The Ranch at Laguna Beach.
The best way coastal escape from Los Angeles with toddlers (without the headache of tackling LAX).
We're always on the hunt for a coastal escape that's toddler-friendly, yet has a luxury-vibe to make it feel like we're actually on vacation - Laguna Beach in Orange County is only an hour and a half from Los Angeles so we began to search for “toddler-friendly boutique hotels” in this area.
Laguna Beach is undeniably a Southern California treasure, but a place we’ve avoided for most of our decade living in LA, because of its overly touristy vibe (which definitely wasn't helped by that famous early 2000s reality show).
While scrolling endlessly though mummy-blogs, I found a place called The Ranch at Laguna Beach. At first we thought this was strictly a golf resort, reserved for those ecstatic about the sport (which neither my husband nor I are). But after a little more digging, we discovered The Ranch is an amazing little hideaway tucked up in the hills looking over the stunning cliffs of Laguna Beach, and is known to be a failing-friendly boutique hotel.
Photo Credit - Mini Travel Club
The Ranch at Laguna Beach - Hotel Overview
Address: The Ranch at Laguna Beach 31106 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Best for: All families (especially with toddlers and kids under 6).
Toddler Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Photo Credit - Mini Travel Club
Getting there
The Ranch at Laguna Beach is tucked into 87 acres of Aliso Canyon, a truly unique resort where you can experience the beauty of the rolling hills and one of Southern California’s stunning coastline. Even though you're nestled up in the canyon away from all the tourist craziness, you're still just a quick 350-yard walk to one of Laguna's most famous beaches, so you get the best of both worlds.
Getting there by…
Car: The Ranch is 50 miles from Los Angeles, about an 1 hour and 15 minutes (without traffic) or a 2-2.5 hour drive in heavy traffic. We drove around our toddler’s nap time so the timing worked out perfectly. If you have a flexible schedule, plan to drive around the off-peak times (it’ll make your trip much more enjoyable!).
Parking: $35 per night for overnight hotel guests.
Electric Chargers: 2 universal electric vehicle chargers and 2 Tesla chargers are complimentary for resort guests.
Airplane: If you choose to fly in, land at Orange County's John Wayne Airport which is only 18 miles from The Ranch. This is a much less-stressful option than flying into LAX (get ready for more traffic!).
What makes The Ranch at Laguna Beach perfect for toddlers?
Welcome gift: our toddler received a little deer stuffy upon arrival and we were gifted a goodie-bag with kid-friendly toiletries that was placed in a port-a-cot set up in our room! He was in the BEST mood in the ENTIRE day!
Shuttles: Complimentary shuttles in our Rivian house cars to local areas
Farm Tour: Daily guided Farm Tours at 11:00am for resort guests. This is such a sweet experience for young kids who love gardening and chickens.
Photo Credit - Mini Travel Club
Meet The Birds: Orange County Birds of Prey Rescue Center - meet live rescued hawks, owls every Saturday at 11:00am
Stargazing: with a professional Astronomer every Friday night (weather permitting)
Heated pool and hot tub: for a swim at anytime between 7:00am - 10:00pm.
Beach Shuttle: Don;t bother taking your car! The Ranch offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from Aliso Beach, guest access to beach chairs, umbrellas and towels at Aliso Beach from our Lost Pier Cafe
Live music: Enjoy a drink at The Porch while listening to live music performed 7 days a week from 4pm to 8pm at The Porch ( complimentary activity sheet and crayons. provided for your toddler).
Bottled water in refillable aluminum bottles - a great way to keep the kiddo hydrated and give them an activity to look forward to.
Photo Credit - Mini Travel Club
Amenities parents love…
Fitness center: access to our 24-hour (sneak in a workout after the kiddo sleeps!).
Group Classes: complimentary group fitness classes weekly on Saturdays and Sundays
Coffee & Tea: In room coffee and tea, Nespresso in Suites.
Cabana and Spa: to relax and rejuvenate.
Online Newspaper: Complimentary online access to the New York Times and Financial Times.
Property Wi-Fi: To catch up on emails (or download the next episode of Bluey for your kid!).
Bocce court: For some family fun.
Golf: Priority access to golf tee times for overnight guesses.
Possible dealbreakers?
Not Pet Friendly: Pets and Emotional Support Animals are not allowed on property.
Non-Smoking Environment: smoking is not permitted on our property at any time (including vaping) n accordance with the City of Laguna Beach.
