Family Reunions & Gatherings in Florida Include Naples, Kissimmee, Space Coast, Steinhatchee, and Sanford. The best places for a family reunion or gathering in Florida include beach houses, spas, hotels, and resorts with activities, amenities and benefits for all ages. 

Here's the scoop. I have assembled an assortment of family friendly places each geared to make creating a memorable family reunion just happen. From the sandy beach at the Naples Beach Hotel and eco friendly Steinhatchee Landing to Kissimmee/St. Cloud and the beaches along the Space Coast, Florida has potential for reunions and family gatherings. 

Naples: The Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club. Sun, sand, golf, tennis and a spa plus a family friendly, attentive staff to take care of the details makes this spot ideal for a family reunion or special gathering. Select from one-bedroom suites or guest rooms. The varied sleeping options mean everyone in the family group gets their own space. Days can be filled with bonding activities including golfing, tennis, pedal boats tours, kayaking at sunrise, sailing a Hobie cat, playing volleyball, sun worshiping from a beach chair or enjoying the heated beachfront pool. Bonus Points: The resort’s “Klub 4 Kids” entertains 5-12 year olds with complimentary activities including themed activities, buried treasure hunts, swimming, beach walks, movies, finger painting and great games and teenagers are encouraged to meet others through volleyball tournaments, golf and tennis clinics and a host of other coordinated activities. Reunion Benefit: The location is tropical and the atmosphere ideal for an exclusive family gathering by the sea. Whether it is arrangements for a family reunion or preparations for a wedding, the staff at Naples Beach Hotel is up to the task. The resort provides assistance with the details of planning to make sure your gathering is exceptional and memorable. The images at the website say it all. Imagine a family reunion in paradise. (The Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club 851 Gulf Shore Boulevard North, Naples, Florida 34102. Toll-free 1-800-455-1546, 1(239) 261-2222 or www.NaplesBeachHotel.com)

 

Florida: Kissimmee/St. Cloud for Reunions and Gatherings. Central Florida offers obvious advantages easy affordable transportation, theme parks, natural beauty and loads of entertainment within the area. In fact for many of us there are almost too many choices and options. Kissimmee’s accommodations choices include rooms, suites, resorts, and vacation homes. In addition to Disney, Universal, Sea World, and Cypress Gardens Adventure Park nightly entertainment options include “Tony ‘N Tina’s Wedding,” Arabian Nights Dinner Theater, Capone’s Dinner and Show, Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament, and Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede. Day options include fishing, biking, birding and awesome airboat rides on the lake. Kissimmee's mile markers along Hwy 192 make sense out of chaos making the 13-mile stretch pedestrian-and traffic-friendly. Bonus Points: One built in weekly event must not be missed. Each weekend Old Town is home to the Saturday Night Cruise with more than 300 classic cars and the Friday Night Cruise is reserved for newer custom cars and exotics. Reunion Benefit: Luckily Kissimmee/St. Cloud has staff dedicated to organizing gatherings including family reunions. To take advantage of the complimentary service is fairly simple. Fill out the details on line and they will do the rest. From securing transportation and accommodations to arranging day activities and special dinners, they have experience which can only be beneficial. (Toll-free 1-800-333-KISS (5477) log onto www.ReunionsinKissimmee.com)

 

Space Coast: Connecting with Family and Friends. Midpoint along Florida’s Atlantic Coast the communities of Titusville, Cocoa Beach, and Melbourne and Palm Bay offer some exceptional vacation experiences beginning with 72 miles of beaches space-age attractions, protected wildlife refuges, a world-class zoo and championship golf. From surf or kayak lessons to close encounters with nature and space discoveries at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex the choices are awesome. The area contains many historical sights each providing a connection with forgotten times. Reunion Benefit: If you are planning a family reunion it is easy to get immediate answers on the Space Coast website. They have created a planning section which has plenty of details about meeting spaces, day activities and launch schedules as well as group packages. Using the online tools and existing itineraries planning is easy. The results provide customized virtual vacation plans with options for family exploration, active exploration, and plenty of togethering. (Space Coast Office of Tourism toll-free 1-800-93-OCEAN or visit www.visitspacecoast.com)

