Beach Resorts - Pitstops for Kids

Where to stay on Kauai South Shore: Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club

January 24, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Every time I visit a Marriott Vacation Club, I’m equally impressed. The Waiohai Beach Club is the fourth property I’ve seen, and won’t be my last. Why? While every Marriott Vacation Club is different, in order to fit into its setting geographically and culturally, core amenities and values remain consistent across the brand: roomy, family-friendly suites with kitchens and washer/dryers, above average customer service, and a focused effort on kid-friendly activities.

If you’re not familiar with Marriott Vacation Club, go here to read more. In a nutshell, this ‘arm’ of Marriott offers a timeshare-modeled ownership plan, but also welcomes nightly guests at a fantastic value. I recommend MVCs often, because for a reasonable rate, families get tons of room and the ability to make their own meals. While service is good, the properties never feel ‘snooty’.

Features specific to Waiohai Beach Club:

This property has the prettiest grounds I’ve seen at a Marriott Vacation Club. Located right on the ocean on the south side of Kauai, the eight buildings, or ‘hales’ nestle in a semi-circle, with the resort’s three pools and three hot tubs tucked amid beautiful landscaping between them.

The beach is the best I’ve seen for Hawaiian resorts, though families can find even better by venturing around the island by car. However, when you pick a resort over a vacation home or town living, it’s crucial the beach on-site delivers, as you’ll be spending the most time there. The beach at Waiohai Beach Club certainly does: the resort is adjacent to Poipu Beach, with several small natural coves perfect for different activities. There a very calm, reef-sheltered ‘keiki’ beach if you walk a few steps from the resort to the left, a nice snorkeling spot closer to the resort, then, directly out front, a sandy beach with waves perfect for boogie boarding. Further off-shore, expert surfers can be spotted (in season).

Since it’s only a few steps from your villa to the beach, it’s easy to spend the day hopping from beach to pools to villa, returning for meals if you desire. If you want to drive elsewhere, several other Poipu beaches are within a few miles, or the wonders of the North Shore await if you’re willing to put in an hour plus drive (do…it’s worth it).

Additional activities:

Marriott Vacation Club activities are always listed on a schedule you’re handed when you check-in, and are as extensive as on some cruise ships. In other words, if you want to be active, you can be. There are children’s activities daily, most of which are free.

New to Marriott Vacation Club is Club Thrive, which opened during my visit to Waiohai. This fitness program is much more than simply exercise. Four key elements of a healthy lifestyle and vacation are hit upon in every Thrive class: move, refuel, explore, and revive. The Thrive instructors are warm, energetic, and welcoming, and tell me their goals are to help guests try classes or exercises they may not have tried yet at home, and feel relaxed and rejuvenated during their trip. Thrive classes are offered daily Monday through Friday, and range from stretching/yoga classes to Zumba to nature walks. Some are ideal for the whole family, while others require the industry standard of 13 and up. During my visit, I tried a Thrive AquaFit class, Thrive walk, and Thrive stretching/rejuvenation class, and enjoyed them all. Thrive instructor Troy is so engaging and enthusiastic, MVC should make him the poster boy of the program!

On site are boogie board, snorkel, and SUP rentals, plus surf rentals and lessons. If your kids (or you) have not surfed before, I highly recommend a lesson to start them off. Lessons are $75 per person, and after that, board rentals are much less expensive. During our Hawaiian vacation, we had lessons, then rented boards for the kids for an extra day, so they could continue working on their own.

The snorkeling is excellent from the beach, so definitely plan on renting snorkels (at the time of my visit, it was $25/week for gear). There are also gear rental shops in Koloa, located only two minutes by car from the resort.

The concierge on site can recommend various other excursions across the island. Definitely stop by to check out the offerings…there is so much to do on Kauai! We saw whales (in March) directly from the resort, but spotted even more, and up closer, on a catamaran cruise with Holo Holo Charters, located not far from the south shore in Port Allen.

What to expect from your villa:

We stayed in a two-bedroom villa (remember, all rooms are villas at Marriott Vacation Club), which slept eight. Honestly, eight would have been pretty crowded, but six would have been no problem. There’s a full kitchen, already stocked with all the silverware, plates, cooking utensils, and pots and pans you’ll need. Do a grocery store run after arrival, and you’ll be all set!

The living space is connected to the kitchen in the center of the villa, and includes extra space in the form of the large balcony, with seating. There’s a full dining room table in addition, which seats eight. The living room space also has a large couch (which pulls out to a bed) and flat screen TV and DVD player.

The two bedrooms of the villa come off of the main room, and are spacious and light. We loved the natural tones used throughout, which fit the Hawaiian vibe throughout the resort. Each bedroom has a full bath attached, with tub and shower. In one bedroom, an additional couch pulls out to be a bed as well. Each villa also has a full washer and dryer…worth their weight in gold when traveling with kids!

Those extras that add up:

You know what I mean…in many luxury hotels, the room rate is just the beginning. Once you pay for wifi, parking, and dining, you’ve spent far more. At MVC, wifi is always free, and parking is either free or has a minimal cost. At Waiohai, it was $10/day. Coffee is resupplied in the villa daily.

Dining:

Most, if not all, MVCs focus on causal dining and in-villa eating, so they don’t have a formal dinner restaurant on-site. At Waiohai, the Honu Bar and Grill, located beachside, offers very nice fare in an outdoor setting. Pick up lunch here, or drinks and smoothies. It’s open for dinner as well until 7:30 pm at the time of our visit. The same causal grill fare is offered during dinner, with the additional of a nightly dinner special. When we visited on a Monday, the dinner special was grilled mahi mahi with a garlic butter and the traditional rice and macaroni salad of the Hawaiian plate lunch. It was delicious.

