Other hotels in America must look at the Hotel del Coronado and weep with envy. First, there's the location, set on a sublime stretch of California coastline that Dr. Beach, Stephen Leatherman, named one of the top ten beaches in America for 2008. Look to the right of the beach and you'll find a spit of land that curves into the Pacific, home to the precipitous bluffs of Point Loma. Then there's the resort itself, one of California's grand dames, a seaside Victorian resort that dates back to 1888. With its red-shingled roof, turrets, and white-paneled walls, it looks like a multitiered wedding cake from afar.

A National Historic Landmark since 1977, the Del has played host to FDR, JFK, and nine additional U.S. presidents. Other luminaries have included Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis, who stayed on property during the filming of their 1958 comedy Some Like It Hot, and writer Henry James, who noted that, "I lie awake at nights to listen to the languid lisp of the

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Other hotels in America must look at the Hotel del Coronado and weep with envy. First, there's the location, set on a sublime stretch of California coastline that Dr. Beach, Stephen Leatherman, named one of the top ten beaches in America for 2008. Look to the right of the beach and you'll find a spit of land that curves into the Pacific, home to the precipitous bluffs of Point Loma. Then there's the resort itself, one of California's grand dames, a seaside Victorian resort that dates back to 1888. With its red-shingled roof, turrets, and white-paneled walls, it looks like a multitiered wedding cake from afar.

A National Historic Landmark since 1977, the Del has played host to FDR, JFK, and nine additional U.S. presidents. Other luminaries have included Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis, who stayed on property during the filming of their 1958 comedy Some Like It Hot, and writer Henry James, who noted that, "I lie awake at nights to listen to the languid lisp of the Pacific."

The effect of waves lulling you to sleep here will never change, but the Del has made some major renovations in recent years, refusing to rest its reputation on history alone. The biggest addition is the unveiling of the Beach Village, a selection of 78 two- and three-bedroom suites with spacious dining and living areas that are perfect for a family beach escape. Villas come with a full kitchen and a personal concierge who will go grocery shopping on request. Suites also have private balconies, Bose surround-sound stereo systems, and Wi-Fi.

Also new is the Spa at the Del, which made its debut in 2007 and is already reaping accolades from the likes of Travel + Leisure magazine, which recently called it one of the top 20 hotel spas in the world. The spa features a beachfront relaxation area with vanishing-edge pool and unique ocean-inspired treatments like the Shell Coronado Massage and the Shell Coronado Facial that use heated seashells to melt away stress. If that doesn't work, head to ENO, a new wine, cheese, and chocolate bar featuring about 60 wines by the glass.

Adjacent to the spa is the resort's new fitness center with the latest weights and cardio equipment, and studios for aerobics, spin classes, and Pilates. Yoga and meditation classes are offered on the beach. There's also a large heated pool, tennis courts, and surfing instruction on the beach. The mellow waves are perfect for novice surfers or for boogie boarding. The resort rents bikes to cruise the Coronado bike trail, which snakes along Glorietta Bay. Or opt for the Coronado on Wheels Bike Tour, a two-hour guided tour of this historic SoCal spot.

For dining, kids will savor the gluttonous breakfast buffet at Sheerwater, replete with fresh fruit, eggs any style, French toast, warm croissants, cereals, and juices. Mom and dad will want to dine al fresco that evening at the hotel's signature restaurant, 1500 Ocean. The restaurant features the freshest ingredients from Southern California, like the just-picked greens and dried plums in the salad, or the jalapeno jelly used for dipping the tender yellowtail sashimi. For entrées, try the large cut of lamb or the Pacific halibut in a buerre blanc sauce, all best washed down with a wine from the Napa or Sonoma regions. Like a good glass of Cabernet, the Del just gets better with age.

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The Spread:
A National Historic Landmark, the Hotel Del Coronado dates to 1888, an era when wealthy patrons came to the shore for months. The 680-room, 28-acre, grand dame property—combining an older Victorian main building plus newer lodging—is located on a peninsula across the bay from San Diego. The wide, white-sand beach has great tidepools for little kids to explore and the resort offers boating, sailing, kayaking, tennis, and spa facilities. A new infinity pool overlooking the Pacific opens summer 2006. You can also rent bicycles and surreys to pedal along Coronado's bay and beachfront bike trail. Across the bay in San Diego, visit SeaWorld Adventure Park, the San Diego Zoo, and the San Diego Wild Animal Park.

