While it's easy to find hiking trails that are dog-friendly, or locate a dog park in Los Angeles, finding a dog-friendly beach is a bit more challenging. In fact, several cities—including Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and most of the South Bay—restrict dogs from even walking on the beach. That can make it hard for those of us with dogs to enjoy a day at the beach; once you factor in traffic, you don't have much time by the sea before you have to run home to walk the dog! Luckily, there are a few beaches where your pup can join you on the sand and in the waves, and we've gathered our favorites here.

For more favorite local beaches, including Hidden Gem Beaches Near Los Angeles and the Best Beaches in LA and OC for Families, check out our Ultimate Family Beach Guide for Los Angeles and Orange County.

Since Los Angeles is a vacation destination, the city doesn't lack great hotels for families. But sometimes you want a hotel with a little extra for everyone: you want a spa resort where parents can relax, get a massage, and maybe golf, yet where kids will be completely entertained and welcomed. From mountain spa resorts surrounded by pine groves to beachside retreats to desert paradises, there are spa resorts near Los Angeles for every type of family vacation and they all include kid-friendly activities, attractions, and of course, lots of mind-blowingly fun swimming pools.

Here are 14 of our favorite family-friendly spa resorts near Los Angeles for a spectacular vacation or staycation. If you're looking for other family-friendly sleeping options near Los Angeles, we've got the Coolest California Vacation Rentals for Families, the Best Hotels in Los Angeles for a Family Vacation, and more in our Los Angeles Weekend Getaway Guide.

Los Angeles is full of iconic tourist attractions, from the Hollywood Sign to Universal Studios. Locals tend to skip many of these areas unless they have out-of-town guests, but some of the attractions are worth a visit any time of year, even if you live here. The Santa Monica Pier is a perfect example of one of these destinations, providing even life-long Angelenos with a full day of fun by the coast. From exploring the historical carousel and the Looff Hippodrome to riding the Ferris wheel and screaming on the rides on the Santa Monica Pier, the Pier is a great place to spend a day in the sun.

While you're in Santa Monica, visit the Cayton Children's Museum, hit the beach, explore Third Street Promenade, and bring along our checklist of the 30 Best Things To Do in Santa Monica with Kids. For more great ways to play tourist in LA, check out our Los Angeles Visitors Guide for Families.