All inclusive family vacations in California are a great way to spend some time with your whole family while sitting in the lap of luxury. The Golden State is known for its fabulous cosmopolitan cities, incredible nature, and history. In addition, California is a rich tapestry of different industries, the most famous being Silicon Valley. It’s also one of the best places in the country to taste spectacular wines.

Drive down scenic Route 1, or visit some of California’s iconic national parks for hiking, fishing, sightseeing, and watersports. Whether you’re looking for incredible beaches, beautiful mountains, or even deserts, you can find it all in the Golden State! These top all inclusive resorts in California for families are great home bases that you can use to explore the state.

Whilst you’re here why not also check out our guides to the best family resorts and the best beach resorts in California and the best family resorts in Southern Califnornia.

Or maybe you’re unsure of a location for your next trip? Our guide to the best destinations for a California family vacation will come in handy when planning your trip!

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Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore, Santa Barbara

Location: 1260 Channel Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93108, United States

Website: Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore, Santa Barbara

The Four Seasons family of resorts and hotels are known for their amenities, hospitality, and beautiful locations. The Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore in Santa Barbara is certainly no exception. You’ll get the best of the mountains and the sea here, as it’s strategically positioned right between the Santa Ynez Mountain range and the Pacific Ocean.

This all inclusive resort sprawls over 22 acres of beautifully maintained property. Its grounds are full of water features, courtyards, and safe, well-lit paths that evoke a Spanish Colonial feeling. With charming bungalows and villas, this resort is a true representation of old Hollywood glamour.

Amenities include a massive, luxurious swimming pool, plenty of dining options, and a spa. You can also access a stunning part of the Californian coast, Butterfly Beach, from the resort itself.

Surf & Sand Resort, Laguna Beach

Location: 1555 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, United States

Website: Surf & Sand Resort, Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is one of the most famous beaches on the planet, and the Surf & Sand Resort is an ideal place to soak it all in. The Surf & Sand Resort has prime placement right on the beach, and guests enjoy 500 feet of beach access just minutes from the resort allowing you to enjoy the clean sand and sea views. So if you intend on staying here, make sure to pack all of your beach equipment as you take in this beautiful part of the California coast from your family-friendly hotel.

In addition to the beach, this resort has a fantastic spa, excellent dining options, and plenty of different rooms for every style and budget. You can get a private balcony and see incredible sunrises and sunsets right from the comfort of your room, truly making your stay a family holiday to remember.

Surf & Sand Resort has a Mediterranean vibe and offers a mixture of suites and rooms, all fitted with goose-down comforters, high-speed internet, and fully-stocked mini-bars. Dine indoors or outside at one of their many restaurants. Even picky eaters will find something that they like at Surf & Sand Resort.

Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego

Location: 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, United States

Website: Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego

Hotel Del Coronado is one of the oldest all inclusive family resorts in California, having been established in 1888. If you want a great place where you and your family can kick off their shoes and be treated like one of the locals, Hotel Del Coronado is it. It’s also more cost-effective than many other all inclusive options, making it an excellent choice for budget travellers.

Hotel Del Coronado sits right on the beach, so you can expect fantastic sunrise and sunset views, and you might even spot dolphins amongst the waves. They have nightly bonfires with s’mores and other treats and family-friendly activities and entertainment. The DelVenture activity center will keep your little ones entertained, with memorable adventures tailored just for them.

Of course, there are plenty of family activities to enjoy as well. Yoga, golf, tennis, and a fully-equipped fitness center are right at your fingertips. Other amenities including an enormous pool, boat rentals and breakfast buffet are also available.

Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, San Diego

Location: 3999 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109, United States

Website: Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, San Diego

Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa in San Diego gives you and your family the best of the Pacific coast with a fun, Polynesian vibe. It’s also reasonably close to the San Diego International Airport, making it an easy getaway for both local and cross-country travellers. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world with gorgeous palm tree-fringed beaches, plenty of waterfalls and wildlife, and all of the comforts that you would expect from home.

Enjoy a private stretch of beach, or simply relax by the pool. You can totally customize your vacation as there are plenty of activities for the whole family. Try your hand at paddleboarding or simply explore local trails and the boardwalk by bike.

Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point

Location: 1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, CA, 92629, US

Website: Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point

Dana Point’s famous Monarch Beach Resort allows you and your family to kick back in California style in a chic, urbane setting. It overlooks the Pacific Ocean, so you’ll be treated to fabulous sunrise and sunset views. Sitting on a massive 175 acres, this family resort has it all; a golf course, excellent dining options, and an exclusive beach club.

The kids will love the resort’s private kids club, where they will be fully entertained and supervised. So you’ll have the chance to enjoy a little time on the beach or sneak in a spa visit. Take a culinary class, sit by the infinity pool, or visit the “Sprayground”; a kid-friendly waterpark.

Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa, Monterey

Location: 400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940, United States

Website: Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa, Monterey

Monterey Beach is one of California’s most iconic beaches, and when you stay at Monterey Plaza Hotel, you can fully enjoy it. This classically appointed California resort has an on-site rooftop pool in the spa, a fantastic seaside restaurant, and an understated elegance that will make your vacation as memorable as possible.

