If you’re not up for expensive airline tickets and cramped airplane seats, why not consider a spring break staycation within 2 hours of home? Southern California has an amazing selection of options for a family spring break staycation. It’s so hard to narrow down the list, but here we’ve tried to highlight five that we think are some of the best options for families. These are all wonderful options for families with children of all ages:
Located a short 2 hours’ drive from Orange County, Renaissance Palm Springs is an amazing family getaway. Relax beside the largest pool in Palm Springs, rent a cabana, and enjoy the fire pits and the outdoor patio bar. If you have littles, Renaissance also has a great shallow, heated children’s pool complete with a sandbox area. Recline in one of the many comfy lounge chairs that surround the pool while your kids play in the water and build sandcastles.
Located in Carlsbad, the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa is a top choice for both parents and children. Their Kidtopia program is the hidden gem. Designed especially with museums and theme parks in mind, kids of all ages will enjoy this hands-on technically advanced space just for them. Other fun features of this amazing resort include a craft center, and a towering seven-foot treehouse with slide, nooks, cubbies, and windows. There’s also a comfortable movie lounge; personal high-tech entertainment stations; pressure-sensitive light floor for games and dancing; and a 600-gallon saltwater aquarium filled with exotic fish. If you kids get tired of that, head to LEGOLAND or the beach, which is only minutes away.
A treasured retreat in the desert, La Casa Del Zorro is filled with activities for your family: golfing, tennis, pools (including a child-friendly one), yoga, shuffleboard, bocce ball, hiking, and desert excursions. This family-friendly resort is located in heart of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and is a designated “Dark-Sky Community.” Up-lighting is restricted, and millions of stars and planets are visible through the naked eye at night for a wonderful stargazing experience.
Pavilion Hotel on Catalina Island
The whole family will enjoy a trip to Catalina Island, especially since it feels like a “real” vacation since the main way to get there is by boat. The Pavilion Hotel is a great option for families; it’s just 14 steps from the beach and about a block from a small playground. Enjoy the Descanso Beach Club while you’re there, one of the last private beaches in California with public access. You’ll love the private cabanas, chaise lounges, and a gracious and attentive, while your kids will have fun snorkeling, kayaking, trying out the Catalina Climbing Wall, Sea Trek, Snuba, and the Zip Line Eco Tour.
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa
This is the only coastal Orange County hotel with a water park, including water slides and splash pools that your kids are sure to love. This large resort also boasts the hugely fun “Camp Hyatt” program for youngsters, surf lessons, bike rentals, and if you get tired of the beach, it’s not too far to trek to Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, or the Aquarium of the Pacific. We guarantee you won’t run out of things to do. In fact, you might just need a vacation from your vacation!
Now get out there and enjoy your spring break!!
