With a wealth of attractions, incredible scenery, and an array of vacation options, the Golden State tends to be at the top of many vacation lists. These are just some of the reasons we love planning family reunions in California. We’re excited to highlight the best family reunion destinations in California and share the best places to stay with your extended family.
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Family Reunion Destinations in California All Ages Will Love
If you’re looking to plan a trip that every family member can enjoy, California could be the perfect place to host your next family reunion. Whether you are looking for the sun-soaked beach towns, legendary ski resorts, or theme parks, you’re in for an unforgettable time here.
1. South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe is a the perfect spot to enjoy the wild beauty of Lake Tahoe while getting a bit of city life, too. Go skiing in the winter or spend a summer in the water. If your family loves fishing, swimming, hiking, and beach lounging, this is a great place to go.
South Lake Tahoe also has casinos, golf courses, fine dining, and world-class spas. There is truly something for everyone in the family. Check out this great guide to a family reunion in Lake Tahoe. It has the advice you need to plan an unforgettable family reunion.
Where to Stay
Small groups can find plenty of homes to rent in the Tahoe area. We think Heavenly Village and Tahoe Keys are good home bases. If you want to have everyone under one roof, we love this 14 bedroom, 14 bathroom estate with an indoor pool, game room, and movie theater. Reunion groups won’t want to miss this stunning property!
2. San Diego
San Diego is one of the best cities for a family reunion. However, the challenge with any Southern California getaway is choosing the best area for your stay. Read on to discover our favorite spots around San Diego that are perfect for kids and adults alike.
La Jolla Shores
How about heading to La Jolla Shores, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, emerald golf courses, rugged tide pools, walkable streets, and a fun surf vibe? Kids will love the easy access to the beach while adults appreciate the fine shopping and dining.
Where to Stay
Check out this La Jolla beachfront vacation rental, which sleeps 15 people and is within walking distance of the beach. You will love its two master bedrooms, fenced jacuzzi, and a spacious patio.
Coronado Island
Coronado Island is one of our favorite locales in Southern California. The entire family will love staying here. With the pristine beaches and the luxurious historic hotels, Coronado Island is a special place where families can enjoy quality time while enjoying the vibrant beauty of San Diego. Its location also allows for easy access to Balboa Park, SeaWorld, and the San Diego Zoo.
Where to Stay
Hotel del Coronado is “THE” place to stay on the island. It’s strikingly posh with a bold personality, and there’s something for all ages here. Enjoy the pool, beach access, amazing onsite dining, and various accommodations. Book a hotel room, a cottage, or a scenic suite. Other nearby options include Loews Coronado Bay Resort and Glorietta Bay Inn.
Del Mar
Del Mar is about 20 miles north of San Diego and has a classic small beach town vibe. It’s a special beach town that’s made for you to slow down and really enjoy your family reunion. It is in close proximity to San Diego’s endless attractions. Del Mar Village is walkable and bike-friendly, and the beaches are amazing.
Where to Stay
Fairmont Grand Del Mar is a fantastic resort on the town’s hillside. Enjoy its luxurious spa, multiple heated pools, expansive golf course, and plush accommodations.
Carlsbad
Carlsbad features numerous activities on the water as well as family fun, and relaxed vibes. Spend your days in the water, the golf course, or the tennis courts. Walk through Carlsbad Village or hike through its parks. Carlsbad is also home to LEGOLAND and SEA LIFE Aquarium.
Where to Stay
Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara, North San Diego, is a luxury hotel made for a family gathering. Their villas offer everything you could want for a getaway, all with the excellent service you expect from the Four Seasons.
3. Yosemite
Yosemite is one of the best National Parks in the United States, and the ideal place for a family reunion. Enjoy hundreds of miles of hiking trails and scenic driving tours that are fun for all ages.
Yosemite is a great spot for families who love spending time in nature. There’s horseback riding, biking, or cross-country skiing (in the winter). In the summer, there are lakes for swimming and endless opportunities for fishing.
Where to Stay
Curry Village offers an immersive stay in Yosemite’s beautiful wilderness. Families can choose between canvas cabins, traditional wood cabins, or hotel rooms. It’s ADA-accessible and has a seasonal outdoor pool and shuttle access for exploring the park. The Ahwahnee is another property within the park that’s perfect for families. Tenaya Lodge is a good option for families as they have cabins and cottages as well.
4. Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a fantastic destination for a family vacation. It has an upscale vibe while exuding classic Southern California energy. Grown-ups can enjoy the area’s wineries, boutique shops and galleries, and Spanish colonial architecture.
There’s a botanical garden, zoo, scenic parks, beaches, golf courses, and whale watching tours. Plus, it is just a couple of hours away from the amusement parks of Los Angeles, where even more family fun awaits.