In addition to Honu, Waiohai has a marketplace, as do all MVCs I’ve visited, which offers grab-and-go sandwiches, wraps, and bento or rice bowls. They also had convenience food items like chicken tenders and hot dogs. Our kids didn’t like the chicken tenders, so I’d stick with the freshly prepared items. Also in the marketplace are grocery items, wine and beer, and snacks. This market will not replace a full grocery run elsewhere, but is perfect if you need some snacks, milk for your cereal, or more coffee. They also offer some basic breakfast plates, Starbucks coffee, and muffins and pastries in the mornings.

So would we stay here again? Absolutely. There are basically two lodging options when visiting Kauai: families can rent a vacation home, or stay in a resort. There are pros and cons to each, of course, but if you’ve chosen the latter, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better value in a beach-side resort than MVC. You’ll get more for your money here, and have the cost-saving conveniences of a rental home (the kitchen and laundry) combined with the fun and pampering of a resort.

Directions:

The Waiohai Beach Club is located at 2249 Poipu Road, Koloa. From the Lihue airport, it’s an easy 20 minute drive, following signage to Poipu.

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As we disclose whenever applicable, we stayed at Waiohai as guests of MVC, for the purpose of review.

Azul Beach Hotel: A Riviera Maya boutique all inclusive resort

January 22, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

All-inclusive Mexican hotels are convenient for families, but their sheer size can sometimes mean a lack of a personal touch. Enter the boutique all inclusive resort experience. We’ve long been fans of boutique hotels for families, but definitely need simplicity of all-inclusive pricing, so we jumped at the chance to try Azul Beach Hotel along Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Azul Beach Hotel boasts fewer than 150 rooms (as opposed to many all-inclusives 1000+), Gourmet Inclusive cuisine, and impeccable service.

The property and grounds aren’t too shabby either.

From the moment we arrived, hot and tired after a red eye from San Francisco, we could tell Azul Beach was different than your average all-inclusive. We were greeted with tropical drinks and shaded swinging outdoor beds to lounge on as we picked pillows from the extensive pillow menu and scents for our room. Yes, scents for our room! Check in was graciously efficient and within minutes, we were dining in Azul’s open-air lunch restaurant, Blue. No ‘cattle call’ buffets, here: breakfast is the only meal with a buffet option.

Azul family suites:

We stayed in one of Azul’s new family suites, which worked perfectly for our family of two adults and three older kids (8, 12, and 14). Usually, our family of five barely fits in a room, but with the suite’s pull-out trundle bed configuration and king bed, everyone had adequate space. Privacy was hard to come by with the open floor plan, but the wide, shuttered windows from bathroom to bedroom to living space could be shut if needed. We had a small dining table and a large balcony with additional (and cozy) papasan chair seating, plus a complimentary stocked mini-bar and coffee service. We had a full closet and plenty of room to spread out. The bathroom featured a jacuzzi tub and full shower, plus duel sinks. Our second-floor room overlooked the hotel’s swim-up family suites with a pool view.

Azul grounds and amenities:

Azul’s grounds are lush and peaceful; we loved that buildings are capped at three stories, adding to a village-like feel instead of a hotel tower feel. The whole resort is very walkable; within 3-4 minutes families can walk between the beach and pools, rooms and restaurants. The swimming beach is just steps from the main pools, and recreation areas (and events) are scattered throughout the property…no matter where you are, something is going on.

Our kids enjoyed the beach, but spent more time in Azul’s fun network of pools. There are three beach-side pools adjacent to the beach restaurants (one with a swim-up bar), plus an entire system of pools surrounding the resort’s many swim-up suites. In the center of this system is another large pool with swim-up bar next to the sports bar and ping-pong tables (the kids’ club is near here, too).

While the kids swam in the pools, my husband and I spent the majority of our time beachside, enjoying Azul’s beach beds and beautiful ocean views. Tip: to reserve one of the hotel’s approximately 20 beach beds, join the line at the beach butler stand by 2:30 pm the day before. Beach beds are reserved at 3 pm on a first-in-line, first-served basis. The beds line the beach, and come with plenty of towels, sunscreen, drinks, and sand toys. (All the above can be requested individually from the beach butler stand as well.) If you don’t get a beach bed, there are plenty of chaise lounge chairs to use, plus kayaks to use free of charge. Beach volleyball and soccer games are organized throughout the day, and a Hobie Cat catamaran can be reserved (complete with operator).

The only think lacking at the beach butler stand are complimentary snorkeling gear rentals, but there’s a reason for this: while you’ll see a fish or two from the beach, the best snorkeling is a matter of yards out, along the Mayan Reef. Skiffs depart Azul most afternoons for the reef; families can reserve seats for $40/person, which includes all gear.

Azulitos kids’ club and recreation:

The kids’ club is located indoors near the interior pool, but activities take place throughout the resort. We appreciated that kids were not confined to the indoors. Kids can come and go at will (either checked in and out by parents or granted their own in and out privileges) and the day’s activities, locations, and times are posted on a board by the main pool. In the center, kids find fun gym equipment (including mats and a balance board), video games, a Lego station, and Fisher Price toys galore (Fisher Price is a partner with Azul…families with young kids will also see the toys and baby/toddler equipment at meals and in their rooms if requested).

The kids’ club is for ages up to 12 (though our 12-year-old wasn’t interested), and though there isn’t a specific program for teens, Azul keeps a recreation staff busy with fun activities that appeal to this age group. During our stay, the recreation leaders engaged the teens on site with sports, ping pong games, card games in the open-air bar areas, and beach soccer. There’s a very relaxed atmosphere; while kids can certainly stay busy with activities should they want to, it’s just as easy to relax. We never got the ‘scheduled cruise ship’ feel.

