26 Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.!
I continuously think about our next family vacation as the days pass.
Like many other parents, I consider a variety of destinations based on my family’s preferred activities.
There are times when I fantasize about staying in a waterside bungalow and other times when I fantasize about staying at one of the best family resorts in the United States, complete with onsite family activities and proximity to the oceanfront.
Because a trip to the beach is the only kind of vacation that can unite my whole family.
Who doesn’t enjoy a long vacation spent basking in the sun and sand with a refreshing drink in hand, listening to the soothing sound of lapping waves?
If you agree, check out my selection of the top beach vacations for families in the United States.
I’m confident you’ll find the ideal location!
- Outer Banks, NC
The Outer Banks, also known as OBX, provides an abundance of family-friendly beaches with regular waves and picturesque scenery.
This is the perfect summer destination with inexpensive condos and cottages located at the ideal distance from the beaches.
The sandy beaches of Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devils Hill are ideal for children while you and your husband have a promenade or stretch out.
Duck is the spot to go if you have a pet with you.
- Destin, FL
Destin, Florida, offers some of the best family-friendly beach vacations.
Consider Henderson Beach State Park as an illustration.
It boasts white beaches and tranquil waves, making the entire setting very pleasing.
Numerous resorts are designed for children to fall in love with them while their parents relax.
Many provide boat tours where you may look for dolphins or embark on cruises with a pirate theme.
- Sanibel Island, FL
Bottom of Form
This is another fantastic Florida destination for family vacations.
The youngsters will like Sanibel Stoop, where they may spend hours searching for shells and sand dollars while the adults enjoy the tranquil seas.
Bowman’s Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the area.
A 4.5-mile section of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is open to pedestrian and bicycle traffic, providing a welcome change of pace.
- Maui, HI
This is, without a doubt, the most exotic beach location in the United States. The beaches of Maui, Hawaii, to be exact.
Despite the price tag, take a look at beautiful Wailea Beach.
But this sensation is unique.
Let me remind you that in addition to a beach, you can also view the largest dormant volcano in the world.
Visiting the adjacent Haleakala National Park is sufficient.
This is instructive for the entire family.
- Ocean City, MD
This location can be a wild card for children.
If they’ve been looking for exciting vacation ideas, surprise them with a trip to the Ocean City Boardwalk in Maryland.
This location has an arcade, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!, and Trimper’s Rides and Amusements.
However, this is not a deviation from our main topic, beaches.
There is a 20-mile stretch of surfer-friendly beach in Ocean City.
The most family-friendly locations are located north of the boardwalk.
- Hilton Head, SC
Hilton Head is an excellent beach destination for families.
Alder Lane Beach and Coligny Beach Park will keep your entire family occupied for hours.
When you are finished with the beach in the evening, you can take a stroll down Harbour Town or ride a bicycle to the top of the lighthouse.
If you enjoy maintaining a moderate level of physical activity, Hilton Head offers an abundance of golf courses and tennis courts.
- Myrtle Beach, SC
All are welcome to enjoy Myrtle Beach’s broad sands.
It offers more than 60 miles of sandy shoreline and various activities outside the ocean.
Close to the beach is Ripley’s Aquarium.
Alternatively, you might watch games at Pelican’s Ballpark.
Myrtle Beach State Park is something that adults and children appreciate equally.
It is the region’s highlight due to its campgrounds, trails, beach pier, and wildlife center.
Put on your sunscreen and head out.
- Oahu, HI
Hawaii’s budget is an important consideration whenever the state is discussed.
The beaches, though, are spectacular.
Waikiki Beach is an absolute must if you choose Oahu.
The lifeguards are on constant watch, and the water is safe for swimming.
The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail is an ideal place to get some exercise and is suitable for children.
The Battleship Missouri Memorial is just one of several notable historical landmarks on the island.
The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing competition in November/December makes a trip to North Shore a viable choice for surf fans.
- Cape May, NJ
You’ll likely run into many other families like yours if you visit Cape May over the summer.
There are three kilometers of famous, family-friendly beaches.
Your family will feel right at home among the locals, whether you take them surfing, kayaking, or for a stroll along the promenade.
Popular destinations in this area include Sunset Beach and The Cove.
However, if you plan to visit between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you should acquire beach tags and make early reservations.
- Jekyll Island, GA
Jekyll Island in Georgia is perfect if you’re the type to do nothing except lounge on the beach.
Visit St. Andrews Beach Park to see dolphins in the water, or stop at South Dunes Beach Park for a picnic.
Great Dunes Beach Park is a great place to take the kids if you want to play some volleyball or bocce.
You’ll need a day, weekly, or annual pass to enter the island, so plan accordingly.
- Sandy Neck Beach, MA
Sandy Neck Beach in Barnstable, Massachusetts, with its six miles of coastline, is one of the best destinations on Cape Cod for families.
It offers about 4,700 acres of dunes, forest, and wetlands for daytime exploration.
And at night, you must visit the Sandy Neck Light, one of the region’s most well-known lighthouses.
You will require a car pass at the beach if you drive around.
- Pensacola, FL
This location is on Florida’s Panhandle on the Gulf of Mexico. It provides guests with glistening water and lovely beaches.
There are numerous smaller beaches within Pensacola Beach, the primary stretch.
You will love the view of Quietwater Beach, and Casino Beach offers a variety of attractions.
In addition to kayaking and canoeing, you can also sample the local food here.
If you are traveling with your dog, the Pensacola Bay Area has a beach.
- Santa Barbara, CA
You cannot conceive of a list of beaches that excludes California.
Remember that there are three beaches inside the city limits of Santa Barbara: East, West, and Leadbetter.
East is the most suitable of the three for families.
Lifeguards, a playground, volleyball courts, and picnic spots are provided to meet the needs of all beachgoers.
