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The 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.
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 a dream come true for rambunctious kids. Visitors can ride a 100-year-old stagecoach, visit a blacksmith shop, and view lots of mining artifacts. And the reasonably priced Victorian hotels serve 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. 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 lobby featuring a 60-foot bar, tropical birds, and gondolas that tour the fairways and gardens. 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.
Paradise Point Resort & Spa (San Diego; tel. 800/344-2626): Right in the middle of Mission Bay, this resort is almost as much a theme park as its closest neighbor, SeaWorld. The 44-acre, tropically landscaped property can supply a seemingly endless variety of recreational toys for activities in, on, or around the bay. Adults can enjoy the fabulous spa and the excellent (kid-friendly) restaurant, Baleen.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
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