California is a top family vacation destination in the United States, known for its charming coastal cities and memorable outdoor adventures. More and more hotels in The Golden State are catering to families with big family friendly suites, offering spacious living spaces where you can feel at home. These hotels not only welcome little ones, but go above and beyond to make their stay special.
With over 400 million annual visitors to HotelsCombined, we’ve compiled a list of the top hotels in California with big family friendly suites. These hotels provide accommodations for all group sizes and offer kid-friendly amenities, as well as perks the whole family can enjoy, such as inviting outdoor pools and ocean-view restaurants.
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, Santa Barbara
One of the top hotels in Santa Barbara, Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is separated by the beach only by East Cabrillo Boulevard. Big family friendly suites feature furnished patios or balconies, large living rooms and pull-out sofa beds. Upgrade to a one-bedroom Ocean View Suite to wake up to the sound of waves crashing.
Relaxation comes easy here thanks to the sun-drenched pool encircled by loungers, the tennis court, fitness room and pampering Spa Del Mar. Families can also enjoy poolside lunch or tasty burgers and pizza at The Set.
Family Friendly Perks:
- Games located around the resort, including croquet, giant checkers, ping pong, cornhole and shuffleboard.
- Outdoor tennis courts, bike rental and swimming pool available.
- On-the-go snacks, sandwiches and Starbucks coffee at Java Del Mar.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 231 – USD 889
Guest Rating: 7.9
Address: 633 East Cabrillo Boulevard, East Beach, Santa Barbara, United States
Hotel Location
Hotel Drisco, San Francisco
Located atop San Francisco’s iconic Pacific Heights neighbourhood, Hotel Drisco pampers families with all-inclusive luxury. Two-bedroom City View Suites boast sweeping views of San Francisco, while three-bedroom Family Suites have a large living room and soothing colour palette.
Start your day with the complimentary breakfast buffet, or choose from the all-day in-room dining menu. Alternatively, coffee and tea are available 24 hours a day, with handmade biscotti served at 3pm. Families can go for a spin around the Bay and take a self-guided tour of San Francisco with the hotel’s bikes.
Family Friendly Perks:
- Bicycles to borrow, 24-hour room service and street parking available.
- A complimentary luxury chauffeur service for one-way trips to any destination within the city limits of San Francisco.
- A 10-minute drive from top attractions, such as Pier 39 and the Exploratorium.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 336 – USD 920
Guest Rating: 9.9
Address: 2901 Pacific Avenue, Pacific Heights, San Francisco, United States
Hotel Location
Fairmont Grand Del Mar, San Diego
A top choice for luxury travellers in San Diego, Fairmont Grand Del Mar embodies the charm of an old-world Mediterranean estate. Along with a Tom Fazio-designed golf course and luxe spa, on-site facilities include outdoor pools, tennis courts and multiple restaurants. Families will also love the self-guided scenic trails.
The spacious Palazzo Suite caters to families with two or three-bedroom options, along with a private balcony or terrace, fireplace, dining table, a flat-screen TV and soaking tub. For 455 square metres of living space, a full kitchen and media room, upgrade to the palatial Villa Loggia.
Family Friendly Perks:
- Complimentary transportation to Del Mar’s 18th Street beach and access to beach chairs and umbrellas.
- A Tom Fazio-designed golf course backed by the Los Penasquitos Canyon.
- Guided coastal hikes along La Jolla’s Cliffside Trail and kayaking tours of sea caves available.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 454 – USD 2,998
Guest Rating: 9.9
Address: 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, Carmel Valley, San Diego, United States
Hotel Location
Loews Hollywood Hotel, Los Angeles
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, Loews Hollywood Hotel lets kids under 18 stay for free. Big family friendly suites offer panoramic city views, flat-screen TVs and sitting areas with sofa beds. For a furnished terrace with a table for four, upgrade to a Producer’s Suite.
Soak up the sunshine at the 5th-floor heated pool and terrace or pick up Starbucks coffee and organic snacks to-go at Bodega. Parents who must work have a 24-hour FedEx Business Center on-site, while complimentary Wi-Fi makes it easy to keep in touch. Kids will love the card and board games and game consoles available.
Family Friendly Perks:
- Contemporary American cuisine and Hollywood views at Preston’s.
- Complimentary cribs, baby bath amenity kits and in-room dining available.
- Close proximity to family friendly attractions, including Universal Studios Hollywood.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 266 – USD 4,856
Guest Rating: 8.9
Address: 1755 North Highland Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, United States
Hotel Location
Hotel Nikko San Francisco, San Francisco
Looking for a hotel in downtown San Francisco? Hotel Nikko San Francisco is one of the best, located just steps from Union Square. While parents can get pampered with a sauna and steam room, kids will love the 15-metre pool and fire pit with s’mores kits.
Accommodating up to four guests, chic Junior Suites are located on two private, high floors. Along with pool and health club access, flat-screen TVs and refrigerators, daily breakfast is complimentary at ANZU. Alternatively, for some of the best views of San Francisco and the bay, stay in a plush Executive Suite.
