Laguna Beach with Kids: Our Family Getaway at Costa Art Hotel

Arriving in Laguna Beach

The drive down Pacific Coast Highway set the tone. The kids pressed their faces to the window, shouting every time they saw a surfer or a bright mural. By the time we pulled into the hotel’s driveway, the ocean was only steps away, and I could feel the stress of the week starting to melt. Check-in was quick, which every parent knows is a blessing when you’ve got restless little ones. The staff greeted us kindly, and by the time we got to our room, a crib we’d requested was already waiting, set up and ready for our youngest. That tiny detail took such a load off my mind.

The kids immediately claimed the beds, turning on cartoons and scattering toys. I took a moment to look around: bright, clean, and big enough for all of us without feeling cramped. The fridge and microwave were instant lifesavers for snacks and milk. It was clear right away that this wasn’t going to be one of those trips where parents feel like they need a vacation afterward.

Friday Evening: Pool Time and Easy Eats

Our first stop was the pool. After sitting in the car, the kids had energy to burn, and the heated outdoor pool was perfect. The courtyard was dotted with colorful art pieces, and the vibe was relaxed but playful. The kids jumped in and out for what felt like hours while I actually sat down with a book, something that doesn’t happen often at home.

When hunger hit, we kept dinner simple and headed to Finney’s Crafthouse. It was exactly what we needed: a bustling atmosphere where the kids’ chatter blended right in, a menu big enough to satisfy everyone, and portions hearty enough to guarantee no one left cranky. The kids polished off their burgers, and I even managed to share a beer flight with my husband. We strolled back to the hotel, full and happy, ready to rest up for the next day.

Saturday Morning: Crescent Bay Beach

Here’s the part that made the whole trip: Crescent Bay Beach. The hotel is literally a two-minute walk away, which meant no packing the car, no hunting for parking, no dragging tired kids across hot pavement with arms full of gear. We just walked down the street, and suddenly we were there, staring at a stretch of sand framed by cliffs and dotted with tide pools.

We set up under an umbrella and let the kids run wild. They built sandcastles with the toys the hotel had provided, ran in and out of the water along the shore, and my husband tried his hand at the boogie board.

Meanwhile, I actually sat back and relaxed. Crescent Bay feels calmer and more private than Main Beach, which made it easier to keep an eye on the kids. With a lifeguard on duty, bathrooms and showers nearby, and a short walk back if anyone needed a nap, it felt like the rare beach day where nothing was stressful.

Lunch Break and a Lazy Afternoon

By midday, we were all salty, sandy, and starving. We headed back to the hotel to rinse off and then went to Bluefin Sushi. It’s surprisingly kid-friendly for adventurous eaters. The food is fresh and absolutely delicious. The kids loved the mochi ice cream dessert while my husband and I dug into the bluefin tacos that tasted like summer in Southern California. After lunch, the little one went down for a nap in the crib, while my other begged for more pool time. I stretched out in the sun while he splashed, it was a win-win.

Exploring Downtown Laguna

Later in the afternoon, we decided to explore downtown. Instead of piling into the car, we hopped on the free Laguna Beach trolley, which stops near the hotel. The kids thought riding the trolley was an adventure in itself, and I appreciated not having to deal with parking in busy Laguna. We wandered through art galleries, popped into souvenir shops, and treated ourselves to ice cream cones. Laguna has a lively, artsy energy that somehow still feels family friendly, it is very walkable and keeps kids easily entertained.

Saturday Evening: Sunset and Dinner

We made it back to Crescent Bay just in time for sunset, and it was magical. The sky turned gold and pink, reflecting off the water while the kids ran along the shoreline chasing waves. We sat back, toes in the sand, and watched as the light faded behind the cliffs. It was the kind of moment you hope your kids remember when they’re grown.

For dinner, we decided to try A Crystal Cove. It’s a little more upscale, but they were welcoming with the kids, and the food was incredible. We shared a plate of the rigatoni, while the kids happily snacked on the meat and cheese board and mac n cheese. It felt like a celebratory meal to close out a wonderful day.

Sunday Morning: A Sweet Send-Off

On our last morning, we grabbed breakfast at Heidelberg Café. Pancakes for the kids, strong coffee for us, and a last chance to sit outside and enjoy the coastal air. We rode the trolley downtown once more to pick up souvenirs, seashell necklaces for the kids, a coffee mug for me, and then made our way back to the hotel to pack up.

Checking out was quick, and as we loaded the car, the kids begged to come back soon. Honestly, I felt the same way. For once, a family trip hadn’t felt like work. It was fun, easy, and full of little moments I’ll carry with me.

Final Thoughts: Why Costa Art Hotel Works for Families

Looking back, what made this trip so enjoyable wasn’t just the beach or the food (though those were amazing). It was the little conveniences that added up to a stress-free experience: a crib ready when we arrived, beach gear so we didn’t have to haul ours, and a location close enough to everything that we never felt rushed or stretched thin. It was travel at kid-speed, and it worked.

If you’re looking for a kid friendly hotel in Laguna Beach, Costa Art Hotel is a gem. It puts you close to Crescent Bay Beach, has a pool that’s perfect for families, and is surrounded by Laguna Beach kid friendly restaurants that take the guesswork out of mealtime. More than anything, it gave us the gift of time together without the usual chaos that comes with traveling as a family.