California

Anaheim

What it is: A set of 3 high-rise towers with over 969 rooms located adjacent to the Downtown Disney District.

The rooms: Guests have the option of Standard Rooms, Suites, and Club Rooms. If you want to really get into the Disney spirit, guests can also request for character-themed rooms.

Amenities: The Koi fishponds can be a great place for people to relax, children can enjoy Never Land Pool or the Scenic Waterfalls, and a fitness center is also provided.

Activities: You are right on property, and Disneyland Park, Disney's California Adventure Park, and the Downtown Disney District are all right at your back door.

Details: Anaheim, California – 1150 Magic Way Anaheim, CA 92802. Standard Room From $255/night for the low season.

What it is: A luxurious hotel and spa with premium accommodations located in the center of the Disneyland Resort.

The rooms: 745 rooms that range from the Standard Room to the Concierge Level. Your kids might be excited to know that some rooms come with bunk beds and sleeping bags are available upon request.

Amenities: 24 Hour Room service is available. World-class spa service and exotic therapies can be found at the Mandara Spa. Families are able to enjoy two themed pools one of which has a waterslide. Children ages 5-12 can relax at night by attending Pinocchio's Workshop and participating in arts & crafts, computer games, and movies.

Activities: Within the vicinity of Disneyland Park, Disney's California Adventure Park, and Downtown Disney District.

Details: Anaheim, California – 1600 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA 92803. Prices available on website depending on packages and length of stay.

Big Sur

What it is: Sixteen yurts overlooking the Big Sur coast, offering an adventurous, eco-friendly atmosphere.

The rooms: Four of the yurts are specifically designed to accommodate families. The furnishing is purposely sparse—queen-size beds, cozy quilts, electric lighting, and a hot-and-cold sink vanity. Each room offers an incredible ocean view, and bathroom facilities are a one-minute walk away. A sky dome offers the perfect view for enjoying the night sky.

Amenities: Treebone's greatest offering is the serenity. There's no cell-phone service on the grounds. Spend time in the lodge enjoying food, drink, games, and time to connect. You can also schedule a private massage in your yurt or relax in the ocean-view pool (heated in winter) or hot tub.

Activities: Watch for whales on Whale Rock, or visit Sand Dollar Beach to the south. Choose between two eco-tour options: the Big Sur hike or ocean kayaking.

Details: 71895 Highway 1, from $189 for four people.

Calistoga

What it is: An 89-room modern hotel from the luxury company Auberge Resorts.

The rooms: Solage Calistoga offers five room layouts, from studios to an indulgent Capella Suite, with a king-size bed, living area, two 37-inch plasma TVs, a steam shower, and separate deluxe bathtub. Each room is equipped with two cruiser bikes, wireless Internet, a high-definition LCD TV, and DVD and CD players.

Amenities: Work out in the hotel's fitness facility or relax at Spa Solage. Dine on a savory burger or a salad of handpicked organic greens at Solbar, Solage's casually trendy restaurant. The kids' menu is sure to satisfy even the pickiest palate.

Activities: Explore the 22-acre grounds or play a game of bocce ball on the hotel's courts. There are also miles of hiking and jogging trails. Cool off in the pool (or children's pool), or set the kids loose in the play area. Off-site, take a vineyard tour, visit art galleries and museums, or shop. The Napa Valley Opera House and Lincoln Symphony Hall are also nearby.

Details: 755 Silverado Trail, from $425 a night for the Vega King Studio.

Coronado

What it is: A San Diego resort with its own private access to Silver Strand State Beach.

The rooms: This beach getaway has 439 rooms all with bay, marina, pool or garden views as well as private, furnished balconies.

Amenities: Sea spa and Watsu pool, three outdoor pools, and a private 80-slip marina.

Activities: Your family can partake in gondola rides, water sports, surfing lessons, cooking classes, golf, and Ping-Pong challenges.

Details: 4000 Coronado Bay Road, from $179 for superior room with two full beds or a king bed.

Fort Baker/Sausalito

What it is: Environmentally sustainable hotel in the heart of Golden Gate National Park.

