11 Perfect Beach Rental Houses for a Family Reunion

Family reunions can be very fun, but planning can be hard work. One of the major things to prioritize when planning a vacation for large groups is finding the perfect place to stay. An extended family gathering will require a large space that can hold the whole family and features that will make the vacation enjoyable. Whether your family enjoys water sports, swimming with underwater animals, or collecting shells, here are some beach rental houses that are perfect for family reunions.

11 Awesome Beach Houses for Family Reunions - Groups Are A Trip

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Best Places to Stay for a Family Reunion at the Beach

1. Marriott’s OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Whether you want to participate in world-class recreational activities, try out seafood, or enjoy a great time by the beach, this resort at Grande Dunes is sure to make your vacation perfect. Visitors here will enjoy spacious villas with two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and many modern amenities. The suites have bath amenities, full kitchens, furnished balconies, laundry facilities, and dining rooms. From your balcony, you can enjoy stunning views of the white sands of Myrtle Beach. 

Marriott OceanWatch Villas beach house rentals
Photo credit: Marriott

The resort has a fitness center, restaurants that offer American cuisine, an outdoor playground to keep little children busy, and pool bars for cocktails. Marriott’s OceanWatch is also close to golf courses, attractions, fine restaurants, and shopping centers in the area. 

2. South Seas Island Resort – Captiva, Florida

South Seas Island Resort is one of the best Florida rentals for a large gathering. Nestled on the Florida Gulf Coast, this iconic resort village has different accommodation ranges, including one-, two, and three-bedroom villas with fully equipped kitchens. There are also options for a cottage or a private home. 

Families can go on kayak tours, tourism cruises, and fishing excursions. There are also opportunities for golf games, spa treatments, boating, shelling, sailing, and watersports programs.

If you are with young kids, they will have a good time at Sanibel Sea School, where they can learn about the environment. There is also an on-site spa, golf court, tennis court, fitness center, and exercise trails for outdoorsy people.

South Seas has eight dining options, including a Caribbean-inspired bar, a grill, and a market. The resort is also close to many attraction points, like Sanibel Lighthouse, Fort Myers Beach, and Sanibel Outlet. 

3. Shore Hotel – Santa Monica, California

Big families will enjoy a great time at this reunion resort with spacious oceanfront rooms offering panoramic views of the beach, garden courtyard, or city. Interconnected rooms are available for large groups. 

The large rooms have private balconies or patios with modern essentials like rain showers, Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen TV. The living area is well decorated and has pull-out sofas that can work as a bed.

View of the Santa Monica Pier with ferris wheels from a distance.

Guests here can enjoy many outdoor activities like hiking, skating, biking, and surfing. Other amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, a hot tub, a heated pool, a bar, and a restaurant serving Mexican food. If you want a vacation full of fun and adventures, Shore Hotel is where to be.

Shore Hotel is also close to Santa Monica Pier. At the pier you can enjoy endless activities, including live concerts, farmers market galore, and fishing. Little children will love the amusement park and the world-class Ferris wheel, as well as the arcade games. 

4. Hotel Del Coronado – San Diego, California

Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island is a National Historic Landmark with guest rooms throughout its massive property. You will find different apartment options, including two and three bedroom villas and cottages in a modern beach house style for family vacations. Some of the rooms offer sea views and feature fireplaces and private patios. 

Hotel del Coronado ocean view

The large vacation rentals have access to a luxury private beach with restaurant services, lounge chairs, a daybed, and opportunities for water activities like surfing and paddle boarding. There is also a kid’s club to keep little family members busy. Amenities include a fitness center, a heated outdoor pool, a private hot tub, lounge chairs, and a world-class spa.

In addition to offering a beach house, Hotel Del Coronado is a tourist spot. This property dates to 1888 and has one-of-a-kind architecture, including a lobby with glossy mahogany and chandeliers shaped like huge crowns.

5. The Lodge at Gulf State Park – Gulf Shores, Alabama

Located in Gulf Shores, this beach resort is family-friendly and offers 350 guest rooms, including 20 suites for families. The lodge has connecting rooms making it a perfect place for a family group. Guests will enjoy the views of the Gulf of Mexico or the Gulf State Park through the large windows in the private suite. 

The Lodge Gulf Shores
Photo credit: Hilton

One of the best parts about this guest house is the amenities. Families will enjoy access to a gulf front infinity pool, the beach, a fitness center, and two fantastic gulf front restaurants. There is also a concierge service, a games room, meeting rooms, and a tour desk to help organize group activities your family can enjoy.

This resort is an ideal place to stay if you want to connect with the outdoors. There is a lake to try fishing, an infinity pool, and several miles of trails to hike and bike. 

6. Jewel in the Sand – Destin, Florida

This beachfront rental in Destin is luxurious, has plenty of space, and is fully equipped with sophisticated amenities. Some of these include a private pool, full kitchen, grilling area, and 4 balconies overlooking the gulf.

