Lovingly called The Golden State, and not just for the abundance of sunlight, California offers plenty of beautiful sights, sounds, and sensations for those willing to take the time to explore its valleys. One day you’re in awe of the cold verdant mountains of the Sierra Nevada, and the next you’re sweating buckets while hiking the Mojave. You’ll also encounter diverse cultures brought on by the wave of migrants that have since integrated and imparted their ways of life into the state, particularly evident in the state’s remarkably diverse cuisines.
This time we’ve got something a bit different to list, and that is our combination of hotels with or near lazy rivers. As the temperature heats up, we know that you want to get out of your hotel room and relax in a lazy river whilst you listen to the sounds around you. After you’re done visiting the neighboring small towns, perhaps you might also want to do a bit of people-watching in one of the beautiful beaches. So, check out our list below of the best resorts with lazy river in California.
Popular waterparks in California
Raging Waters Los Angeles: Hailed as the state’s largest waterpark, Raging Waters Los Angeles is guaranteed to provide an unforgettable holiday with your family. It offers more than 50 rides, not to mention the slides and other thrilling attractions. The Amazon Adventure lazy river is sure to be a fun experience as well. According to KTLA5, the park is a great summer destination, and I’d love to holiday here if I’m ever in the area!
Roseville Golfland Sunsplash: Situated in the city of Roseville near Sacramento, Roseville Golfland Sunsplash is more than just its waterpark and offers plenty of other things to do, including a fantastic mini golf course.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 29, 2024.
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Accommodation summary
| Accommodation | Pool details | Price |
|---|---|---|
| WorldMark Indio; Indio | Looped lazy river | from USD 329 |
| Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas; Indian Wells | 450-foot (137-meter) lazy river integrated into on-site waterpark | from USD 413 |
| Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa; Rancho Mirage | 450-foot (137-meter) lazy river integrated into on-site waterpark | from USD 366 |
| Harrah's Resort: Southern California; Valley Center | On-site 400-foot (121-meter) lazy river | from USD 140 |
| Morongo Casino, Resort and Spa; Cabazon | On-site lazy river with chargeable access | from USD 141 |
| Great Wolf Lodge Southern California; Anaheim | On-site indoor lazy river | from USD 276 |
| Cambria Hotel & Suites Anaheim Resort Area; Anaheim | No lazy river, on-site waterpark | from USD 221 |
| Howard Johnson by Wyndham Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground; Anaheim | No lazy river, on-site water park | from USD 231 |
| Santa Clara Marriott; Santa Clara | No lazy river, 5-minute drive from California's Great America | from USD 256 |
| Renaissance Walnut Creek Hotel; Concord | No lazy river, 10-minute drive from Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord | from USD 202 |
| Franciscan Inn Motel; Vista | No lazy river, 5-minute drive from Wave Waterpark | from USD 81 |
| Best Western Chula Vista/Otay Valley Hotel; Chula Vista | No lazy river, 10-minute drive from Sesame Place San Diego | from USD 134 |
| Knott's Hotel; Buena Park | No lazy river, 2-minute drive from Knott's Soak City | from USD 238 |
| Hyatt Vacation Club at Desert Oasis; Palm Springs | No lazy river, 15-minute drive from Wet 'N' Wild Palm Springs | from USD 263 |
1. WorldMark Indio; Indio
Best for: Families with kids, group stays, golf enthusiasts
Located 22.5 km (14 mi) from Coachella Valley and 12.8 km (8 mi) from Bermuda Dunes Airport, this 3-star hotel in California with a lazy river offers an outdoor swimming pool, onsite spa services, and a hot tub. You can work out in the fitness center or play tennis. If you like indoor activities, you can play billiards in the games room. A barbecue facility is also available. There is a snack bar if you get hungry. I think all these fun amenities make it a great place to bring the kids.
Each air-conditioned unit features cable TV, a DVD player, and a full kitchen. In addition, you will find a washer and a tumble dryer as well.
