California is a true wonderland with magnificent national parks, charming beaches, majestic vineyards, and thrilling theme parks, making it the perfect vacation spot for families. Its pleasant weather and stunning coastline make it a year-round favorite; however, in the fall, when apple orchards and wine country are at their best, it comes alive with wonderful colors. The Golden State also offers numerous family getaways in the fall. Plus, the best family resorts in California provide guests with the ideal relaxing setting. Whether travelers want to unwind at the spa or participate in fun activities with their kids, there’s something for everyone at these best California family resorts to book in the fall.
The recommended hotels were chosen because they have excellent ratings on Kayak and have a variety of lodging alternatives for different types of families. Since all of these are family-friendly accommodations, guests can benefit from their excellent amenities and warm hospitality and have a wonderful family trip.
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Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort and Spa
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Shutterstock Cityscape of San Diego, California, USA, with fireworks
Town and Country San Diego
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Shutterstock Fall foliage in the autumn at Upper Yosemite Falls seen from the Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California, USA
Tenaya Lodge At Yosemite
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Shutterstock Dana Point Harbor, California
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort
Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa
Travelers with kids will love staying at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells & Spa for its waterpark and refreshing ambiance. Children will be delighted to learn that the resort offers access to the largest waterpark in Greater Palm Springs. With two slides, a lazy river, a kids’ splash pad, and seven pools, they will have a blast. But hang on, there’s more! The resort’s stunning setting provides a perfect nature retreat amid brilliant fall foliage and mountain views. A luxe spa is a cozy haven for pampering oneself, while a championship golf course is a place to practice one’s swing. Guests who go out can explore Joshua Tree National Park, Living Desert Zoo and Gardens,, the Palm Springs Air Museum, and jeep trips.
Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort and Spa
- Amenities
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Outdoor pool, Water slide, Spa and wellness center, Fitness center, Restaurant
- Price
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$$
Fallen Leaf Lake near South Lake Tahoe, California
The Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel is South Lake Tahoe’s only all-suite hotel. The resort is adjacent to world-class shopping, dining, golfing, hiking, bicycling, and a variety of other lake activities, making it the ideal destination to stay for an outstanding fall holiday. There are numerous lodging options available to accommodate families, weddings, business trips, and virtually any other type of gathering. It is one of the best pet-friendly hotels in the United States since guests with four-legged furry family members can bring them along for a family vacation.
Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel
- Amenities
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Indoor pool, Fitness center, Free Wi-Fi
- Price
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$$
Cityscape of San Diego, California, USA, with fireworks
The Town and Country San Diego in Mission Valley puts guests within walking distance of the city’s thriving nightlife, gorgeous beaches, and fascinating attractions, some of which are free. Renowned for its luxury amenities and services, Town and Country Resort is the ideal place for a relaxing family vacation. From a zero-entry family pool, a hot tub, and a children’s pool to a four-story “Twister” waterslide, there is so much fun for the entire family. Also, there is a movie by the pool on Saturdays, gourmet dining, and Monkey Bar’s local live music every Wednesday through Saturday night as added excitement.

Cityscape of San Diego, California, USA, with fireworks
Town and Country San Diego
- Amenities
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Outdoor pool, Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge
- Price
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$$
Fall foliage in the autumn at Upper Yosemite Falls seen from the Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California, USA
Located close to Yosemite National Park, one of the best family destinations for a fall vacation in California, this AAA Four Diamond award-winning lodge offers breathtaking natural splendor and a peaceful ambiance. It features luxurious accommodations, excellent services, and warm hospitality, ensuring a relaxing vacation. And, not to forget, there is so much to experience in Yosemite National Park, including majestic waterfalls and beautiful hikes. After a day of exploration and activities in the park, this lodge offers pools and a spa to relax, delectable cuisine to eat, and a selection of wonderful dens to retire to for a restful night’s sleep.

Fall foliage in the autumn at Upper Yosemite Falls seen from the Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California, USA
Tenaya Lodge At Yosemite
- Amenities
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Pools, Fitness Centre, Spa, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge
- Price
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$$
Dana Point Harbor, California
This Five Diamond-rated resort offers the perfect combination of true Waldorf luxury experiences and Southern California’s laid-back vibes. The resort, set above a seaside bluff in Dana Point, provides breathtaking fall views as well as interesting activities and amenities. From three pools, a private beach club, a luxurious spa, and oceanfront golf to exclusive beach activities and gourmet dining, this chic beach getaway caters to guests of all ages. For the young ones, there is a kid’s club where they can keep themselves busy with a wide range of activities. Additionally, the surrounding fall grandeur enhances the vacation vibe and makes it one of the best California resorts for families for an autumn holiday.

