Best Places To Go With Your Family For The Weekend In Los Angeles

The Daily Meal Staff|Oct. 25, 2014 7:00 am EST

(credit: LEGOLAND)

A weekend for Los Angeles families consistently includes rushing from point A to point B, conflicting sibling soccer games and dance recitals, homework and tutors. It's not a surprise when family members start getting on each other's nerves, and spending time together becomes a chore. Quality time together doesn't necessarily mean getting out of town, but it sure can help. There are lots of great options for families along the coast of Southern California offering everything under the sun from the affordable stays to the luxurious including glamping, theme parks, water activities, golf and tennis.

(credit: Newport Dunes)

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina
1131 Back Bay Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 729-3863
www.newportdunes.com

Since 1958, Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina, a 100-acre waterfront resort with RV park and slip marina, has welcomed families for long weekend getaways or full week-long vacations. The resort also has luxury cottages or bungalows available, which provide families with a kitchen and dining area. Families who stay at Newport Dunes have access to the beach, swimming, sailboat, pedal boat and electric boat rentals, bike and golf cart rentals and guided kayak nature tours. For easy dining, visit the new Back Bay Bistro, and for light convenience and grocery items, The Market Place is open.

(credit: http://www.thegranddelmar.com)

The Grand Del Mar
5300 Grand Del Mar Court
San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 314-2000
www.thegranddelmar.com

For family bonding, a weekend at The Grand Del Mar is kid and family friendly all day long. Aside from the beautiful grounds, championship Tom Fazio golf course, spa and fine dining, The Grand Del Mar's activities give parents, kids and extended family members the opportunity to play together. From personalized family tennis lessons to hiking through Los Penasquitos Canyon, a day of golf (complimentary green fees for children under 12 and half-green fees for kids 13-17 years old), to mother-daughter spa day at Haim Salon (mani-pedi, hair styling and makeup services), Grand Del Mar makes it easy to spend quality family time. Guests are also minutes away from the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, museums and more.

(credit: Legoland)

LEGOLAND California Resort
5885 The Crossings Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(877) 534-6526
www.california.legoland.com/legoland-hotel

LEGOLAND brings out the kid in everyone. This family getaway has all of the right ingredients — location, activities and great weather. In addition to the LEGO-themed hotel featuring rooms decorated in the three popular LEGO lines — Pirate, Kingdom and Adventure — the theme park is a fun experience for both grown-ups and little ones. With 60 rides and shows, there are LEGO bricks everywhere, encouraging guests to put their creative caps on and play. Guests are invited to check out the new attractions: 3D animated soundstage experience of "THE LEGO MOVIE" and the educational and interactive Sealife Aquarium.

(credit: Queen Mary)

Queen Mary
1126 Queens Highway
Long Beach, CA 90802
(877) 342-0738
www.queenmary.com

Check in with the family to the legendary Queen Mary ocean liner which is located in L.A.'s very own backyard. Not only can you tour the ship and participate in many of the activities on board, but families are invited to stay over in 346 original first-class staterooms from the 1930s. Bringing together history and old world elegance, a weekend aboard the Queen Mary is unique. Multiple tours are offered to take visitors through the ship's haunted history (starting at twilight), her service and "glory days" during WWII and through the torpedo room, giving guests a look inside life during Russia's Cold War. Events take place throughout the year such as champagne Sunday brunch and "Chill" — a frozen exhibit featuring giant igloos, ice tubing, ice skating, live music and more.

(credit: Jinkzz M./Yelp)

El Capitan Canyon Resort
11560 Calle Real
Santa Barbara, CA 93117
(805) 685-3887
www.elcapitancanyon.com

The Santa Barbara Zoo, Mission Santa Barbara, Goleta Rain Museum, Botanic Garden, Zoological Gardens, eating and shopping along State Street and the Pacific Ocean are all within your reach when you stay at El Capitan Canyon Resort. A family favorite, El Capitan Canyon Resort welcomes the nickname "glamping," or "nature lodging...with benefits." Regardless, the resort is an ideal spot for a family vacation with its private cabins or mounted safari tents. When visitors aren't out exploring the sites and city of Santa Barbara, guests lounge at the resort with their own private fire pit and picnic tables where the resort encourages singing by the camp fire, roasting marshmallows, playing games and telling ghost (or family) stories. And if mom and dad want a quiet dinner out, the resort offers babysitting services.

Sheryl Craig is a writer with a passion for interesting finds and treasures in Los Angeles. She has a background in journalism and public relations. A mother of two daughters, Sheryl integrates her healthy lifestyle into raising her children. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.