What guests are saying about the lazy river experience:
“Loved the lazy river! Definitely recommend going around 10am to the lazy river before it gets busy” - by Google reviewer, Melissa Paul
WorldMark Indio
Address: 42-151 Worldmark Way
168.07 km (104.5 mi) from Knott's Berry Farm
2. Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas; Indian Wells (from USD 349)
Best for: Luxury travelers, golf enthusiasts, wellness travelers, families, group stays
This suburban eco-friendly resort in California with a lazy river provides a wide range of amenities to make your stay worthwhile. Enjoy nature with hiking, mountain biking, and mountain climbing, or rent a scooter and explore everything the region has to offer.
The property’s amenities include nine outdoor pools, a cafe, two poolside bars, and a golf course. Cycling, volleyball, and aerobics are enjoyable activities available for adventurers. At the on-site spa, treat yourself to a facial, a sports massage, and aromatherapy. I’d love to try out one of their treatments. You can practice yoga and Pilates at the wellness club.
You can enjoy al fresco dining at the on-site Californian cuisine restaurant, Lantana. In addition to free WiFi, the resort offers laundry services as well.
The hotel’s newest attraction is the HyTides Waterpark, featuring crazy waterslides, a lazy river, and splash pad. This is in addition to the already available pools found across the hotel. There’s even an adults-only pool for grown-ups looking for some peace and quiet.
450-foot (137-meter)
What guests are saying about the lazy river experience:
“Lazy river is big with salt water so it’s not the typical strong chlorine smell you usually experience at public pools.” - by Google reviewer, Erin Aquilante
Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort Villas
Address: 44600 Indian Wells Ln, Indian Wells, Indian Wells (CA), United States, 92210-8707
154.72 km (96.2 mi) from Knott's Berry Farm
3. Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa; Rancho Mirage (from USD 280)
Best for: Golf enthusiasts, families with kids, group trips, solo travelers, pet parents, wellness travelers
With 240 acres (97 hectares) near Palm Spring, a 27-hole golf course, multiple restaurants and a 450-ft (137.16-m) lazy river on the hotel resort complex, the facilities in this hotel will give you a weekend to remember. Splashtopia is the name of the on-site water park. It features 100-ft (30.5-m) waterslides, sprinklers, and fountains. There are also play zones and hot tubs in the water park, which I think makes the property great for both kids and parents.
Add in a heavy dose of excellent customer service and you’ll not have any need to leave the hotel at all so we recommend grabbing a good book, an inflatable doughnut and relaxing in the sun on the lazy river until it’s time for a cocktail.
What guests are saying about the lazy river experience:
“The lazy river is so much fun, even if you’re an adult. Although there are a lot of kids and they have a lot of fun kids activities as well” - by Google reviewer, Jessica Davis
Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Address: 41-000 Bob Hope Dr.
147.65 km (91.8 mi) from Knott's Berry Farm
4. Harrah's Resort: Southern California; Valley Center (from USD 140)
Best for: Families with kids, golf enthusiasts
An hour north of San Diego is Funner (yes that’s an actual place name), and at Funner, you’ll find this resort in Southern California with a lazy river. It has a variety of boarding options from suites to rooms, but don’t expect to spend too much time in your room as there are plenty of amenities on sight including a casino, relaxing spa, fitness center, high-end bazaar, and even a golf course.
But we all want to know about what water facilities they have. There is one main pool, a swim-up bar area, and of course a 400-foot (121-meter) lazy river and two waterfalls! Sounds to me that’s good enough for the entire family!
What guests are saying about the lazy river experience:
“The lazy river was warm even on a cold and rainy day.” - by Google reviewer, Ariana Wilson
Harrah's Resort Southern California
Address: 777 Harrah's Rincon Way
116.34 km (72.3 mi) from Knott's Berry Farm
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. Morongo Casino, Resort and Spa; Cabazon
Best for: Wellness travelers, group stays, couples
Morongo is the perfect accommodation for those who just want to take their mind off things. The resort features a grand casino that guests will want to check out. You can even get your favorite beverages while playing at the casino. This place is not just about the casino though. Morongo’s Oasis Pool is one of California’s best hotel pools and for good reason. It has a lazy river and a sandy beach that will easily amuse guests, and it definitely gets me excited!