The rooms: Sixty-eight historic wood-slat, tin ceiling, officers' residences have all been renovated into green, sustainable, and cozy guestrooms. The 74 contemporary lodgings have floor-to-ceiling windows for a full panorama of the Marin County scenery. Most rooms have fireplaces and all feature organic linens.

Amenities: A Cooking School and authentic Healing Arts Center & Spa are on the lodge's property.

Activities: Try cooking classes that teach sustainable cooking practices, walking tours, or kayaking. You are also primly located for sightseeing in San Francisco.

Details: 601 Murray Circle, from $240 for a Bayside Queen room with one queen bed.

Half Moon Bay

What it is: A luxurious resort with 261 guest rooms located along the Northern California Coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The rooms: Accommodations range from Club Level to Suites to Rooms. We really suggest staying on the Club Level where food is available to you in the Club Lounge at practically all hours of the day.

Amenities: They have a wonderful spa onsite and a Ritz Kids Day Program. The program provides activities for children ages 5-12, that includes going to the beach to build sand castles and explore the tide pools, playing board games, arts and crafts, and even making s'mores.

Activities: You're nestled driving distance between San Francisco and a lot of great Northern California wineries, so any direction you drive in you will be entertained.

Details: Half Moon Bay, California – One Miramontes Point Road, Half Moon Bay, California 94019. Guest Room 1 King or 2 Double $329/night

Hollywood

The Beverly Garland

What it is: A luxurious 255-room Holiday Inn located near Universal Studios Hollywood.

The rooms: The hotel is a combination of rooms and suites that are all decorated in modern style. The newest addition to the hotel is the KidSuites section. These are standard rooms with two beds that have been converted for families, providing privacy for parents and kids. Children will also enjoy the bunk beds and being able to play video games.

Amenities: The Beverly Garland allows children 18 and under to stay for free, and those 12 and under eat for free as well. There is an outdoor heated swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, a spa and sauna, a children's playground, and complimentary shuttle service to Universal Studios and City Walk.

Activities: Guests can play a game of tennis at the on-site tennis courts or visit nearby museums, such as the California Science Center and the Hollywood Entertainment Museum. See local parades, like the Rose Parade, and go to Griffith Park and the Griffith Park Observatory.

Details: 4222 Vineland Avenue, North Hollywood; from $139 a night for a KidSuite.

Laguna Beach

Montage

What it is: A luxurious beachfront hotel situated on the coastal bluff of Laguna Beach.

The rooms: The 250 craftsman-style guestrooms include 60 suites and 37 beach bungalow style rooms. All rooms are comfortably appointed with private balconies and turn-of-the-century decor.

Amenities: With its 45,000 different bottles of wine from around the world and four on-site restaurants, the resort is a food lover's dream. There is also a world-renowned day spa where you can enjoy spa and wellness services like yoga classes.

Activities: Children ages 5 to 12 can participate in art-based programs at the Paintbox kids' club or play on the playground; the whole family can enjoy the outdoors, playing beach volleyball, kayaking to nearby coves, and snorkeling. Your family can also explore what the local area has to offer, walking to Laguna Beach's art district.

Details: 30801 South Coast Highway; from $595 for a double room.

Surf and Sand Resort

What it is: A five-building oceanfront hotel set on 500 feet of white sand.

The rooms: All 167 guestrooms and suites feature balconies with views of the Pacific, and most are situated so that you can walk right out onto the beach.

Amenities: On the property, you can enjoy an oceanfront restaurant, Aquaterra spa, spacious cabanas, and the private beach.

Activities: The hotel is conveniently located near Disneyland and Balboa Island. Guests can also surf, take bike rides or yoga classes, and be set up with tennis and golf games nearby.

Details: 1555 South Coast Highway; from $375 for an Oceanview King room.

Laguna Niguel

Ritz-Carlton

What it is: An award-winning hotel set atop a 150-foot bluff.

The rooms: The 396 guestrooms are decorated in hues that echo those of the sand and sea and are furnished with modern-day amenities.

Amenities: An oceanfront fitness center and gazebo, four tennis courts, and multiple pools and whirlpools are on property.

Activities: You can take yoga and Pilates classes while your children take surf lessons, available at Dana Point. Or can arrange for volleyball games and whale-watching outings arranged.