Also included is free parking.
Children will enjoy the ice cream and chocolates at the Stearns Wharf deep-water pier.
Or, take them to the zoo, and everyone will have a great time.
- Boca Raton, FL
We’re back in Florida with Boca Raton, an all-ages hotspot.
Red Reef Park and Spanish River Park are the ideal locations for surfing, snorkeling, and swimming.
The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center offers turtle excursions and a hatchling release program if you enjoy wildlife.
For tranquility, you should go to South Inlet Park Beach.
Relax and unwind with your family away from the crowds.
- St. Augustine, FL
St. Augustine is a destination for people of all ages and interests.
If you are interested in history or enjoy pirates, you must visit the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum.
There is also the St. Augustine Wild Reserve for wildlife enthusiasts.
As promised, the centerpiece is the two-mile-long sand beach that stretches along St. Augustine Beach.
This picnic area is ideal for families with splash pads, volleyball courts, and outdoor showers.
- Wellfleet, MA
Marconi Beach in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, is a family-friendly beach destination for those who appreciate a rocky coastline.
At the picturesque part of Cape Cod National Seashore, you may create sandcastles and swim in the shallow sea.
It contains both freshwater and saltwater beaches, as well as kettle ponds.
Surfers should explore the bayside shores.
They are also warmer.
You can collect shells and swim at Wellfleet Harbor’s Indian Neck and Powers Landing.
Duck Harbor is the location to visit if you like to see a beautiful sunset.
And Mayo Beach is the place to go if you want to relax and unwind.
- Wildwood, NJ
Wildwood, New Jersey, boasts five miles of family-friendly, white sand beaches.
Your little children can explore 38 blocks of boardwalk and a fantastic amusement park.
Wildwood is proud to provide beaches that are both free and safe.
You can choose surfing, boogie boarding, frisbee, and beach volleyball.
And if none of it interests you, bring a book and read in the shade.
You can also observe sporting events such as soccer, lacrosse, and hockey.
Or attend a monster truck racing, a sand sculpture competition, or the Wildwoods International Kite Festival.
This location has much to offer.
- Corolla, NC
Corolla, North Carolina, is the spot to go for a relaxing beach vacation.
It offers a lovely stretch of beach ideal for children and their parents.
Currituck Beach is the one to visit if you want to observe wild horses while relaxing on the beach.
And if you desire some physical activity, water activities like surfing and jet skiing are readily available.
- Barnstable, MA
Beaches abound in Barnstable, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod.
Covell Beach is a small, clean beach where volleyball can be played.
Want a large, broad beach with rental chairs and a breathtaking view?
Investigate Craigville Beach.
If you wish to collect seashells and examine seaweed, you should visit Eugenia Fortes (east).
Hathaway’s Pond is the place to go for a playground and swing set for the kids and BBQ grills for the adults.
Barnstable will satisfy your every beach-related need.
- Seaside, FL
Seaside Beach in Florida is an enjoyable option for families seeking a brief beachside visit.
Children can learn to surf or relax in the ocean.
During spring break, the location may be crowded.
Aside from that, it is a lovely location with blue waters.
When not enjoying the beach, you may shop at the Fusion Art Glass Gallery or sample local cuisine at The Meltdown on 30A.
- Old Orchard Beach, ME
If you visit Old Orchard Beach in Maine, your children will enjoy Palace Playground.
Old Orchard Beach is the only beach in New England with an oceanfront amusement park and an excellent location for moderate surfing.
The 500-foot pier had merry-go-rounds, games, and concessions for children.
The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is an additional hiking destination with simple routes.
- Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach is a fantastic place, whether you’re searching for a vacation filled with activities or one where you can relax.
Its magnificent beaches make it an iconic coastal destination.
The children can enjoy amusement rides and stroll along the lively boardwalk with their parents.
Don’t be disappointed if you appreciate water sports.
This is also available.
But if you’re seeking solitude, you should head towards Sandbridge Beach.
- Rockaway Beach, OR
If you want to visit a beach in mid-December, Rockaway Beach is the place to be.
A Dungeness crab is a catch during the Dungeness crab season.
In addition, you should stop by Kelly’s Brighton Marina.
This location is ideal for crabs, fishing, and even camping.
You can also visit the Tillamook Estuaries or the Cedar Old Growth Nature Preserve.
Evenings can be spent at Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint or climbing Neahkahnie Mountain.
- Edmonds, WA
Just 18 miles north of Seattle, Edmonds is an excellent destination for a family vacation.
There are roughly six beaches along the coast, and the weather has a flavor of Washington’s coast.
And you cannot leave without first visiting Marina Beach Park.
It is a charming area with several boutiques and eateries for children and their parents.
While on the streets, it would help if you visited Scratch Distillery, which offers grain-to-glass pours.
There is also the Cascadia Art Museum and Stamm Overlook Park if you prefer to stay indoors.
- Coronado, CA
This lovely island in southern California is the ideal location for escaping the urban din.
This island can be reached by traveling to San Diego and crossing the Coronado Bay Bridge.
Deep-sea fishing is a popular activity on the list of activities here.
North Beach is dog-friendly and one of the several beaches in Coronado.
Bring your children to Silver Strand State Beach to utilize the picnic tables.
This island has some of the best family-friendly beaches in the region. Then you may leave.
- San Diego, CA
When it comes to beaches, San Diego is dependable.
Whether you’re searching for Pacific Beach or Mission Beach, this is an excellent family vacation destination.
These beaches are undoubtedly the finest in the nation.
The children can enroll in one of the several surf schools while you and your partner enjoy the sun.
There is the San Diego Zoo and the USS Midway Museum to visit when everyone is ready.
Also available are seal tours and whale-watching cruises.
All of them are available here.
