. Once you’ve had your fill of the water, you can spend your downtime in your room playing board games or puzzles with your kids. Family rooms are available in this resort.
The property has facilities for disabled guests and is wheelchair-accessible.
San Clemente Cove Resort
Address: 104 South Alameda Lane
8.06 km (5.1 mi) from Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Dana Point
9. Hyatt Regency Newport Beach (from USD 288)
Southern California may have plenty of family-friendly attractions, but this resort can very well tempt you and your kids into staying in. The swimming pool comes with a water slide and splash pad. There are also other activities off the water that the whole family can enjoy, including mini golf, ping pong, tennis, shuffleboard, volleyball, and cycling.
Want to feel like you’re camping? You can hang out around the fire pit as the dusk settles and make s'mores.
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
Address: 1107 Jamboree Road
25.3 km (15.8 mi) from Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Dana Point
10. The Ranch at Laguna Beach (from USD 529)
This resort features family rooms, allowing your group to stay together without feeling cramped. It also offers garden tours should you wish to spend a leisurely day of sightseeing with your brood. If you want to do something livelier, you can play sand volleyball or bocce ball on the property.
Shuttle services to and from the beach are offered by this hotel.
The Ranch at Laguna Beach
Address: 31106 S. Coast Highway
7.9 km (5.0 mi) from Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Dana Point
Enjoy a family-friendly holiday in Dana Point
Thanks to its own attractions and locations, Dana Point is a good place to set up base if you’re planning to spend a family-friendly holiday in Southern California. Take the time to review each of these options to make sure that your brood’s needs will be met so everyone will be able to relax and have fun on your vacation.
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