Southern California offers some seriously diverse landscapes with some spectacular places to visit. While there are plenty of things to do, sometimes relaxing at one of the region’s top resorts is the perfect way to vacay – especially if they have a lazy river. Offering a pleasurable float, a lazy river is a shallow pool that flows similarly to a river. Grab an inner tube and float your worries away at one of these nine hotels with lazy rivers in Southern California.
Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa - Palm Springs
A 450-foot lazy river awaits you upon check-in at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa. Located in the desert oasis of Palm Springs, California, hotel guests cool off in style at this Southern California resort. Not only is there a lazy river here, but the resort is home to an on-site waterpark called Splashtopia, which includes two acres of water fun. Pools, waterslides, water play zones, and a cliff-side hot tub offer a great way to spend the day in Palm Springs. When you aren’t floating in the lazy river, spend some time at the 27-hole golf course or the onsite restaurants.
Key Amenities:
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450-foot lazy river and waterpark
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Cliffside hot tub
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27-hole golf course
41000 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270, USA— +1 760-568-2727
Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort and Spa - Greater Palm Springs
If you’re seeking a resort complex offering great mountain views, relaxing bedrooms, plenty of onsite amenities, and an outdoor waterpark, then look no further than Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort and Spa. Guests to this greater Palm Springs area hotel will want to cool off in the 450-foot lazy river or the seven pools here. However, if you’re seeking more of a thrill, this resort is home to two 30-foot water slides and a splash pad as well.
Key Amenities:
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450-foot lazy river and outdoor waterpark
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Splash pad and seven pools
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Wellness spa with private garden patio
44600 Indian Wells Ln, Indian Wells, CA 92210, USA— +1 760-776-1234
Harrah's Resort Southern California - Funner
Head to Funner, California, for a “fun” time at Harrah’s Resort Southern California, located an hour north of San Diego. This resort complex offers plenty of amenities, including a 400-foot lazy river in its pool area. Spend an afternoon in an inner tube here, or choose to explore the rest of the resort. Many guests flock to Harrah’s Resort Southern California to enjoy the casino. However, the pool facilities, onsite spa, and spacious golf course shouldn’t be ignored.
Key Amenities:
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400-foot lazy river in pool area
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Topgolf Swing Suites and deals at nearby golf courses
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Casino with gaming tables and entertainment
777 S Resort Dr, Valley Center, CA 92082, USA— +1 760-751-3100
Knott's Berry Farm Hotel - Buena Park
Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel doesn’t have a lazy river of its own, but it doesn’t need one when its neighbor is Knott’s Soak City Waterpark. Adjacent to the waterpark, Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel is the closest accommodation to the 15-acre water complex. The lazy river at Soak City will not disappoint, as it spans a third of a mile (1,780 feet). After a busy day exploring Knott’s Berry Farm, come back to the hotel to enjoy the amenities here, such as the outdoor pool, kid’s splash area, fitness center, tennis court and onsite restaurant.
Key Amenities:
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Access to Knott’s Soak City Waterpark
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On-property outdoor pool and kids’ splash zone
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Fitness center and tennis courts
7675 Crescent Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620, USA— +1 714-995-1111
Morongo Casino, Resort and Spa - Cabazon
Spend some time with your toes in the sand at Morongo Casino, Resort and Spa. This casino resort’s Oasis Pool has a lazy river and a sandy beach. Often referred to as “Southern California’s Best Pool,” you’ll want to rent a cabana here for the ultimate relaxation experience. When you aren’t chilling in the lazy river or the sandy beach, take advantage of the heated hot tubs or the poolside bar. If you aren’t a hotel guest, you can still purchase a day pass to enjoy this Southern California lazy river.
Key Amenities:
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Oasis pool with lazy river and sandy beach
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Hot tubs and poolside bar
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Day passes to pool area available
Great Wolf Lodge Southern California - Anaheim
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Great Wolf Lodge, a hotel chain specifically known for its water parks. The Great Wolf Lodge location in Southern California features an indoor waterpark, so guests can enjoy a lazy river no matter what time of year. Found in Anaheim, California, this resort is ideal for Disneyland-goers since it’s only two miles from the theme park. There is no better way to relax after a day at Disneyland than with a lazy river float in the Crooked Creek lazy river at Great Wolf Lodge.
Key Amenities:
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Indoor waterpark with lazy river
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Four indoor/outdoor pools
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Located two miles from Disneyland
12681 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92840, USA— +1 888-960-9653
The Franciscan Inn Motel - Vista
Escape busy city life when you visit this budget-friendly motel north of San Diego. The Franciscan Inn Motel is a popular accommodation option for travelers wanting to visit Wave Waterpark, which is only three miles away. Although this motel has a small pool, you can also take advantage of the Wave Waterpark’s incredible water facilities. At Wave Waterpark, enjoy the El Rio Loco lazy river or the park’s other attractions like the waterslides and wave pool.
Key Amenities:
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Located near Wave Waterpark
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Budget-friendly accommodations
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Year-round outdoor pool
WorldMark Indio - Greater Palm Springs
This greater Palm Springs hotel will make you think you’re basking in the Mediterranean sun instead of the California desert. As a Mediterranean-style resort perfect for families, WorldMark Indio offers one-, two- and three-bedroom spacious suites. Choose to relax in the lazy river or one of the five hot tubs here. Further your relaxing experience at WorldMark Indio by booking a service at the onsite spa, Spa at Indio.
Key Amenities:
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Lazy river and five hot tubs
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Suites with kitchens, fireplaces and balcony
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Children’s pool
Las Ventanas al Paraiso - Los Cabos
Head further south to the Baja California Peninsula to enjoy this Rosewood Resort found in Los Cabos. You’ll need a passport to visit this “Southern California” resort in Mexico. Las Ventanas al Paraiso features a breathtaking infinity pool that overlooks the ocean. However, the lazy river really draws guests’ attention here, as floaters travel through a “grotto-like” tunnel that features artwork and music. The lazy river at this Baja California resort is like no other.
Key Amenities:
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Infinity pool overlooking ocean
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Lazy river through grotto tunnel with artwork and music
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Spa with holistic treatments, personal trainers and yoga classes