Resort Fee: A resort fee of $55.00 plus tax for a total of $62.70 is applied per night for room reservations (to cover the complimentary services listed above.
Photo Credit - Mini Travel Club
Things to do around The Ranch at Laguna Beach…
The Lost Pier Cafe: This beach cafe is an absolute cutie and a must-see when when you come to The Ranch. Great food & coffee steps away from the ocean - this is a family favorite. The Ranch also has complementary shuttles to The Lost Pier Cafe for guests. Take a blanket for a picnic on the beach!
Main Beach Park: is a great way to get all your toddler’s energy out while you can enjoy the stunning beach view! Kids love the tower, walk across the rope bridges and zoom down the slides into the soft sand. There are restrooms near to the playground as well as shops selling ice cream, kites and beach souvenirs.
Bluebird Park: is a gated playground which has barbecue pits, picnic tables and restrooms. They also sometimes have live music in the park in summer- see the schedule HERE to plan your trip!
Bike Rentals: Take your toddler on a ride along the beach by renting a bike at Laguna Beach Cyclery or Ray's Rentals (Newport Beach).
Photo Credit - Mini Travel Club
Overall
The Ranch at Laguna Beach is an excellent local escape from Los Angeles, especially for parents of young children. We were very impressed by the service, hospitality, amenities and feel-good vibe of this hotel. We got to enjoy the hustle-bustle of Laguna Beach but were able to escape it at The Ranch. We can’t wait for the next time we visit!
Book Now!
Ready to lock your vacay in? Click below to go straight to book a stay at The Ranch at Laguna Beach.
Mini Guest, Major Vibes: Staying Soho Farmhouse with a Toddler.
Our bougie-countryside vacation at the Soho Farmhouse that we didn’t know we needed.
When you think of Soho House, “kid-friendly” doesn’t automatically pop into your mind. However, we were pleasantly surprised by how much Soho Farmhouse caters to families with babies & toddlers - it was one of the most magical winter holidays we have taken as a family.
We visited Soho Farmhouse in October 2023. We were exhausted after spending three days in London exploring the museums, parks and pubs, and were ready to do some much-needed relaxing in the countryside (well…as much “relaxing” you can do with a 15 month old!).
Soho Farmhouse Overview
Address: 1 Tracey Farm Cottages, Great Tew, Chipping Norton OX7 4JS, United Kingdom
Best for: Babies to kids under 5 years old.
Booking Link: Apply for Membership HERE
Photo credit: Mini Travel Club
About Soho House.
Soho House was established in 1995 in Soho, London as a members-only club for people in the film, media and entertainment industry. Soho Farmhouse was created in 2015 on a derelict farm spanning 100 acres across the Oxfordshire countryside. It was created with the intention of escapism for creatives - a place to relax, rejuvenate and connect with nature. The exclusive nature of the club doesn’t outwardly promote itself as being family friendly, but in our experience, was a perfect place to vacation with our toddler.
Who is it for?
As it is a members-only facility, you will need to become a member or need member to book and join your trip - unfortunately they are super strict about this. However, once you are a member, you’ll have access to other Soho Houses around the globe Check it out here.
Getting there.
By Car: Soho Farmhouse is a 2-hour (scenic) drive from London. We hired a car service because we thought it would be easier on our one-year (and need a toddler car seat).
By Train & Taxi: You can also catch the train from London to Charlbury station (approximately 1hour 10 minutes) followed by a 15-minute taxi ride to the Farmhouse (keep in mind that you’ll need a child seat for any cars you travel in for your minis).
What makes Soho Farmhouse perfect for toddlers?
Photo credit: Mini Travel Club
Teeny Barn: The onsite childcare at Teeny Barn is an absolute dream for kiddos! The’ve got arts and crafts, endless toys and books, indoor and outdoor play spaces plus friendly farm animals roaming the grounds. It’s open daily 9am-5pm and complimentary for little guests aged 2-16 staying at the farmhouse. Child members get two hours of access per day—giving parents that perfect window for a spa treatment or leisurely lunch.
Photo credit: Soho Farmhouse
Teeny Pool: Children under the age of 15 have a pool just for them called the Teeny Pool.
Kid-friendly Restaurant Hours: No need to order room service every night - children are welcome in restaurant spaces until 9pm each day - the last table reservation at 7.30pm).
Outdoor space: The lush green pastures of the Cotswalds are perfect for getting wiggles out. Babies can enjoy stroller rides through the fields (perfect for nap time) while toddlers can visit the lake, explore the grasslands and say hello to the animals in the barn.
