Planning the perfect family spring break can often feel like navigating a maze of compromises. Finding a destination that caters to every age group, from toddlers to grandparents, while offering relaxation and excitement can be challenging. For our family, spring break traditionally meant visiting relatives near Phoenix, but in 2015, we yearned for a different kind of adventure – one that included the allure of the ocean. We envisioned a place where comfort met fun, where dining options were plentiful, and a spectacular pool was a must-have, especially coming from Delaware where swimming weather is a distant dream in spring. Crucially, after a long, cold winter, sunshine was non-negotiable. San Diego emerged as the ideal destination, promising attractions for all ages and the chance for quality time with grandparents. However, we sought refuge from the city bustle, desiring a haven with easy access to Southern California’s famed beaches. Coronado, a charming enclave just moments from downtown yet boasting some of the West Coast’s most stunning shores, captured our attention. It wasn’t long before we discovered the Loews Coronado Bay Resort, a destination designed to delight both children and adults alike, making it the quintessential Family Friendly Resort for a memorable vacation.
Cays Lounge Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Alt text: Relaxing Cays Lounge at Loews Coronado Bay Resort with comfortable seating and bay views, perfect for families seeking a welcoming atmosphere in a family-friendly resort.
Location: Perfectly Positioned for San Diego Family Adventures
The Loews Coronado Bay Resort boasts an enviable location, making it an exceptional base for exploring San Diego with family. Its strategic positioning offers the best of both worlds: convenient access to major attractions and a tranquil, resort-like atmosphere. Situated just 20 minutes from San Diego International Airport and a mere 15 minutes from the vibrant downtown area, the resort minimizes travel time, a significant advantage when traveling with children. Furthermore, iconic family destinations such as Legoland and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park are within an hour’s drive, allowing for effortless day trips filled with adventure and discovery.
One memorable example of this convenience was our family outing to a Padres baseball game at Petco Park. Despite a crowd of over 40,000 attendees, we found ourselves back at the hotel within a swift 15 minutes of leaving the stadium parking lot. This seamless transition from city excitement to resort tranquility underscores the Loews Coronado Bay’s prime location for families wanting to experience both San Diego’s attractions and resort relaxation.
Convenient Access to San Diego and Beyond
What truly sets the Loews Coronado Bay Resort apart as a family friendly resort is its ability to provide genuine accessibility to San Diego’s highlights while maintaining a sense of peaceful seclusion. Coronado occupies a peninsula, often referred to as an island, connected to downtown San Diego via the iconic Coronado Bridge. Guests journey through the charming town of Coronado, characterized by its idyllic bungalows and swaying palm trees, before arriving at a narrow strip of land nestled between the San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The resort itself is situated approximately four miles from the heart of Coronado town, granting guests breathtaking views of both the bay and the ocean, as well as direct access to the pristine Silver Strand State Beach. For San Diego locals, the Loews could serve as the perfect weekend escape, offering a feeling of remoteness and relaxation without venturing far from home.
A Secluded Peninsula with Family-Friendly Charm
Indeed, families could easily spend their entire vacation exclusively within Coronado, particularly those with younger children or babies who may not be keen on extensive sightseeing. Coronado itself is a treasure trove of family-friendly amenities and attractions. The town boasts a beautiful beach, perfect for building sandcastles and enjoying the Pacific waves. A scenic bike path meanders through the area, ideal for leisurely family cycling excursions. Golf enthusiasts can indulge in a round at the Coronado Golf Course, while parks, unique shops, and a diverse array of restaurants cater to every taste and preference. This self-contained island paradise makes Coronado, and the Loews resort within it, a truly exceptional choice for a family friendly resort experience.
King Suite Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Alt text: Spacious King Suite at Loews Coronado Bay Resort featuring a separate living area with a pull-out couch and a private balcony overlooking the bay, providing ample room and comfort for family stays at this family-friendly resort.
Accommodations: Designed for Family Comfort and Space
Our family trip, consisting of six individuals, necessitated booking two separate rooms to ensure everyone’s comfort. We opted for rooms within the same hallway, both thoughtfully positioned to face the serene San Diego Bay. Our selections included a Bay View King Room and a Bay View King Suite. The suite proved particularly advantageous for accommodating a larger family, featuring two distinct smaller rooms: a well-appointed bedroom and a comfortable sitting area complete with a convenient pullout couch. The standard king room was generously proportioned, boasting a spacious bathroom and ample closet space. The suite further enhanced storage capacity with two closets, allowing us to maintain order and easily manage everyone’s belongings. My in-laws graciously shared the suite with our two sons, a perfect arrangement that fostered quality family time. The boys and grandparents enjoyed shared moments playing games, watching television, and relaxing on the balcony, while my husband and I appreciated the feeling of having our own private retreat within this family friendly resort.
