Somewhere in between a nature walk and enjoying my morning coffee on the beautiful south shore of Lake Tahoe, I came to understand why Camp Richardson Historic Resort and Marina has been a favorite all-season destination resort since 1924. Like Disneyland, Camp Rich offers enough activities to keep you on-site your entire trip. I’ll see your Tomorrowland and raise you Lake Tahoe, the second deepest lake in North America! This knotty-pine paradise comes complete with miles of sandy beach, a mountain sports center, ice cream parlor, general store and deli, lakeside restaurant, its own full-service marina with boat rentals, and a HUGE personality!
Camp Richardson is your fun headquarters!
During the warm seasons families can enjoy hiking, biking, beach-going, water play, boat rentals, fishing, and more. Kids can become honorary forest rangers as they explore majestic Lake Tahoe the other lakes in the Lake Tahoe basin that deserve our attention. Just across the street from the main entrance. Camp Richardson Corral offers guided trail rides, hay wagon rides, steak rides, and winter sleigh rides. For riders 5 and younger, Camp Richardson Corral offers pony rides. Snowy season offerings include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow play and nearby ice-skating and sledding.
Mountain Sports Center is your on-site resource for all your recreation needs from full suspension mountain bikes, tandem bikes, bike accessories & repairs, hiking information and maps, cross-country ski rentals and trails, snowshoe rentals, to moonlight cross-country skiing and sleds. Recently voted “Best Place to Cross Country Ski” by Tahoe locals, the Sports Center offers groomed and marked trails and is a great place to ski along the shores of Lake Tahoe. In winter, the miles of summer bike trails are magically changed to a beautiful white wonderland for skiing and snowshoeing as Camp Richardson hosts its own 35KM cross-country ski track.
The Camp Richardson Marina offers everything from an on-site water ski school to Seadoo, power boat, paddle boat, and kayak rentals. With the closest marina to Emerald Bay and one of the lake’s longest piers, this marina offers an endless array of ways to explore the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe. A gas dock, as well as launching and mooring facilities are available for those who would like to bring their own boat to the lake. During the summer months, the marina is open seven days a week. oh, and if you see a purple mitten floating in the lake, grab it for me. My toddler chucked it in the lake from the pier during our visit!
Grab a Rum Runner and enjoy the view!
The Beacon Bar and Grill, located right on water’s edge at Camp Richardson Resort, is the perfect place for families to dine. The Beacon’s kid’s menu is excellent! There’s a nice variety of dishes to choose from with several healthy options. I’m happy to report, the prices are very reasonable (we paid $8 per child for very generous portions). When the weather heats up, patrons flock to the Beacon’s outdoor patio to soak up the sun, enjoy the beautiful view, and drink the Beacon’s famous Rum Runners and thick slices of fried calamari. For off-site dining, try Camp Richardson’s Fresh Ketch Restaurant, located right on the water at the Tahoe Keys Marina (about a 10 minute drive). The Ketch was voted, “Best Seafood” by Tahoe locals! In the summer, patrons can watch a Tahoe sunset from the waterfront lawn. If you need to stock up on supplies or grab a quick bite, The General Store & Cafe with Deli offers groceries, beer & wine, camping supplies, books & maps, gifts & apparel, sundries, ice, ATM, and Wi-Fi. Breakfast and lunch are served daily year-round. During the summer months, be sure to grab an ice cream cone. It just seems to taste better when eaten the fresh Sierra air.
A wide variety of lodging options to fit every budget and need.
Camp Richardson Historic Resort & Marina offers year-round lodging to fit every need. In the summer, reservations are made by the week only.
- Year round cabins – Sleep 2 to 8 people, studio, 1 and 2 bedroom units offer a gas fireplace, full kitchen (including microwave, coffeemaker and toaster), with utensils, linens and towels provided.
- Summer-only cabins – Studio and 1 bedroom units offer a basic kitchen (including coffeemaker and toaster), with linens and towels provided.
