Of all the fantastic family vacation destinations in the US, California is one of the best. With countless attractions including bustling cities, awe-inspiring national parks, and glorious Pacific beaches, the Golden State is a great place for all ages. Looking for the best family vacation homes in California? Take a look at our Top Villas guide to our favorite California villas for families.
This glamorous mansion in Malibu
6 bedrooms | Sleeps 12
If your family has a taste for the finer things in life, this luxury villa rental in California’s most chic city will tick all of your boxes. Perfect for large gatherings, this sprawling home is one of our best family reunion vacation rentals in California. It sleeps up to 12 people, so there’s plenty of space for even the largest families to get comfortable. Facilities include a home theatre, a hot tub, a cozy fire pit, and access to beach club facilities. The real star of the show in this villa is the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. There’s nowhere better to enjoy a famed Malibu sunset over the ocean than from your own expansive private pool.
Things to do in Malibu with the family start with lazy days spent exploring the fantastic beaches in the area. A Malibu vacation would be incomplete without spending a few days on the golden sand. Malibu’s beaches are well equipped for family fun, with particular favorites being El Matador Beach and Zuma Beach. Malibu pier is also a hit for families with kids of all ages, with restaurants, shops, and a beautiful beach.
A chic townhouse for a San Diego family vacation
3 bedrooms | Sleeps 8
This San Diego vacation rental is the perfect place to get into the swing of that laid-back California lifestyle. Sleeping up to 8 people, this beautiful villa comes with family-friendly facilities. There’s a pool, a hot tub, table tennis, a BBQ area, and more. It is one of our favorite beach villas in California, just moments away from Grandview Beach and with access to beach accessories. The home comes with on-site parking, making it an ideal stop on a California road trip.
Our San Diego vacation home rentals are all well placed for exploring this incredible city, and this villa is no exception. Nearby family activities in San Diego include Legoland California, downtown San Diego, golf courses, and La Jolla, with its families of wild California sea lions. La Jolla is home to one of the best beaches in San Diego for families, with watersports, shopping, and miles of pristine white sand.
This luxury vacation rental in Lake Tahoe
4 bedrooms | Sleeps 10
It’s hard to beat Lake Tahoe for crisp mountain air, outdoor activities, and some of the best views in California. This 4-bedroom villa is a great base for your family trip to Lake Tahoe. Set in the peace and quiet seclusion of the Tahoe National Forest to the north of the lake, it’s one of our top Lake Tahoe vacation rentals for nature-loving families. The home is decorated in traditional mountain style. There are cozy touches including a game room, a hot tub, and a BBQ area, to help you make the most of the great outdoors.
Lake Tahoe is one of the best family vacation spots in California, particularly for adventure-loving clans. Winter highlights in the area include world-class skiing and snowboarding. Sunny weather in the summer months is the perfect excuse for exploring the beauty of the lake itself. There are plenty of Lake Tahoe family activities to choose from whenever you visit, from outdoor adventure parks to museums and even a sandy beach.
A spectacular desert vacation villa in Palm Desert
7 bedrooms | Sleeps 17
Set in 5 acres of stunning desert, this magnificent Palm Desert luxury vacation rental is the stuff that holiday dreams are made of. With 360° mountain views, a massive resort-style pool, and lush manicured gardens, this home is an oasis of calm for a relaxing family getaway in California. The villa has a huge on-site garage, and plenty of indoor and outdoor entertaining space, making it ideal for family reunions or big group getaways. It is also stuffed with fantastic facilities, including games rooms, a putting green, lawn games. When the sun sets, there’s a warming fire pit, the perfect place to unwind at night under magical desert stars.
Families looking for a unique, exciting, and luxurious escape won’t go wrong with a Palm Desert vacation. Winter is the best time to visit for cooler weather, especially if you want to explore the natural wonders of the area, such as Joshua Tree National Park. Another great attraction is The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tramcar. It travels to a height of 8000 feet, giving you the most fantastic views over the desert. There are a restaurant and hiking trails at the top, making it a great trip on your Palm Desert family vacation.
A magnificent villa for families in Indian Wells
15 bedrooms | Sleeps 32
It just doesn’t get any grander than this incredible Indian Wells vacation home. Occupying 26000 sq feet of prime land in the Coachella Valley, this enormous home sleeps up to 32 people in total luxury. The facilities on offer are absolutely fantastic and include a state-of-the-art games room, a fitness center, a fantastic pool, landscaped gardens, and tennis courts. Ideal for family reunions, the villa also has a subterranean garage, for up to 16 vehicles. It is one of our largest family vacation rentals in California, and certainly one of our most incredible.
Indian Wells is one of the best locations for unforgettable California family vacations in the desert. The region is full of exciting outdoor activities, best enjoyed in the winter when the weather is mild and the intense summer heat has subsided. Sporty families will enjoy the numerous golf courses and walking trails in the area, while fans of the outdoors can explore the surrounding desert on a fascinating eco-tour.
Other family villas in California
Our awesome California villa rentals are located in fantastic locations all over the Golden State. Find family-friendly homes in Monterey, La Quinta, Los Angeles, and more. Each villa is decked out with the most fantastic facilities to make your family trip to California unforgettable.
If you’re convinced by our wonderful California villas, it’s easy to book your vacation home using our website. All you need to do is find your perfect place, check the availability for your dates, and reserve it. You can also hold the villa while you make your decision. Contact our friendly team of experts for more help and information.
Flex Policies
Our new Flex Policies are designed to give peace of mind when booking your vacation home. Look for the blue banner on selected villas, indicating that they qualify for free changes or cancellations.*
*Terms and conditions apply. Flex 14 allows you to change or cancel your booking up to 14 days before travel. Flex 30 allows the same up to 30 days before travel.