Photo Credit: Mini Travel Club
Toddler-Friendly Bike Seats: We happened to snag a couple of bikes that had baby seats on the front. This was the first time my toddler sat on a bike - and he absolutely LOVED every minute of it.
Pony Rides: If your kid is 4 years or older, book in a private horse riding lesson or a leisurely pony ride across the grounds.
Crib, Bedding, Diapers & Lotion provided: Walking into our room to find a beautiful wooden crib already set up (with fresh bedding, spare diapers and lotion thoughtfully placed on top) was such a lovely surprise. The attention to detail is truly impeccable!
Photo credit: Mini Travel Club
Why parents love Soho Farmhouse?
Luxury Toiletries: Leave your toiletry bag at home – every bathroom at the Farmhouse is stocked with full-sized Cowshed bath products and the whole product line of Soho Skincare (moisturiser, serum, cleanser, eye cream etc). You’ll feel like a million bucks every time you come out of the bathroom.
Incredibly dining choices on site: There are 5 cafes & restaurants onsite making it the perfect place to bring your kids. You’ll find something for everyone - big and small appetites. Reservations are recommended.
Enjoy a Sunday Roast at Main Barn, a Japanese izakaya-style menu at Pen Yen, a more casual vibe serving homemade pasta, pizza, fish and meat all cooked in a wood oven at Hay Barn, Persian delicacies at Little Berenjak or sweet treats and pastries from Blake’s Kitchen Bakery.
Photo Credit: Mini Travel Club
Adult-Only Pool: The stunning indoor-outdoor pool is reserved for patrons over the age of 15. It is heated year-round and open every day from 6.30am to 10pm.
Spa: This is the ultimate spa experience is exactly what parents need to rest and rejuvenate (a great excuse to pop the kiddos into Teeny Barn or book a nanny service while you get pampered). They offer sunken hot tubs, a personalized salt soak experience called Omorovicza, saunas and more!
Hotel Bar: Grab some wine, beer or cocktails at The Main Barn (open until midnight), the Hay Barn (open until 11) The Mill Room (open until 1am). My recommendation - the Soho Mule (so delicious).
Outdoor Activities: Tennis, boating, clay-pigeon shooting, padel - there's no shortage of ways to stay active. Prefer something more low-key? The meadow walks are equally dreamy.
Photo Credit: Mini Travel Club
Soho Home: Take a piece of Soho Farmhouse back home with you at the Soho Home boutique. Book an interior consultation or peruse the exquisite homewares so you can recreate the Soho House aesthetic in your own home
Nanny Service: A nanny service is available for children under 2 years old for . £20 per hour.
Dog-Friendly: Yay, you don’t have to leave your kiddos’ bestie at home! There are a limited number of dog-friendly rooms available onsite (extra fees may apply) so check out their terms & conditions before booking.
Possible dealbreakers?
Limited Family-Friendly Rooms: The Soho Farmhouse doesn't always have kid-friendly rooms as they get booked up pretty quickly.
Etiquette and formality: As an exclusive members' club, the atmosphere leans refined—which means littles ones having big feelings might draw a few raised eyebrows. Here at Mini Travel Club, we know the reality: babies cry, toddlers meltdown, and that's just part of family travel. While many guests are understanding, others... less so. Just be prepared for the occasional snooty glance when your toddler forgets to use their indoor voice.
Overall
Soho Farmhouse with our toddler was truly special—one of those trips that instantly becomes a treasured family memory. Between the exceptional dining, thoughtful amenities, and stunning countryside setting, we actually felt relaxed while traveling with our mini - the ultimate luxury.
Toddler-Friendly Stay at The W Hotel in Sydney, Australia.
Our kid-friendly staycation at The W Hotel in Darling Harbour, Sydney Australia.
Last updated: October 2025
My entire adult life unfolded in the heart of the Sydney CBD - university days, work years, and all those messy nights out in between. I knew it like the back of my hand and always knew where to get the best hot chips, best cocktail and best unpaid parking.
Now I come back as someone completely different - as a mum with a little one who's getting his first taste of the city where his parents grew up. Exploring Sydney with a kiddo is a whole new adventure. This city is a toddler's playground and I'm proud to say it's one of the most family-friendly cities I know. On our latest visit, we decided to become tourists in our own backyard. We planted ourselves right in the center of Sydney and set out to explore all those spots that out-of-towners are always raving about
The W Hotel Overview
Best for: All families (especially with toddlers and kids under 6).