- Camp Richardson Hotel – 26 rooms sleeping from 1 to 4 people. Within the Hotel, the grand hall great room offers a social area with Wi-Fi, cozy seating, and the largest (and most gorgeous) fireplace I’ve ever seen.
- The Richardson House – A completely remodeled 7 bedroom, 5 bath house that sleeps 20. The home is furnished with modern amenities, hardwood floors, multiple TVs, a huge stone fireplace, a game area, and a formal dining area that sits 10 guests, making it perfect for family reunions.
- Beachside Inn – This 7-unit motel offers king and two double bed units. Perfect for those who want immediate access to the lake and the beach.
- Marina Duplex – Two adjacent two story units, each with sleeping for six, with basic kitchens, TV’s and phones. The Marina Duplex is in the center of activities during the summer.
- RV Village – Three campground areas are available. New this year, a fully furnished, turn-key RV ready for your arrival. The “Hide Out” trailer is 27 feet and sleeps 6 people with a queen bed, a twin bunk, and a fold out double sofa sleeper. Also includes a bathroom with tub & shower, flat screen TV/DVD player, surround sound stereo, heat and air.
- Camping – 210 tent sites in two locations nestled in towering pine trees. Badger’s Den Campground and Eagle’s Nest. Campsites go early in the summer so it is recommended families book a couple months in advance.
Good to know before you go:
- Camp Richardson Resort has a strict no pet policy.
- While you are visiting Camp Richardson, don’t feed any animals. Never leave food out on a picnic table or in a tent. All food, coolers, and food containers should be put away inside your car. Garbage should be disposed of in animal-proof dumpsters.
- Mai Dalton is the poised and passionate Lodging Operations Manager. If you run into her don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation. She has lots of fun Camp Richardson stories to share.
Want more Lake Tahoe fun? Check out reviews of family friendly activities in the Lake Tahoe area.
Tina Buell (aka: imsnow) is one of NorCal’s Destination Gurus and a single mom to a 3 year old boy. She loves to travel with her mom and son to as many places as her schedule and budget allow.
Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
The kids were talking about conquering the ropes courses as soon as we told them we were heading for the New Hampshire Lakes Region.
“Mom, am I tall enough?”
“Mom how high will we be?”
“Mom, how fast are the zip lines?”
Being significantly AFRAID of heights, I did not want to talk about the ropes courses at all. I let my husband handle the questions. Instead, I focused on finding out what else there might be for a middle aged “fraidy cat” to show her family in the area…all the while keeping a brave front to the kids so I would not pass my phobias on to them.
We headed for Daytona Fun Park early one July morning. I did not let the kids know I was nervous, especially since they were excited to take on all of the activities at the park. As we drove in just past Weirs Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee, I immediately noticed the purple steel behemoth called the “SkyTrail” and got sweaty thinking about all of us climbing around it. We whiled away a few hours having some fun at the other attractions at Daytona Fun Park. We drove the race cars, played a round of mini-golf, jumped in a basketball bounce house and hit some balls in the batting cages but eventually it was our time to get strapped in to try out the “Skytrail”.
I hid my sweaty palms from the kids and let the attendant harness me in. Although we were high above the traffic passing below; I quickly got refocused trying to keep my balance and encouraged my 6 year old daughter to keep moving. We eventually all got the ‘hang’ of it and actually enjoyed ourselves. After the initial experience we were all looking forward to trying out the 2 other sets of rope courses. We were old pros and my fears were behind us.
Over the next couple days, my family spent a few hours at Gunstock Ski Area trying out their new ropes course which made us feel like we were in the Costa Rican treetops and also at Monkey Trunks which is another ropes course close to the road but unlike Daytona Fun Park, does not use any steel. At Monkey trunks we actually used the zipline and a ‘high’ swing (gasp). None of the kids needed any encouragement to do this swing and I could not believe I actually joined in! As the young attendant was lowering me down he commented “you did not look like you were having too much fun”. I guess my face gave it away…but the kids wanted to do it again. The ropes courses had instilled confidence and determination in them.
