Masks? Check! Bathing suits? Check! It’s finally time to get out of the house and into a summer vacation. While travel plans are a bit trickier this year, these hotels and resorts are reopening and ready to (safely!) welcome back families. Many new sanitization and social-distancing protocols have been implemented, which means your family can have a blast and keep everyone safe. Read on for awesome SoCal spots that are reopen and ready to save your summer vacation. Cannonball!
San Diego Mission Bay Resort
While business was on pause, San Diego's Mission Bay Resort got some serious upgrades. With new guest registration, pool area and food and beverage facilities, Mission Bay Resort is ready to welcome guests back to a whole new look and a grand reopening. Easy-breezy summer days are here again with kids wading pool, chic waterfront pool, beach access, s'mores nights and family-friendly games. And don't forget Fido, Mission Bay Resort is pet-friendly.
Covid-19 Update: Personal Protective Equipment kits with masks, sanitizer and gloves are available upon request. Read here to learn what Mission Bay Resort is doing to keep guests safe.
Online: missionbayresort.com
Paradise Point
You don't need to travel far to soak in a tropical paradise. Paradise Point in San Diego's Mission Bay is open and ready to welcome guests with resort pools, island vibes and tons of family activities. Families can enjoy some fun in the sun along with socially-distanced outdoor games like tennis, volleyball, lawn games, putt-putt golf and yoga. Check out their Feed Me @ Tidal family-style themed dinners Thursday to Sunday on the outdoor, waterfront deck at Barefoot Bar and Grill (also available for pick-up!).
Covid-19 Update: Paradise Point has implemented many new procedures for guest safety. Find their sanitation and health guidelines here.
Online: paradisepoint.com
Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Ready to soak in some family pool time? Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in the greater Palm Springs area is reopen and ready to welcome families to a fun-filled resort-style vacation. Guests can reserve a 4-hour time slot at Splashtopia, which includes two 100-foot waterslides and a 425-foot lazy river, to splash and play without overcrowding. Enjoy mealtime alfresco with a spot on the coveted patio of bluEmber with views of the mountains and golf course or grab takeout at one of several nearby restaurants.
Covid-19 Update: Omni Hotels has implemented an Omni Safe and Clean initiative. Get the details here.
Online: omnihotels.com
Rancho Bernardo Inn
When the whole family is ready for some major relaxation, a stay at Rancho Bernardo Inn in North County San Diego is the perfect summer splurge. Reopened with new safety protocols, families can sink into luxurious guest rooms, three swimming pools, spa, bike trails, tennis courts and warm hospitality. Onsite restaurant options include patio ding at Veranda Restaurant and Cafe Granada with packaged to-go options for poolside or in-room dining.
Covid-19 Update: Rancho Bernardo Inn has earned the California Hotel and Lodging Association Clean + Safe Certification. Learn more about it here.
Online: ranchobernardoinn.com
Pavilion Hotel on Catalina Island
A summer cruise on a mega-ship is out of the question this year, but you can still get out on the water with a trip to Catalina Island. Hop aboard the Catalina Express, which has implemented advance cleaning protocols and expanded departures, and enjoy some sunshine on the high seas during the one-hour journey. Once you've arrived in Avalon, take a short and picturesque walk to the Pavilion Hotel. The Pavilion Hotel is only 14-steps from the beach, perfect for families to spend a day at the beach and return to their hotel room or snacks and inevitable bathroom breaks. Al fresco dining will make mealtime a breeze with many local restaurants offering patio (or on beach!) dining, click here for a full list.
Covid-19 Update: Catalina Island is committed to cleanliness and safety, find their Keep Well commitment here.
Online: visitcatalinaisland.com
Alisal Guest Ranch Resort & Spa
The Alisal is the perfect summer getaway to balance screen time overload. Power down your cell phones and tablets and check into this upscale dude ranch in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. Kids will love saddling up for 50-miles of horse riding trails, archery lessons, swimming pool and a spring-fed lake. They won’t even notice the missing televisions from the chic, western-themed rooms when they’re engaged in Lil’ Riders horseback riding lessons and a daily recreation schedule that includes activities like archery lessons, arts & crafts, tennis and engaging with the Barnyard animals. Giddy up for a screen-free getaway!
Covid-19 Update: To follow social distancing procedures, guests can reserve a spot at the pool and book private outdoor amenities. Patio dining (with gorgeous views!) is available at The River Grill. Learn more about their Covid-19 peace of mind commitment here.
Online: alisal.com
The Lodge at Big Bear Lake
With fresh mountain air and lake views, summertime vibes are waiting to happen in Big Bear. A short drive from SoCal, much of Big Bear has reopened and ready to welcome back guests. Whether you choose an afternoon paddling the lake, hiking mountain trails or shredding Big Bear Mountain Resort's downhill bike park, outdoor fun is all around. Stay in the center of town at the reopened Lodge at Big Bear Lake and enjoy modern conveniences with rustic mountain style. Read here about the hotel's commitment to safety and open amenities.
Covid-19 Update: Click here for tips on traveling responsibly in Big Bear Lake.
Online: thelodgeatbigbearlake.com
––Kerry Cushman
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