Where to Stay
Santa Barbara and its surrounding areas are made for immersive ranch stays. We love El Capitan Canyon Resort because you can choose between a cabin rental or an adventure yurt. Plus, it has incredible natural scenery and ocean views.
5. Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake is one of our favorite family reunion location ideas any time of year. In the winter, the Southern California town is a gateway to Snow Summit and Bear Mountain ski resorts, both of which are beginner-friendly. In warm weather, you can go fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and jet skiing. Its alpine forests and mountains are a fantastic backdrop for a relaxed and nature-filled reunion.
Where to Stay
This rental home in Big Bear Lake sleeps 16 people, is right on the lake, has a hot tub, and is near the area’s ski slopes, dining, and shopping. There’s plenty of room for a large group to fully enjoy the scenery of Big Bear.
6. Napa and Sonoma
Although Napa and Sonoma are known for wineries and relaxing getaways, family members of all ages will love a reunion here. Many of the vineyards are kid-friendly and offer outdoor games to entertain them while parents sample local offerings.
Here’s where you can read about kid-friendly wineries in the Napa Valley region, but even if you’re not much for wine tasting, it is still possible to have a wonderful time exploring this beautiful area. Take a hot air balloon ride, hike through the stunning hillsides, and kayak along multiple rivers.
Sonoma also has a children’s museum and is home to TrainTown Railroad, which is perfect for train enthusiasts of all ages.
Where to Stay
The Lodge at Sonoma Resort is a Marriott property with an ideal location in the heart of Sonoma. Families can stay in lodge or cottage rooms, and there are junior suites for larger families. Amenities include a heated outdoor pool, fire pits, and a lovely spa.
7. Monterey Peninsula and Carmel
If you’re looking for a classic beach town getaway, you will have a magical time in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The scenic and historic town on California’s Monterey Peninsula boasts incredible museums, famous surf spots, outdoor activities, and a walkable village. This beautiful place is about 2 hours from San Francisco, making for the perfect day trip if you want to escape the city.
Where to Stay
Portola Hotel at Monterey Bay is a perfect home base during a coastal California getaway. Enjoy easy access to Fisherman’s Wharf while being near the Monterey Bay Aquarium, beach, and Cannery Row.
8. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Looking for a destination that offers two national parks in one? Sequoia & Kings Canyon are two parks that operate jointly, and they are great destinations for an unforgettable family reunion.
Fun activities include hiking, wildlife spotting, scenic drives, and relaxing in the wilderness. This isn’t the most action-packed family reunion destination in California, but it’s the perfect setting for a relaxed getaway. Of course, seeing the giant Sequoia trees is a bucket list experience that’s worth the trip.
Where to Stay
Grant Grove Cabins are perfect for truly enjoying the great outdoors while being close to the best attractions in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. Choose from their different types of cabins, or enjoy classic hotel rooms at nearby John Muir Lodge. Both properties are managed by the National Park Service.
9. Palm Springs
There are nine cities within Palm Springs, California, and together they serve as the perfect location for fun family reunions. Enjoy hiking and sightseeing in Indian Canyons and Joshua Tree National Park. If the outdoor option isn’t appealing, spend your time shopping and dining your way through the area.
There are several botanical gardens, great museums, a zoo, a dinosaur experience, water park, and a scenic aerial tramway that shouldn’t be missed when visiting Palm Springs.
Where to Stay
Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa has a luxurious atmosphere, a kid-friendly waterpark, an incredible spa, multiple golf courses, and spacious rooms.
10. Mammoth Lakes
Enjoy the striking beauty of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains while spending time as a family. Mammoth Lakes is a fantastic destination for large groups who want a little bit of everything. Wintertime brings outdoor fun, like sledding, skiing, and ice skating. Or visit in the summer months when you can swim, kayak, and fish.
Mammoth Lakes is gorgeous in the fall and spring, and these are amazing times for hiking and horseback riding.
Where to Stay
Sierra Meadows Ranch offers hotel-style cabins surrounded by sweeping rustic scenery. You will be close to ski lifts, water activities, and the Village at Mammoth.
11. San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo is a unique place to find quality time for the whole family. Surround yourself with coastal beauty, small-town charm, and a wealth of fun outdoor activities.
Families will love beautiful beaches, unique state parks, lush botanical gardens, and delicious dining. Plus, there are wineries and golf courses to keep grown-ups entertained.
Where to Stay
This historic San Luis Obispo vacation home sleeps 20 people in a rustic, countryside setting. The property is surrounded by the great outdoors while being just a few miles away from town.
Choosing the Best Family Reunion Destinations in California
There’s a lot to see and do throughout California, so it can be hard to find the best locations for a family reunion. The good news is you can’t go wrong, and each locale offers the chance to experience nature and unique scenery with your nearest dearest. So, head out West to enjoy the spectacular family vacation spots California has to offer.