Details: One Ritz-Carlton Drive; from $425 for a double room.

Lake Tahoe

What it is: The largest all-suite resort in Lake Tahoe.

The rooms: These 400 guest suites each offer a bedroom with a king-size or two queen-size beds, as well as a living room with a sofa bed and working area.

Amenities: Your family can enjoy the sauna, heated indoor pool, or sundeck; and partake in a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast everyday.

Activities: There are a ton of outdoor activities to partake in on property from skiing to miniature golf. If you're family tires of outdoor activities you can also bowl, skate in the indoor ice rink, or watch a movie in the movie theater.

Details: 4130 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, from $180 for a king bed.

What it is: A modern boutique hotel built at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains for the 1960 Winter Olympic delegation. It was renovated in 1995 as a mountain escape with year-round access.

The rooms: All 61 rooms and suites offer breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and are equipped with bars, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and movies on demand. The family suite has two queen-size beds and an adjoining room with two single beds, along with an extra TV/DVD player and an Xbox game system.

Amenities: Enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, patio, and sundecks, along with two hot tubs. Work up a sweat in the fitness facility, or take advantage of the surrounding mountains with complimentary ski and snowboard rental and storage. When hunger strikes, indulge in the PlumpJack Café dining room, Café Bar & Patio Menu, or cozy up with room service.

Activities: The Lake Tahoe area offers a variety of outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, kayaking, and golfing. Take a wine seminar or class or experience a ride in the Squaw Valley USA Cable Car, which will take you to an elevation of 8,200 feet for incredible views of the mountains and lake.

Details: 3129 Fillmore Street, from $169 for a King or Queen room, includes daily breakfast buffet for two.

What it is: Comfortable, modern lodging on the Mendocino Coast.

The rooms: Each of the twelve cottages has a kitchen, no TV, Shaker- and Swedish-inspired cottage interior, a fireplace, a wood stove, and a living room.

Amenities: An organic garden, nine acres of open field, dog-friendly, and a Japanese outdoor soaking tub.

Activities: You can visit the property's private beach with a natural waterfall or rope swing, gather eggs, or enjoy the farm animals on property.

Details: 35101 South Highway One, from $255 for a two-bedroom cottage.

Marshall

What it is: Simple coastal cottages on Tomales Bay that date back to the 1930s.

The rooms: All cabins are either located on the water or have spectacular water views.

Amenities: A restaurant that's main focus is using local ingredients, in-room spa services, and a 400-foot pier that adds to its laid-back fisherman's vibe.

Activities: You can fish (if you have a license) right off the pier and enjoy trips to Bodega Bay's fishery. Your family can also explore the private beach or take a drive to San Francisco to see the Golden Gate Bridge.

Details: 23240 Highway 1; from $255 for a cottage with a king bed and queen sofa bed.

Napa Valley

What it is: An estate-style hotel with 85 cottages, suites, and lodges tucked into the scenic 250-acre valley.

The rooms: The rooms are decorated simply but warmly. Rent a Family Lodge with two to four bedrooms.

Amenities: A full-service health spa and nightly wine receptions create perfect opportunities to relax. Take a wine-tasting course or vineyard tour, or take a lesson with the hotel's tennis, croquet, or golf professionals. Dine at the Restaurant, famous for it's food and wine pairings; in the Restaurant Bar & Terrace, which is open year-round due to its large stone fireplace; at the Grill, which features ingredients from Meadowood's own garden— or call room service.

Activities: Take advantage of Meadowood's championship croquet lawns, seven tennis courts, nine-hole golf course, hiking trails, and swimming pool, or relax on the grounds with an expertly prepared picnic.

Details: 900 Meadowood Lane, St. Helena from $575 for a double.

Palm Desert

What it is: Award-winning Pismo Beach resort atop bluffs.

The rooms: The 160 guestrooms and suites were recently renovated and have luxurious private outdoor spaces (patios or balconies) and great views of either the ocean or the mountains.

Amenities: This pet-friendly spot has a heated outdoor pool, a spa, private oceanfront, and a 24-hour fitness center.