Family Friendly Perks:
- Contemporary Japanese cuisine with a California twist at ANZU restaurant, with to-go options.
- A glass-enclosed pool with a whirlpool spa and fire pits.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi, a UPS Business Center and an on-site Starbucks.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 280 – USD 512
Guest Rating: 8.5
Address: 222 Mason Street, Tenderloin, San Francisco, United States
Hotel Location
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
The Ritz-Carlton in Lake Tahoe is a year-round destination for families, offering a fun kid’s program, slope-side spa and big family friendly suites. Kids can enjoy the Indoor Campout Package with a tent and s’mores kit or visit the game-filled Arcade, while parents can decompress with a signature spa treatment. Reconnect over burgers and wood-fired pizza at Backyard Bar & BBQ.
The Ritz-Carlton Suite has a balcony with slope views and a dining table for six, while the Club Suite Slopeside has a step-out Juliet balcony and gas fireplace. Alternatively, two, three and four-bedroom residences are available with gourmet kitchens.
Family Friendly Perks:
- An interactive kids program with arts and crafts, games and scavenger hunts.
- Year-round recreation, from hiking and water sports in summer to skiing in winter.
- Lake Club access with beach access, a private boat pier and kayak and stand up paddleboards.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 391 – USD 2,699
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: 13031 Ritz-Carlton Highlands Court, Truckee, CA 96161, United States
Hotel Location
Hotel del Coronado Curio Collection by Hilton, Coronado
One of California’s most iconic beachfront hotels, Hotel del Coronado Curio Collection by Hilton is housed in a grand 1888 Victorian property. Families will love the outdoor pool and several ocean-view restaurants, including a pizzeria, beach taco shack and a gourmet food truck next to Del Beach. Afterwards, you can visit Sundae’s for a frozen treat.
Families are well catered to with a collection of big family friendly suites, featuring ocean-inspired rooms with bunk beds, bean bag chairs, toys and video games. Upgrade to a two-bedroom Tower Family Suite for a large living room, private balconies and top-floor ocean views.
Family Friendly Perks:
- Complimentary use of beach chairs and an umbrella.
- A range of big family friendly suites, along with residential cottages and villas.
- Seaforth Boat Rentals located just across the street at Glorietta Bay.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 251 – USD 1,493
Guest Rating: 8.1
Address: 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, San Diego, United States
Hotel Location
Park Hyatt Aviara, Carlsbad
Retreat to coastal Carlsbad at Park Hyatt Aviara, set amid 80 hectares overlooking the Batiquitos Lagoon. Families can make a splash at the poolside water playground or visit the game room, then visit the lobby-level Aviara Market for drinks and snacks or dine on Wagyu beef at Argyle Steakhouse. Afterwards, parents can get pampered at the spa.
Premium Garden Suites feature two furnished balconies overlooking the verdant gardens and a separate living room, while Premium Coastal Suites add Southern California coast views. Offering the option to connect to a two-bedroom suite, the Blue Heron Suite also has a kitchenette.
Family Friendly Perks:
- Complimentary beach amenities, including towels, beach chairs, umbrellas and sand toys.
- Outdoor pools, a games room and babysitting services available.
- A short drive from South Carlsbad State Beach and San Diego Botanic Garden.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 270 – USD 1,283
Guest Rating: 9.2
Address: 7100 Four Seasons Point, Carlsbad, California, United States
Hotel Location
Pendry San Diego, San Diego
Set in the Historic Gaslamp Quarter, Pendry San Diego offers easy access to the city’s best beaches, shopping and restaurants. Offering 180-degree city views, Corner Suites are one of the hotel’s big family friendly suites available, offering an ocean-inspired interior and a large living room.
HotelsCombined visitors highly-praise the on-site dining options, from modern coastal cuisine at Lionfish to Southern California-driven seasonal fare at Provisional. Parents can relax and restore at Spa Pendry, while the whole family can bask in the sunshine at the rooftop pool.
Family Friendly Perks:
- Gourmet takeaway options at the restaurant-marketplace hybrid Provisional.
- A Cabana Pool Suite with direct access to the pool, a six-seat dining area and panoramic vistas of the Gaslamp Quarter.
- A few blocks from the USS Midway Museum and Petco Park.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 250 – USD 1,355
Guest Rating: 9.2
Address: 550 J Street, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Hotel Location
Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Beach
Taking inspiration from the grand villas of the Italian countryside, Resort at Pelican Hill is an oceanfront retreat in Newport Beach. It boasts an iconic Coliseum pool, luxe spa and two ocean-view golf courses as well as activities for little ones at Camp Pelican. Alternatively, teens will love the Surf Camp and Beach “Cruisin” Bike Tour.
Residential-style accommodations include spacious bungalows and luxury villas. Bungalow Suites feature two fireplaces, two Plasma TVs, a Bose stereo systems and Espresso maker, while two, three and four-bedroom villas boast fully-stocked Chef’s kitchens and ocean-view terraces.
