Los Angeles Area
The biggest kid-friendly attraction in the L.A. area is Disneyland and the park has two hotels with great kid amenities: the Grand Californian and the Disneyland resort. The Grand Californian is a luxury destination designed to resemble a rustic lodge. It is located in the California Adventure section of the Disney complex. The hotel's pool area features a Mickey Mouse-shaped pool and a water slide, and Disney-themed touches are visible in the landscape. But the biggest bonus is that you're walking distance to the park entrance.
The Disneyland Hotel is the oldest Disney hotel and you'll start to feel the Disney magic when you drive up and see the enormous sorcerer's hat. Besides that, there is a a Neverland-themed pool area, kids can choose character-themed guest rooms and you can take your kids to a character breakfast. The hotel is located next to the Downtown Disney complex. The Coyote Hills Golf Course (Fullerton) and the Black Gold Golf Course (Yorba Linda) are challenging championship courses within a half-hour of Disneyland.
Grand Californian
1600 S. Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 956-6425
http://disneyland.disney.go.com
Disneyland Hotel
1150 Magic Way
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 956-6425
http://disneyland.disney.go.com
San Diego
San Diego's biggest attraction district, Mission Valley, is home to Sea World, but is also close driving distance to the San Diego Zoo and LegoLand. At the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, kids get a gift bag at check in, and on Sunday mornings, the hotel has a clown come in to entertain. Pool toys and floaties are available on the pool deck, where you'll also find a children's pool and water slide.
Another alternative is the Hilton San Diego in Mission Bay, close to Sea World. The hotel provides a kids' camp complete with arts and crafts and games on the beach for ages 4 to 13. Your child will receive a gift bag at check in and kid-sized bikes are available for rent on the property. You'll find myriad golf options, including the Riverwalk Golf Club complex, which has three 9-hole layouts. It hosted PGA Tour events in the 1950s and 1960s. The complex has been renovated and has signature water features.
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay
1441 Quivira Road
San Diego, CA 92109
(619) 224-1234
http://missionbay.hyatt.com
Hilton San Diego
901 Camino del Rio South
San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 543-9000
http://hilton.com
San Francisco
Located in the Marina district, close to Fisherman's Wharf and Golden Gate Park, the Hotel Del Sol was designed with families in mind. This renovated 1950s-style motel has family suites that include bunk beds and games for kids, as well as a kitchenette, so you won't go broke eating in San Francisco. In addition, there is an outdoor heated pool, video lending library and kids get free sunglasses and beach balls. Another bonus is free parking. For golf, check out the Presidio, Lincoln Park (for the view) or Harding Park, which are within a half-hour drive.
Hotel Del Sol
3100 Webster St.
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 921-5520
http://jdvhotels.com
About The Author
J.D. Chi is a professional journalist who has covered sports for more than 20 years at newspapers all over the United States. She has covered major golf tournaments and the NFL as well as travel and health topics. Chi received her Bachelor of Arts in professional writing from Carnegie Mellon University and is working toward a master's degree in journalism.