Dining:

Food at Azul is truly fantastic. When I read that the dining was what they call ‘gourmet inclusive’, I was skeptical…after all, it’s still an all-inclusive resort, right? But I was proven wrong from the start. The five dinner restaurants on site are intimate, with exceptional service and high-quality cuisine. During our stay, four of five restaurants were open every evening (no reservations needed), with multiple lunch options as well. In addition, room service is available 24/7. When we had a very early morning excursion to depart for, we were able to order a full breakfast at 5 am to our room.

A video overview:

The cuisine at Azul restaurants range from Italian food to Latin and Asian to traditional Mexican and American. Our family’s favorite: the sushi offerings at Tainan. A close second: the pasta at Roma. Every morning, we ate from the large buffet offerings at Blue (though a menu is available as well) and for lunches we dined at beachside Chil and from the pool bar offerings.

Date last visited:

August 2013

Location:

Azul Beach Hotel is located in Puerto Morelos, only 20 minutes from the Cancun airport. This small fishing village is a world removed from the bustle of the Cancun hotel zone, yet it’s fairly easy to return to the city for any excursions (we returned for a day of swimming with whale sharks with Solo Buceo). Cab fare to and from Cancun is approximately $50 US (just be sure to agree on this amount before getting in the cab) or a very reliable shuttle service from the airport can get you there with luggage and up to six people for $75. (We used Lomas.) In Puerto Morelos, families are also only approximately 60 km from Playa del Carmen activities, such as cenote excursions and eco parks.

Tip: If you plan to explore the Riviera Maya region from Tulum to Cancun frequently, renting a car may be the best option.

Rates:

At the time of our visit, our all-inclusive rate was $300/adults and $100 for kids 12 and under per night. This rate came to approximately $300 more per night than at a standard large all-inclusive hotel, and was well worth it for our vacation.

As I disclose whenever applicable, my family and I experienced Azul Beach Hotel as guests of the resort and on a media rate, for the purpose of review. This hospitality came with no expectation of a positive review.

Timeshare Rentals De-Mystified: What you need to know about Marriott Vacation Club

December 25, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

I remember my first encounter with vacation timeshare rentals like it was yesterday: I was thirteen, and bored stiff sitting in a stuffy hotel ballroom on a beautiful Hawaiian beach day. I was waiting for my parents to exit a time share sales pitch so we could embark on the promised snorkeling excursion at its conclusion. We never bought that time share, but certainly enjoyed snorkeling at Molokai.

This image of time shares, with limited, inflexible week-long vacation condo rentals is a thing of the past…provided you’re looking in the right place. To better understand how vacation time share experiences work in today’s travel industry, I visited a Florida Marriott Vacation Club property for the weekend and sat down with vacation club sales members, PR, and real vacation owners in order to give you the skinny on how renting a timeshare can now work. Marriott’s Oceana Palms on Singer Island, Florida provided a good backdrop for our discussion. (I know, I have a terrible job.) If you’re looking for a Florida timeshare, Orlando is another good option.

How Marriott Vacation Club works:

Say goodbye to the concept of ‘buying’ a week of time at a single resort. Marriott Vacation Club destinations abound. So instead, you can find the timeshare that works for you and your vacation style. Marriott Vacation Club members buy points, not hotel rooms or condos, which can be used as currency at literally hundreds of properties. The system is comprised of three main collections:

Marriott Vacation Club (over 50 Marriot Vacation Club resorts)
Marriott Hotels (access to over 3,700 hotels using Marriott Rewards points)
Explorer Collection (which connects to adventure, cruise, and speciality vacations)
World Traveler Collection (use Interval International to use points for international hotels)

Members can use their points in more combinations than I’d realized: maybe they want to take one traditional vacation at a single Marriott Vacation Club property per year (there are over 100, by the way). Or maybe they want to take a few overnight stays at a traditional Marriott hotel for a sports tournament, and then use their remaining points on a shorter beach getaway. Maybe, they’d rather ‘bank’ their points for several years, going all out for a family reunion. Honestly, the possibilities are limited only by the number and locations of Marriott destinations (which, as we all know, are numerous).

When families buy into the club, they choose how many points they’d like to buy. Points are essentially vacation currency. To give parents a general idea of the investment, one Marriott Vacation Club point is roughly equivalent to $10. Families can start by buying a smaller number of points, then buy more should they find they need them, or vice versa: it is possible to sell points. When ready to book a vacation, owners can use the Marriott Vacation Club call center (based in Salt Lake City for US owners) or opt to use the integrated website.

What it costs:

I like that unlike in the past, Marriott Vacation Club is very transparent about price. Here are a few examples of what the lowest point buy-ins can get you. As noted above, one point is roughly $10, so 1,500 points would be $15,000. Most owners finance, paying monthly. Remember, every owner also pays an annual maintenance fee and club dues.

1,500 points = 3 nights in Las Vegas in a 2-bedroom villa or 7 nights in Vail in a 1-bedroom villa
2,500 points = 7 nights at Palm Beach in a studio villa or 10 nights in Miami in a 2-bedroom villa
3,500 points = 7 nights on Oahu in a 1-bedroom villa or 7 nights in Orlando in a 3-bedroom villa

All these examples (and more) are available on the marriottvacationclub.com website.

What Marriott Vacation Club actually looks like:

I had the pleasure of sitting down with two Marriott Vacation Club owners, both local to the Palm Beach, Florida area. Both owners I spoke with were mothers who love traveling with their kids, make most of the travel decisions for their families, and enjoy planning trips. One owner had owned with Marriott Vacation Club for 10 years, and the other had owned for five years.