Family Friendly Perks:
- Multiple dining options, including Pelican Grill with coastal California cuisine served on an ocean-view terrace.
- Fun indoor and outdoor activities designed for kids of all ages, from little ones to older teens.
- Kilometres of pristine coastline for strolling, swimming and exploring tide pools.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 395 – USD 1,395
Guest Rating: 9.5
Address: 22701 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Beach, CA 92657, United States
Hotel Location
Fairmont San Francisco, San Francisco
Not only is Fairmont San Francisco one of the best San Francisco hotels with Golden Gate views, but its a world-renowned hotel. Accommodating up to six guests, Junior Family Suites boast an open-plan layout with a sitting area, two Queen-size beds and a sofa bed. For extra space, upgrade to the Napolean Two-Bedroom Suite.
Visit the legendary Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar for family-style Asian cuisine served in a unique tropical rainforest setting. Alternatively, savour fresh seafood dishes at Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar before browsing the San Francisco Cable Car Museum, only a five-minute walk away.
Family Friendly Perks:
- Complimentary daily bottled water, bicycle rentals and babysitting services available.
- A world-famous tiki venue with “surprise” thunder and lightning storms.
- A variety of big family friendly suites, including a lavish Penthouse Suite spanning the entire 8th floor.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 366 – USD 1,269
Guest Rating: 9
Address: 950 Mason Street, Nob Hill, San Francisco, United States
Hotel Location
LEGOLAND California Resort and Castle Hotel, Carlsbad
Set at the entrance of LEGOLAND California, LEGOLAND California Resort and Castle Hotel is every kid’s dream come true. Discover LEGO Castle themed rooms, from Knights & Dragons and Royal Princess to Magic Wizard. Colourful Deluxe Suites sleep up to seven and include a kids sleeping area with an entertainment centre and king-size bed for parents, as well as mini-fridge, free breakfast and exclusive early park access.
Kids will enjoy hours of entertainment in the resort-style pool, which has interactive features and LEGO soft bricks. Enjoy poolside food and beverage service, or visit Dragon’s Den Restaurant and Bar for tasty seafood, pasta and steak options.
Family Friendly Perks:
- A separate kids area with LEGO building tables and scavenger hunts in every room.
- A zero-entry pool with interactive play features and a whirlpool spa.
- An Entertainment Courtyard with play zones for kids, including a DUPLO tot spot, slides and outdoor stage with a cinema.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 197 – USD 428
Guest Rating: 9
Address: One LEGOLAND Drive, Carlsbad, California, United States
Hotel Location
Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes
Located in Rancho Palos Verdes, the Mediterranean-inspired Terranea Resort boasts sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The 40-hectare estate features big family friendly suites, as well as bungalows, casitas and villas. With the option to connect to an Ocean View Double, Ocean View Suites boast private balconies, sleeper sofas and living rooms.
In addition to an oceanfront golf course, award-winning spa and Tide Pool Kids Club, the resort offers families access to an Experience Center with a wide range of activities. Try falconry, archery, tide pooling or kayaking, then take a dip in the oceanfront pool or plunge down the 40-metre slide.
Family Friendly Perks:
- A variety of large family friendly accommodation options with separate living rooms and ocean views.
- Multiple waterfront restaurants, including Nelson’s, which offers coastal cuisine, outdoor fire pits and sunset views.
- Four sparkling saltwater pools with Pacific Ocean views, poolside cabanas and a water slide.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 375 – USD 1,310
Guest Rating: 9.2
Address: 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, United States
Hotel Location
Huntington Hotel, San Francisco
Huntington Hotel is an iconic boutique hotel in San Francisco that offers the luxury of a bygone era. Lavish one-bedroom suites have separate living and dining spaces, while Opulent Suites overlook Nob Hill and Downtown and boast over 65 square metres of living space.
Foodie families will delight at The Big Four Restaurant, which features locally-sourced, seasonal cuisine alongside 19th Century artefacts, photographs, and memorabilia. Catch the live piano performances, then head out and explore the city, as the Golden Gate Bridge is less than a 20-minute drive away. Afterwards, parents can get pampered with personalized treatments at Nob Hill Spa.
Family Friendly Perks:
- The Big 4 Restaurant that features live piano music and immerses you in California’s golden history.
- Featured suite amenities include LCD flat-screen TVs, bedside Bluetooth entertainment systems and mini fridges.
- The spa’s Zen relaxation room, saunas, steam room and indoor infinity pool.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 203 – USD 721
Guest Rating: 9.1
Address: 1075 California Street, Nob Hill, San Francisco, United States
Hotel Location
Make Memories in These Top Hotels with Big Family Friendly Suites
While exploring California’s stunning coastline, why not stay at one of these top family hotels with big family friendly suites? You’ll find ample amenities for both adults and kids, as well as accommodation options that range from two-bedroom suites to oceanfront villas. In-room treats, lavish spas, oceanfront pools and waterfront restaurants are just the icing on top of the cake.
Which is your favourite California hotel with big family friendly suites? Let us know in the comments below.