More fun in the New Hampshire Lakes Region
With my fear of heights diminished I was ready to try some different activities.
We took a lovely boat tour of Squam Lake with Experience Squam Lake Excursions. Our guide Cindy brought us to so many spots around the lake but the kids had the most fun jumping into the water from’ jumping rock’ and watching the baby eagles learning to leave their nests. My kids, like most kids, LOVE animals so the birds were a real hit. They also fell in love with some huge oxen at the Ox-K farm in Guilford. Kathy, the owner of the farm, told us about the individual personalities of the oxen and let us in on the secret that Dale was the youngest and the keenest on causing trouble with his brothers. My 6 year old daughter immediately picked him as her favorite and stated “He’s just like me!”. Thankfully she weighs about 1000 pounds less than Dale and doesn’t have horns (visible horns at least)!
We continued our animal discovery at Clark’s Trading Post with the historic Black Bear Show. We were all amazed at the bear tricks but also at the obvious affection the owners have for their bear friends. The real hit here was the Wolfman. The Wolfman might scare some younger kids, but ours were intrigued by his antics during our train ride. There is even a Segway tour where you can travel deep into the ‘Wolfmans’ territory, but you must be at least 15 years old to participate. We had to settle for a regular Segway tour which was every bit as enjoyable for the under 10 set.
Our last involvement with animals was our introduction to the late dog “Dewey” at the Canterbury Shake Village. During our tour of the village my 9 year old daughter asked if in addition to the farm animals at the village if the people had any pets and we were told about Dewey. He is the mascot of the Canterbury Shaker village. He was well loved by the Shaker community and his spirit lives on today as you tour the village learning about the Shaker people and their lifestyles.
Lodging in the Lakes Region
There are a few different choices when it comes to accommodation locations in the Lakes Region. If your family prefers a quiet setting, head for Squam Lake. We stayed at the Cottage Place on Squam in a suite-style room that had the feeling of our own lake cabin. My 9-year-old son especially enjoyed this inn. He loved the fire at night and the lake swimming and kayaking by day.
Read my full review of Cottage Place on Squam Lake.
Another Squam Lake option is a destination camp called Rockywold-Deephaven. This is an old fashioned family-friendly camp with cottages dotting the lakeshore. Every family has their own cottage yet meals and activities are communal. We joined in on the hydro-bikes and watched a game of “capture the Flag” which my son was dying to get in on.
For accommodations in the thick of bustling Lake Winnipesaukee, the Margate has all you might need. The property is situated right in the midst of everything else surrounding the lake, giving visitors convenient lake access. The kids loved the intricate tunnel system here as well as the beach.
Read my full review of the Margate on Winnipesaukee.
Farther north of the lakes, Indian Head Resort has its own lake and kids programs. Our kids loved the pool here, however the biggest hit was the small lake again with the animals. My 9 year old daughter fed an entire box of crackers to the pond ducks and chose names for all of them. Daisy was her favorite and she happily spent a ton of time trying to get Daisy to hop into her paddle boat.
Read my review of the Indian Head Resort.
My reviews of the above named attractions were based on a complimentary visit, meal or stay at the respective attraction. I received no additional compensation during my visit and none of the named attractions required that I make any specific statements about their good and/or services.
Michelle Brennan is a 2011 Trekaroo Superoo.
Before we’d even arrived at Central Oregon’s Pronghorn Club, we were impressed:
located 15 minutes from Bend, the club’s property sits on miles of acreage of sparse
high desert landscape where nothing but scrub pine and the alert ears of coyote
poke up out of the thick sage. After almost four miles on a private road beneath a
larger-than-life blue sky, we were greeted with a smile by the Pronghorn gate guard
and waved into the tastefully luxurious complex of common buildings and homes
that comprise the club.