Activities: Take the opportunity to go hiking, kayaking, golfing. Take a winery tour, visit the zoo, or see a movie. Swim and play at the beach. Kids can take advantage of the kids' club.

Details: 2757 Shell Beach Road, from $179 for a standard room.

What it is: A large sprawling desert resort that spans 450 acres and has lush grounds and lagoons.

The rooms: This hotel has 884 guestrooms, each with a patio or balcony and a pull-out sofa bed. The rooms are equip with large bathrooms with a separate tub, which will ensure that bath times are not skipped while on vacation.

Amenities: You'll find a spa, five pools, 8 restaurants, 20 tennis courts, concierge service, and a fitness facility on-site.

Activities: Spend time golfing or taking a gondola ride (departs from the lobby), take a tennis lessons or a Jeep tour, and visit the zoo, movie theater, and minigolf course.

Details: 74855 Country Club Drive, from $199 for a king or two double beds.

PALM SPRINGS

What it is: A time capsule from an alternate 1950s, where the Hollywood Regency style is digested by a contemporary décor metabolism. Or just think about it as the sort of hotel that Dickie Greenleaf, from The Talented Mr. Ripley, would pick for his leisure plans if he were living in that parallel decade.

The rooms: The accommodation options range from the Regency Rooms with king-size beds to the two-bedroom Sovereign Villas that include parlors and private patios, with suites and studios in between. The facilities revolve around the Viceroy's three courtyards, a scheme that provides most rooms with a view to gardens with abundant citrus trees.

Amenities: Each courtyard has a different type of heated pool, including one just for families. Ask for the Mommy and Me Package, which includes lodging plus two swim lessons for up to four kids and four hours of babysitting.

Activities: Sample the kids menu at the in-house restaurant the Citron and connect with the environment outside the hotel by arranging a guided tour of the Indian Canyons.

Details: 415 South Belardo Road; from $290 for a premium studio with two queen beds and a private balcony.

Pescadero

What it is: An eco-adventure resort an hour south of San Francisco on the California coast.

The rooms: Stay in any of the 40 Lodge rooms throughout the North and South Lodge buildings or one of the Douglas Fir Cabins overlooking Whitehouse Canyon and enjoy one king-size or two double beds, a Bose stereo, and wireless Internet. For a more rustic experience, try a bungalow, and use the bathrooms in one of three nearby comfort stations. Guests who want to rough it can bring their own camping supplies and stay on the grounds on wooden platforms with a parking space, fireplace, water, and electricity.

Amenities: Visit Spa Costanoa for one of their integrative massages, and hit up the Cascade Bar & Grille for coastal cuisine, local wines, and a kids' menu. The General Store is a great stop for organic snacks, assorted beverages, board games, and books for your stay.

Activities: Hike, mountain bike, or horseback ride through four state parks, 30,000 acres of trails, and a vibrant wildlife reserve. Enroll children in the Costanoa Kids' Camp to let them participate in nature walks, tide pooling, bug hunting, and arts and crafts while you take a surfing lesson or unwind in a yoga class. An outdoor hot tub is also available to Lodge, Cabin, and Cypress Bungalow guests.

Details: 2001 Rossi Road at Highway 1, from $95 to rent a campground and $145 for a Cabin King.

San Diego

Hotel del Coronado

What it is: San Diego's iconic Victorian-style beachfront resort.

The rooms: The resort has 757 total guestrooms and 142 suites. You can stay in one of the historic rooms or a newer resort room.

Amenities: There is a kids' center for children 4 to 12 with bright murals and beach-themed spaces, as well as a teen lounge with billiards and karaoke. The resort also offers discounted tickets for local attractions.

Activities: Guests can go on boat rides and Jet Ski or enjoy the various activities offered on the beach; such taking yoga classes and riding bikes.

Details: 1500 Orange Avenue; from $295 for a Resort King.

Grande Colonial Hotel

What it is: A landmark historic white wood-framed building in downtown La Jolla.

The rooms: There are 93 guestrooms including 18 club suites with kitchenettes and fireplaces; some have sleeper sofas.

Amenities: The hotel has a heated swimming pool, a rooftop deck, and a private garden.

