SoCal Hotels With On-Site Water Parks
Hotels with on-site water parks and water play areas offer amazing value for parents; kids can spend the day splashing in the water without the added cost or inconvenience of having to transport your family to and from an amusement park. Here are my favorite SoCal resorts with water parks.
Omni Rancho Las Palmas
41-000 Bob Hope Drive
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
rancholaspalmas.com
Having recently undergone a major renovation, the pool at Rancho Las Palmas is now Splashtopia! Families can take a break from the heat as they enjoy two acres of fun, including a 425-foot lazy river, two 100-foot water slides, water play zones, and a sandy beach. Splash Grill serves up pool-side burgers, sandwiches, and drinks with umbrellas on top. No island hopping required.
Howard Johnson Hotel Anaheim
1380 S Harbor Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 776-6120
hojoanaheim.com
Castaway Cove, the pirate themed water wonderland at Howard Johnson Hotel Anaheim, located just across the street from Disneyland, might be one of the few chances to enjoy a Disney-free day without the tears. Big and little kid slides, a toddler splash area, and a 200-gallon drench bucket are just some of the awesome features that will keep your kids thoroughly entertained, splashed, and happy.
Disneyland Hotel
1150 W Magic Way
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 778-6600
disneyland.disney.go.com
The newly remodeled pools at the Disneyland Hotel are a fantastic addition to the hotel's history of fun and nostalgia. Two main slides, themed like the iconic monorail ride, are the towering highlight of the pool area. Little kiddos can enjoy smaller slides that don't drop off into the pool waters. Stay till the sun sets and enjoy the fun themed lighting, outdoor dining, and live entertainment. What theme park?
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa
21500 Pacific Coast Hwy
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 698-1234
hyattregencyhuntingtonbeach.com
As if its ideal location -- perched on the edge of the sprawling Pacific Ocean in Huntington Beach -- wasn't enough, the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort offers families the chance to play in the less-salty waters of the resort's three pools. Kids will love the three diverse water slides. Moms will love that floaties and pool games are provided free of charge. If you are hungry, grab a bite to eat poolside at Mankato's Grill or make it dinner while you enjoy a dive-in movie.
Marriott's Shadow Ridge Vacation Club
9003 Shadow Ridge Road
Palm Desert, California 92211
(760) 674-2600
marriott.com
Although the Marriott Shadow Ridge Villas are geared toward vacation ownership, individual nights are offered, even without the time-share sales pitch! At the Chuckwalla outdoor pool and waterslide, your kids can enjoy the splash pads, water cannons, and water slide year-round.
Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa
71333 Dinah Shore Drive
Rancho Mirage,California
(760) 328-5955
starwoodhotels.com
With three sprawling pools, a lush tropical setting (with waterfalls!), and a refreshing 60-foot water slide, kids will love staying at the Westin Mission Hills. I love that a misting systems keep you cool even if you don't want to take the dip into the pool, and that kids can stay busy enjoying pool side snow cones, or water volleyball.