Room Options Tailored for Families
The room décor at Loews Coronado Bay Resort embraced a simple yet elegant beach-inspired aesthetic. The design thoughtfully emphasized bringing the outdoors in, utilizing expansive sliding-glass doors and generously sized balconies furnished with comfortable seating. I personally relished waking up each morning to savor a cup of coffee (each room is equipped with a Keurig coffee maker) while watching birds gracefully glide across the bay waters, tinted pink by the sunrise. These thoughtful touches elevate the experience of staying at this family friendly resort, making it feel like a true home away from home.
Family-Friendly Amenities and Thoughtful Touches
For families mindful of budget, the resort offers a variety of room options. Rooms facing the charming Loews marina or the verdant lawn areas that separate the resort buildings provide appealing alternatives. Pool-facing rooms are also available; however, families with young children who require daytime naps might want to consider potential noise levels. For families seeking even more space and privacy, the Bayside Suites present an exceptional option. These suites are located in self-contained cottages, separate from the main resort buildings and directly situated over the bay, offering an exclusive and tranquil retreat within the family friendly resort.
While my children are older now, I vividly recall the days when they were younger and the immense value of family-friendly amenities. Loews Coronado Bay Resort excels in this area, offering cribs, childproofing kits, potty seats, and other conveniences designed to make traveling with little ones seamless and stress-free. Observing the number of families with young children and babies enjoying the pool area, including one infant just weeks old, solidified my impression that this resort is exceptionally comfortable and welcoming for families with even the youngest members.
It is worth noting that the room rate does not include a resort fee of $26 per room, per night, and parking is also an additional charge (self-parking at $29; valet parking at $33). Understanding these additional costs is helpful when planning your stay at this otherwise exceptionally family friendly resort.
Loews Coronado Bay Resort pool
Alt text: Inviting pool area at Loews Coronado Bay Resort with separate kids’ pool and ample lounge chairs, demonstrating the resort’s commitment to providing fun and relaxation for families at this family-friendly resort.
Activities: Endless Entertainment for Every Age
The pool area at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort unequivocally captivated my children. In fact, extracting them from this aquatic haven proved to be a consistent challenge, leading to several adjustments in our itinerary to accommodate their desire for extended pool time. The resort boasts a large pool specifically designed for children, alongside two smaller pools—one designated for adults seeking tranquility and another equipped with a net for spirited games of pool volleyball. Beyond swimming, the pool deck offers an array of recreational options, including table tennis, ladder ball, and a giant chess set. Basketball hoops are conveniently located on the tennis courts adjacent to the pool area, further expanding the opportunities for active fun. The staff members are consistently cheerful and attentive, readily providing balls, pool noodles, towels, snacks, and refreshing beverages, including bar service for adults. I particularly enjoyed the Cucumber Margarita, a unique and refreshing concoction. Regular games and tournaments are a highlight of the pool experience, with my younger son proudly winning a free smoothie at a lively limbo contest. These thoughtfully curated activities enhance the family friendly resort atmosphere, ensuring entertainment for all ages.
Beach Adventures and Beyond
While the allure of the pool was undeniable during our visit, the Loews Coronado Bay Resort also offers convenient access to a beautiful beach located directly across the street. The resort thoughtfully provides a complimentary ferry service to transport guests to the beach, along with chairs and boogie boards for seaside enjoyment. However, given the cooler ocean temperatures during our early April stay and the abundance of playmates at the pool, my children managed to experience a California beach vacation without even setting foot on the sand! My husband and I, however, seized the opportunity to enjoy morning runs along the oceanfront, unwilling to miss the chance to be near the Pacific waves.
Although the boys were content with pool-based activities and socializing with other children, my husband and I were eager to explore Coronado by bicycle. We rented beach bikes at Action Sports, conveniently located at the resort’s marina. The rental shop offers a variety of bikes suitable for families, including kids’ bikes, tag-along tandems, and bikes equipped with child seats. Helmets and locks are also readily available. While the bikes we rented were functional for our exploration of Coronado town and the scenic bike path, I found their quality and condition somewhat lacking, particularly considering the $60 daily rental fee. They appeared a bit worn, with some rust and creaking. Unfortunately, I experienced a flat tire during our ride, and it took over half an hour for resort staff to deliver a replacement bike. To compensate for the inconvenience, we received a discount on our rental. Despite this minor setback, the opportunity to cycle around Coronado added another dimension to our family friendly resort experience.
Loews Coronado Bay Resort chess
Alt text: Family enjoying a game of giant chess on the outdoor deck at Loews Coronado Bay Resort, illustrating the variety of family-friendly activities available at this resort.