Both women testified to the ease of using the Marriott Vacation Club booking system. One loved using the call center agents, while the other preferred to figure out her reservations online. Either way, both women agreed that planning trips in advance is crucial to getting the most out of the program. This fact doesn’t have to be a negative; after all, haven’t we been preaching the importance of trip planning at Pit Stops for Kids for years? Vacation planning can be nearly as fun as the trip itself! One of the owners put it this way: Our vacation starts when we start planning it.

And remember all those combinations of trips owners can book, ranging from club stays to cruises? The two owners I talked to actually have used their points for a wide variety of vacations. One had traveled internationally with hers more than once, and the other likes to convert points to Marriott Rewards to book hotel stays before air travel days.

I asked about ease of use: both owners used the call center staff and the forums on the owner website to figure out which properties to book for which days to stretch their points the furthest, and to ask for reviews of each property and get advice about which would be best based on their family’s needs. The owner with young kids frequently asks call center staff for resort information: which property is best for kids who want a beach without waves? Which has the best kids’ program? These women have taken their families on trips ranging from city hotel stays to week-long ski vacations to beach getaways to college-touring overnights. Flexibility is crucial to the new face of time sharing.

Common questions:

I went straight to the source, and talked to the folks at Marriott and the American Resort Development Association (ARDA).

Q: How much does it cost to buy into Marriott Vacation Club?

A: At the time of this posting, Marriott says points start at 1,500, which equates to $15,000. Financing is available. My first impression: $35,000 (which would buy 3, 500 points) is a lot of money. Our cars don’t cost that much, in our family. But we take multiple vacations per year, as family travel is one of our most cherished activities. Points renew every single year, and yet families pay for these points only once. Conclusion: it’s worth crunching the numbers for your family before dismissing the time share option based solely on price.

Q: Can I sell my points? Can I sell my entire membership?

A: Yes. It’s as simple as that. But we’ve all heard horror stories from former time share owners who didn’t get ‘back their investment’ when they sold. I posed this question to ARDA president and CEO Howard Nusbaum. His answer: vacations are not a financial investment. They’re a lifestyle investment. Just as you’d never expect to get a return on the sale price of a car, you won’t ‘make’ money off your time share. Unlike time shares of 20 years ago, families today aren’t exactly buying real estate. They’re buying time. Much like the ZipCar or bike share model of business, Marriott Vacation Club is all about trading, using, and sharing.

Q: Won’t I have a hard time getting the rooms or availability I want, much like when I try to use airline miles?

A: Not if you plan ahead. The Marriott Vacation Club sales team pointed out that while last minute deals can be found (just as they can be found using any hotel reservation site), the primary reason families cannot get into the properties they want to book is due to poor planning. They suggest families plan their major vacations up to one year in advance. If this recommendation warms your heart, you’re a planner like me, and this won’t be a problem. If it worries you, a Marriott Vacation Club ownership might not be for you.

Q: Are Marriott Vacation Club properties all condos?

A: No. They are resorts, with villas ranging from studios to three-bedroom units. I was pleasantly surprised by Marriott Oceana Palms, which to all extents and purposes is a full-scale beachfront resort. Families certainly don’t have to be vacation club owners to stay there, so there’s much more of a resort feel than a condo feel.

Q: Won’t I be limited if I like to plan my own travel?

A: This is a worry I have, too. Those who love to plan travel don’t want to feel restricted. I felt better when one owner explained how she used her Marriott Vacation Club points as only one tool in her vacation planning. She still went where she wanted to go and booked what she liked best. She cross-referenced her destination picks with the thousands of Marriott and partner properties available to her, but didn’t limit herself to them. Only you can decide whether this approach would work for you.

Other time share programs worth a look:

Disney Vacation Club: a Disney timeshare is a great investment.
Hilton Grand Vacations
Westgate Timeshare Vacation Packages: experience a relaxing accommodation near the most popular theme parks.

Where to stay on Orcas Island: a review of Doe Bay Resort and Retreat

October 4, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Popular Orcas Island, WA can get busy during the summer season, and lodging on this less developed San Juan Islands vacation destination can fill up fast. Families will find they don’t have too many options: only a few established hotel resorts, lots of B&Bs (not all of them kid-friendly), and two campground choices exist. Camping at Moran State Park and Doe Bay Resort fill up as fast as the rest!

Doe Bay Resort is located right on Doe Bay, and resort grounds directly overlook the bluff. The whole property has a friendly, communal feel, from the general store selling organic local produce, vegan snacks, and sundries to the small restaurant to the group fire pit surrounded by an eclectic mix of cabins, yurts, and camp sites. In fact, the resort is known locally for their music scene: supposedly, they played host to a number of successful alternative bands in recent years. Most of the cabins and yurts are listed as two-person accommodations, so we chose a drive-in camp site (walk-in sites are also available, and if you don’t have too much stuff to cart, would be worth it: sites sit right on the bluff). If you have young kids, I’d opt for something on lower ground.

On resort grounds, families will find a nice grassy area, a restaurant serving breakfast and lunch, and friendly lounge with plenty of games, books, and free wifi, a nice playground, views of the bay (we saw a harbor seal enjoying a morning swim) and most interestingly, natural springs soaking tubs and sauna. Note: the latter is clothing-optional, and they mean it. Children are only permitted in the tubs during certain hours (at the time of our visit, it was 11 am to 5 pm) and they should be prepared to see nudity. In fact, every adult enjoying the tubs were in the nude (apart from me, should you be wondering). I felt it was a good travel experience for my kids, but should you feel differently, you’re now aware. There is a beautiful view from the tubs (with deck area) and a lovely waterfall adjacent, next to which our boys loved climbing and playing.

