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Where to Have a Large Family Reunion in the Southland

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(credit: evilerin/flickr.com)

So the fam bam is traveling from near and far to gather and visit and you need a fabulous place that is centrally located to all the best stuff in town to show them a good time and keep them entertained? Check out the list below for ideas in Los Angeles County, Orange County and the Inland Empire.

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Los Angeles

Why not have your family gather and stay upon a floating hotel? The Queen Mary offers luxurious old world appeal with modern amenities. There are several restaurants, lounges and bars on the Queen Mary to choose between as well as shopping and a relaxing spa for the ladies. Right across the harbor from the mighty Queen Mary is the Aquarium of the Pacific with even more shopping and dining.

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Shutters is quiet elegance on the beach. Not only would you be staying steps away from the beach but the Santa Monica Pier with its amusement park like attractions and fabulous entertainment and shopping at the 3rd street promenade are nearby. You can reserve one of the venues at Shutters on the Beach to host a catered family style meal. The Oceanside or Beachside rooms are perfect for intimate family style affairs.

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Orange County

If you have a large family with a bunch of younglings, going to Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm is a must. Not only are Embassy Suites known to be very family friendly, they are also conveniently located near the best spots. Embassy Suites also offers personalized group web page where guests can see all of your family reunion details. They also have available huge two-room suites and evening manager's receptions. The kids will love the pool and the adults will love the luxurious amenities that Embassy Suites has to offer.

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(credit: Desiree Eaglin)

Not only is Doheny State beach one of the most beautiful beaches in south Orange County, it is also the most social gathering friendly. With massive open lawns, wide stretches of calm waters it also has several large picnic areas. The marina for boating excursions and a mother's beach for the tots are nearby. You can rent individual camp spots or go big with the group camp spot which includes potable water, barbeque, fire ring, access to restrooms and pay showers in the campground and picnic tables. All reservations are done through Reserve America.

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Inland Empire


The Renaissance Esmeralda is well known for being very family and kid friendly. They offer Camp Oasis: a day camp for kids ages 5-12 years old. Camp Oasis offers enriching and interesting activities such as cooking lessons, art and crafts, sack races and much more for a small fee which includes snack and a t-shirt. The Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa also has 3 pools, a sandy beach and waterfall feature perfect for cooling off in the desert sun. Nearby attractions include the Living Desert, El Paseo shopping, the Palm Springs Aerial Tram and more.

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Big Bear is a gorgeous mountain escape from the everyday hustle and bustle that offers a peaceful family gathering. Big Bear has a wide range of year-round accommodations from camp grounds to bed and breakfasts to mountain lodges to choose from. There are tons of family fun activities from hiking, biking, fishing and horseback riding in the warmer months to skiing and snowboarding in the winter.

Desiree Eaglin is itching for a family vacation. She blogs at Sarcastic, Funny and Brutally Honest. You can find her on Twitter too.
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