Activities: Your family is just moments away from the local beaches, where you can boogie board and surf. You can also rent bikes, go whale watching, or play tennis.

Details: 910 Prospect Street; from $205 for a Standard King.

La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club

What it is: A beachfront resort with 2,200 square feet of private coastline.

The rooms: The 98 guestrooms are decorated in California-style beach-inspired decor, with multiroom suites that include DVD players and movie rentals.

Amenities: The hotel has a private beach, a heated Olympic sized swimming pool, 12 tennis courts, a golf course, and a playground.

Activities: Your family can BBQ on the beach or cruise the San Diego Bay. You can be set up with gondola rides or wine tours, or play Ping-Pong and beach volleyball.

Details: 2000 Spindrift Drive; from $419 for a standard room one bedroom suite.

La Valencia Hotel

What it is: A pink Mediterranean-inspired boutique hotel with painted murals and Spanish mosaics.

The rooms: The 113 guestrooms evoke old-world charm and are outfitted with modern amenities.

Amenities: Intimate and charming courtyards and a luxurious spa will rejuvenate and relax you.

Activities: The hotel is located near a two-mile-long boardwalk, kayaking in La Jolla Cove, and the San Diego Zoo.

Details: 1132 Prospect Street; from $295 for a traditional room.

Pismo Lighthouse Suites

What it is: A modern resort steps away from the Pismo Pier.

The rooms: 70 oceanfront suites with nautical themes and private balconies.

Amenities: The property features a glass-enclosed outdoor pool, a family play deck, and a restaurant that serves a complimentary continental breakfast daily.

Activities: Play outdoors on their Ping-Pong table, putting green, and life-size chessboard. You can also enjoy the Pismo pier and the beach.

Details: 2411 Price Street; from $119 for a Family Suite.

San Francisco

What it is: A luxury, 199-room on the San Francisco waterfront.

The rooms: All rooms in this four-star hotel offer 440-thread-count sheets, complimentary Internet, LCD flat-screen televisions, and CD players. The Family Studio offers a choice of a king-size bed or two queen-size beds, a sofa bed, and a dining table.

Amenities: Free yoga and stretching classes are offered every morning at the penthouse-level yoga studio, and there's a fitness center and waterfront running trails. Hotel guests also get free passes to the nearby YMCA. The hotel spa offers private soaking tubs and three treatment rooms with massages and facials for a relaxing break. Stop into the Americano restaurant, bar, and lounge for a taste of Northern California cuisine, including crusted Pacific black cod for adults and Fulton Valley chicken tenders for kids. Room service is also open 24 hours. The hotel also offers complimentary car service within one mile of the hotel.

Activities: With the Embarcadero Waterfront conveniently located nearby, there are plenty of options for fun. Peruse the Historic Ferry Building Marketplace for fine cuisine, or hit up the Embarcadero Shopping Center. The AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, is only a trolley ride away.

Details: 8 Mission Street, from $301 for a Deluxe King.

What it is: A 552-room luxury hotel in the heart of the San Francisco Financial District.

The rooms: From a Superior room to the Governor's Suite, all rooms have 14-foot ceilings, 37-inch LCD flat-screen TVs, 24-hour room service, and refrigerators.

Amenities: Take a dip in the hotel's immaculate indoor pool, set under an arched glass ceiling and surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs. The hotel's fitness center overlooks the pool. The Equilibrium Spa on the fourth floor offers services from massage to facials. Room service is available day or night, but the hotel offers three restaurants: Kyo-Ya, a Japanese restaurant specializing in sushi and sashimi, Maxfield's, a classic American restaurant serving lunch and dinner, and the Garden Court, which serves breakfast and lunch in a beautiful glass-domed atrium.

Activities: From popular attractions like the Museum of Modern Art, Chinatown, and Golden State Park, the surrounding area has an abundance of attractions. The hotel can help arrange car rentals, limo service, and theater and sports tickets. Fisherman's Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, and North Beach are all within four miles.

Details: 2 New Montgomery St., from $260 for a Superior room with two double beds.

What it is: A luxury hotel that includes a historic building, a 40-story tower, and the Museum of the African Diaspora.

