Property
If you look fabulous in a bikini, even after birthing three children, you’ll fit right in at La Costa. This golf, tennis, spa, pool resort just north of San Diego in Carlsbad, California is expensive but kid-friendly.  The property has 3 pools: one is shallow with a sandy beach entrance, one is a standard swimming pool for hanging out, and one is the landing spot for adventurous souls going down their two fabulous slides.

Location
It’s a 10-minute drive from the Pacific Ocean and 15-minute drive from Legoland. It’s 30-40 minutes from Sea World.

Sleeps
One room sleeps 4 on beds, more on the floor.

Highlights
While at La Costa, pick up a schedule of hotel activities. There are usually several freebies per week. While we were there, they had an after-dinner S’mores making session, where you could roast marshmallows over a pit fire, and encase the gooey mess in, you guessed it, graham crackers and chocolate. One afternoon (while we were at Legoland) the kids could make picture frames near the pool, with the Kidtopioa staff. And one morning, a local Crocodile Dundee guy came with his assortment of snakes and lizards, putting on an entertaining 45-minute show.

Good to know
The parking lot is far from the rooms.  It’s expensive.

Contact
http://www.lacosta.com

December 8th, 2008 | by Debbie Abrams Kaplan