In our family, we have a wonderful tradition: instead of buying Christmas gifts, we now plan a big family trip. The joy of sharing experiences and creating memories together has far outweighed the fleeting pleasure of material gifts. In past years we have taken beach trips to Hawaii, Mexico and California and have also gone snowboarding in Utah. This year, we chose the beautiful Huntington Beach as our destination, and it turned out to be one of our best decisions yet. Spending a week with our daughters and their families, basking in the sun and enjoying the ocean breeze, created memories we’ll cherish forever. Here’s a glimpse into our wonderful time at this beautiful coastal destination.
We arrived at Huntington Beach with carloads of excitement and anticipation, as well as lots of food, sunscreen, and swimsuits- and headed straight to our Airbnb. This home was perfect for our group of 17. It was a five minute walk from the bay and a short five minute drive to the beach. The five bedroom, three bath home had a chef’s kitchen, 2 firepits, a koi pond, room for everyone, and a pool and hot tub.
After checking into our amazing Airbnb, we unpacked and headed straight to the beach. The kids ran toward the waves while the adults set up a comfortable spot with beach chairs and umbrellas. Watching the sunset together marked the perfect start to our vacation. We are beach people! It is our happy place, and this is where we spent the majority of our time.
In our opinion, the beach is the ideal low-key family vacation destination because it offers a natural, stress-free environment where everyone can unwind and enjoy simple pleasures. With endless opportunities for relaxation and fun, the beach caters to all ages—whether it’s building sandcastles, swimming in the ocean, playing competitive beach games, or simply lounging under an umbrella with a good book. The rhythmic sound of the waves, the warm sun, and the fresh sea breeze create a serene backdrop that encourages quality family time and bonding. Plus, the beach’s natural beauty and variety of activities ensure that every family member can find something they love, making it a perfect spot for a memorable and rejuvenating getaway.
We made sure to have a big breakfast every morning before heading to the beach. Eggs are always on the menu, one morning we added pancakes and bacon and another morning we had breakfast burritos. We also love to make cinnamon rolls and breakfast banana splits with yogurt, fresh fruit and granola. These are both crowd pleasers and are easy to make for a big group.
After having a delicious breakfast and cleaning up, we are ready to head to the beach. When planning a family beach vacation, packing the right gear can make all the difference between a good trip and a great one. Over the years we have refined our collection of beach gear and only bring things that we love and that work. Here are some of our favorite items:
Start with the basics: a sturdy beach tent and/or umbrella for shade. The tent is especially great when babies (or you!) need to take a nap. Next, we recommend you add comfortable beach chairs, a waterproof/sand-proof beach mat, and plenty of towels. A large, waterproof beach bag is invaluable for carrying essentials like sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Don’t forget a cooler filled with snacks and drinks to keep everyone hydrated and energized throughout the day. We bring an insulated water bottle for everyone.
In addition to the essentials, consider bringing some fun and practical extras. A good set of beach toys, such as buckets, shovels, and sand molds, can keep kids entertained for hours. We bring a small, inflatable pool for the kids to play with. A portable speaker can provide background music, creating a festive atmosphere. A lightweight, foldable beach cart can help transport all your gear effortlessly.
The big kids (adults) also get toys. Some of our favorite beach games include Spikeball, Kan Jam, and Bottle Bash. These are all fun, team-oriented games that provide hours of fun for everyone. We throw in a football, soccer ball, frisbee and wiffle ball too! Read all about our beach must-haves HERE!
No trip to Huntington Beach is complete without trying a bit of surfing. Our daughter Caitlin brought her surfboards and wetsuits for us all to use. Even though some of us were more successful than others, everyone had a blast. After our surfing adventure, we spent the afternoon lounging on the beach, building sandcastles, snacking, and collecting seashells.
Packing up was bittersweet, but we were filled with gratitude for the amazing week we had shared together. As we drove away from Huntington Beach, we couldn’t help but reflect on the joy, laughter, and love we experienced during our trip. Spending a week with our extended family allowed us to reconnect and create lasting memories, making this vacation truly special.
Thank you for following along on our journey! We hope our experience inspires you to gather your loved ones and embark on your own beachside adventure. There’s nothing quite like the bond strengthened by the sun, sand, and sea.
