Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Carlsbad, California

The luxe Park Hyatt Aviara Resort features Spanish colonial architecture and a picturesque setting just north of the Batiquitos Lagoon wildlife sanctuary. This property was formerly a Four Seasons, and the switch from one luxury brand to another didn't impact the hotel's luxurious ambiance. The 329 guest rooms are clean and spacious with classic decor, modern amenities, and large balconies. There are several on-site restaurant options. Though an adults-only pool and spa are attractive for couples, the hotel is mostly popular with families who stay here while visiting nearby Legoland. Most guests aren't happy to be charged for required valet parking on top of a daily resort fee.

The Beach Terrace Inn is a boutique-style hotel whose stated mission is to create a climate of relaxation for its guests, which the family-owned establishment calls getting "slow." It's only a few minutes off Interstate 5, providing easy access to popular attractions in the area, such as the inimitable Legoland. The rooms are large by any standard, and many have excellent ocean views. The hotel accommodates families, including young children, but is much more suited to couples seeking a relaxing holiday.

The Carlsbad Seapointe Resort's large, modern condos are convenient for families, with full kitchens and (in most) ocean views. It's across the street from the beach and has lots of kid-friendly activities, including a family pool with a water play area, a playground, fire pits for marshmallow roasting, and miniature golf. But it's a 10-minute drive to the restaurants and shops in downtown Carlsbad, and the beach could be nicer.

The 52-room Ocean Palms Beach Resort offers suites and studios with tropical style and sea-washed furnishings. This mid-range hotel in the Carlsbad Village is situated across the street from the beach and provides beach towels, boogie boards, surf boards, and lounge chairs for guests to borrow. Guests typically appreciate the beautiful, peaceful grounds -- including a lovely outdoor pool and hot tub area, putting green, fire pits, and barbecue grills. There’s no restaurant on-site, but all rooms are equipped with dining areas and full kitchens for in-room cooking, plus a free continental breakfast is served daily. Other conveniences include laundry facilities, a small (but dated) fitness center, and a snack and gift shop. Wi-Fi is free throughout but parking can be an issue as the lot is small. Travelers might also want to consider the comparable Tamarack Beach Resort.

The 246-room luxury condominium complex is more a residence than a hotel, with two "neighborhoods,” each with its own heated outdoor pool and well-equipped fitness center. The vibe is laid-back and expansive grounds are filled with greenery and beautiful landscaping. Spacious villas are outfitted in pleasant contemporary decor and offer the comforts of home, including fully equipped kitchens, large living rooms, and washers and dryers. There’s a farm-to-table restaurant on-site, as well as two cafes and poolside snack bars, plus a stylish spa with a nail salon. Families with kids will find plenty to do here, with children’s pools, a kids’ club, and various organized activities. There’s not much within walking distance though, so a car is necessary. Travelers might also want to consider the nearby Park Hyatt Aviara Resort.

Almost every inch of LEGOLAND California Hotel is a Lego experience, from the character visits at the free breakfast, to the daily Lego building contests, to the nightly entertainment in the lobby's castle. Access to the amusement park isn't included in the rate, but guests do get early morning access, allowing them to beat the crowds. Rooms have fun adventure, pirate, or kingdom themes, and all have separate kids' rooms with bunk beds. This property caters to parents with two- to 12-year-olds, so guests should be prepared for the noise and occasional messes that can accompany so many children. Grand Pacific Palisades Resort & Hotel next door lacks all the official Lego allure, but it's a suitable alternative for those looking to spend half as much on their lodging and still be within walking distance to the theme park.

The Homewood Suites by Hilton Carlsbad-North San Diego County is a mid-range, 145-all-suite hotel located across from the McClellan-Palomar Airport. All suites feature full kitchens, and separate sleeping and living quarters. Free services include a hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, dinner buffet (this can get quite crowded) and drinks during the week, and grocery shopping. There’s a small fitness center with a handful of equipment, a small outdoor pool and hot tub, and a business center with meeting rooms.

