Desaru is a great destination for family vacation as it offers a variety of activities for the whole family including swimming, fishing, snorkelling, canoeing, horse riding, jungle trekking, go-carting, golfing and windsurfing. Regarded as Johor's 'gold mine', Desaru is equipped with a wide range of facilities and several up-market resorts, each with its own individual character.  An 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. makes Desaru a well-known destination among golfers.

Apart from first-class hotels and resorts, other accommodations available in Desaru include chalets, dormitories and camping facilities for those looking for a back-to-nature experience. Facilities at the beachfront include picnic grounds, restaurants, food outlets and souvenir shops.