A word on Doe Bay campsites: Families should be aware that some sites are very small. We were given ‘Antelope’, which was large enough only for a 2-3 person tent, and situated dangerously close to a sharp decline overlooking the common grass area and fire pit. Had we not arrived at the resort after midnight (due to ferry schedules), we would have avoided a very uncomfortable night. Instead, we requested a change in the morning, and were given a far more adequate location for our size party. In general, sites on the right-hand side of the camping loop are larger and flatter, while sites on the left-hand side are smaller and higher up.

Rates and reservations:

Get reservations well ahead of time, particularly for summer weekends. At the time of our visit, we paid $45 per night for a tent site. Yes, this is high, but nearby Moran State Park has similar pricing, and is very hard to get into without far advance reservations.

Amenities:

A laundry room is available for a charge, and camp sites are near a full bath house, which has showers, wash rooms, and flushing toilets. A communal kitchen is also available adjacent.

Dining options:

Families can use the communal kitchen to cook meals (individual fire pit are not available and families are not permitted to make fires. We didn’t eat in the Doe Bay cafe, but it is available (and boosts stunning views in a very relaxed setting). The store also offers some necessities.

Directions:

From the ferry terminal, take Orcas Road toward East Sound. From there, take Olga Road through Moran State Park, then Pt. Lawrence Road to Doe Bay. You’ll see a sign for the resort on the right.

Outdoors and wellness in Gulf Shores Alabama

September 22, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

I love it when a destination surprises me. Before visiting Gulf Shores Alabama, I pictured pretty white sand beaches, a party scene of high rises and beach bars, and plenty of greasy fried seafood in paper-lined plastic baskets. And I’m told that up until about ten years ago, my impression would have been correct. The Gulf Shores and adjacent Orange Beach of today, however, offers so much more. Thanks to the preservation of natural land through state parks, wildlife refuges, and coastal preserves, the Alabama coast boasts plenty of undeveloped forests and coastline waiting to be explored by foot or bike, and a burgeoning culinary scene is elevating the dining opportunities. Whereas a decade ago, I would not have thought of Gulf Shores Alabama as a wellness or outdoors destination, I stand corrected today. Here’s what not to miss:

Paddle boarding:

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach lie on the Alabama coast, situated with the gulf on one side and the bay (and intercostal) on the other. This means families looking for an active vacation have a variety of water conditions to choose from. We paddle boarded on the bay, since it’s calmer and less crowded than the ocean, which is known for some currents. Rent a paddle board for the week, or for an hour…or even get a lesson or guided tour with Gulf Coast Paddle. Their ‘office’ is mobile (it’s their board trailer) and the owners are experts in waterspouts and water safety. They’ll bring a board to you to your condo or vacation rental for longer rentals, or meet you on the bay for some calm paddle boarding near the intercostal. Their primary location is at the dock built for their use at GT’s restaurant in Orange Beach.

kayaking: GoGo Kayks takes paddlers to Little Lagoon to kayak on the coastal waterways. www.gogokayaks.com

Hiking and biking:

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail and Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge both offer pedestrian and cycle-friendly trails in an undisturbed coastal barrier habitat. What does this mean? Birding! Sand dunes! Pristine, empty beaches! If you decide to rent bikes, Beach Bike Rentals is a good bet; get hybrid bikes if you plan to bike the dirt and sand roads of the refuge and trail, or road bikes if you want to ride along the flat paved roads along the beach (but note that while there are bike lanes, there are not dedicated bike trails along the main roads).

For hikers and bikers, there are several entry points for Bon Secour, but whichever parking lot you arrive to, you’ll find a posted map of the various hiking and biking trails. We took Pine Beach Trail past Little Lagoon to end up at a beautiful beach (bring a picnic and swimsuit!). It was only 2+ miles, but absolutely empty. On a busy weekend during peak season in the gulf, this is the way to escape other people. Get to Bon Secour by taking Highway 180 six miles and following the signs.

Yoga, running, and cross-fit on the beach:

Alabama’s sugar sand beaches stretch wide and flat along the gulf, which make them ideal for long-distance running, yoga (try a beach-side class with Glow Yoga), and any other exercise you may want to pursue. I recommend an early morning workout, to watch the sun rise and avoid the heat of the day. Later in the day, beach umbrellas and chairs will dot the white sand beaches, making it harder to get your workout in. Note that dogs are not allowed on the public beaches in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach (but are permitted in nearby Fort Morgan). While this is a bummer for dog owners, the upside is that Alabama’s water is rated as some of the cleanest in the U.S.

Wondering where to eat? We have healthy options here!

Where to stay: Turquoise Place

Run by Spectrum Resorts, Turquoise Place rises in four sleek, tubular towers to overlook the gulf. It sits directly on the beach, so you’re steps from the sand, but many Gulf Shore accommodations will put you near the water. Turquoise Place shines in its recreational and wellness amenities: families get multiple pools (indoor and outdoor), hot tubs, a lazy river and tennis courts sitting on the roof of the fourth floor, and well-equipped exercise rooms, with cardio and weight training equipment, steam rooms, and saunas.

Share a Turquoise Place condo with another family, or make it a multi-generational affair: their 3-5 bedroom condos are huge, and ideal for large family units. You get a full kitchen, which, after poking around, I noticed came with just about all the pots and pans and utensils you’d need (but not spices or pantry staples), plus a wine fridge and large ice machine. As an added bonus, during our stay at Turquoise Place, a complimentary continental breakfast was offered most mornings in the spacious lobby (this amenity was inconsistent, however, so ask when booking). Each condo as a huge balcony with an outdoor kitchen of a built-in BBQ, outdoor sink and counter space, and outdoor table that seats six, and a hot tub.

If your family would prefer more of a resort feel than a cond0-vacation house feel, consider Beach Club, another Spectrum Resorts property located near Fort Morgan. It’s also directly on the water, but in a more rural location with more dining options and outdoor recreation adjacent.

