Best Family-Friendly Hotels in California

Fitness center, Tenaya stone spa, electric vehicle charging stations

Disney's Grand Californian Resort & Spa is ideally situated for families who love all things Disney, and that's true whether you want to visit Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, or the Downtown Disney District. However, there are plenty of experiences to enjoy without having to leave the hotel, including Disney Princess breakfast adventures and character breakfasts at Storytellers Café with Mickey, Minnie, and friends.

Families of all sizes will be able to find spacious rooms to accommodate their needs, including suites with up to three bedrooms and sleeping space for as many as 13 people. Guests will love the three themed pools and the poolside cabanas they can rent for an extra fee. Also note that the hotel offers early access to certain park attractions, although terms and conditions vary.

Fitness center, tennis courts, Chuan spa

Located just 10 miles from downtown Los Angeles, The Langham Huntington sits on 23 acres of unspoiled natural beauty. This hotel stands out due to its many family-friendly amenities, including kids' robes and slippers, kids-only scavenger hunts, and a fenced outdoor area with giant board games, foosball, and table tennis. Families will also love having access to tennis courts, bike rentals, and an outdoor swimming pool that is heated all year round. 

This enormous property features 379 guestrooms with 36 suites and eight private cottages; the cottages are particularly roomy and inviting for families with kids. It’s also well known for offering a Landham Kids Glamping package, which includes an in-room tent, a rug, pillows, milk and s'mores, and a teddy bear to bring home. Plus, The Langham Huntington is pet friendly.

Bowling alley, arcade, mini golf, Build-a-Bear workshop

Anaheim's Great Wolf Lodge is home to a massive indoor waterpark and enough slides and rides to keep the whole family busy for days. Attractions include a huge wave pool, tube rides galore, a Coyote Canyon vortex ride, a family raft ride, and splash areas and rides for the little kids. The resort itself also has a bowling alley, an on-site arcade, and mini-golf for even more variety.

As a family resort, Great Wolf Lodge also goes out of its way to offer room options geared to larger groups. Guests can book suites that sleep up to eight guests, as well as themed suites with a cave-themed sleeping area or a bunk room for kids.

Spa at Terranea, oceanfront golf course

You’ll have no shortage of things to do while staying at The Terranea Resort, including a range of outdoor activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and hiking. Even while indoors, there’s plenty to fill your time—families can also book private time in the game room, which features air hockey, a ping pong table, a lego station, board games, and more. The resort is renowned for its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and its roomy suites and villas, some of which feature an in-room fireplace.

For a “glamping” experience during your stay, visitors can rent out a private fire pit with a s'mores kit, popcorn, water and soft drinks, and even a personal room host. The property has its own "escape room" experience too, which gives families 60 minutes to solve puzzles and beat the game. There’s even an on-site kids' club, which allows parents to enjoy time away from the little ones for a while.

Wine-tasting lounge, fitness center

The Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco is located within a city landmark building that dates back to 1908 and still features many unique structural components that add to its beauty. It's a great option for families who want to stay in an upscale property while sightseeing throughout the city. A cable car stops right outside the hotel, and the central location in the Nob Hill neighborhood is perfect for discovering all the city has to offer. Nearby, guests will find the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art as well as shopping and dining at Union Square.

Kids staying at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco can benefit from access to a kids' dining menu with child-friendly meals and snacks. Upon arrival at the hotel, children are given a coloring book and colored pencils, along with a scavenger hunt. For parents looking to spend some time without their little ones, babysitting services are available.

Highlands spa, fitness center

The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe is located in the family-friendly Northstar Resort, which makes planning outdoor winter activities like skiing and snowboarding a seamless experience. A ski-in/ski-out property, this resort is also close to multiple ski and snowboarding schools that let kids learn the ropes when it comes to outdoor sports. They’ll be able to pick their favorite activities like ice skating, cross-country skiing, tubing, snowshoeing, and more. 

The resort itself has its own Ritz Kids club, which is for children ages five to 12. Activities include arts and crafts, games, scavenger hunts, and other kid-friendly endeavors.

Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe feature rich, warm woods and textured fabrics that evoke California's mountainous glory, as well as their own gas fireplaces that beg for cozy nights with a cup of cocoa or a glass of wine. 

Ascent spa, game room, Tesla charger stations

The Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is perfect for nature-loving families who want to explore the great outdoors. Unique activities available at the resort include waterfall nature hikes, mountain biking, archery, ice skating, and yoga. Kids can sign up for an epic adventure course, which keeps them active with bridges, swinging logs, and rope challenges across 75 acres. Nightly "Dive-in Movies" also give the little ones something to look forward to after a busy day of fun.

The two-bedroom Explorer cabins are a cozy place for the whole crew to wind down after a busy day. These large suites come with a living room, a private deck, and access to resort amenities including restaurants, pools, spas, and more.

Electric vehicle charging stations, Spa at the Del, fitness center

The Hotel del Coronado is a great vacation spot for parents as well as kids due to its plethora of on-site activities and amenities. Parents can enjoy a romantic dinner or time in the Spa at the Del, which features treatments that soothe your soul and help the stress melt away, while the kids have fun at a supervised camp. However, a day with the kids can also be a blast, whether you want to play in the surf on Coronado Beach, splash around in one of the large resort pools, watch movies on the beach, or participate in a regular beach bonfire.

Dining options at the resort feature sea-to-table dining and craft cocktails for adults, while kids can nosh on their favorite foods like pizza and tacos. The Hotel del Coronado also offers several room types geared to families, including suites with up to two bedrooms.

18-hole golf course, luxury spa, fitness center

Located just north of San Diego, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar sits on 400 stunning acres of lush greenery with views in every direction you look. With its own 18-hole golf course, luxurious spa, and Michelin-starred restaurant, you may be surprised to find out just how kid-friendly this property is.

For example, the hotel features special kids menus with child-friendly meals, and there's a separate children's wading pool and sand play area. The Fairmont even has its own kids' club for children ages five to 12, which keeps them busy with activities like arts and crafts, video games, trail rides, air hockey, and more. 

There are 37 miles of hiking trails that depart from the property, making it perfect for families who want to get out and explore nature without having to drive elsewhere. If you do want to leave the resort, you’re only a short jaunt from all San Diego has to offer, including the San Diego Zoo, Legoland, and the city's world-famous beaches.