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

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.