Disclosure: I experienced Gulf Shores and Orange Beach as a guest of the destination, but all opinion remains my own.

24 hours in Carpinteria CA with kids

September 13, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re not familiar, Carpinteria, California is a beach town just south of Santa Barbara that, in the three decades I’ve visited, has managed to retain its beach-town charm and distinct lack of city or suburbia influence. Located just off Highway 101, Carpinteria is characterized by sandy beach bungalows (each valued around a million dollars, of course), a quintessentially laid-back downtown of shops and diners, and a long, wide state beach dubbed ‘the safest’ in California, largely due to its lack of waves.

Families will find Carpinteria to be quieter than adjacent Santa Barbara, a bit more affordable, and easier to navigate. A weekend or overnight in Carpinteria is an ideal add-on to a trip to Orange County to visit Disneyland, or as a stop on iconic Highway 101. Here’s what not to miss in 24 in Carpinteria with kids:

Stay at the Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn on Carpinteria Avenue, just blocks from the beach and the downtown sector. It’s easy for families to walk to the action (certainly with older kids, but also with kids in strollers), and is quieter and cheaper than the beach motels right on the water. The Best Western Plus has a wonderful garden courtyard that, I believe, is what elevates it to a ‘plus’. There’s also a small outdoor pool, and the rooms are oversized for a Best Western.

Where to eat and play:

Linden Avenue is Carpinteria’s main drag, with public parking at a lot adjacent, and many fun shops and dining opportunities. At the end of Linden is the public beach. Where to eat:

Nutbelly: This sandwich and pizza shop on Linden Ave has excellent sub sandwiches made to order, plus pro-biotic ciders and beers for the adults.

Island Brewing: On 6th Street, Island Brewing is one of the largest local breweries in the area, and worth the stop for a brew. Go adjacent to The Spot for burgers with the kids, then add a bottle from Island Brewing to the mix. Both locations are really close to the beach, which is a big plus.

Esau’s Coffee Shop: Esau’s was recommended to us as the best breakfast in Carpinteria, and it didn’t disappoint. Almost any time of day, Esau’s is hopping, so be patient and perhaps opt for the side patio dining outside. It’s located on Linden Ave, and has plenty of local character.

State beach: Plan to spend the majority of your day at the beach, which is wide and flat with gentle surf and swimming platforms, plus lifeguards on duty during the tourist season. The beach (and parking) is free, and there’s a state campground adjacent, with plenty of picnic tables and the like. You’ll find public restrooms a few blocks up Linden Ave.

Ready for a field trip to Santa Barbara? Check out Cold Spring Tavern:

This historic site and eatery is located in the hills overlooking Santa Barbara, about 25 minutes from Carpinteria. If you have a car, it’s well worth the drive. From Highway 101, take Highway 154 up the mountain top, then one mile down the valley side, turn left onto Stagecoach Road. Follow the signs to Cold Spring Tavern, which was once a stagecoach stop in the mid-18oos. Now a hodge-podge of historic buildings on the winding country highway, Cold Spring Tavern is popular with motorcycle groups as well as families. Get there in the morning for their breakfast menu, or come for lunch, when you can sample their tri-tip BBQ on weekends. Either way, check their hours (which do change by season) and plan to linger, exploring the grounds to see the jail (transported from Ojai), as well as other historic buildings tucked into the mountainside.

Tip: Don’t forget that Carpinteria (and adjacent Santa Barbara) are on the Amtrak line. Take the train from San Diego or Los Angeles, then enjoy the beach town sans car!

Have you been to Carpinteria CA with kids? Share your tips in the comments!

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Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa review

August 21, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Want to be central to LegoLand and San Diego, but stay at a hotel with a distinct ‘beach’ feel? The Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa is located one street off a lifeguard-manned beach, with ocean views from both rooms and the outdoor pool and lounging complex, and is still within easy driving distance to area attractions.

Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa review:

Located in Carlsbad, one of my favorite family-friendly beach towns, Hilton Oceanfront is decidedly upscale while remaining casual. We found the staff to be extra friendly and courteous, and loved the cool-tone colors and water-and-sand vibe. The outdoor areas featured local vegetation, cabanas, papasan chairs, and fire pits.

Room amenities:

This hotel is very family-friendly! We stayed in a standard room with an ocean view, which had a mini fridge, microwave, and coffee-maker. We loved the ability to make easy snacks and breakfasts in-room. First-floor rooms in our category include a patio, which we enjoyed to look out over the ocean. Note: you do have a street separating you from the sea. The Hilton also offers suites and less expensive standard rooms without views.

Hotel amenities:

The pool area is the best feature of the Hilton, as far as my kids are concerned. The salt-water pool features a zero-depth entry, and is nicely heated. There’s a decently-sized kiddie pool/wading pool and a hot tub. All pools are outdoor, with plenty of seating, lounge chairs, and fire pits adjacent.

An onsite restaurant overlooks the pool area and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and room service is available. There’s also a nice coffee service in the lobby. The exercise facility is not overly large but has everything you need: cardio machines, weights, medicine balls, and yoga mats. It overlooks the pool as well, which I always find to be a nice touch when I’m working out.

You’ll need to hop in your car to access other local dining, but self-parking is free! WiFi is free to Hilton Honors members (this is a free membership you can sign up for anytime). In short, the number of included amenities really makes Hilton Oceanfront stand out as family-friendly. Most hotels we experience in this category charge piecemeal for wifi and parking, and certainly don’t include microwaves in the rooms.

Rates:

Rates started at $195 for a standard room during the time of our visit (spring). Rates vary by season, of course.

Distance from the interstate:

Located right off I-5.

