Best Family Lodging
Back to CaliforniaCalifornia's Best Family Hotels & Resorts
KOA Kamping Kabins (Point Arena; tel. 800/562-4188): Once you see the adorable log cabins at this KOA campground, you'll have to admit that this is one cool way to spend the weekend on the coast. Primitive is the key word: mattresses, a heater, and a light bulb are the standard amenities. All you need is some bedding (or sleeping bags), cooking and eating utensils, and charcoal for the barbecue out front.
City Hotel and Fallon Hotel (Columbia; tel. 800/532-1479): Some parents may roll their eyes at this preserved Gold Rush town, but it's rather remarkable. Visitors can ride a 100-year-old stagecoach, visit a blacksmith shop, and view lots of mining artifacts. And these reasonably priced Victorian hotels dish up a great buffet breakfast. Cars are barred from the dusty main street.
Camping at Yosemite's Tuolumne Meadows (tel. 800/436-7275): At an elevation of 8,600 feet, this is the largest alpine meadow in the High Sierra and a gateway to the "high country;" it's especially memorable in late spring, when it's carpeted with wildflowers. Park authorities run the large campground and a full-scale naturalist program, but hardcore adventurers can backpack into the wilderness.
Disneyland Resort Hotels (Anaheim; tel. 714/956-MICKEY): The Holy Grail of Disney lovers has always been the "Official Hotel of the Magic Kingdom," the original Disneyland Hotel. The newer Paradise Pier Hotel and Grand Californian are also an easy monorail or tram ride to Disneyland's gates (the Grand Californian opens directly into California Adventure).
Marriott's Desert Springs Spa & Resort (Palm Desert; tel. 800/331-3112): In the spirit of Disney-esque resorts, this oasis welcomes guests with a "rainforest" lobby featuring tropical birds and gondolas that ferry guests to their rooms. Once settled, kids will revel in the lagoonlike pools and play areas (with supervised children's programs). And grown-ups can luxuriate on the golf course, tennis court, or in the 30,000-square-foot day spa.
Crystal Pier Hotel (San Diego; tel. 800/748-5894): On a historic pier that extends into the Pacific Ocean, this property affords guests the experience of sleeping over the ocean in a cottage. Ideal for beach-loving families, who can enjoy the sound of waves or head out for boardwalk action; beach gear is available for rental.
Los Angeles Times e-mail newsletter, delivered every Thursday
wherever it appears.