As a fashion editor in Los Angeles and a mother of two, here are three stunning family-friendly resorts to include in your travel wishlist...

      Welcome to Traveling With Kids, an elegant travel series that showcases some of the most fashionable family-friendly accommodations worldwide, ranging from boutique hotels to upscale resorts. This series is designed for the style-conscious parent seeking a beautiful getaway while ensuring the kids stay entertained along the journey. Here’s what I’ve learned: traveling with children can be quite challenging, and if I could add a colorful phrase to express that, I definitely would. It's stressful, overwhelming, and humbling, and that’s just in the days leading up to the trip! If you also factor in a daughter who suffers from severe motion sickness and a son with ADHD who has a hard time sitting still, you might wonder why we would even venture outside the house at all. However, I also know that some of the most enchanting memories we've made as a family occurred on our vacations. Our dinner conversations frequently revolve around places we've been, people we've met, or amusing and unexpected moments we've encountered along the way. I can attest that the numerous pictures displayed on our walls, showcasing our laughter in stunning locations both near and far, tell the same story.

      Whether your journey is only an hour or stretches to twelve, the positive effects of travel on our children and family are undeniable—promoting independence, sparking curiosity, and igniting a lifelong passion for learning and exploration. Plus, you always see your home in a fresh perspective after a journey away.

      My deep-rooted enthusiasm for discovering new destinations is the primary reason we continually pack our bags and escape. This past summer, I decided it was time for a much-needed break with the kids, indulging in luxurious weekend escapes. I specifically looked for resorts that provide a harmonious blend of stylish five-star comfort and outdoor activities for children—somewhere within a three-hour drive from L.A. (Did I mention my daughter’s motion sickness?). Today, I’m excited to share three stunning Southern California resorts I stumbled upon that perfectly catered to our travel preferences. Each of these locations offers a unique experience but ultimately fulfilled what this fashion-editor mom was after: chic and relaxing getaways where the kids could immerse themselves in a fresh environment. These luxury resorts (and don’t worry—I'll also cover plenty of budget-friendly and boutique options throughout this series) are essential entries for your travel bucket list and absolutely worth the indulgence. Read on to discover my recommendations for where to go, what activities to enjoy, and, of course, what to pack.

      Alisal Ranch had been high on my travel wish list for a while—largely due to my admiration for horse ranches (I was born on one!) and my preference for retreats where nature's beauty vastly overshadows the beeping and buzzing of digital life. Savvy moms often praised Alisal Ranch during school pickups, and I’d seen glimpses on my social media feed of the Dôen sisters riding horses there and fashionable friends visiting the ranch for retreats while savoring wine and roasting s'mores under the stars.

      Situated about two and a half hours north of L.A. in the picturesque golden hills of the Santa Ynez Valley, Alisal is a 10,500-acre luxury working ranch that offers a contemporary take on the old West. Accommodations reminiscent of cowboy life blend seamlessly with five-star resort service, providing activities for every family member. And by that, I mean everyone. In fact, the majority of families we encountered had grandparents along with them—many turned it into a full family adventure with uncles, sisters, and brothers too—making it the quintessential multigenerational resort getaway. The array of activities available is astounding (we wished we’d had more days to experience them all), and the environment is absolutely enchanting. We forged core family memories here, so if a country escape with plenty of activities for both you and the kids is what you're after, you won't be disappointed. Continue reading for my highlights.

      **Activities Available**

      Horseback riding for all skill levels, scenic trail rides (I recommend the breakfast ride), an 18-hole golf course, tennis, pickleball, archery, axe throwing, fishing, boat rides, mountain biking, UTV tours, family bingo, kids club, tie-dye, arts and crafts room, ropes course, fitness classes, kids yoga, sound baths, hikes, spa, pool, jacuzzi, and the barnyard.

      **Kids' Highlights**

      The barnyard: My children eagerly asked to pet the barnyard animals daily.

      Corral horseback riding lesson: They discovered a newfound love for horses!

      Hay wagon ride to the lake barbecue: A truly enjoyable experience.

      Fishing: My son caught a fish!

      The complimentary soft serve ice cream and buffet breakfast.

      **Highlights for Me**

      Starter horseback riding: Connecting with the horses, crossing rivers, and taking in the beautiful scenery was a sublime experience.

      Pedal boating on the stunning lake in the morning.

      Dressing up for a country-formal