While here, why not get the perfect spa experience that you deserve? At Morongo Spa, you will definitely get the luxury treatment. There are also other interesting activities nearby such as golfing, bowling, and even shopping. With all the interesting activities surrounding the place, you will certainly enjoy your stay here.
What guests are saying about the lazy river experience:
“The lazy river was my favorite part of the whole trip! Yummy drinks at the outdoor bar too… And yes you can take your drinks into the pool and lazy river” - by Google reviewer, An Geee
Morongo Casino Resort Spa
Address: 49500 Seminole Drive
111.06 km (69.1 mi) from Knott's Berry Farm
6. Great Wolf Lodge Southern California; Anaheim (from USD 276)
Great dining options with a variety of restaurants; breakfast buffet was excellent but overpriced; limited vegan and gluten-free offerings.
Fair pricing for kids' breakfast; valet parking was great but additional parking fees; some extra activities are a bit pricey.
Centrally located with easy access to freeways; close to local attractions and family-friendly activities; convenient but limited dining options on-site.
Kid-friendly with a large water park, indoor pool, arcade, mini-golf, and laser tag; spacious rooms with clean facilities; some areas need maintenance and updates.
Best for: Families with kids, group stays, couples
Just 14 minutes drive of central Santa Ana brings you upon Great Wolf Lodge. It is just 2.2 miles (3.5 km) from Disneyland and so is a perfect location for your Disney Holiday, the resort has so much fun involved that you’ll be dragging your kids to Disneyland. The water features include a toasty 84-degree indoor water park with 16 fun water slides and a shallow crooked creek-style lazy river which seems to me likes its perfect for accommodating the entire extended family.
Climb up the four-story log fort, before barreling down through the slides and hitting the water like a cannonball. If you want to go bigger and better, you can try the crazy Coyote Cannon with its vortex slide, or the Howlin’ Tornado. If you’re feeling totally wiped out after all the excitement, you can book their lovely suites that have got plenty of space for the family. In fact, it’s a better idea to book the suites ahead, because they come bundled with water park passes so you can dive straight into the action right after checking in.
Great Wolf Lodge - Anaheim Ca
Address: 12681 Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, Los Angeles (CA), United States, 92840
10.66 km (6.7 mi) from Knott's Berry Farm
Accommodations with water parks in California
Though these accommodations don’t have lazy rivers, they still have water parks or are situated close to water parks, so check them out for a fun holiday!
7. Cambria Hotel & Suites Anaheim Resort Area; Anaheim (from USD 176)
Buffet breakfast, variety of food choices, friendly kitchen staff, complimentary breakfast, movie nights at the pool, plenty of dining options nearby.
Resort fee and parking fee added $50/night. Expensive room rates.
Walkable to Disneyland, close to restaurants, convenient shuttle service, proximity to Disney parking lot for free bus to Disney.
Clean resort, hot tub, warm pools, water slides, spacious rooms, movie night, basketball area, mini golf, gym, outdoor facilities, security measures.
Best for: Families with kids, group stays, people with disabilities
Boasting a water park with an area of 30,000 square feet (2,787 square meters), Cambria Hotel Anaheim Resort Area is a resort hotel with a focus on bringing guests a memorable and splashy experience. Speed through the two water slides, or dance around the water jets while enjoying the Californian sun. There’s a movie wall on the property, and the guests are even offered the typical theater snacks.
For accommodations, you can expect rooms with clean beds and plenty of bright natural light. You can also dine at a poolside bar that offers delicious dishes and drinks.
What guests are saying about their water park experience:
“Chose this place for their water park. Great for families because the water park access is for those staying in the family suite only. They have a toddler pool, toddler splash pad, big pool, older child splash pad, water slides and a giant hot tub! They do movies at night as well. They also have outside games such as ping pong.” - by Google reviewer, Majeela L
Cambria Hotel & Suites Anaheim Resort Area This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 101 E Katella Avenue
9.78 km (6.1 mi) from Knott's Berry Farm
8. Howard Johnson by Wyndham Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground; Anaheim (from USD 233)
Limited dining options on-site, but numerous restaurants within walking distance.
