Property
A great place to call home base while you explore Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Channel Islands National Park. Your kids will love the view and watching the activity going on in the harbor.

Location
Located right on Ventura Harbor. Request a harbor view room and enjoy a sunset over the boats with the Channel Islands in the distance.

Sleeps
2-6.

Highlights
Oversized suite style rooms with contemporary décor. Mini fridges, high speed internet, flat screen satellite tv, and complimentary continental breakfast including some warm options such as eggs and biscuits and gravy. There is a swimming pool on site if the beach is not your thing. Whale watching tours and Channel Islands excursions just a stone’s throw away.

Good to Know
Within walking distance of the Ventura Harbor Village, beaches, and Channel Islands National Park headquarters. Cribs available for the little ones. The entire property is non smoking.

Contact
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/vntnd

Written by Sharlene Earnshaw

Property
This is a quintessential beach hotel, directly on the beach of one of the most beautiful bays in California. If you want to fall asleep to the lulling sound of the waves at an affordable price, then this is a good pick in Monterey. This hotel has been recently remodeled and has small fridges in each room, room service, and an outdoor heated pool.

Location
This hotel is located right on a long stretch of beach on Monterey Bay. It is 3 miles from Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row. It is not within walking distance to other restaurants or shops. There is a restaurant on-site with a nice view and a menu for the sensitive palates of the under-12 crowd.

Sleeps
2-4.  No suites available.

Highlights
After all the sightseeing, there is no better place to have kids burn off steam than at a beach. We spotted some dolphins, otters and sea lions during one of our strolls on the beach.

Good to know
There are a few added charges: parking fee, resort fee, and pet fee. Because it is an older property, the rooms are smaller and not very soundproofed. To avoid some of the noise, try not to get rooms under the ballroom.

Contact
http://www.bestwesterncalifornia.com/hotels/best-western-beach-resort-monterey/

Written by Carolina

Property
People often ask me where they should break up a road trip from Northern California to Southern California (or vice versa). You can’t do better than the Peach Tree Inn. This homey, comfy motel gets everything right. We loved the ample breakfast, the friendly service, the resident cat, and the movie lending library. Rooms of various sizes available at very nice prices.

Location
On the edge of town, walking distance to the shops and restaurants in the cute college town of San Luis Obispo, California.  Within easy striking distance of the Mission San Luis Obispo and Hearst Castle.

Sleeps
2-5. Cribs available.

Highlights
Friendly, personal service.   Strolling by the creek on a summer’s evening.  The a-m-a-z-i-n-g bench swing hanging from a very tall tree on the motel lawn (I literally didn’t think we’d ever get the kids out of it).

Good to know
Weekend parking in SLO can be a bit hairy (Thursday nights are also bad because of the fabulous pedestrianized 6-block farmers’ market).   Opt out of the frustration and all-around meter-feeding nightmare by availing yourself to the free trolley which stops in front of the Peach Tree Inn and makes a complete loop of downtown every 15 minutes.

Contact
http://www.peachtreeinn.com

Written by Jamie Pearson

Property
Seascape combines the charm of a beachfront villa with the amenities of a luxury resort. Spacious studios, 1-bedroom suites, and 1 and 2-bedroom villas are available with kitchen facilities, TV, on-demand movies and video games. Situated on 17 miles of sandy beach, the resort has four pools (one of which is in the well-equipped sports club) and an 18-course golf course. Eating options include 2 restaurants, a pizza place, a sandwich place, and a fairly well equipped convenience store.

Location
Seascape is on Monterey Bay, just ten miles south of Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz and Monterey are within easy reach by car along scenic Highway 1. Capitola Wharf is a 15 minutes drive. Also, if you need a change from the beach (no really, some people do), the Santa Cruz mountains are just minutes away.

Sleeps
2 to 8.

Good to know
Not cheap–look for deals on the web.

Written by Jane Rytina

Property
When you step into this 4-bed, 4-bath, up-market beach house, the gorgeous panoramic view of the Pacific will take your breath away. Your children will be delighted with the circular upstairs, with winding stairs leading down to two of the spacious bedroom suites. Also, they won’t need shoes to run to the miles of sandy beach a minute from the house. If you need an excuse for a cocktail, look to the large decks and sunsets. Then shake one up in the well-equipped kitchen.

Location
Pajaro Dunes is a collection of secluded houses and condos, nestled along the Monterey Bay on one of the most scenic stretches of California’s coastline. Just minutes away from Highway 1, you can head south to reach Monterey in 25 minutes or north to Santa Cruz in about the same time. The rental includes access to tennis courts and miles of bike and walking routes along beautiful estuaries bursting with birds.

Sleeps
8 very comfortably, up to 12 if you don’t mind a very tight fit.

Highlights
Children playing in the waves. The moon reflected on the sea. The hot tub under the stars.

Good to know
Split the bill with another family or else it won’t be only the view that is breathtaking. The house comes with all facilities from laundry to beach towels, but buy food before you get there. It’s a drive if you run out of milk.

Written by Jane Rytina

Property
22 recently refurbished rooms and suites in the heart of Carmel. Room 16 (the family unit) has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a full kitchen. If that’s not in the budget, room 22 is spacious and comfortable and has 2 queen beds. Cribs are available by request, and continental breakfast baskets (cereal, fruit salad, croissants, milk, and orange juice) are delivered every morning

Location
Carmel is about 2 1/2 hours south of San Francisco. Monterey is 2 miles to the north; Big Sur is 28 miles to the south.

Sleeps
2-6.

Highlights
Walking down the hill to pristine Carmel Beach. Browsing the posh shops and galleries of Carmel. The closest playground is a few blocks away at 4th and San Carlos. For a great playground experience, head to Dennis the Menace Playground in Monterey (mazes, roller slides, adventure ship).

Good to know
This is a pet friendly property (and you will occasionally hear them). The Wayside Inn has a 2-night minimum on weekends.

Contact
www.innsbythesea.com

Written by Jamie Pearson

Property
The usual Embassy Suites set up. Suites have microwaves, refrigerators, activity tables, and 2 televisions. Bay views and partial ocean views can be had for a premium. King suites sleep 4, double suites sleep 5.

Location
The hotel is just two blocks from the beach in Seaside, a small community 2 miles north of Monterey. Slightly farther north is Sand City, with some of the coolest, hugest sand dunes on the coast.

Sleeps
2-5.

Highlights
Complimentary cooked to order breakfast. Indoor pool and spa. Game room with video games, air hockey, and pool table. Onsite child care.

Good to know
You wouldn’t believe that a hotel this size would sell out, but it does all the time. Plan ahead.

Contact
www.embassysuites.com

Written by Jamie Pearson