Location: Darling Harbor
Toddler Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Price Range: starting at AUD$359 per night for the Deluxe Studio Suite (prices vary depending on type of room and time of year).
Book Now: [Affiliate Link]
Location
We decided to stay at The W Hotel in Darling Harbor. Darling Harbor is an area we avoided as locals, but absolutely loved and appreciated as parents of a toddler, “visiting” Sydney.
Darling Harbour sits right in the heart of Sydney and easily accessible by train, ferry, bus and car. The entire precinct is incredibly stroller-friendly with wide pedestrian walkways, ramps instead of stairs, and smooth harbourside promenades that make navigating with a toddler a breeze.
Getting Around
Train: Darling Harbor is a 10-minute walk from Town Hall Station - one of the Sydney CBD’s central train stations. You can find the the train schedules here and plan your trip using the Opal app.
Ferry: You can also catch a ferry to Circular Quay and walk to Darling Harbor with a stroller. The walk is scenic with lots of yummy treats along the way. Check out the schedule here.
Light Rail: This is a new, but excellent option to explore the Sydney city with a toddler - there are plenty of things to see along the way and you can catch it from many spots throughout the CBD, including Town Hall and the Pitt Street Mall shopping district - plan your trip here.
Uber / Car: Parking is available however is limited can be expensive. Uber’s are readily available but not all have car seats for young kid. Check your Uber app to see if you request one with a car-seat option for toddler.
Parking: Valet parking is available for AUD $100 per day, but there is limited availability. Make sure you pre-book (max vehicle height is 1.7m).
My recommendations for products for traveling internationally (*Check local safety standards before purchasing any products.
What Makes The W Hotel Perfect for Toddlers?
Beds & Cribs: You can bring you own crib or request one for kids under 2 (subject to availability.)
Kitchen: We stayed in a 1 bedroom Deluxe Studio Suite with a full-kitchen (fridge, stovetop, dishwasher, pots and pans, dishes, glasses and silverware) which was great for cooking quick meals for our picky eater.
Amenities: We also had 24-hour room service, complimentary bottled water, a coffee/tea maker and Minibar for FREE! Our enormous TV had all premium movie channels, cable TV and local channels (but we didn’t even end up watching it!!). With wifi, business center on-site, fitness center and housekeeping - Mumma and Dada were super happy too!
Bathtub: We could also give our toddler a fancy bubble bath because the hotel had a tub (wohoo). They also have showers too!
Add-ons: We purchased the buffet breakfast option for both mornings we stayed here - and it was totally worth it! There are plenty of hot breakfast options, salads, international cuisine choices, fruit, pastries, yogurts, cereals, juices - enough to keep you fueled for hours!
Outdoor Pool: The outdoor pool is complimentary for all guest and is kid friendly! It is also heated which means it can be enjoyed in the evening or when the weather gets chilly! It is open daily from 7am - 5:30pm.
Things To Do
This aquarium is a short walk from the W Hotel in Darling Harbor and is a great way to kick off the day. Our toddler loves sea animals and this was the perfect morning activity to get his energy out. Your can take your stroller inside as the aquarium has ramps and elevators.
Hot Tip: Take a your own water and snacks because food options are limited. There are bathrooms with change-tables inside too.
Price: General Admission from AUD$39
Opening Hours: 9:30am - 5:00pm
A great spot to wander around and have a picnic. We loves the open spaces for our toddler to run free and there were plenty of yummy food and drink options to refuel after a busy morning. If you plan ahead you can see what events are happening before you’re there - click HERE for more info!
This is another one of our favorite spots and a treat for toddlers. It's a peaceful place to recalibrate after a busy morning or nap. Toddlers will love to walk through the garden to find waterfalls, lakes, exotic plants, pavilions and hidden pathways.
Price (AUD$):
$12 Adult
$8 Child (under 12*)
$30 Family (two adults and three children)
Concession/Student: $8 (Australian card holders)
Senior: $8 (Australian card holders)
Book your tickets HERE
This is where we spent most of our afternoons post-nap! This park caters to children of all ages, with water pumps, climbing areas and swings for toddlers to a giant 8 metre water slides and a flying fox for older kids. There is a path for strollers and is surrounded by delicious food options.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Price: FREE
Overall
The W Hotel in Darling Harbor earns our recommendation for the best pitstop for a Sydney city adventure with toddlers. A bit if luxury for us parents, fantastic kid-friendly amenities and fun activities all around for the whole family to enjoy!