Directions:

From I-5, exit at Poinsettia Lane/Aviara Parkway. Turn west onto Poinsettia Lane, then south onto Carlsbad Boulevard. Turn east onto Ponto Road and resort entrance is immediately on the right at 1
Ponto Road, Carlsbad.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we stayed at Hilton Oceanfront as guests of the resort. Hosted visits make up-to-date reviews on Pit Stops for Kids possible.

A stay at Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel with kids

August 9, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Parents might assume a Ritz Carlton hotel is too, well, ritzy for a family vacation. In fact, the family-friendly offerings at Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel make the acclaimed resort a smart choice for families looking for great vacation value.

Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel with kids:

The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel is located right on the Pacific Coast between the beach towns of Laguna Beach and Dana Point, CA. While a stay is expensive by any standards, your room rate stretches beyond luxury accommodations (which are often lost on kids): families will enjoy excellent service, a completely relaxed atmosphere, hassle-free access to a beautiful beach, and local expertise tapped from the team of concierges, bellhops, and front desk staff.

Kid-friendly offerings at Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel:

Families looking for an ideal beach day can take advantage of the Ritz Carlton’s Beach Butler Service, which not only brings your family straight to the beach via beach shuttle, but also keeps your hands free: ‘beach butlers’ will bring all your essentials to you (and always have towels and sunscreen on-hand).

The Dana Pool is tucked into a garden courtyard, with exposure to sunshine but not wind. Located adjacent is pool dining and beverage service, and ice water is always available. We loved that plenty of pool toys were available, and that kids were welcome in the hot tub. An additional pool exists on the Monarch side of the hotel, and tennis courts and basketball courts are also available for families, as well as a full-service fitness center for adults.

On site at the Laguna Niguel property is Eco Adventures, with opportunities for families to experience the local environment with sea hikes, snorkeling, surfing, and more. We attended the then-called Forests Under the Sea snorkeling program, which included a fun (and informative) naturalist talk followed by a full snorkeling trip to nearby Woods Cove in Laguna Beach.

Check it out on the Pit Stops for Kids YouTube channel:

We were able to learn more about the sea life we’d been spotting while snorkeling on our own, and learned what we could do to help sustain the beach and ocean life eco-system. Tip: Ambassadors of the Environment is available to non-resort guests as well, and is a great value for those looking for an informative half-day ocean excursion.

Date last visited:

July 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Right off PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) in Orange County, CA.

Room rates:

Room rates vary by season and type, from $500-well over $1000. At the time of our visit, we stayed in an oceanview fireside room, located off the Dana Lawn. This location was great for kids: it featured an outdoor fireplace and small patio leading to plenty of lawn space for kids to play on (complete with a horseshoe pitch). Rooms include marble bathrooms, luxury bedding, and in the case of an oceanfront room, amazing views. Note: one thing our Ritz Carlton room lacked was complimentary coffee and tea service, standard in almost all luxury hotel rooms. (Secondary note: my kids are only frowning in the following photo because the sun is in their eyes. They didn’t care about the lack of coffee service…that was all me.)

Dining:

The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel offers several dining options for families, all featuring wonderful service and ambiance (but all costing families accordingly). We ate an incredible meal at Raya, where our server couldn’t have been more friendly to the two kids I had with me (ages 11 and 13). The food was delicious, but even more impressive was the sunset seen over the Pacific from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Raya is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and while dining here for every meal will not be budget-friendly, I do recommending budgeting for at least one special meal here.

For faster, easier-on-the-wallet fare, the Marketplace serves up a nice, quick breakfast. The poolside dining offers high-qaulity snack and lunch foods (including excellent nachos), but for stays of more than a day or so, I recommend buying some groceries and making use of the mini-fridge. The concierge can recommend many off-property restaurants as well. Tip: if you plan to eat most meals on-property, it may be worth the expense to book a ‘club level’ room. Club level guests enjoy five daily food services included in their room rate, including lunch foods, full breakfasts, and cocktails.

Directions:

From most points in Orange County or LA, guests will take I-5 to Crown Valley Parkway, then turn left (south) on the PCH. From Laguna Beach, the hotel is a straight shot down the PCH (about 15 minutes’ drive).

As I disclose whenever applicable, I experienced the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel, the Ambassadors of the Environment program, and Raya as guests of Ritz Carlton. While this hospitality is appreciated, it did not come with expectation of a positive review. (And I did pay for my own nachos.)

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The Montage Laguna Beach: beach luxury for families

August 2, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Laguna Beach is one of Pit Stops for Kids’ Best Beach Town picks, and one of our family’s favorite places to visit in California. Any family vacation to this sunny ocean-front artist colony will be well-spent, but if you want to take your Laguna Beach family trip over the top, stay at the Montage Laguna Beach.

A Preferred Hotel with the Preferred Family seal of approval, the Montage Laguna Beach combines luxury hotel accommodations with family-friendly beach relaxation. Situated right on the Pacific at Treasure Cove, the Montage is steps away from public Aliso Creek beach and within walking or free shuttle distance of downtown Laguna Beach. Families can enjoy the outdoor Mosaic Pool, extensive gardens, tennis and basketball courts, and fitness center.

Activities and Programs:

The Montage Paintbox program is designed for kids ages 2-12, and takes kids outdoors as well as indoors for supervised play and programming. Available by the day or by the hour, kids don’t need to be potty-trained for Paintbox Petite (2-5) and will be served meals. The older kids have the opportunity to learn about the local ecosystems through Paintbox during thematically inspired days.

The Montage Laguna Beach has a full spa with yoga classes, and the virtual concierge can arrange for day trips to Southern California attractions. If you’re like most guests, you won’t want to leave the property except to ride the free shuttle into Laguna Beach to check out the art studios, galleries, shopping, dining, and beach-vibe.