Affordable rates for spacious, family-friendly rooms near Disneyland.
Conveniently located within walking distance to Disneyland and nearby restaurants.
Water park, clean pools, and friendly staff. Laundry facilities available.
Best for: Families with kids
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground has big rooms and big suites for families of all sizes. Enjoy the pleasures of sleeping on premium pillow top mattresses, and while the hours away lazing around and surfing channels on the TV.
Castaway Cove is the hotel’s special water park, featuring water slides fit for toddlers, little kids, and also teenagers. You can also play with the water cannons, or get doused by the giant drench bucket. There’s also a separate Garden Pool, with a more relaxed atmosphere that’s suited for a peaceful family day.
What guests are saying about the water park experience:
“It is a smaller water park but it was PERFECT for my kids who are younger.” - by Google reviewer, Haley McBeath
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 1380 South Harbor Boulevard
8.63 km (5.4 mi) from Knott's Berry Farm
9. Santa Clara Marriott; Santa Clara (from USD 256)
Variety of dining options, food trucks, and enjoyable bar food, but some service issues
Pricy with additional charges for Wi-Fi and parking
Conveniently located near Levi's Stadium, Great America, and within 5 minutes from the airport
Modern facilities, clean rooms, gym, pool, and proximity to Levi's Stadium and Great America
Best for: Group trips, LGBTQ+ community, families
Santa Clara Marriott is situated just a five-minute drive away from California’s Great America and forms a great combination with the theme park. It offers the longest lazy river in this area of California, but if you want more excitement be sure to check out the other water attractions such as the ‘Down Under Thunder’ which includes a 2-person inflatable and a nearly vertical wall, or the Great Barrier Reef wave pool. After all that excitement, you can head the 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) back to your hotel room. Perfect!
California's Great America
Address: 4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054
Price: 39.99 USD
Website: California’s Great America
Santa Clara Marriott This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 2700 Mission College Boulevard
533.31 km (331.4 mi) from Knott's Berry Farm
10. Renaissance Walnut Creek Hotel; Concord (from USD 202)
Best for: Families with kids, people with disabilities, outdoor enthusiasts, wellness travelers, couples
Renaissance Walnut Creek Hotel is situated just a 10-minute drive away from Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord, making it a great option for a fantastic holiday.
Just 30 minutes drive east of San Francisco and you’ll come to a city surrounded by luscious green hills called Walnut Creek. Renaissance Walnut Creek Hotel offers a relaxing tech-savy stay near San Francisco. Each room features fast wifi and an iPod dock to make sure that you can stay connected. Whenever you don’t want to be connected be sure to visit the Waterworld California which is located just 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) north of Walnut Creek.
The lazy river at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord is the perfect way to unwind after the stress and strains of a working day. The lazy river attraction is called the Kaanapali Kooler which claims to be the longest lazy river ride in California, we love the geyser waterfalls that you float through!
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord
Address: 1950 Waterworld Pkwy, Concord, CA 94520
Price: from 30.99 USD
Website: Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord
Renaissance Walnut Creek Hotel
Address: 2805 Jones Road
582.46 km (362.0 mi) from Knott's Berry Farm
11. Franciscan Inn Motel; Vista (from USD 81)
Best for: Budget travelers, couples, group travelers
Franciscan Inn Motel is situated just five minutes away from Wave Waterpark. The property has an outdoor pool but we recommend going to Wave Waterpark for all the water fun, especially the El Rio Loco lazy river.
Forty minutes north of San Diego will bring you to Vista and that is exactly where Franciscan Inn Motel is at! Vista is a small city of approximately 19 square miles (30 sq. km) that is surrounded by countryside so is a perfect place to retreat for a few days but with good access to a number of attractions.
