Family-friendly holiday rentals in University Place

A beautiful space. The hummingbirds were flitting amongst the bushes, while the crows were rearing their young in the giant trees. The hot tub lies beneath the vaulted cathedral ceiling of ancient douglas fir trees. The soaking experience is the literal meaning of a forest bath. The cool clear water of the sound was a welcome repite from the heat of the tub. Sitting in front of a bonfire we watched a purple Mt Rainier fade with the sunset as the full strawberry moon rose over the hills sucking the tide out beyond the view of the waning firelight. The night time low tide and its crisp slipping sounds beckoned the inviting cool smooth sheets; an endless king size bed of relaxing contentment.

Such a beautiful spot! It’s so cool to have access to the hot tub, sauna and cold plunge. We had a fantastic, relaxing time. The place was clean and we appreciated the multiple sleeping arrangement options.

We absolutely loved our stay at this adorable beach cabin! The place was cozy, clean, and thoughtfully decorated with charming coastal touches that made it feel like a true getaway. We loved being just steps away from the beach. The cabin had everything we needed—comfortable bed, well-equipped kitchen, and a peaceful outdoor space that was perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation. The host was kind, responsive, and provided great local recommendations. If you’re looking for a relaxing, quiet, and scenic place to unwind, this beach cabin is a gem. Our dogs love it and we can’t wait to come back!

This home is magical! The views are amazing and the beds are comfortable. Walking on the beach, kayaking and playing "name that critter in the sound" were just a few of our favorite things. I also had a couple questions for the host and he was super responsive. If this place is available for your dates, snatch it up!

Everything was great beautiful views loved that they had paddle boards and other stuff to use … parking was little hard it was close to the house, but the parking area was full of rocks and down a hill our rental car did get stuck, but luckily we could park on top of the hill instead. Other than that It was a fantastic little lake house !

This was my second time at the Woodsy Retreat and it was wonderful, again. Enjoyed a hike through the State Forest, the hot tub, and all the goodies and snacks! Perfect place to relax and get away from it all!

My wife and I were celebrating our 30th anniversary. Our stay at Lisa's place brought us great joy and wonderful memories. Our dog enjoyed the stay as much as we did!

This home is an absolute gem, do not pass up the opportunity to book here. Tranquility abounds in this neighborhood, and you can see the sparkle on the water and water fowl from your bed, or watch from the hot tub! My partner and I loved this place, not only for the natural beauty surrounding, but found the amenities and the home to be super clean, thoughtful and welcoming. The bed is like sleeping on a cloud, super comfortable pillows and linens. To preface - we both have slightly different sleep - preferences and found we both had incredible sleep here. The hosts were so kind to text us when a pod of orca whales were out front - what a dream! Their recommendations were excellent and I highly suggest checking out Via Rosa 11 if you can, and walking Grand Forest ( on their list ).

Marcell is a great host, friendly and communicative. Very helpful with local suggestions and very accommodating. I would definitely stay here again if the listing is available the next time I’m in Seattle.

We had a great stay while visiting family in the area. The home was clean and comfortable, and included nice touches like wifi and a guitar on the wall. The hosts were proactive and helpful in their communication. Location is near a Fred Meyer and the Tacoma Mall, but still on a quiet street. Also, quite easy to get up to downtown, Ruston Way, and Point Defiance.

We had such a lovely stay here over the Easter weekend – it was everything we hoped for and more! The house is clean, beautifully kept, and the views? Absolutely breathtaking. It’s one of those rare places that feels even better in person than in the pictures. It had everything we could possibly need – and then some. The hosts were simply wonderful – super friendly, accommodating, and just really easy to talk to. They made the whole experience feel warm and personal, not distant or transactional in any way. They even let us check in early and check out late, which made a huge difference for us with kids. Our days were filled with beach walks, seafood harvesting adventures, backyard chill time, and gorgeous sunsets. It felt like a perfect little reset from our busy lives. We were also celebrating our daughter’s 4th birthday during the stay, and she had an absolute blast. Can’t wait to come back. Thank you Dale & Carol.

Beautiful cottage on the water! The surroundings are very peaceful. Nice to watch the tides. the kitchen was well outfitted includingna gas range and teapot! Loved it, thanks, Erin!

Linda is such a gracious hostess, and the cottage is so bright and homey. It was a delightful stay!

Nice place as listed.

We had the best time! Such a cute place right on the water and our dog loved it!The owner was so nice and responded quickly. We really enjoyed our stay and we will definitely be back.

My friends, pup, and I had a birthday weekend at the cabin that exceeded what we'd hoped for it. The cabin has spaces to gather and spaces to retreat to, and many options for watching the cove and the Sound. Using the kayaks was a highlight, and the impeccably outfitted kitchen delighted us again and again. We all can't wait to come back soon 🚣‍♀️🌅

This home is located in one of the most beautiful locations -- gorgeous Harstine Island! The home is decked out (not to mention the wrap around deck is amazing!), spacious and as comfy as home in a fabulous beach community with trails for hiking through the old growth forest and beaches with firepits and excellent beachcombing. We absolutely give this property 5 stars and we'd give 6 if we could.

The home is gorgeous. So tranquil and peaceful -- my family took a week-long vacation on Vashon and Brita's was the perfect jumping-off point. The location is super private, the home architecture is extraordinary, and the backyard garden is expansive. If you're looking for a great place to rest and recharge, this is it. There is a lot of great dishware, artistic elements in the home, and incredible views throughout the home, especially in the kitchen and upstairs bedroom.

Great place. The location was perfect for us. Extremely walkable. No issues at all. I would definitely stay here again!

Dawson was an excellent host, my family and i enjoyed every moment spend at her place. She was able to accommodate me and my large group of family members at such short notice. The place is lovely, cozy and warm and had everything and much more that we needed to cook up a meal. The huge deck was a great place that we used to entertain and have games and food, the swimming pool was huge and amazing. The Hot tub was great to soak and hang out in the evening. The entire deck is lit up with string lights and we enjoyed it throughout the night. This place was perfect for our family gathering and getaway and will definitely book again. Thank you Dawson .

Amazing views and clean place. We enjoyed our stay here!!

The place was perfect for our vacation stay in Seattle! Excellent central location for walking to the most commonly visited tourist spots. We took full advantage of the courtyard and gym. My son said he slept "way better" on the pull-out sofa than he did in our earlier hotel stay. The place was clean and comfortable. Being met and provided instructions at check-in was helpful and checkout was a breeze.

Peter is an excellent communicator! When we drove up to the home's gate we were very pleasantly surprised!!! The house is beautiful, very clean, and has an amazing view, plus we thoroughly enjoyed the pool and hot tub. There's also a two-person hammock, pergola, various outdoor chairs and tables. The kitchen was very well-stocked and we loved all the art and cookie jars throughout the indoors. We've stayed at many Airbnbs and this property is the very best! You will not be disappointed. Near there is the Wild Felid Advocacy Center (book a visit online) that shelters tigers, mountain lions and other large and small cats. If you go there make sure you watch road signs and addresses since our navigation took us elsewhere. The only marker for WFAC is a cat paw print at car-height. What heartwarming memories we built there during our vacation. Paradise, simply put. Thank you, Peter.

Gayle was very quick to respond. Her condo is in a secure building. It was spotless. Great location - walkable to all attractions. She let us drop off our luggage prior to check in ( we were coming straight from Alaska Cruise). She called us as soon as the unit was clean and told us we could return. I would stay at Gayles Place again.