LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA POOL, CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA

Credit: La Costa

LA COSTA, in the San Diego area has that old California Mission vibe. I guess technically they call it “Classic Spanish colonial architecture,” but to me it means: tile roofs, bleached white stucco, shady archways and bougainvillea everywhere. It’s calm and relaxing, and definitely an upscale all-ages destination. The main pool area—Splash Landing—was designed with families very much in mind. It’s got a sandy bottom kiddie pool and THREE waterslides (one for the little ones 36″ or taller and two for kids over 48”) along with a larger adult area with cabanas, a bar and café and plenty of lounging space.

What really stood out for us at the La Costa pool was the water playground—spouting fountains and sprayers that spin, for easy aiming at younger siblings. It’s more like something you’d see at a children’s museum than a resort and even those who can’t swim yet or who are pool-shy, will be running around getting wet too!

There is also an adults-only pool with panoramic views of the surrounding area, a private pool at the spa and a quieter but still all-age-appropriate garden pool.