From sun-soaked beaches to mountain retreats, these family-friendly resorts offer the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re looking to unwind by the water, explore nature, or dive into exciting activities, each destination provides top-tier accommodations, unique amenities, and easy access to local attractions. From the coastal charm of San Diego Mission Bay Resort and the luxury of LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort each resort offers something special for families. Whether you’re riding the waves, exploring historic landmarks, or simply soaking in breathtaking views, these resorts provide the perfect setting for a fun-filled, memory-making getaway.
San Diego Mission Bay Resort
San Diego Mission Bay Resort offers the perfect waterfront escape in the heart of Mission Bay, combining coastal charm with modern luxury. With spacious guest rooms and suites featuring private balconies or patios, the resort provides stunning views of the bay and lush gardens. Guests can enjoy direct beach access, a sparkling outdoor pool, and on-site dining at Covewood, serving fresh, locally inspired cuisine.
Families will find endless entertainment at San Diego Mission Bay Resort. The resort’s Kids Camp offers daily activities, arts and crafts, and interactive games designed to keep young travelers engaged. Parents can unwind at the Spa Brezza, which features rejuvenating massages and facials. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the resort’s rock-climbing wall, snorkeling, and pickleball courts, perfect for active families. Water sports rentals, including paddleboards and kayaks, make it easy to explore the bay, while evening fire pits provide the ideal setting for roasting s’mores and enjoying quality time together.
Beyond the resort, groups can explore a variety of nearby world-famous attractions. Just minutes away, SeaWorld San Diego offers thrilling rides and up-close marine animal encounters. A short drive brings you to the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, home to thousands of animals and immersive habitats. For a more relaxed outing, families can visit Belmont Park, a classic beachfront amusement park featuring rides, arcades, and oceanfront dining. Outdoor lovers can bike along the scenic Mission Bay Park trails or enjoy a day at La Jolla Cove, where snorkeling with vibrant marine life is a must. Whether staying on-site or venturing out, San Diego Mission Bay Resort provides an unforgettable family destination.
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort is a luxurious beachfront retreat in Naples, Florida, offering an exclusive blend of relaxation and adventure along the Gulf of Mexico. With elegant guest rooms and suites featuring private balconies, beach views, and coastal-inspired décor, the resort provides an upscale yet inviting atmosphere.
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort offers kid-friendly pools with cascading waterfalls and private cabanas, perfect for a relaxing day in the sun. Young adventurers can explore the beach with complimentary sandcastle-building kits or enjoy exciting water sports rentals, including paddleboarding and kayaking. Parents can tee off at the resort’s private golf course or indulge in a rejuvenating treatment at the SpaTerre while kids splash in the pool.
The resort’s signature restaurant, Baleen Naples, offers a refined yet family-friendly atmosphere with stunning beachfront views. Kids can enjoy fresh seafood, burgers, and pasta dishes while parents indulge in gourmet coastal cuisine and handcrafted cocktails. Outdoor seating allows families to dine with their toes in the sand. The Tiki Bar by the pool serves kid-friendly favorites like chicken tenders, quesadillas, and tropical smoothies, perfect for a relaxed afternoon by the water. The resort also offers beachside dining services, where families can enjoy meals delivered straight to their lounge chairs or private cabanas.
Just minutes away, Naples Zoo offers interactive wildlife experiences, including hand-feeding giraffes and boat tours through monkey islands. For hands-on fun, the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples provides engaging exhibits designed for kids of all ages. Outdoor enthusiasts can take a scenic boat tour through the Ten Thousand Islands, or embark on a magical sunset clear kayaking adventure through Southwest Florida’s mangroves and Gulf waters. For a day of exploration, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park offers pristine beaches, nature trails, and excellent shelling opportunities. Whether enjoying resort amenities or discovering Naples’ natural beauty, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort is a fantastic family-friendly getaway.
Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort
Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort is a tropical-inspired paradise nestled along the famous Hollywood Beach Broadwalk in South Florida. With luxurious accommodations featuring ocean views, private balconies, and laid-back island décor, this resort offers the perfect blend of relaxation and fun. Guests can unwind by the lagoon-style pools, enjoy live entertainment at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Restaurant, or indulge in a soothing treatment at St. Somewhere Spa.
Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort features a FlowRider® surfing simulator, where kids and adults alike can ride the waves without ever leaving the property. The Parakeets Kids’ Club offers supervised games, arts and crafts, and fun-filled activities to keep younger guests entertained. Families can also enjoy bike rentals to explore the scenic Broadwalk, join in on beachside games, or set out on a paddleboarding or kayaking adventure along the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway. Evening entertainment, including live music and movies under the stars, ensures that every day ends on a high note.
Beyond the resort, a short drive brings you to Anne Kolb Nature Center, where families can hike scenic trails, rent kayaks, and spot native wildlife. For an up-close marine experience, Gulfstream Park features an interactive playground and seasonal events for kids. Thrill-seekers can visit Topeekeegee Yugnee Park (TY Park), home to the exciting Castaway Island Water Park with waterslides and splash zones.
Le Tub Saloon, famous for its giant burgers and waterfront views, offers a relaxed setting perfect for all ages. Just steps from the beach, The Taco Spot serves up fresh tacos, burritos, and smoothies in a casual, open-air space. For classic Italian fare, GG’s Waterfront provides a scenic dining experience with a kids’ menu featuring pasta, grilled cheese, and fresh seafood. If you’re looking for a fun, beachside vibe, Billy’s Stone Crab offers fresh seafood, friendly service, and outdoor seating.