We checked in at the Clubhouse front desk, which also houses the resort’s spa, fine
and bistro dining, and wrap-around decks with stunning views. Overnight guests
of the club (which is made up primarily of home owners) stay in the beautifully
appointed townhouse-style lodging across from the Clubhouse and adjacent to
the family-centric Trailhead building. We were given a three-bedroom unit with
full kitchen, dining room, great room, theater system, outdoor patio and upstairs
balcony, wifi, three bathrooms, and probably a partridge in a pear tree (it wouldn’t
have surprised me). The kids had their pick of rooms, and spent the first hour (and
several hours throughout our stay thereafter) playing rousing games of hide-and-
seek in the large space.
Pronghorn’s lodging units (for which studio and 1-4 bedroom units are available)
sit on the 18th green of one of the resort’s two signature golf courses. Designed by
Jack Nicklaus, these courses are arguably the jewels in the Pronghorn Club crown,
but if you or your family are not golfers, there’s plenty more to do. Family fun
centers around the Trailhead, located adjacent to the Clubhouse and housing two
large outdoor pools (one with zero-depth entry and waterslide), two hot tubs, the
Trailhead Grill (family-friendly with service pool-side), Pronghorn Adventures
concierge desk (where families can book regional excursions), and Camp Pronghorn,
an entire wing dedicated to kids age 5-18.
Camp Pronghorn’s two large game rooms feature a media and gaming center, ping-
pong, foosball, pool, and space for arts and crafts and are open all the time (with
parent supervision for those under age 8). Their daily programs offer child drop-
off five days a week (Saturday through Wednesday from 9:30-4) We love that Camp
Pronghorn is much more than simply a babysitting service for kids: three days per
week (during summer months and winter holidays), Pronghorn camps offer off-
site excursions for the kids, which can include zip-lining, hiking, bike riding down
Bend’s Paulina Plunge, exploring Newberry Crater, rafting the Deschutes, and more.
Families can check the camp schedule to see what’s offered upon arrival, or check
the Summer Camp schedule online (reservations are encouraged). During our visit,
our three kids (12, 10, and 6) went cave spelunking and zip-ling at a private course
with Pronghorn Club leader Beau Kelly. Kelly is not only a professional educator and outdoor enthusiast, but a Central Oregon native: he knew all the great places to see
in the area, making him an excellent tour guide and a valuable resource for regional
outing ideas. I loved that my kids saw so much of Central Oregon in one day, and
they had a blast doing so (lunch included). The Pronghorn staff was very organized
and friendly, even snapping photos of the boys upon their arrival at the club in
order to create personalized name badges (to be secured on their complementary
Pronghorn backpacks).
Somehow between swimming, spending time with Beau at Camp Pronghorn, and
enjoying our home away from home, we carved out time to raft the Big Eddy of
the Deschutes River with Sun Country Tours (a Pronghorn partner). Organized by
Pronghorn Adventures, the off-site afternoon rafting tour was only 1.5 hours long
(3 hours door-to-door) and allowed the kids to experience the biggest whitewater
they’d ever faced (Class 3). Once again, our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and
an expert with both the kids and the river, and since we were Pronghorn guests, the
Pronghorn Adventures concierge was able to arrange our tour (and we could pay for
it with a room charge).
During our stay, we dined at both the Trailhead Grill (poolside) and Casada, the
Clubhouse’s bistro restaurant. Despite its upscale location, Casada’s dining room is
cozy with its warm tones, leather furniture, and crackling fire in the fireplace, and
the Trailhead has a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Both restaurants feature signature
dishes as well as staples like burgers and fries.
Pronghorn’s golf courses can’t be beat for quality (and, in my husband’s opinion,
difficulty!). Since the kids and I are beginners, we were booked a lesson in
Pronghorn’s PGA TOUR Academy, to be taught by head instructor Mike Palen, who
I am told is one of the best golf instructors in the country. While in the academy,
Mike helped us improve our swing by utilizing high tech video analysis, which was
immediately emailed to us for further reference back home. He was wonderful with
the kids, and I learned more in one hour than I’d learned in a semester of (long ago)
college golf lessons!