 

Sanford: Springhill Suites and Courtyard by Marriott Lake Mary. Avoid the crazy congestion of Orlando and find more time to relax together. Anchored between Orlando’s theme parks and Florida’s Atlantic beaches, both properties offer family reunion flexibility. Bonus Points: If shopping is your thing this is the spot; if antiquing is your thing this is the spot; if connecting with the natural side of Florida this is the spot. Reunion Benefit: For those wishing to coordinate a reunion or gathering at Springhill Suites a staff member is available to coordinate the details onsite. Common room meeting space is available for up to 90 people, and a smaller room that seats 14. Courtyard by Marriott Lake Mary has permanent staff able to organize/coordinate a family reunion on the spot. From joyous togethering celebrations to fairytale weddings, they are able to manage every detail so that stress is not on the agenda. (Courtyard by Marriott Lake Mary 135 International Parkway, Heathrow, FL 32746. (407) 444-1000 or www.marriott.com/mcolm or Springhill Suites by Marriott 201 N. Towne Rd., Sanford, FL 32771. (407) 995-1000 or www.marriott.com/mcosh)

 

Steinhatchee Landing Resort: Togethering on the Quiet Side. This tranquil Old Florida resort has long been a favorite destination for reunions of all types. Located along the banks of the Steinhatchee River just a few miles from the Gulf of Mexico it is a peaceful and stress free. On the grounds guests stay on one of 29 Victorian, Georgian and Florida Cracker style cottages, each offers one-to-three-bedrooms. Although the fully furnished cottages are historic in concept, they offer all the amenities of a modern resort, full kitchens and laundries, central heat/ac, TV/VCR, telephones, stereos, screened porches, fireplaces. The resort is spread over 35 acres and features a 1,200-square-foot conference center with chandeliers, fireplace, sitting areas and a commercial kitchen that is perfect for indoor family gatherings. The Resort's property is dotted with gazebos; footbridges and grassy spaces perfect for picnicking or just relaxing. The Landing also features a wealth of outdoor activities, including fishing, canoeing and kayaking, hiking, bicycling, and just relaxing with family. Bonus Points: Near the pool, located riverside, guests will find a screened in picnic area featuring a large barbecue pit for preparing outdoor meals. Reunion Benefit: Catering may be arranged. Many groups return year after year to enjoy the staff's warm hospitality and the relaxing atmosphere. The staff available to arrange activities, catering, and more, and at least one staff member is assigned to each gathering. (The Landing, Steinhatchee. 32359. (352) 498-3513 or www.steinhatcheelanding.com)

 

St. Petersburg: Trade Winds Resorts. Two beach resorts side by side on Florida’s Gulf Coast offering families a mix of relaxation, fun and recreation, along with friendly, four-star service and accommodations amid a 23-acre vacation complex. The resorts’ mantra “just let go”. The Sandpiper Hotel and Suites features more intimate lodgings with access to all of Island Grand’s recreational offerings. Set sail on a sunset cruise; dine on succulent seafood; swim in five heated pools. The family-style suites of Island Grand are just an inkling of its broad collection of family-centric features. The supervised KONK program offers activities for children ages 4 to 11. The TradeWinds Action Zone is the center of recreation for all ages. Bonus Points: Tall tales from RedBeard the Pirate and dive-in movies are always options. Reunion Benefit: Create a memorable event, beachside cookout or family activity with the help of an attentive staff for groups, phone toll-free 1-866-684-1065. (TradeWinds Island Resorts 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 33706. Toll-free 1-800-808-9833, (727) 367-646 or www.tradewindsresort.com)

Researched and posted by Nancy Nelson-Duac, Curator of the Good Stuff for the Family Travel Files. Copyright updated 2015.