For families traveling in larger groups, traditional hotel rooms often do not provide enough space. Many California resorts and hotels are now offering creative lodging options to better accommodate bigger or multigenerational families.
David Jamison, Camp Manager at The Camp at Carmel Valley in Monterey County, noted the growing trend: “We see a lot of bigger families. Sometimes the grandparents are coming, too.”
The rise in multigenerational travel is not new. According to Virtuoso, a travel agency network, this type of travel was already the top trend in 2019. Since then, more families have been motivated by the desire to reunite with relatives after pandemic restrictions. A recent survey by Destination Analysts found that 60 percent of travelers cite spending time with family as their main reason for traveling.
Kathleen Cochran, general manager at Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort in Solvang, confirmed this shift: “We’re seeing the same trend, and we’ve been hosting big families for years.” She added about their accommodations: “As we renovate rooms, we say, let’s make it fun and make sure everyone has a comfortable bed to sleep in. We don’t do rollaways.”
Across California, there are numerous options for larger groups. Ski resort areas such as Palisades Tahoe offer all-season condos suitable for big families. In Big Bear and Upstate California near Shasta Lake, visitors can find cabins or even houseboats that fit entire crews.
Urban destinations also feature spacious alternatives. In San Francisco’s Marina District, Hotel Del Sol offers suites that can sleep five people using beds and sleeper sofas. In Mammoth Lakes, Tamarack Lodge provides cabins that accommodate up to nine guests and allow pets.
Other notable options include Railroad Park Resort in Dunsmuir with caboose accommodations for up to five people; Emerald Forest Cabins & RV in Trinidad with cabins sleeping up to ten; Drakesbad Guest Ranch near Lassen Volcanic National Park offering units for up to ten guests; Granlibakken Lodge in Tahoe City featuring townhouses with multiple bedrooms; The Redwoods in Yosemite providing cabins inside Yosemite National Park; El Capitan Canyon near Santa Barbara with tents and cedar cabins; Terranea Resort on the Palos Verdes Peninsula offering bungalows and villas; Omni Rancho Las Palmas near Palm Springs featuring roomy suites and a waterpark; Great Wolf Lodge Southern California focused on large family suites and an indoor water park; Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina in Newport Beach allowing stays in cottages or RVs; and Paradise Point Resort on Mission Bay in San Diego providing bungalows on its own island.
These properties offer various amenities including pools, kitchens, outdoor activities like hiking or kayaking, kids’ clubs, water parks, proximity to national parks or beaches, and opportunities for group recreation such as mini-golf or tennis.
California continues to adapt its hospitality offerings so that bigger families can enjoy vacations together without needing multiple hotel rooms or sacrificing comfort.