The rooms: Choose from the contemporary one-bedroom Superior guest room to the extravagant 3,200-square-foot Presidential suite. All rooms come standard with plasma-screen televisions, flat-screen LCD TVs in the bathroom, DVD and CD players, and 24-hour room service.

Amenities: St. Regis will pamper you in their Reméde Spa, featuring whirlpools, steam rooms, and Laboratoire Reméde beauty treatments. But the most extravagant indulgence comes from the signature St. Regis butler service, which provides personal packing and unpacking, coffee and tea service, pressing, making spa appointments, and making reservations at either of the hotel restaurants, Ame (which serves American cuisine made from local ingredients) and Vitrine (the 74-seat breakfast and lunch café).

Activities: Take in a game at the SBC Ballpark, stroll the Yerba Buena Gardens, or take advantage of shopping opportunities, all within two miles of the hotel.

Details: 125 Third Street, from $649 for a Superior room with one king-size or two double beds. An extra roll-away or crib can be added for no additional cost.

San Jose

The Sainte Claire

What it is: A historic landmark hotel located in the heart of downtown San Jose.

The rooms: All guestrooms are furnished with imported antiques and equipped with modern conveniences like flat-screen TVs and DVD and CD players.

Amenities: The hotel has high-speed wireless Internet access, and rooms and public spaces are 100 percent smoke-free. The on-site restaurant, Il Fornaio, has a children's menu; however, the restaurant does prepare food made to order for children.

Activities: Nearby are theaters, zoos, gardens, and museums. The Tech Museum of Innovation and the Children's Discovery Museum are both less than a half mile away from the hotel.

Details: 302 South Market Street, San Jose; from $89 a night for a Deluxe double room.

Santa Barbara

What it is: A luxury camping resort consisting of four "villages" of nature lodging and safari tents along the Southern California coast.

The rooms: You can stay in a Canyon Cedar Cabin, which comes in various floor plans, including lofts, suites, kings, doubles, and bunks. The cabins are equipped with standard bathroom facilities, kitchenettes, wireless Internet, telephone services, and several offer fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs. If you'd prefer to "rough it", stay in one of 26 classic Safari Tents, each of which is furnished with either a queen-size or two double beds, and use nearby private bathroom facilities. Both options let you use outdoor picnic tables and benches and grills and firepits.

Amenities: Take a swim in the resort's heated swimming pool. You can bring your own cooking supplies or enjoy meals from the Canyon Market & Deli.

Activities: Hike the canyon or take a ride on complimentary beach cruiser bikes. You'll also find ocean kayaking, horseback riding, surfing lessons, even wine tasting. There are also jeep tours, boat charters, whale watching, and various performance-arts shows.

Details: 11560 Calle Real, from $235 for a Creekside Queen Cabin, or from $125 for a Safari Tent Double.

What it is: A Spanish Colonial-style hotel on Butterfly Beach.

The rooms: The 207 guest accommodations in the Four Seasons include rooms, suites, and 12 private one-story cottages. All rooms include DVD and CD players, Internet access, and a private bar.

Amenities: The hotel's spa offers signature massage and skin-care rituals, or you can schedule in-room massage and spa services. Eat breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner at the casually chic Bella Vista restaurant. Or dine in your room with 24-hour room service, complete with special menus for children and young adults. There is also a fitness center with complimentary fruit and juice. For younger guests, the hotel offers a welcome amenity, complimentary baby and children's toiletries, and child-size bathrobes.

Activities: The Four Seasons Biltmore offers a variety of outdoor activities, from lounging by their outdoor pool to enjoying a round of golf, tennis, or croquet. On nearby Butterfly Beach, take part in body boarding, deep-sea fishing, sailing, scuba diving, or surfing. Your concierge can help arrange dune buggying, gliding, horseback riding, and hot-air ballooning.

Details: 1260 Channel Drive, from $600 for a standard room with one king-size bed.

Westlake Village

What it is: An oasis on the outskirts of Los Angeles featuring the California Health & Longevity Institute.

The rooms: The 270 guestrooms include 27 suites that each feature high ceilings, a chandelier, floor-to-ceiling windows, a flat-screen plasma TV, and a separate bath and shower.

