If you’re like many families across the country, you’re making your annual spring break plans. If you’re sticking close to home this year, we’ve got a great list of staycation ideas around the Bay Area. We’ve chosen these specific ideas for the high level of family-friendliness and their locations, all within a few short hours from the Bay Area. Here’s our curated list of Bay Area staycation ideas the whole family will enjoy!
Dream Inn (Santa Cruz)
The Dream Inn holds the distinction of being Santa Cruz’s only beachfront hotel. Located on the northern shores of Monterey Bay, The Dream Inn is located just 75 miles south of San Francisco.
This 4-star resort offers activities for the entire family; besides enjoying the beauty of the beach and catching some great waves, the Dream Inn is conveniently located near the Santa Cruz’s wharf, historic Boardwalk, and West Cliff Drive. Spend time at the boardwalk where there are plenty of rides for the kids as well as an arcade, mini-golf, and a carousel. You can also take the kids for a short walk or drive to visit several national state parks such as Big Basin and Nisene Marks. When you return to the Dream Inn, relax in the outdoor heating swimming pool or hot tub.
Mar Vista Mendocino
The Mar Vista Cottages along the Mendocino Coast are located on South Highway One in Gualala. Just a short walk to Anchor Bay Beach, this cottage community is the perfect home away from home and offers a chance to unplug and relax in a quaint farm environment.
Kids will love building sand castles at the beach and visiting the goats that are on site. At Mar Vista, there is an organic orchard and garden with vegetables and herbs, as well as chickens. Guests can take freshly laid eggs and other items back to the cottage; families can enjoy preparing meals from food grown just steps away from where they’re staying.
Argonaut Hotel
Conveniently located in Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, the Argonaut Hotel is family friendly with breathtaking views of the Bay Area.
Image: yelp.com/Argonaut Hotel
The Argonaut Hotel offers free bike rentals if you want to go on a family ride, and for an added fee, you can also have access to amenities like a treasure chest of toys and a scavenger hunt for the kids as well as a Nintendo Wii console on a giant TV in the lobby! Take advantage of the prime location and visit nearby Ripley’s Believe it or Not and the historic clipper ships.
Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay
Enjoy your staycation in luxury at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay located just twenty miles from the San Francisco International Airport.
This family-friendly resort offers a list of amenities, including a heated swimming pool and fire pits where you can roast your own s’mores. You don’t have to travel far to find things for the kids to do because the resort offers a Ritz Kids Program which includes activities like swimming, arts and crafts, and board games. There is also a special night-time program allowing kids to be entertained while mom and dad enjoy a romantic dinner at the Ritz Carlton’s onsite restaurant, Navio.
This area has so much to offer; enjoy hiking, bike riding, horseback riding, or a trip to Año Nuevo State Park and experience a close-up elephant seal experience!
Hotel Nikko
Hotel Nikko is located in the heart of San Francisco with easy access to several area attractions, including Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square. Ride the cable cars, check out the sassy sea lions, or head over the Golden Gate Bridge with the family.
The Hotel Nikko also boasts a 15-meter glass-enclosed swimming pool which is perfect for some family time. There’s also no need to leave Fido at home during this staycation because the hotel is pet-friendly, complete with a dog run!
Image: Yelp/Hotel Nikko San Francisco
We hope you found some inspiration in this list; whatever you choose, have a great Spring Break!
