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Best in the West
The Top Family-friendly Destinations on the West Coast
By Elisa Ast All
Looking for family-friendly destinations on the West Coast? Check out the sampling of options below.
Two hours from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, nestled near the Los Padres National Forest and El Capitan State Beach, families find luxury and adventure at El Capitan Canyon.
The 100 cedar cabins and 26 white-canvas safari tents tucked between the California oaks and breathtaking sycamore trees await your arrival. No roughing it here – families enjoy nature surrounded by the comforts of home. Decorated in earth tones, all cabins are equipped with full bathrooms, linens, towels, kitchenettes, private picnic tables and fire pits. The safari tents are built on raised 12-foot by 14-foot wooden decks and have screened windows and doors with zip-down flaps, and include queen beds with down comforters, extra bedding, towels and lighting, and a bathhouse with showers is located nearby.
The surrounding beauty is eye candy for adults, but it's the activities that keep a smile on children's faces. Adventurous kids can challenge the rope course, take botanical hikes, beach comb, star gaze, swim, ride horses (lessons available) and ride bikes. Day trips can be planned for whale watching, ocean kayaking, surfing and mountain bike tours. Take a walk to the Canyon Market and Kitchen for s'mores ingredients or other pantry staples and sunscreen.
After an active day with the kids, parents can enjoy a Canyon massage by a licensed professional. The Canyon Massage Classic combines firm pressure and continuous flowing strokes; the Canyon Barefoot Deeperwork is a slow, deep, potent therapy administered by foot; and the Canyon Stone Massage utilizes smooth, heated and oiled river stones to melt away tension. Not up for a massage? Then a Canyon Fountain of Youth Facial might be just the thing for skin and soul.
866-352-2729
www.elcapitancanyon.com
Lake Quinault Lodge sits on the shores of Lake Quinault in Olympic National Park, located about three hours west of Seattle in the Olympic Peninsula. Three different ecosystems are represented in this area: glacier-capped mountains, rugged Pacific coast and the largest undisturbed rainforest in the Northwest.