Resort Activities for Every Interest
The Loews Coronado Bay Resort offers such a diverse array of activities that we barely scratched the surface during our stay. On a return visit, I would be eager to rent kayaks and explore the tranquil waters of the bay. For those seeking aquatic adventures, surfing lessons in the ocean and sailing classes on the bay are readily available. Guests can also rent a wide range of watercraft, from jet skis to stand-up paddleboards. Beyond water-based activities, I am also interested in exploring the yoga classes offered at the spa and perhaps improving my tennis skills with the assistance of the on-site tennis pro. The sheer breadth of activities available ensures there’s something to appeal to every member of the family at this family friendly resort.
For families traveling during summer or vacation periods, the Loews Coronado Bay Resort offers engaging Kids’ Club programs for children aged 4 to 12. Parents can opt for half-day or full-day programs at a reasonable rate, with lunch included in the full-day option. During the summer of 2015, the resort planned a partnership with a local conservation organization to introduce touch tanks, providing children with interactive learning experiences about marine life. These thoughtfully designed programs further enhance the resort’s appeal as a premier family friendly resort.
Loews Coronado Market Breakfast Buffet
Alt text: Extensive breakfast buffet at Loews Coronado Market Cafe featuring a wide selection of hot and cold dishes, fresh fruits, and pastries, providing delicious and convenient dining options for families at this family-friendly resort.
Dining: Culinary Delights for the Whole Family
Dining at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort presents a variety of options to satisfy every palate within the family. The resort features two full-service restaurants. The more casual of the two, The Market Cafe, became our go-to spot for several breakfasts and one dinner. I particularly appreciated the breakfast offerings; the generous buffet was especially appealing, offering excellent value for children aged 12 and under at $12.50. The à la carte menu items were equally delicious. I highly recommend the breakfast enchiladas and the wild mushroom frittata, both of which were so substantial that I couldn’t quite finish them. The Market Cafe provides a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for families seeking convenient and tasty meals within this family friendly resort.
Adjacent to The Market Cafe, Market to Go offers a selection of convenient grab-and-go options, including sandwiches and freshly baked goods. The juice bar, serving exceptionally delicious smoothies, was a particular hit with my children. I was delighted that they enthusiastically requested spinach smoothies every day of our stay – a welcome healthy counterbalance to the inevitable French fries that often accompany family vacations. Market to Go provides a quick and healthy alternative for snacks and light meals within the family friendly resort.
While we did not dine at the more upscale Mistral restaurant, my husband and I had the pleasure of attending a bay cruise hosted by the resort, where we enjoyed a meal prepared by Executive Chef Nicolas Bour. The cuisine, reflective of Mistral’s offerings, emphasized fresh, high-quality ingredients and innovative flavor combinations. We savored quail breast with huckleberry mostarda, while Mistral’s menu features dishes like sea bass with tomato confit and chive crème fraîche. The elegant dining room at Mistral, overlooking the bay, would provide the perfect setting for a romantic date night. The resort can readily provide a list of local babysitting services for parents seeking an evening out, enhancing its appeal as a family friendly resort that also caters to adult needs.
Exploring Coronado’s Culinary Scene
Beyond the resort’s dining options, Coronado offers a diverse culinary landscape to explore. We particularly enjoyed the Mexican cuisine at Miguel’s Cocina, especially the tacos, so much so that we dined there twice. Another family-friendly recommendation is Fabrisons, known for its delicious crepes. Metered street parking is readily available throughout Coronado; however, for those who prefer not to drive, the resort offers hourly shuttle services into town. It’s advisable to book valet parking early in the day, as it can fill up quickly, particularly during dinnertime. Exploring Coronado’s dining scene adds another layer of enjoyment to a stay at this family friendly resort.
Silver Strand State Beach Coronado
Alt text: Expansive Silver Strand State Beach in Coronado with gentle waves and golden sand, easily accessible from Loews Coronado Bay Resort, offering a beautiful beach experience for families visiting this family-friendly resort.
San Diego itself presents a wealth of family activities beyond the resort and Coronado Island. In addition to Petco Park, we explored the USS Midway Museum, Legoland, and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We intentionally left Balboa Park, with its numerous museums and the renowned San Diego Zoo, the New Children’s Museum, the tide pools at Cabrillo National Monument, and SeaWorld – not to mention the pristine beaches of Coronado – for future trips. San Diego’s diverse attractions make it an ideal destination for repeated family friendly resort vacations.
And we undoubtedly plan to return. Everything about the Loews Coronado Bay Resort, from the consistently perfect Southern California weather and the craft beers served by fire pits in Cays Lounge to the friendly table tennis games and the overall relaxing atmosphere, beckons us back for future family visits. It truly embodies the essence of a perfect family friendly resort experience.
Relevant Links:
Best family hotels and things to do in San Diego with kids on Ciao Bambino
Manta roller coaster and animal learning at SeaWorld San Diego