Wave Waterpark
Address: 101 Wave Dr, Vista, CA 92083
Price: from 20 USD
Website: Wave Waterpark
Franciscan Inn Motel
Address: 955 South Santa Fe Avenue
101.56 km (63.2 mi) from Knott's Berry Farm
12. Best Western Chula Vista/Otay Valley Hotel; Chula Vista (from USD 134)
Best for: Families with kids, couples, group stays, people with disabilities
Another option for Vista is Best Western Hotel which is just 3 miles (4.83 kilometers) from the lazy river at Sesame Place San Diego. The hotel offers an outdoor hot tub and heated pool with excellent customer service and nice rooms to relax in. All rooms are private and come with basic cooking facilities; microwave and fridge.
Sesame Place San Diego is great to take children to, there are plenty of thrill rides, safety zones for the younger ones. Once you’re set up for the day you can relax in the lazy river called Big Bird’s Rambling River, which is 1,250 feet (381 meters) long!
Sesame Place San Diego
Address: 2052 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91911
Price: from 67 USD
Website: Sesame Place San Diego
Best Western Chula Vista/Otay Valley Hotel
Address: 4450 Main Street
165.35 km (102.8 mi) from Knott's Berry Farm
13. Knott's Hotel; Buena Park (from USD 142)
Best for: Group trips, families with kids, couples, people with disabilities
Knotts Berrys Farm Hotel and Soak City waterpark are located at the same amusement resort in the South East of Los Angeles. With Disneyland just 6 miles (9.6 km) away this is a fantastic location to involve some playtime into your holiday! We think that after a long day at Disneyland relaxing in the lazy river at Soak City sounds perfect. Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel is clean with excellent food and drinks on offer on site.
The rooms are a good size and have everything you need. If you return with the free shuttle from Disneyland to this hotel all you need to do is drive 3 minutes to the waterpark. There are so many thrill rides that it may take you a while to get around to the lazy river, otherwise known as the Sunset River which makes a figure of eight and stretches 1,780 feet (542 meters).
Knott's Soak City
Address: 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
Price: 48 USD
Website: Soak City
Knott's Hotel
Address: 7675 Crescent Ave
565 meters (0.4 ft) from Knott's Berry Farm
14. Hyatt Vacation Club at Desert Oasis; Palm Springs (from USD 263)
Poolside bar with great drinks. Fully equipped kitchen with nearby dining options.
Affordable pricing with free parking and spacious rooms.
Convenient location in Cathedral City with easy access to grocery stores and nearby attractions.
Spacious rooms with full kitchens, washer/dryer, and game room. Adult pool available. Helpful and friendly staff.
Best for: Families with kids, group stays, people with access needs, golf enthusiasts
Hyatt Vacation Club at Desert Oasis is just on the border of Cathedral City whilst Wet ‘N’ Wild is just on the border in Palm Springs but they are actually only a five-minute drive from each other. This resort with a lazy river in California offers self-catering one-bedroom villas with views over San Jacinto Mountains There is a pool onsite alongside other activities such as ping pong and air hockey.
But, to really let the fun begin let’s take a look at the lazy river at Wet ‘N’ Wild. The 600-foot (182-meter) lazy river is also called the Sunset River and is safe for all of the family to enjoy whilst taking a break from some of the more exhilarating water slides.
Wet 'N' Wild Palm Springs
Address: 1500 S Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Website: Wet ‘N’ Wild Palm Springs
Hyatt Vacation Club at Desert Oasis
Address: 34567 Cathedral Canyon Drive
141.71 km (88.1 mi) from Knott's Berry Farm
The hotel and lazy river combo!
That’s it, our list is completed of the best hotels with some of the best lazy rivers in California. We love lazy rivers, they just seem like the perfect way to unwind and take the world in. Hopefully you’ve seen a combination that you fancy for a holiday, whether it be a short break or a longer time. After all, there are plenty of beachfront hotels, beachfront rentals, and luxury Airbnbs to choose from for your accommodation needs. Whilst the sun is still shining let’s grab our doughnut rings, some friends and head out!
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