Big Sur

Four of 16 yurts on this hillside campground are big enough for families of four. You'll also enjoy homemade waffles for breakfast every morning. 71895 Highway #1, (877) 424-4787, from $189 for four people.

Lake Tahoe

At this modern boutique hotel, the concierge can arrange for ski rentals and restaurant reservations as well as ice skating and horseback rides. The PlumpJack Café, part of the inn, serves innovative, seasonal comfort food (such as hazelnut-crusted pork tenderloin). 1920 Squaw Valley Road, (800) 323-7666, from $259 for a suite.

                        

Napa Valley

This graceful estate set on 250 acres has an extensive children's sports program in the summer and organizes with-the-kids activities, including Christmas party and Easter egg hunt. 900 Meadowood Lane, (707) 963-3646, from $575 for a double.

                    

The 89-room Solage Calistoga, the first in a chain of affordable modern hotels from the luxury company Auberge Resorts, will entertain young guests with free bike rentals and a bocce court. 755 Silverado Trail, (866) 942-7442, from $350 for a double.

                        

Pescadero

While communing with nature and sustainability underlie everything at Costanoa, they don't come at the expense of creature comforts. Tucked in among the 40-acre site's wildflower and towering eucalyptus groves are secluded canvas tents, all within earshot of the ocean, complete with queen-size beds, heat, and electricity. 2001 Rossi Rd. at Hwy 1, (650) 879-1100, from $130 for a family tent.

    

San Francisco

Across from the Ferry Building, it offers family studios with views of the Bay Bridge. There are free morning yoga classes at the on-premises spa and fitness center, as well as free passes to the nearby YMCA. 8 Mission St., (415) 278-3700, from $299.

                    

This hotel is an aptly named 552-room refuge in the middle of the city's financial district. Have brunch in the glass-domed atrium. 2 New Montgomery St., (415) 512-1111, from $375 for a double.

                        

Across from Yerba Buena Park, kids get SFMoMA toys and cupcakes upon check-in. 125 Third St., (415) 284-4000, from $399 for a double.

                        

Santa Barbara

Stay in a wood-floored safari tent with fluffy down comforters and queen-size beds. The campsite also offers chuck-wagon dinners and cappuccinos as well as homemade muffins for breakfast. 11560 Calle Real, (866) 352-2729, from $125 for a double safari tent.

        

Stay here for impeccable service and graceful hacienda-inspired architecture on a secluded beach just a couple of hours from Los Angeles. 1260 Channel Dr., (888) 424-5866, from $550 for a double.

                        

Yosemite National Park

Open since 1899, this is the granddaddy of tent-cabin sites—427 wood-floored units are spread throughout Yosemite Valley. You must book one year in advance. Yosemite, (209) 372-1445, from $64 for an unheated tent in low season (each child $4 extra) to $71 for a heated one in high season.

The Ahwahnee is a registered national landmark whose rooms contain original Native American furniture and textiles. The staff will arrange plenty of group and family activities, including guided twilight strolls and storytelling hours by the fireplace. To secure a room, call at least 366 days before your trip. Yosemite, (559) 253-5676, from $394 for a double.