Overall, I was impressed by how much Pronghorn Club offers. So much more than
a golf resort, Pronghorn goes the extra mile (literally!) to show guests all Central
Oregon has to offer. With a plethora of outdoor adventures on tap, families visiting
in any season will have more to do than they have time for!
The Details:
Pronghorn guests have the option of booking overnight stays of varied lengths. We
stayed two nights, and could have used at least a few more to do everything we
wanted! Pronghorn guests have access to the Jack Nicklaus public golf course (at an
additional cost unless booking a golf package) and full use of the resort pools, Camp
Pronghorn (free for on-site parent-supervised use, $75 per day per child for full
camp days), tennis courts, playground, and bike rentals (free for first two hours on-
site). Because Pronghorn is primarily a members’ club instead of ‘one size fits all’,
family resort stays are completely customizable. The reservation staff is trained to
meet the needs of individual families, and can build resort packages around what
you like to do. If you don’t see what you’re looking for on the website, call and ask!
Directions to Pronghorn:
Pronghorn Club is located at 65600 Pronghorn Drive, Bend Oregon. An easy flight
from anywhere in the U.S., Pronghorn is an ideal summer or winter family getaway!
Amy Whitley is the founding editor of Pit Stops for Kids, a family travel resource
covering kid-friendly resorts, attractions, outdoor adventures, and all the pit stops
you’ll need along the way. She also writes for a number of print and online travel
publications, and is a family travel expert at Best Family Travel Advice. She
lives in Oregon with her husband and three sons, where they enjoy backyard
adventures when they’re not traveling.
Disclosure: The author received a complimentary stay at the resort in order to write this story and a review. The resort did not ask that any specific opinion be expressed and all opinions are the honest thoughts of the author.
I will be honest- if I had my way, I would never bring my kids with me to Vegas. I like sitting at the Pai Gow table for a couple of hours, sipping on an adult beverage, and not having to be responsible for anyone but myself for a couple of hours. But sometimes, we have no choice but to bring the kids. Vegas may be a stop on the way to a final destination such as Zion National Park or the Grand Canyon. Or it may be that childcare is not available and the only option is to bring the kids along for a Vegas vacation. Luckily, family friendly Vegas does exist. As a matter of fact, a family vacation in Vegas can actually be alot of fun. So what should you do, where should you at, and where should you stay while in Vegas? Here are some of my tips on how to have a successful family friendly Vegas vacation.
Stay someplace casino-free:
Hotel/casino combo resorts may offer non-smoking rooms, but the smoke from the casinos always seems to drift its way up into the guest rooms. Spare your children’s lungs (and your lungs as well!) and book a stay at a hotel that is not attached to a casino. In addition to being smoke free, these properties are typically much less rowdy and provide a more family friendly environment. The Signature at MGM Grand is a great option because it offers spacious suites with full kitchens which are perfect for family travel. The hotel has its own pools which are very nice, but kids may be more excited by the fact that quests of The Signature are given access to the MGM Grand’s huge pool area which features a huge lazy river. After all, nothing is more important to kids while traveling than whether or not the hotel has a cool pool!
Read my entire review of The Signature at MGM Grand.
Check out wildlife:
The Las Vegas Strip may be lined with concrete and neon, but it isn’t very hard to find the wildlife. Sure, the animals may living life Vegas-style, but that doesn’t make them any less fascinating to kids. Where else can you walk underneath a lion than at the MGM Grand’s Lion Habitat? At the Mandalay Bay Resort, the Shark Reef Aquarium gives kids a chance to see sharks , turtles, jellyfish, and many other creatures of the deep up close. The touch pool is always popular with the little ones. Dolphins and albino lions, tigers, and panthers all reside in Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden which is located in the Mirage Resort.