The three-pearl Grand Pacific Palisades Resort and Hotel occupies a beautiful spot overlooking the Pacific Ocean -- across the highway from Legoland -- but it's a bit isolated, and it doesn't have direct beach access. The timeshare property's 210 units range from standard guest rooms to three-bedroom condos with full kitchens, and all have microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers, but decor is rather bland and a bit dated. There are numerous family-oriented amenities, and highlights include two large pools, a splash pool for kids, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant and microbrewery. Shuttle service to area attractions, underground parking, and Wi-Fi throughout is included in the resort fee. Travelers looking for accommodations on the beach can consider the hotel's sister property, Carlsbad Seapointe Resort, but rates are often higher. 

The Hampton Inn Carlsbad-North San Diego County offers tourists and business travelers alike a comfortable budget stay in a convenient location next to the McClellan-Palomar Airport. While nothing of note is within walking distance, the hotel is only a 10-minute drive to Legoland and several other popular attractions. The hotel offers Hampton’s popular amenities, including a free hot breakfast, outdoor pool, small fitness center, coin-operated laundry machines, convenience store, and free parking and Wi-Fi. The 94 guest rooms are clean and bright, they come with microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. But, rooms facing the busy airport can hear ambient noise. As an alternative, compare rates with the neighboring Homewood Suites by Hilton Carlsbad-North San Diego County, which features suites with full kitchens and a free area shuttle. 

This 400-acre, 611-room megaresort near Legoland is packed with family features, including large rooms, six pools with waterslides, and an impressive kids club. The spa, golf courses, tennis courts, and on-site shopping help ensure adults have fun as well, but there are extra fees for almost everything.

Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort, is an upscale, chain resort within a short walk of a sandy stretch of beach. The hotel has a posh, modern vibe and 250 clean, comfortable rooms, some with ocean-facing balconies. There isn’t much within walking distance, but there’s a restaurant on-site and live musical entertainment on the weekends. The hotel has several amenities for adults and children, including an outdoor pool and children’s pool with sea views, a fitness center, and a chic spa. Thoughtful touches include free sand buckets for children. However, there are lots of extra fees, including a resort fee, beach chair rental fee, and parking fee. Travelers may want to also consider the Beach Terrace Inn Carlsbad, a boutique-style inn with a private beach that includes breakfast and parking but has higher rates.

The MarBrisa Carlsbad Resort is an upper-middle-range timeshare property with 208 rooms and a private entrance to Legoland. A golf course, shopping center, and restaurants are within walking distance, but a car is best for those who plan to leave the property. Rooms are large with full kitchens and balconies, but there’s nothing spectacular about them, and some receive noise from Legoland. The property includes two pools, only one of which is heated, and two oddly shaped whirlpools that are open year round. Free Wi-Fi and parking are available throughout the resort, and there is an airport shuttle for a fee.

Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa is a four-pearl resort with its own private entrance to Legoland. The 250 rooms are clean and spacious with microwaves and Starbucks coffee, but there’s a fee for microwaves. In fact, the resort has a number of additional fees that may make guests feel nickel and dimed, including a resort fee, a fee for breakfast, and another fee for parking. There’s plenty for families to do at the upscale chain resort, including a 24-hour heated outdoor pool and whirlpool and a number of games including billiards, ping-pong, foosball, and shuffleboard. The hotel has a grill and bar on-site with outdoor seating, and during the summer there’s a free shuttle to the beach. Families wanting to be even more engulfed in the Lego experience should check out rates at LEGOLAND California Hotel, a colorful Lego-themed hotel located inside the park.

Priced considerably lower than most hotels in Carlsbad, this small, two-pearl hotel is situated just east of the I-5. The 39 rooms are clean and spacious, with comfortable beds, microwaves, and mini-fridges, but all are subject to considerable traffic noise. With a free continental buffet breakfast, a small outdoor pool, and free parking, this hotel is best-suited to budget-conscious families staying for a night or two, as it's only a five-minute drive from LEGOLAND and the beach. For a bit more cash, the Holiday Inn Express Carlsbad Beach has more stylish rooms and a fitness center.

This Holiday Inn Express is a bright, simple, budget-friendly chain hotel within walking distance of South Carlsbad State Beach. Mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers are standard for budget hotels in this area, but the 120 rooms are far more stylish than the competition. Other value-adding features include an outdoor pool and hot tub, plus freebies like breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi. The property is a clean and affordable option for families visiting LEGOLAND or for travelers conducting business in Carlsbad. For rooms that are larger and include kitchens, travelers could consider the Homewood Suites by Hilton Carlsbad, though it's a bit more expensive and farther from the beach.