Hospitality takes center stage at Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa, so expect everything to be taken care of from start to finish. All of their accommodations have artful furnishings, luxury amenities, and turn-down service. Some suites have a wet bar, fireplace, and a balcony with ocean views.

Guests will enjoy unlimited access to the fitness center, valet parking, and bike rentals so that you can explore all of Monterey Bay with your family.

Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, Fish Camp

Location: 1122 CA-41, Fish Camp, CA 93623, United States

Website: Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, Fish Camp

Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite offers private family cabins and 27 acres of lovely forested area to explore. One of the best things about this premium California resort is that you can customize your own vacation. If you want to have quality time with your whole family, you can. You can also get out and explore all of the amenities that Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite has to offer.

Take your children to the on-site kids club ‘Explorer Clubhouse’, or relax at the resort swimming pool. Also, the hotel offers an on-site spa, so you can get some well-deserved pampering in. Nature enthusiasts will love Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. There’s a pond and creek on the resort grounds and plenty of natural trails to explore.

The cabins themselves are very well appointed with a freezer, fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. Some cabins have a wet bar as well. Other family activities and fun things to do include daily hikes, visits to the game room, and “Dive-In Movies” at the resort pools.

The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, Pismo Beach

Location: 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, United States

Website: The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, Pismo Beach

One of the best all inclusive family resorts in California, The Cliffs Hotel and Spa is the jewel of California’s central coast. It sits right on an ocean bluff and boasts a beautiful private beach. When you’re not soaking in all that nature has to offer, you can be pampering yourself at the spa or dining on fresh, local cuisine.

The Cliffs Hotel and Spa is close to plenty of hiking trails, and the friendly resort staff can certainly point you in the right direction if you’re looking for a specific experience. If you want a laid-back, fun vacation that will allow you to make memories with your family, The Cliffs Hotel and Spa is the right choice.

Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes

Location: 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, United States

Website: Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes

If you want to visit the Palos Verdes Peninsula, consider visiting the Terranea Resort. This waterfront beach resort is right off the Los Angeles coast and is surrounded by a calm pocket of the ocean that’s perfect for swimming or snorkelling. The Terranea Resort is a 102-acre luxury destination where relaxation is the word of the day.

The Spa at Terranea is a great place for grown-ups to get pampered, offering treatments from all over the world. You and your family can enjoy plenty of watersports and hikes on the peninsula. The resort staff are happy to help you find excursions and attractions in the surrounding area.

Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel, South Lake Tahoe

Location: 4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, United States

Website: Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel, South Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel is a good choice if you want to get away from the ocean and see a different part of California’s natural beauty. Stay in one of their many suites and enjoy excellent dining, golfing, hiking, and ice-skating during the winter. There are also plenty of things to do right on Lake Tahoe itself. Talk to the resort staff about renting watersport equipment or the best places to see nature.

This resort has a heated pool, a games room, a koi pond with turtles, and free breakfast. Also, kids under 17 pay nothing to stay at this incredible resort, making it a great budget option for the family. If you want to get a little time away from your little ones, Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel offers a kids club with programs and camps, all of which provide fun, fully supervised kids activities.

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, Santa Barbara

Location: 633 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, United States

Website: Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, Santa Barbara

The Hilton family of resorts and hotels are famous for their hospitality and amenities, so you know that you can expect the best when you stay at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. This resort is centrally located in Santa Barbara, close to East Beach and the Funk Zone district. You’ll be within walking distance of plenty of wineries for wine tasting and art galleries.

One of the key draws of these luxury resorts is the concierge service. Their hotel staff will help you with anything you need, from planning seaside cruises and excursions to setting up golf trips. There’s also an on-site pool, tennis courts, a bike rental area, and a spa with a relaxing hot tub.

At night, you can relax by one of their fire pits and watch the sunset over the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean.

La Quinta Resort and Club, La Quinta

Location: 49-499 Eisenhower Drive, La Quinta, California, 92253

Website: La Quinta Resort and Club, La Quinta

At the La Quinta Resort and Club, you and your family can enjoy peace and quiet while still being fully pampered in an all inclusive resort setting. Stay in one of their casitas, which come with private fireplaces and patios. If you feel like being social, you can visit one of the resort’s 41 pools and hot tubs.

Staying at La Quinta Resort and Club comes with its own set of perks. You can get discounts and benefits at various places around La Quinta, including golf courses and events. Participate in daily outdoor yoga, or visit the fitness center. At night, La Quinta Resort and Club offers kid-friendly live music and events, giving parents a chance to unwind. Overall, it’s the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate with your whole family.

These twelve all inclusive kid-friendly resorts in California will help you make your vacation dreams come true.

Do you want to pack your vacation with tons of excitement for the family? Our list of the attractions and fun things to do in California with kids or the best places for families to visit in California will provide you with all the entertainment you will need!