Aliso Creek beach:

Aliso Creek is steps from the Montage (guests enjoy an easy walkway with showers, foot baths, and towel stands) and offers a long stretch of sand to play on. At the far end, Aliso Creek has a concession stand and playground on the beach (as well as public parking), and Aliso Creek tide pools are among the best in Southern California. Note: Aliso Creek’s ocean floor drops off quickly, causing waves to break hard on the shore. Families with young kids who want to swim would do better to go into Laguna Beach and swim at Main Beach.

Room rates and amenities:

Rooms at Montage Laguna Beach range from standard hotel rooms to suites, bungalows, and villas, with rates starting at $495. (Yes, really.) Their Family Fun Package includes overnight accommodations, daily breakfast credit (value to $50), half day at Paintbox, and a children’s welcome amenity at check in. You won’t find a bargain at Montage properties, but you will find value. If it can fit into your vacation budget, I recommend the experience.

Dining:

Dining is available on-site, including room service. For family-friendly meals, I recommend dining earlier in the evening, or taking the shuttle downtown for a fun, casual meal at Ruby’s Diner or Johnny Rockets. Of course, Laguna Beach is filled with authentic California cuisine; you really can’t go wrong.

Directions:

The Montage Laguna Beach is located directly on Highway 1 (the Pacific Coast Highway) in Laguna Beach. From I-5, take the Laguna Beach exit.

Photo Credit: Mel(issa) and Alex E. Proimos.

The Best of Topsail Island, NC for Families

October 3, 2016 By Sharlene Earnshaw

Topsail Island offers a 26-mile-long barrier island that lies just off the coast of North Carolina. Accessible only by two bridges (one at each end of the island) or by sea, the island is home to immaculate white, sandy beaches and tranquil maritime forests.

The island’s three communities, North Topsail Beach, Surf City and Topsail Beach all share a laid-back vibe, have gorgeous natural surroundings and are equipped with modern amenities, guaranteeing a relaxed getaway. Here are tips and suggestions on how to have the best family getaway on Topsail Island.

What to do?

Topsail Island is known for its long stretches of white sandy beaches that create the perfect setting for all kinds of water activities: sunbathing, fishing and swimming for those looking to achieve complete relaxation, and surfing, jet skiing and cycling for the more adventurous types. Rent a surfboard from one of the local surf shops (we recommend the friendly, family-run 50 South Surf) where you can rent a surfboard, get some tips from the locals on where to find the best swell, and catch a wave at The Point on the northern tip of the island.

If you’re feeling the need for speed, rent a jet ski. You can make a day of it with a guided tour, or just hire a jet ski for an hour or two. Fishing enthusiasts can charter a boat, and spend the day fishing the deep waters off the coast or for a more local experience, visit one of the many fishing piers on the island. The Jolly Roger Pier at the southern end of Topsail is a popular fishing spot where you can mingle with locals and admire their catches. While you won’t need a license to fish off a pier, you are required to pay a small fee. It is also worth a visit to the pier just for a morning or evening stroll.

The Queen Jean, docked at Topsail Beach, offers half-day fishing trips and kids’ fishing adventures as well as evening sunset cruises.

At sundown, head to the little, well-kept Soundside Park (on the marsh side) – definitely the best place to take in the beautiful sunset Topsail Island is famous for. There’s a well maintained playground for younger kids to enjoy, clean bathrooms, and plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the view, watching life (and sailboats!) go by.

Topsail Island has a network of well-maintained cycling paths that are great to explore. Within Surf City, Herring’s Outdoor Sports provides rental bikes from half days, up to a week. Spring and fall are perfect periods for riding in the area, with mild temperatures and less traffic.

While you’re on the island, visit the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. Topsail Island is a sanctuary for sea turtles and here you can visit the turtle hospital, observe turtles and even volunteer to guard nests on the beach throughout the summer. A great activity for the kids! And be sure to check online for turtle release dates that occur periodically throughout the warmer months.

Where to eat?

A well spent day deserves a good dinner and on Topsail, there’s a variety of restaurants catering to all tastes. A classy family friendly option is Beach Shop & Grill. Established in 1952, this local institution serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner made from delicious local produce. Save room for a slice of their famous Mile High Key Lime Pie!

Another casual, popular spot is Daddy Mac’s Beach Grille, which has a fantastic outdoor seating area that overlooks Surf City Pier and the Atlantic Ocean. There’s also an exclusively vegetarian and gluten-free offering.

Quarter Moon Café is by day a friendly coffee shop, gift shop, and bookstore, and at night transforms into a wine bar. Grab a latte, iced lemonade or smoothie and enjoy the thoughtful book collection for adults and kids, or a glass of wine in the evening while listening to live music on the weekends.

Where to stay?

In summer you’ll find many rental options, from private to managed rentals. Ward Realty offers private and cozy cottages and beachside retreats, all of which are just steps away from the ocean. In peak season, the majority of rentals are weekly, but just after Labor Day you will be able to find weekend rentals.

My big tip: be sure to ask if the rental provides linens – some do, some don’t, and you don’t want to be caught short! Linens are often available for an additional fee when not included in your base rental rate.

For those planning to stay on the island, there are many options to buy provisions. A well-stocked IGA in Surf City has all the essentials, and 5-10 minutes off the island you’ll find a Walmart Market, a large Harris Teeter grocery store, CVS pharmacy, and a Dollar General for all the extras.

Shannon Tennyson is a mom of a tween and a young teen in North Carolina who loves adventure. She and her family explore North Carolina beaches annually. Shannon is also the founder of CALZICO, a travel friendly, globally-inspired, versatile clothing brand for tweens launching in November 2016 on Kickstarter.