Traveling with little ones is never seamless, but it’s always worth it. Between packing snacks, juggling nap schedules, and making sure everyone is entertained, family vacations require a lot of energy—but the memories last forever. With two kids, ages 1 and 6, I’ve learned to choose destinations that are easy to get to, offer plenty of kid-friendly activities, and ideally come with sunshine included. That’s exactly why we chose Long Beach, California for our recent winter getaway—and it turned out to be the perfect family escape.
A Stress-Free Flight and a Warm Welcome
One of the best parts of Long Beach is just how easy it is to reach. From Seattle, the flight is only about two and a half hours—ideal when you’re traveling with a toddler who’s not built for long-haul flights. Even better, we flew directly into Long Beach Airport, which might just be one of the most charming airports I’ve ever seen.
It’s an open-air airport, which means the moment you step off the plane, you’re outside in the California sunshine. My daughter Layla thought it was the coolest thing ever. Watching her excitement over something as simple as walking off the plane reminded me why traveling with kids is so special—their joy in the little things makes the journey just as fun as the destination.
Coming from Seattle’s gray, rainy winter, the mild, jacket-free weather felt like a gift. From the moment we left the airport, I knew this trip was exactly what our family needed.
Where to Stay in Long Beach with Kids
We checked into Hotel Maya, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. The hotel sits right on the water, with sweeping views that made every morning feel like we were waking up in paradise.
For families, convenience is everything, and Hotel Maya delivers. Everything we wanted to see and do—downtown attractions, waterfront fun, restaurants, and beaches—was only about a 15-minute drive away. Having a rental car made zipping around simple, but we never felt like we had to trek far to find something to do.
The rooms were spacious enough for all four of us (a must when you’re traveling with kids who come with strollers, toys, and endless snacks), and the food was fantastic. While the hotel has a beautiful restaurant onsite, the reality of dining out with little ones means it isn’t always practical to sit through full meals in restaurants. Instead, we ordered room service—and let me tell you, it was some of the best room service we’ve ever had. Eating a delicious dinner in our cozy room while the kids happily munched away might not sound glamorous, but it was honestly perfect.
And the cherry on top? Hotel Maya has its very own private beach. Since we were visiting in winter, we didn’t get the full beach experience, but I can already picture us coming back in the warmer months to soak it all in.
Why Long Beach Works for Families
Long Beach might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of family vacations, but that’s what makes it so special. It has the laid-back vibe of a beach town, but with all the conveniences and attractions of a bigger city. The weather is mild year-round, the airport is a dream for families, and the sheer number of kid-friendly activities makes it a destination I’d recommend to anyone traveling with young children.
From outdoor adventures to cultural attractions, Long Beach really has something for everyone, whether you’re traveling with toddlers, school-aged kids, or even teens. And the best part? You don’t have to spend hours on a plane or deal with complicated travel logistics to get there.
Final Thoughts
Our trip to Long Beach checked all the boxes for a family vacation: short flight, easy transportation, spacious and welcoming accommodations, great food, and plenty of activities in a sunny, kid-friendly destination. Traveling with little ones will always come with its challenges, but finding a destination like this—where convenience meets fun—makes all the difference.
If you’re looking for a stress-free family getaway, especially during the winter months when you’re craving warmth and sunshine, Long Beach is a destination worth adding to your list. It’s the kind of place that makes travel with kids feel less like work and more like the adventure it’s meant to be.