Why Families Love It:
Tent City Kids, the Hotel Del's year-round activities program for ages four to 12, is organized into themed, three-hour sessions. At the Wild Animal Adventure, kids go on an animal

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The Spread:
A National Historic Landmark, the Hotel Del Coronado dates to 1888, an era when wealthy patrons came to the shore for months. The 680-room, 28-acre, grand dame property—combining an older Victorian main building plus newer lodging—is located on a peninsula across the bay from San Diego. The wide, white-sand beach has great tidepools for little kids to explore and the resort offers boating, sailing, kayaking, tennis, and spa facilities. A new infinity pool overlooking the Pacific opens summer 2006. You can also rent bicycles and surreys to pedal along Coronado's bay and beachfront bike trail. Across the bay in San Diego, visit SeaWorld Adventure Park, the San Diego Zoo, and the San Diego Wild Animal Park.

Why Families Love It:
Tent City Kids, the Hotel Del's year-round activities program for ages four to 12, is organized into themed, three-hour sessions. At the Wild Animal Adventure, kids go on an animal scavenger hunt and make animal puppets. During the Hawaiian Luau, children fashion leis, have a limbo contest, and sculpt volcanoes on the beach. Check ahead with the hotel for schedules and rates, which vary according to season and meal requirements.

At the daily, year-round, one-hour craft sessions ($25), ages four to 12 make and fly kites, create their own Coronado sand candles, and collect shells for memory boxes. Teens 12 to 17 meet at the Coast Club Teen Lounge for video games and snacks. The resort also offers year-round activities for ages 12 to 17 such as teen-only kayaking, surfing, biking, and tennis, as well as spa offerings and summer pool parties.

Special Events & Activities:
Check out the Radical Reptile show, offered once a week in summer ($15).

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You've probably seen this famous hotel in the '50s Marilyn Monroe drag fest Some Like It Hot, and you simply can't visit San Diego without stopping by its most famous building, the "Hotel Del," as the locals call it. One of the largest wooden structures in the United States and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977, the gay-friendly and gay-popular hotel was built in 1888 and is famous for its red peaked roofs, classic Victorian architecture, and wide ocean vistas. A total of 679 recently remodeled rooms and 11 new oceanfront luxury cottages sprawl in front of 26 acres of beach, and there's an expansive swimming pool, a galleria of eclectic shops, and a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center. Most U.S. presidents have visited it, and the hotel was a frequent get-away of Frank L. Baum, who wrote at least three books in the Wizard of Oz series here and at his nearby home also located on Coronado Island. Baum designed the crown-shaped chandeliers in the hotel's formal

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You've probably seen this famous hotel in the '50s Marilyn Monroe drag fest Some Like It Hot, and you simply can't visit San Diego without stopping by its most famous building, the "Hotel Del," as the locals call it. One of the largest wooden structures in the United States and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977, the gay-friendly and gay-popular hotel was built in 1888 and is famous for its red peaked roofs, classic Victorian architecture, and wide ocean vistas. A total of 679 recently remodeled rooms and 11 new oceanfront luxury cottages sprawl in front of 26 acres of beach, and there's an expansive swimming pool, a galleria of eclectic shops, and a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center. Most U.S. presidents have visited it, and the hotel was a frequent get-away of Frank L. Baum, who wrote at least three books in the Wizard of Oz series here and at his nearby home also located on Coronado Island. Baum designed the crown-shaped chandeliers in the hotel's formal dining room, and queer writers such as Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, and Henry James have all stayed at The Del.

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"The Del," as it's affectionately known, is the epitome of California's grand old seaside hotels. This National Historic Landmark, a testament to turn-of-the-century Victorian style—defined by red turrets, soaring cupolas, and gingerbread trim—was immortalized in the classic Billy Wilder comedy Some Like It Hot. Often packed to its rafters with wedding parties and honeymooners, the hotel's first wedding took place in 1887, while the property was still under construction. The rooms have been subject to many upgrades, though beware the least expensive, most of which are cramped or have parking-lot views. And note that some of the Del's 757 rooms are located in a modern tower next door—you want to bunk in the heritage-filled Victorian building, preferably in a room facing the excellent beach. The resort brims with diversions: There's a full-service spa and fitness center, surfing lessons, poolside cabanas, bike and boat rentals, and multiple dining venues.