Dana Point Harbor, California
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort
- Amenities
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Private beach, Outdoor pool, Spa and wellness center, Fitness center, Restaurant
- Price
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$$
Duplo splash safari, theme park in Legoland California, Carlsbad
A favorite of all youngsters and young at heart, Legoland California Resort is the place to be for an excitement-loaded vacation. This Carlsbad Legoland complex includes a theme park, a water park, and two hotels (the Legoland Resort Hotel and the Legoland Castle Hotel). Both hotels give their guests access to everything Legoland has to offer, including more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions. Theme rooms are a hallmark of the hotels, as are complementary breakfast and nightly entertainment. Guests can select from rooms such as Pirate, Kingdom, Adventure, Lego Friends, or Lego Ninjago, and each room offers youngsters their own sleeping and activity area.

Duplo splash safari, theme park in Legoland California, Carlsbad
Legoland California Resort
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Outdoor pool, Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge
- Price
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$$
Crystal Cathedral, Garden Grove, CA
The Great Wolf Lodge Anaheim in Southern California is a favorite choice among family travelers. This resort, situated near Anaheim in Garden Grove, is home to California’s first indoor water park, making it a perfect family vacation destination. Aside from the 105,000-square-foot indoor water park, which is heated to 84 degrees year-round, there are numerous other entertaining activities, events, and dining options available, providing a wide range of experiences all under one roof. Between all the splashing and excitement, there is a perfect den for every family’s trip, ranging from a Standard Suite (with space for up to 6 guests) to Themed Suites and Premium Suites (capacity for up to 13). Plus, the lodge offers the Howl-O-Ween package, which is a hit among kids, and the surrounding fall scenery adds to the overall fun!
Great Wolf Lodge Anaheim
- Amenities
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Fitness center, Bar/Lounge, Free Wi-Fi, Pool
- Price
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$$
Palos Verdes, California, USA
One of the most luxurious family resorts in California, Terranea Resort on the Palos Verdes Peninsula offers picturesque views of Catalina Island and the Pacific Ocean. With a variety of accommodations, dining options, a luxe spa, a golf course, and a range of activities for both kids and adults, it is an ideal destination for a beach getaway, especially during the fall. It has four large pools (one with a waterslide) and cabanas, as well as a pool strictly for adults, allowing both families and couples to enjoy themselves without disturbing one another. There are tons of exciting activities, like falconry, archery, and horseback riding, making it a fantastic retreat for the entire family.
Terranea Resort
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Private beach, Snorkeling, Outdoor pool, Water slide, Spa and wellness center
- Price
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$$$
An aerial view of the town, beach, and ocean in Huntington Beach, California, USA
The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel, is the ideal family beach destination with everything that can please guests of all ages. Families will love lounging on the beach, trying some delicacies at on-site restaurants, participating in water activities, and spending time around the bonfires in the evening. Kids will find the club and its activities entertaining, while adults can have fun at the luxurious spa and private cabanas, as well as other adult-specific activities. With its convenient location in picturesque Huntington Beach, Southern California, the resort offers easy access to stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters as well as bar-hopping along the boardwalk hotspots. Additionally, Pacific City offers shopping and entertainment for people looking for nearby excitement.
The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel
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Restaurant, room service, outdoor pool, spa & wellness center, bar/lounge
- Price
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$$
Resorts create a striking skyline on Coronado island near San Diego, California.
The Loews Coronado Bay Resort is undoubtedly one of the best family resorts in California for people seeking a fall holiday that is full of excitement in San Diego. The resort provides numerous opportunities for families to spend time together, from enjoying numerous pools to trying many eating options, a spa, tennis courts, and much more. While little ones enjoy themselves at the hotel’s kids’ club, adults can relax in the adults-only area’s pool and hot tub. Nestled on a private peninsula flanked by Coronado Bay and the Pacific Ocean, the resort offers easy access to Coronado’s fun activities and San Diego’s numerous attractions, allowing guests to have some exciting moments when they are in the mood to go out.
Loews Coronado Bay Resort
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Water Sport Facilities, Spa and Wellness Center, Restaurant, Tennis
- Price
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$$