The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey

The protected bay has gentle water for splashing, plus a pirate-ship playground right on the sand.

A beachy cafe a block from the sand with smoothies, sandwiches and a long-running kids' sing-along history.

Wide sand, street performers, skateboarders and Muscle Beach along the boardwalk, a people-watching show kids love.

Kids can climb, swing and roll down the little hill, then picnic beneath mature trees.

A funky Venice Beach hotel with real suites, including a two-bedroom apartment that sleeps everyone.