Take in a Show: No, I am not talking about taking your kids to see the Thunder Down Under! There are quite a few family friendly shows to be seen in Vegas if you know where to find them. The Mandalay Bay Resort is currently home to the award winning Lion King musical stage show, which is a classic family favorite. There are seven different Cirque de Soleil shows currently being performed in resorts across Vegas, and children aged 5 and older are welcome to attend these amazing spectacles of art and acrobatics. All of the shows are extremely popular and come highly recommended but some Cirque de Soleil plots are more family friendly than others, so be sure to do a little bit of research before booking your tickets. For families looking for a free show, the Bellagio offers a water fountain show in front of its resort throughout the day. I have yet to hear of anyone, regardless of age, who didn’t love it.
The Springs Preserve is new to the Las Vegas landscape but is already making a lasting impression on families who have had the opportunity to visit. Opened in 2007, the preserve consists of 180 acres of desert botanical gardens, galleries, outdoor concert venues, an indoor theater, and nature trails winding through a wetland habitat. Younger kids will love playing on the desert canyon themed playground and older kids will enjoy the arcade games centered around sustainability. The live exhibits featuring creatures of the desert demonstrate how animals have learned to adapt to the harsh environment.
Enjoy Las Vegas’s culinary offerings: In the past decade, Vegas has become quite the foodie destination. However, most of us have little desire to dine at a celebrity chef’s posh and trendy bistro with our kids. Luckily, there are some fun restaurants lining the Vegas Strip that are perfect for families. The MGM Grand is home to the Vegas installation of the Rainforest Cafe, a jungle-themed chain that is wildly popular with children. Serendipity 3, located in front of Caesar’s Palace, is a great place to go if you have a sweet tooth. The restaurant is famous for its outrageously decadent specialty, the frozen hot chocolate. Cheeseburger at the Oasis, located inside the Planet Hollywood Hotel, is the Las Vegas version of the popular Hawaiian burger restaurant, Cheeseburger in Paradise, and a fun place to take the kids. If you are looking to add a bit of medieval flare to your dining experience, than perhaps your family should head on over to the Tournament of Kings at the Excalibur.
Yes, a family vacation in Vegas will probably be much different from the Vegas you are used to experiences sans children. But with a little bit of planning and some altered expectations of Sin City, I think your family can still have a great time.
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Sharlene Earnshaw (aka doubleadventure) is Blogger-in-chief for Trekaroo and the blogger behind Double the Adventure.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
This post was sponsored by FamilyGetaway.com, an advertiser on the Family Travel Ad Network, a partnership amongst Ciao Bambino, Delicious Baby, Travel Savvy Mom, The Vacation Gals, Trekaroo, See Jane Fly, and Traveling Mom.
No matter how many times my car wanders through the canyon, following the tiny gap in the hillside until it reaches highway, I can’t help but get excited about the impending view. I know what is coming, I have seen it more times than I can count, but the anticipation builds up inside me just the same. And then, as if out of nowhere, the mountains drop down to meet the sea and the road dead ends into one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Even though I am a local, the magic of Laguna Beach is never lost on me. With its gallery lined streets, azure colored waters, and laid back atmosphere, Laguna is one of those places that makes people feel like they are on vacation from the moment they step foot into town.
flickr:paulhami
If your family has yet to experience the little strip of paradise that is Laguna Beach, now is the time to start planning your first trip. Its mild Mediterranean climate makes Laguna a year-round destination and the town is filled with plenty of great activities to keep the whole family asking to return year after year. Here are my tips on how to vacation in Laguna Beach like a local:
Make the Beach Your Second Home: Its hard to spend time indoors when there is so much beauty waiting for you outside. Tykes growing up in coastal Orange County often spend their weekends building sandcastles, playing in the surf, and exploring tide pools and children from more distant locales will enjoy the experience just as much as they do. Aliso Creek Beach in South Laguna has a great playground right on the sand that is very popular with local children, and is perfect for letting the kids run out those last bursts of energy as the sun sets. Once that bright orange ball slips beneath the ocean drenched horizon for the night, be sure to take advantage of the fire pits and roast some marshmallows for S’mores. Bring your beach chairs, cuddle up with some blankets, and listen to the surf crash as the fire dances and crackles.
