Family reunions are on everyone’s mind so when you combine great destinations with great stays, you’ll have a memory-making vacation that is worth repeating year after year. The beauty of living in LA is that you have the mountains, the desert and the beaches all within a reasonable driving distance (and honestly, who doesn’t want to vacation here?). Check out our favorite Airbnbs that can accommodate family reunions and large groups no matter the size of your brood.
Mountains
Charming Ranch in Idyllwild, CA
Sleeps: 16
Cost: $902/night
Online: airbnb.com
Rustic Cabin in Big Bear, CA
This spacious and cozy cabin features cathedral ceilings, log walls and a charming fireplace surrounded by the enchanting Big Bear mountains. There are plenty of places both indoor and outdoor to enjoy a hot cup of cocoa while kids frolic around the cabin. The fun continues in the secluded property with a pool table, table tennis, foosball, air hockey and a hot tub. You'll discover the sunrises and sunsets among the crisp air are breathtaking.Added bonus for families traveling with young children is the cabin provides a pack ‘n play and high chair upon request.
The Snow Summit Ski Resort, Big Bear Alpine Zoo and the Big Bear Lake are all centrally located—see more reasons why Big Bear is one of our favorite family destinations.
Sleeps: 16
Cost: $311/night
Online: airbnb.com
Mountain Sanctuary in Idyllwild, CA
Nestled within the forest at an elevation of 6200 feet, this Alpine-style home features a large wrap-around porch where you can spend your day appreciating the panoramic San Jacinto Mountain ridges. The breathtaking views in this chalet offer serene hikes throughout the mountain retreat while having the Idyllwild restaurants and shops just minutes away. The signature feature of this home is the relaxing Yoga studio perfect for your crew to feel a Zen-vibe on your vacation.
Sleeps: 15
Cost: $756/night
Online: airbnb.com
Mountain Retreat in Lake Arrowhead, CA
All the conveniences of modern luxe living are part of this gorgeous property among the breathtaking lake views as seen on its two decks. Designed with families and large groups in mind, your little ones will explore the many features of the game room and discover there are loads of board games to play, foosball challenges to partake in and plenty of songs to sing on the karaoke machine. Hiking trails and the Village are just moments away to soak in Lake Arrowhead’s natural beauty. Bonus for those traveling with young children is there are plenty of high chairs and pack and plays which make this home truly family-friendly.
Sleeps: 15
Cost: $344/night
Online: airbnb.com
RELATED: Why We Love Lake Arrowhead
Timber Lodge in Big Bear, CA
Nestled within the pine trees lies this woodsy palace among one-a-half acres of luscious land. The beauty of this log home is its spacious and cozy accommodations that include a gourmet kitchen perfect for preparing large meals, multiple game rooms to diversify the family bonding time and a mesmerizing deck area complete with a hot tub and BBQ for some outdoor chill time. If you visit during snow season, bring your sleds because there’s plenty of room for sledding adventures on the property!
Sleeps: 16
Cost: $628/night
Online: airbnb.com
Luxurious Lodge in Lake Arrowhead, CA
If you’re looking for a modern take on vacationing surrounded by nature, this exquisite home is just for you. It has all the amenities you would need for large groups to enjoy both privacy, featuring 3 levels of indoor space, as well as plenty of communal areas for memorable family game time both day and night. Families and friends can partake in some competitive play within the two game rooms containing your favorite board games, table tennis and family-friendly books. And if you want to feel the fresh air, venture outdoors in one of the 2 decks to view the lake under the festive lighting while making s’mores over the fire pit with your whole crew.
Sleeps: 14
Cost: $763/night
Online: airbnb.com
Desert
Private Villa in Desert Hot Springs, CA
If you’re looking for a desert escape with lots of activities to do with your family and friends without ever having to leave the property, look no further. You can set up teams and enjoy a game of basketball on their very own private court, then have a break by taking a dip in the pool while listening to the meditative sounds of the waterfall. If basketball is not the game of your choice, you can easily convert the courts to be either tennis or badminton, which can add more good times to your desert dream destination. Unlike the homes in Palm Springs, this property does not have a noise ordinance so your little explorers are free to laugh as loud as their hearts’ desire.
Sleeps: 16
Cost: $674/night
Online: airbnb.com
Modern Paradise in Desert Hot Springs, CA
Your kids will want to splash all day in the spacious pool while you watch over them in the jacuzzi as you indulge in your favorite beverage under the desert sky. This paradise location is clean, newly furnished and has plenty of space to accommodate for large groups. Your explorers will enjoy the huge backyard with a fire pit, zen garden and hammock. And for added fun, it also has a pool table for some quality time indoors.
Sleeps: 16
Cost: $764/night
Online: airbnb.com
Chic Retreat in Joshua Tree, CA
Mere minutes from the Joshua Tree National Park, this desert oasis has all the amenities to make a large group feel right at home on five acres in the Highlands. The outdoor patio with its luxurious pool surrounded by the expansive grounds provides the ideal backdrop for a relaxing desert escape. Indoors, it even comes with its own game room containing a pool table, foosball and a barrel arcade. Both adults and kids will appreciate the serene location while partaking in some memory-making quality time.
Sleeps: 16
Cost: $889/night
Online: airbnb.com
High Desert Resort in Yucca Valley, CA
This oasis offers the perfect combination of desert vibes mixed with the amenities of a modern, luxurious vacation home. Just 15 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park, you and your group can spend your days on the 5-acre property playing Marco Polo in the chic pool followed by a game or two on their horse shoe court. When you fancy a break from the fresh air, bond with your guests in the game room featuring a pool and Ping Pong table. What makes this destination ideal for large groups is that it has three kitchens to suit the needs of your fun group of family and friends.