Amenities: Your children will enjoy the Kids for All Seasons activity room, complete with games and movies, while you might enjoy access to the nearby golf course or fitness center.

Activities: You can have your pick of healthy-cooking classes and wellness programs at the Institute. There is also a tennis club on property and a state park and Channel Islands nearby.

Details: Two Dole Drive, Westlake Town from $235 for a moderate room.

Yosemite National Park

What it is: A four-diamond hotel in Yosemite National Park with 123 guest rooms, including 99 hotel rooms, parlors, and suites, and 24 cottages.

The rooms: Hotel rooms in the Ahwahnee are all decorated with a Native American motif and offer incredible views of Yosemite Valley. They include one king-size bed or two double beds. Cottage rooms have private baths, television, small refrigerators, and stone patios. They don't have air conditioning, but shade trees and fans keep the rooms cool in warmer months. Choose from one king-size bed and two double beds. Junior Suites are available in two configurations. The El Dorado Diggins Suite sleeps four and has a sunken living room and the only Jacuzzi in Yosemite. The Mary Curry Tresider Suite has a canopy bed and was once stayed in by Queen Elizabeth II.

Amenities: The hotel offers bell service, a full-time concierge, maid service, room service, afternoon tea service, a year-round outdoor heated pool, and seasonal tennis courts. Enjoy a casual breakfast, brunch, or lunch and a stately dinner (collared shirts, slacks, dresses, skirts, and blouses are required) in the Ahwahnee Dining Room. Valet parking on the premises is complimentary.

Activities: Enjoy an adventure in Yosemite Park, from hiking to backpacking to downhill skiing. Children's programs in the park include the Wee Wild Ones group for children under 6, the Junior Rangers Program for children 3 to 7 years old, and Story Time for children under 12. There is also golfing, rafting, and water sports, and various nature and history programs available.

Details: Yosemite Valley, from $394 for a double. (You must book at least 366 days before your trip.)

What it is: Eighteen standard motel rooms, 100 cabins with private baths, three specialty cabins with baths, 80 cabins with central bath houses, and 427 canvas-tent cabins in the heart of Yosemite.

The rooms: The canvas-tent cabins offer a comfortably rustic experience. There aren't any electric outlets, telephones, televisions, or plumbing, but the trash is emptied and towels are changed daily. A few tent cabins can be heated. The cabins without baths have two double beds, and those with baths can be configured with one or two double beds, or a double bed and one single bed. Maid service is provided only in cabins with baths. The cottages are available with one or two double beds and maid service. Finally, one- and two-bedroom specialty cabins have sitting areas and television, and some have fireplaces.

Amenities: There are several dining options available in Curry Village, from the Ski Buffet in the pavilion to all-you-can-eat breakfast and dinner buffets from Mother Curry's Kitchen, including taco stations, pasta, and desserts, to the Pizza Deck, Curry Bar, Taqueria, and Ice Cream & Coffee Corner. Barbeque grilling is also available at many picnic areas of Yosemite.

Activities: Rent bicycles and rafts rentals. Swim in the pool in the summer and skate on the ice rink in the winter. You can also take part in the Yosemite Mountaineering School and experience guided group and private lessons and trips for rock climbing, hiking, and backpacking. Near Curry Village you can arrange for stable rides, fishing, naturalist programs, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Free shuttle service is available to various locations in Yosemite Valley.

Details: Yosemite Valley, from $64 for an unheated tent (each child $4 extra) to $71 for a heated tent. (You must book one year in advance.)

What it is: A historic hotel in the woods bordering the Yosemite National Park.

The rooms: Fully furnished cabins each feature private baths, a sleeper sofa, a private deck, a ceiling fan, and a small refrigerator.

Amenities: Your family will enjoy the restaurant and general store, and between the guided recreation program and massage therapists there is a great mix of active and relaxing on the property.

Activities: Guests can enjoy making s'mores by the campfire, live music, afternoon kids' adventures, rafting along the Merced River, rock climbing, and horseback riding.

Details: 33160 Evergreen Road, Groveland CA from $140 for a one bedroom cottage that sleeps 2-4 people.