Older kids tend to want to get out into the ocean a bit further and body boarding, surfing, and stand up paddling are all popular Laguna Beach activities. Lessons from local outfitters are a fun and safe way to create some lasting vacation memories. For those who prefer to spend more time under the surface of the water, Heisler Park, which is just a short walk up the sand from Main Beach, is a great place to scuba and snorkle.
Get in touch with your artistic side : For decades, artists have flocked Laguna Beach for inspiration, opportunity, and a true sense of culture in their community. No trip to Laguna is complete without a stroll around town to check out all the beautiful artwork in the gallery windows. Younger children may not be up for a few hours of quietly staring at incredible works of art inside various galleries, but they can certainly be bribed into a lovely walk and some window shopping with an ice cream cone in hand. If you come during the winter or summer, be sure to set aside some time to visit the Sawdust Festival, where hundreds of artists gather to showcase their work. Children will love the fun (and often free) classes they have to offer on how to create works of art of their very own.
Photo Credit: Laguna Beach CVB
Sample some of Laguna Beach’s best family friendly eateries: One of the hardest things about traveling, especially with young children, is finding family-friendly restaurants that aren’t chains filled with mediocre food. Luckily, Laguna Beach has some nice options. The House Of BIG FISH is a great place to take the kids. The casual atmosphere and ocean views will make you feel comfortable to have your kids in tow without having to give up aesthetics. The menu features some great fresh seafood choices and plenty of options for those members of your family who think fish is “yucky”. Coyote Grill is a great option for families who are looking for a place with Mexican and American fare. The fried chicken is famous and the fajitas are quite tasty. Be sure to sit out on the patio, so you don’t miss a second of those incredible Pacific views.
Sleep Surfside: With its beachfront location, friendly service, and incredible Catalina views, The Laguna Riviera Resort on the Beach is an amazing place for a family to call home base while enjoying all Laguna has to offer. The resort is popular with locals who are just looking for a few days where they can sleep with their windows open and fall asleep to the sounds of the crashing surf. Built in 1948, the resort has maintained its retro seaside motel exterior while featuring large rooms with contemporary décor. The surfside setting and friendly owners have kept families coming back for generations. Each of the 41 rooms are unique in design, but they all include fridges, microwaves, and coffee makers, and many have private or semi private decks. Most rooms have ocean views. There is an enclosed salt water pool, spa and sauna, which are great for days when the ocean is a bit too chilly for swimming. A game room with an air hockey table, ping pong, and foosball is sure to keep kids occupied for hours. The common outdoor area features lounge chairs, barbeques, and incredible sweeping views of the ocean. FamilyGetaway.com currently has a terrific package up for bid on a 2 night stay in an ocean view room with continental breakfast, free boogie board rental, and access to beach equipment starting at only $260 total which is 50% off normal rates.
In addition to the rooms, the resort also has an amazing beach bungalow available for rent. Built in 1913 the bungalow has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a full kitchen and some of the most mesmerizing ocean views you will ever experience. It typically rents for $585 in low season and $885 in high which is quite a good deal, but FamilyGetaway.com currently has an amazing 3 night package up for bid starting at only $892 total!!! Get another $100 off your first FamilyGetaway purchase if you sign-up for their Family Travel Newsletter.
I love the bungalow so much that we already have plans to rent it the next time our extended family comes in to town.
For more vacation ideas and tips from FamilyGetaway’s blog caravan:
- Tips for Planning the Best Family Ski Vacation from Ciao Bambino
- Stay tuned for A Family Vacation in San Diego from SeeJaneFly. Coming soon… 11/16/2010.
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Sharlene Earnshaw (aka doubleadventure) is Blogger-in-chief for Trekaroo and the blogger behind Double the Adventure.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
