Family Reunions and Togethering in California. Our list of suggestions for a family reunion or gathering in California include an urban hotel, two guest ranches, and three awesome beach resorts with activities, amenities and benefits for all ages.

  
Here's the scoop. As the geographic distances grow between family members the need to schedule a reunion becomes more apparent. I have assembled of suggestions well-suited for multiple generations. The suggestions may serve as a starting point for an interesting conversation about reuniting with your family. Meet at a beach resort; consider an urban retreat or maybe a ranch or farm stay. After all the idea is to enjoy time together without conflicts that occur when generations run at different speeds.

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. This is the place to gather at the beach, if Southern California makes sense for your next family reunion. They have it all - style, service, luxury, beach location, and a welcoming atmosphere for families providing the ideal venue for a family deluxe reunion. Anchored 150 feet above the Pacific Ocean, the resort maintains an array of unique, gathering spaces perfect for togethering and making memories. Family members may enjoy the miles of sandy beach just below the resort where swimming, surfing, sand castle building, beach play, and relaxing make togethering easy. Family Reunion Advantage: Family members staying at the resort may enjoy yoga or Pilates by the sea, private surf lessons, sunset ceremonies, eco adventures, whale watching, and spa pampering. The location makes it easy to arrange customized day excursions to the San Diego area. For Kids: The resort features an Eco-Adventure Center in addition to basketball court, and tennis courts, two outdoor pools, and easy access to the beach. (Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel One Ritz-Carlton Drive Dana Point, CA 92629. (949) 240-2000 or www.ritzcarlton.com)

Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn. How about a family reunion along the Big Sur coastline complete with dramatic scenery, the sounds of pounding surf plus a resort with premium services, deluxe amenities  and a flexible atmosphere geared to nurturing family togetherness. The attentive staff strives to make certain all guests are able to take advantage of every activity the hotel has to offer from in room spa services and yoga classes to remarkable family dining opportunities overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  Family Reunion Advantage: It is possible to arrange memorable family diversions and excursions including golfing, shopping, and day adventures - kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, sailing, SCUBA diving, wine tasting, aerial flight-seeing, race car driving lessons, or a movie tour. For Kids: Onsite you will find heated swimming pools, complimentary mountain bikes and VIP Babysitting services.  The concierge will arrange a memorable family excursion to the world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. (Hyatt Carmel Highlands 120 Highlands Drive Carmel, California, USA, 93923. (831) 620 1234 or Hyatt Highland Inn)

Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort.  Located on the North San Diego Coast, the resort offers beautiful boutique hotel kitchenettes, furnished condos, and vacation rentals well-suited for a family reunion base offering lifestyle amenities including complimentary wireless high-speed Internet, cable TV, and DVD players. Norte Mexican Restaurant with its old fashioned hacienda atmosphere makes a great family gathering spot. Family Reunion Advantage: The resort offers more than 30 weekly resort activities and special events. The activity center offers ping pong tables, pool towels, beach equipment, board games, bicycles and jogging strollers all complimentary for guests. For Kids: Discount tickets are available for LEGOLAND, SEALIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Waterpark. (Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort 3075 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008. (760) 434-7020 or www.carlsbadinn.com) 

Sutter House Best Western Plus. Sutter House is a downtown Sacramento urban retreat with European-style atmosphere, remarkable service and family-friendly hospitality making it an ideal spot for family togethering. Room choices are varied to meet the needs of multiple generations and include king and queen beds, pull-out beds, micro fridges, Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Rooms frame a sunny courtyard with a pool. Family Reunion Advantage: Staff on hand will assist in arranging family excursions or special dining experiences well-suited to your family. Sutter House is within walking distance of Old Sacramento waterfront district along the Sacramento River providing easy access to one-of-a-kind family experiences connected to California's Gold Rush era.  Blue Prynt Restaurant features two unique event spaces with contemporary California décor and unique space ideal for private family dinners. For Kids: Not far from the hotel’s doorstep you will find State Railroad Museum, Music Circus, and the Crocker Art Museum all offering ways to share precious time and create memories. (Best Western Plus Sutter House 1100 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. (916)441-1314 or www.thesutterhouse.com)

Camatta Ranch and Lazy Arrow Adventures. Located in the oak-studded hills of San Luis Obispo area not more than four hours from Los Angeles or San Francisco, Camatta Ranch offers a family reunion experience like no other. The 32,000 acre ranch has been a cattle ranch since Mexican land grant days and now welcomes guests in particular families to enjoy the authentic ranch lifestyle complete with music, dancing, storytelling, and bonfires. Family Reunion Advantage: The atmosphere is laid back and family-friendly offering time for togethering.  More than 250 exotic animals, including bison, reside on the ranch land. Lazy Arrow Adventures include ranch safari tours, trap/skeet shooting, plus archery, hiking, biking, and organic gardening. For Kids: Actually all guests no matter the age are welcome to participate in bottle feeding baby animals, collecting chicken eggs and sharing encounters with resident sheep, goats, horses, peacocks, barn cats and farm dogs. Camatta Ranch 9330 Camatta Creek Road Santa Margarita, CA 93453. (805)  238-7324 or Lazy Arrow Adventures)

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. Located on 220 tree-shaded acres 35 miles south of Santa Barbara, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is AAA Five Diamond full-service resort with endless activities for all ages and according to the LA Parent Magazine truly kid-friendly lodgings. Family Reunion Advantage: The resort offers families guided trail rides, horseback riding lessons, and the chance for togethering at a foot-stomping western-style hoe down fun in the Big Red Barn. It is possible to arrange guided lake fishing, deep-sea fishing, rock climbing, and surfing lessons. Memorable ideas for togethering include an excursion to the Channel Islands National Park, kayaking on Lake Casitas, a coastline kayak tour, or a whale watching cruise. For Kids: Organized activities at the resort include pony rides and animal encounters at the petting farm as well as swimming, outdoor games, and craft projects that teach the traditions of the Chumash Indians. (Ojai Valley Inn & Spa 905 Country Club Road Ojai, CA 93023 or www.ojairesort.com)