Make the most of San Diego's year-round summer climate by vacationing (or staycationing) at a local resort hotel. These full-service resorts offer a bounty of fun for families, and you won't have to spend hours getting there!
La Costa Resort & Spa
Carlsbad
Beautiful rooms and plenty of amenities make La Costa feel like a luxurious destination vacation, right in our own backyard. The Travel Channel named it “the #2 most family-friendly resort in the United States!” Guest rooms and suites at this 400-acre village have been recently renovated. My family and I enjoyed a three-day stay and were wowed by the luxurious accommodations and thoughtfulness of the staff.
For a small fee, kids and adults can participate in tons of fun activities scheduled throughout the day, such as making s’mores, paddle board and surfing lessons, and tennis and golf clinics. A range of fitness classes for families and adults are available, movie nights and more. Meditation and yoga classes are offered at the on-site Chopra Center. My family and I enjoyed a private golf lesson with a patient, encouraging coach. My husband, daughter, 16, and son, 7, donned wet suits and braved a bit of drizzle for their first surf lesson taught by pros from La Costa Surf School (www.lcsurf.com). They had a blast riding the waves!
Splash Landing has three water slides, a Jacuzzi, pool, private cabanas, Internet access and food and beverage service. Toddlers can safely explore the Sandy Beach Pool, and parents will be glad to know that lifeguards are on duty.
Kidtopia offers interactive, supervised fun for children 6 months to 12 years including special crafts classes, and it’s open seven days a week. Just next door at Vibz, teens and older kids can play video and arcade games. Teenz Happy Hour are Fridays from 5 – 6 p.m. It was great to drop in to Vibz for a quick round of air hockey between events.
While the kids are busy, treat yourself to a massage or facial at the Spa at La Costa. There’s a quiet room with snacks and strawberry-mint water, a hot tub and dry sauna. Step from the private sanctuary to discover a co-ed pool, waterfall shower, garden and stone reflexology pathway. Day use passes are also available. The ultra-relaxing California Renewal treatment left my skin baby-soft and mango-scented.
Mom and Dad, check your kiddos into Night Camp at Kidtopia while you tuck into a delicious dinner at the Blue Fire Grill. Afterward, settle by the outdoor fire pit to enjoy live music. La Costa has something to suit every taste and activity level, ensuring that everyone has a dream vacation close to home.
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort
Carlsbad
If 5-star service and accommodations are your speed, plan a luxury getaway at the gorgeous Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad. Enjoy family-friendly amenities such as dual water slides at the pool, seasonal events and poolside activities for kids, a signature golf course designed by Arnold Palmer, relaxing spa treatments and upscale dining options.
Hotel del Coronado
Coronado
Travel & Leisure Family Magazine named this historic San Diego landmark one of the top 20 family resorts in the United States. Special summer packages like the Teen Access and V.I.K. passes entitle kids to special offers and complimentary gifts. Teens 13 to 17 can indulge in a “Spa Sundae” package with a Spreckels Sugar Scrub and Frosting Massage, hang out at Vibz teen lounge or take advantage of surfing lessons, yoga and beach boot camp, biking, kayak tours, volleyball and boogie board rentals.
Kidtopia, for children ages 4 to 12, offers mini camps, entertaining and educational crafts and activities. Camps include lunch or dinner, scavenger hunts, sand castle contests, beach Olympics, luaus and bonfires. Families can enjoy bingo tournaments on the pool deck, s’mores night on the beach, family fitness classes and Flick N’ Float movies at the pool.
Paradise Point Resort & Spa
Mission Bay
One of San Diego's "hidden" gems is the 44-acre island resort, Paradise Point Resort and Spa; it’s a vacation in our own backyard paradise.
As you drive down the palm-lined private entrance, you know it’s going to be a relaxing and special time with the family. This oasis was established in 1962, but has been continually renovated to ensure five-star amenities and accommodations.
"My wife and I stayed here for our anniversary and were amazed by how much it reminded us of being in Hawaii," says Tony Andrews. "The tropical trees, flowers and plants combined with tiki torches, waterfalls and lagoon were incredible. Everyone at the resort was friendly and greeted us with hospitality reminiscent of aloha."
The resort features California-style bungalows, five swimming pools, tennis courts, a basketball court, full-service spa, fitness center and more. Enjoy lush grounds, charming bridges and lookouts along the lagoon on property and the popular Barefoot Bar & Grill. Ride beach cruisers or a surrey around the grounds or on the nearby paved walkway that encircles Mission Bay. The property location is perfect for water sports such as kayaking, paddle boarding, boating and jet skiing. Continue the family adventures at night by making s’mores around a fire. Asl about season poolside “dive-in” movies and other kid-friendly events. A family weekend stay at this island resort creates wonderful memories for years to come.
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