Jewel in the Sand has eight rooms that can sleep up to 24 guests, making it an ideal place to stay for special occasions with families. Each space has modern decor, beautiful furnishing, stunning artwork, and necessities to host family members on vacation. You will find a gourmet kitchen, lounge chairs, dining rooms, laundry room, and flat-screen TVs.

This vacation home is also close to many great places, including water parks, golf courses, restaurants, and the Destin Harbor, where you can jet ski, fish, and experience a dolphin tour. 

7. Kahaluu Beach Private Home – Kona, Hawaii

This oceanview resort is just some steps away from Kahaluu Beach, one of the best snorkeling and surfing spots in the area. Kahaluu Beach Private Home is also a short walk to many landmarks and attraction sites like Keauhou Shopping Center, Keauhou Farmers Market, and St. Micheal the Archangel Church. 

The property has three-bedroom villas that can sleep up to 10. It also offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the beach. The indoors have two private bathrooms, a living area, a well-stocked kitchen, and an in-unit washer/dryer. Each bedroom comes with a smart TV, and the primary bedroom has a king-sized bed with doors that open up to the beautiful lanai overflowing with flowers and palms. 

Kahaluu Private Home also has great outdoors. You will find an outdoor grill for BBQ, an outdoor shower for cleaning up, an infinity pool for swimming, and a spa for massage treatments. 

8. The Ocean Lodge – Cannon Beach, Oregon

Located in Cannon Beach, this beachfront vacation offers beautiful rooms with a balcony, equipped kitchenette, and cable TV. Some rooms have an ocean view, and we recommend getting one during your vacation. The guest rooms also feature a river rock fireplace, breakfast buffet, WiFi, free coffee, and cookies. 

Landscape view of The Ocean Lodge, Oregon.

The Ocean Lodge is in close proximity to major attraction sites, art galleries, shopping complexes, and restaurants. You and your family can visit the nearby Seaside Factory, Haystack Rock, and the Seaside Aquarium while you are here. 

9. Jamaica Cove – Galveston Island, Texas

One of the best vacation homes for larger groups in Galveston Island is Jamaica Cove which can sleep up to 20 adults and kids. Located right on the bay, this rental home offers stunning views of the beach and sunset.

The outdoor space of this rental home is quite beautiful. On top of that it’s fully equipped with an outdoor fire pit, wet bar, hammocks, outdoor TV, decks, and five seating areas. The indoor space has plenty of room and is equipped with a kitchenette, balcony, and washing machine. 

This vacation home is also a short drive to Galveston Island State Park. At the park visitors can enjoy paddling, hiking, biking, and fishing. 

10. Salt Cottages – Bar Harbor, Maine

Located in the charming New England town of Bar Harbor, Salt Cottages’ 40 maritime-inspired accommodations combine relaxation and adventure for guests of all ages.  The property offers a range of accommodations including 30 stand-alone cottages – ranging from studios to two bedrooms – and 10 boutique bungalow-style rooms thoughtfully designed to reflect the spirit of coastal Maine.

On-site amenities include a swimming pool, hot tubs, lawn games, a clubhouse with board games, arcade games, ping pong tables, and an on-site snack bar.

Salt Cottages Vacation Rentals Bar Harbor Maine
Photo: Decker Royal

The fun isn’t just limited to the on-property experiences. As the closest resort to Acadia National Park, Salt Cottages offers guests an entrance to the park a mere five-minute drive from the cottages. Here, families have easy access to a day of adventure, including Acadia bus tours, historic Downeast Windjammer sailing trips, and hiking the most beautiful views in New England.

After a day full of exploring, travelers can retreat to historic downtown Bar Harbor, just minutes away from the cottages, for all kinds of boutique shopping and delectable dining options from classic Maine lobster rolls to an authentic Irish pub.

11. Wai’ula’ula Villa 415 at Mauna Kea Residences – Kohala Coast, Hawaii

Located on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, Mauna Kea Residences, are a collection of 2 to 7-bedroom condos, townhomes, and estates within Mauna Kea Resort. Wai’ula’ula Villa 415, is a charming 4-bedroom home that offers indoor/outdoor island living for up to 8 people.

Mauna Kea residences
Photo credit: Murphy O’Brien

Guests can enjoy unobstructed ocean, golf, and mountain views from the private swimming pool, hot tub and lanai. Along with elevated interiors and modern amenities, guests also receive signing privileges Mauna Kea Resort. Here you can enjoy spa treatments, world-class golf courses, and a variety of dining outlets and beach activities.

Awesome Beach Rental Houses for Your Next Family Reunion

If you want to go all out for your next family reunion, consider a beach rental house with multiple rooms and amenities that will serve the entire family. This list of vacation homes and resorts is an excellent place to start. All of these have plenty of room, are well-equipped, and offer many activities all ages can enjoy.