Sleeps: 16
Cost: $912/night
Online: airbnb.com
Beaches
Amazing Views in Malibu, CA
Create a truly memorable vacation with your family and friends in this refined, modern retreat overlooking Surfrider Beach and Malibu mountains. Light and luxurious-living abound in every nook and cranny of this spacious getaway. The beauty of this villa is that you won’t need to take the kids on a long road trip to feel like you’re indulging in a beachy paradise. The little ones can jump on the trampoline while you grill the meal and lounge on the relaxing sun chairs taking in the LA sunset. Don't forget to check out our family guide to Malibu before you go!
Sleeps: 16
Cost: $1612/night
Online: airbnb.com
Quiet Coastal in Oceanside, CA
This beach-chic 2-story home is just a few blocks from the Oceanside Beach, downtown and the pier. There is plenty of space both indoors and outdoors for your little ones to play hide-and-seek at this spacious beach-community home. Because San Diego County can still feel like summer during the holidays, you can spend the afternoon on their beautiful deck or in their jacuzzi while your kids splash around the pool and then explore the entertaining play structure. End the night by playing a competitive game of horse shoe! An added bonus to this house is LEGOLAND is just a quick few minutes drive away.
Sleeps: 14
Cost: $457/night
Online: airbnb.com
Beachside Retreat in Newport Beach, CA
In this beachy paradise, step outside and enjoy the sand on your feet and make cute sand castles with the kids. The property itself gives you that perfect California-chill vibe with all the amenities you would need to host a large group. Something special about this location is from the house your little beach goers can watch the dolphins bounce and play in the ocean waves. The added bonus is that a large variety of recreational equipment is included in the rental including bikes, boogie boards and a double kayak!
Sleeps: 14
Cost: $489/night
Online: airbnb.com
Hillside Paradise in Laguna Hills, CA
Your group will feel relaxed and at home in this large property with plenty of space to cook memorable meals and enjoy eating them in the gorgeous patio overlooking the Saddleback mountains. The house is on a cul-de-sac and, therefore, surrounded by privacy and plenty of greenery. Your children will be entertained by watching the horses pass by along the equestrian trails. You can easily hop on one of the trails to exercise while exploring your surroundings. This property is not within walking distance from the beach, but it is easily accessible by car. Added bonus to this house is it has a fun play set which will inspire plenty of good times for your kids.
Sleeps: 16
Cost: $659/night
Online: airbnb.com
Beachfront Home in Oceanside, CA
Picture yourself cutting the turkey at your Thanksgiving dinner then looking up and basking in the ocean view right outside your window. This comfortable and expansive three-story beach home allows for large groups to have their own levels while also offering several communal spaces throughout the property both inside and under the sun. Having the beach as your backyard is really the only playground your little ones will need the entire trip. While they make sand castles, you can BBQ dinner on the oceanfront patio.
Sleeps: 12
Cost: $750/night
Online: airbnb.com
Central Coast
Boutique in Santa Barbara, CA
Sleeps: 16
Cost: $799/night
Online: airbnb.com
Clover Ridge Ranch in San Luis Obispo, CA
For a somewhat longer road trip, stay at this magical estate that will give you all the comforts and luxuries you need for a large group reunion. The layout of the property lends itself to giving multiple families privacy and serenity among the verdant vineyard in San Luis Obispo. The estate has spacious grounds for the kids to play freely while the adults relax on the patio soaking in the picturesque nature views. Your little farmers will enjoy checking out the chicken coop on the property and will end their adventurous days by listening to stories told around the fire pit in the evening. The gorgeous ranch offers trails where you can bump into any number of animals like wild turkeys and quail!
Sleeps: 14
Cost: $1,183/night
Online: airbnb.com
Organic Farm in Ojai, CA
If you’re willing to splurge a bit, you and your group can spend your holiday vacation within a peaceful estate surrounded by magnificent avocado, citrus and oak trees where you can explore the hiking trails and find yourself in natural hot springs and stunning waterfalls. Ojai has the perfect moderate climate that invites you to spend your days outside grilling on the BBQ on the deck while your children play tag around the expansive property. For an additional fee, you can reserve the adjacent Zen Studio to add more space and amenities if needed by your guests.
Sleeps: 12
Cost: $1,206/night
Online: airbnb.com
Spa Estate in Ojai, CA
When staying in this luxury villa, you can indulge in poolside views of the mountains, valley and nearby golf courses with the option of spending your vacay on the scenic property or visit downtown just a few minutes drive away. Because you most likely will be relaxing outdoors for much of the day in Ojai no matter the time of year, the spacious deck offers several entertainment options including a fire pit and BBQ. Indoors there is a game room with a pool table, foosball and a drum set for your little musicians to add some fun tunes to your holiday.
Sleeps: 16
Cost: $1,300/night
Online: airbnb.com
Rio Vista Ranch in Buellton, CA
This gorgeous ranch offers a private, idyllic location beautifully situated among two vineyards offering breathtaking mountain views and plenty of land for the little ones to run freely. Majestic oak trees are nestled among the estate which includes a pond, luscious fields, and its very own farm. What makes this property so captivating is the layout of cottages which allows for families to maintain privacy and have their own mini-ranch space to accommodate their needs.
Sleeps: 16
Cost: $1,436/night
Online: airbnb.com
RELATED: Weekend Guide to Buellton with Kids
—Carmen Garcia-Shushtari
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