- It's vintage, it's gorgeous, it's classy, it's a landmark: andit's kid-friendly. The Del has 31 acres of beach, kids' and teen programs, a Tent City activity for kids, complimentary noodles at the swimming pool, bike rentals including tandems and kids' bikes, "Family Activities" such as Sunset Sailing, Kids Crafts, Kids Nite Out --all at a price, of course. The Del Coronado has been named "One of America's Ten Best Family Resorts." (If you make it there by Easter, expect the Bunny, an egg-hunt, and a special brunch.) Take a photo tour online; also check the web site for packages that include attractions such as the San Diego Zoo.
- San Diego- This seaside southern California city (a stone's throw from Mexico) has plenty to please families. For starters: Seaworld, the San Diego Zoo, and Balboa Park , an "urban cultural park" with gardens, restaurants, free concerts and fifteen museums.
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Santa Barbara Family Vacat'n Center
Here's a California vacation for summertime: every year, on the beach-side campus of the University of California at Santa Barbara, you'll find an all-inclusive family holiday in week-long sessions, including kids' programs, many family activities, golf, tennis, and lots more.
- California Vacations: Disneyland- the classic family trip, now with The Magic Kingdom plus the California Adventure theme park.
- Legoland -in Carlsbad CA, 50 minutes from Disneyland, 30 minutes north of San Diego, you'll find 128 acres designed as a "country just for kids" aged two to twelve: with interactive rides, attractions and mini-lands ( --including Ancient Egypt and the Arctic) made from 30 million interlocking Lego bricks.
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California Vacations: Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay, south of San Francisco, is a popular tourist spot, and deservedly so: home to Cannery Row (made famous in John Steinbeck's novel), Fisherman's Wharf, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and a host of sea mammals such as sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, and gray whales. The legendary Big Sur Coast is a short scenic drive away. Where to stay? There's many family- and budget-friendly spots, but for a splurge consider the Five Star Diamond Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa that literally sits upon the Bay. Rooms start at $195/night, and kids under 18 stay free.
- San Francisco- Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Park (with kid-friendly Aquarium, Natural History Museum, and Planetarium), the Exploratorium, Children's Zoo at the San Francisco Zoo... these are some of the best places to visit with kids.
- California Vacations: Napa Valley with Kids-- day-trip distance from San Francisco and a favorite getaway for wine-lovers-- but, also a fine place for family trips.