Hotel Zena
Hotel Zena in Washington, D.C., is a bold and art-infused boutique hotel that celebrates female empowerment and creativity in the heart of the city. Located on 14th Street, just minutes from the National Mall, this stylish retreat blends modern luxury with thought-provoking design. With a vibrant rooftop pool, a lively lobby lounge, and an atmosphere that highlights inclusivity and inspiration, Hotel Zena provides a unique and memorable stay in the nation’s capital.
The hotel’s central location makes it easy for families to explore, and its pet-friendly policy ensures that even four-legged family members are welcome. On-site dining at Figleaf Bar & Lounge includes a selection of family-friendly bites, and the hotel’s vibrant design and interactive art displays create a fun and engaging atmosphere for kids and adults alike.
Through its V Team Kids program, young guests can express their creativity with dessert decorating sessions, paint-by-number kits, and photography kits. For musical exploration, instruments like ukuleles and guitars are available. An art-inspired scavenger hunt allows families to discover over 60 original artworks within Hotel Zena and its sister property, Viceroy Washington DC. Additionally, sports equipment such as footballs, soccer balls, and frisbees can be borrowed for outdoor play at nearby parks.
Just a short walk away, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History offers fascinating exhibits, including dinosaur fossils and the Hope Diamond. The National Air and Space Museum, another Smithsonian favorite, features hands-on exhibits and real spacecraft that kids will love. For outdoor fun, the National Zoo is home to giant pandas, elephants, and interactive exhibits perfect for young explorers. Families can also take a scenic stroll along the National Mall, stopping at iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. Whether exploring world-class museums, enjoying outdoor adventures, or relaxing at the hotel, a stay at Hotel Zena offers a dynamic and enriching family vacation in Washington, D.C.
Chaminade Resort & Spa
Chaminade Resort & Spa is a picturesque retreat nestled on 300 acres of lush, wooded grounds in Santa Cruz, California. Perched atop a hill, the resort offers breathtaking views of Monterey Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains, providing guests with a serene and rejuvenating escape. The resort features two heated outdoor swimming pools, two outdoor whirlpools, and nine poolside cabanas, ensuring a relaxing experience for all visitors. Guests can also enjoy tennis and pickleball courts, as well as The View, a tree side restaurant overlooking Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay.
Families will find Chaminade Resort & Spa particularly accommodating. Guests can enjoy Movies at the Pool, featuring weekly film screenings every Friday from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, complete with available popcorn and beverages. For outdoor enthusiasts, the resort provides over three miles of scenic hiking trails through lush eucalyptus groves and grassy fields, suitable for all skill levels. Sports lovers can take advantage of the four lighted tennis courts and two pickleball courts, with equipment available for loan at the fitness center. Additionally, the resort offers a range of games and activities, including bocce ball, cornhole, and a disc golf course, ensuring fun-filled options for the entire family.
The resort offers spacious family rooms equipped with a king bed or two queen beds, along with guest rooms and/or bunk beds, providing ample space and comfort for families. Additionally, the resort hosts seasonal events such as the Fall Festival, featuring pumpkin decorating, bounce houses, s’mores by the bonfire, and a kid-friendly maze, creating memorable experiences for the whole family.
Beyond the resort, families can explore a variety of nearby attractions. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, California’s oldest surviving amusement park, offers a range of rides and games suitable for all ages. Nature enthusiasts can visit Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, home to ancient redwood trees and numerous hiking trails, providing an educational and awe-inspiring experience. For a unique adventure, families can explore the Mystery Spot, a gravitational anomaly that offers guided tours and intriguing phenomena. With its family-oriented amenities and proximity to a variety of attractions, Chaminade Resort & Spa serves as an ideal base for a memorable family vacation in Santa Cruz.
Skamania Lodge
Skamania Lodge, located in Stevenson, Washington, is a premier retreat in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, offering breathtaking views and an immersive connection with nature. Surrounded by 175 acres of lush forests, the lodge provides a tranquil yet adventure-filled escape with cozy accommodations, panoramic trekking routes, and diverse dining options.
Skamania Lodge’s backyard area features a disc golf course, the Little Eagle putting course, and the Gorge 9 short golf course, perfect for some lighthearted competition. For thrill-seekers, Skamania Lodge Adventures offers zip-lining through the towering Douglas firs, an aerial park with rope courses, and axe throwing for a fun challenge. Families can also explore over three miles of hiking trails winding through the surrounding woodlands or gather around the outdoor fire pits in the evening for s’mores and storytelling under the stars.
Beacon Rock State Park offers picturesque nature trails, including a short but rewarding climb to the top of Beacon Rock for panoramic river views. At the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum, visitors can learn about the region’s history, geology, and early Native American cultures through interactive exhibits. Water-loving families can take advantage of the Columbia River for kayaking, paddleboarding, or windsurfing.
A scenic drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway leads to breathtaking waterfalls like Multnomah Falls and charming small towns with local shops and cafes. The Hood River Fruit Loop is a scenic 35-mile driving route through the lush Hood River Valley, where visitors can explore over 30 farm stands, orchards, vineyards, and wineries, savoring fresh-picked fruits, artisan cheeses, and handcrafted ciders while enjoying breathtaking views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, and the rolling countryside.
No matter your family’s travel style—whether it’s relaxing on a sun-drenched beach, exploring vibrant cityscapes, or immersing yourselves in nature—these resorts offer something for everyone. Wherever your next trip takes you, these destinations provide the perfect backdrop for quality time and new experiences together.