Dreaming of the perfect family getaway filled with sunshine, sandy toes, and endless laughter? Look no further than the stunning coastlines of the United States. A truly great family beach destination offers a winning combination of kid-friendly accommodations, exciting activities both on and off the beach, and above all, a safe and budget-conscious environment for creating cherished memories.
From the Atlantic to the Pacific and everywhere in between, America boasts a wealth of breathtaking beach destinations just waiting to be explored. Get ready to dive into our top picks for your next family beach adventure!
1. Cape Cod, Massachusetts: A Classic New England Escape
For a quintessential taste of New England charm, Cape Cod is an irresistible choice. This hook-shaped peninsula buzzes with activity in the summer, and for good reason. Picture your family indulging in mini-golf tournaments, conquering towering sand dunes, embarking on an ice cream pilgrimage, savoring delectable lobster rolls, spotting majestic whales, and admiring the picturesque gray cedar shake houses adorned with colorful buoys.
Cape Cod encompasses 15 distinct towns and countless charming coastal villages. Consider making Barnstable, the largest town in the area, your home base. It's home to Hyannis, a bustling travel hub with an airport and ferry terminal, and Hyannis Port, the iconic summer retreat of the Kennedy family. Don't miss Sandy Neck Beach in Barnstable, an eight-mile stretch of sand perfect for fat tire biking adventures. For a unique experience, consider venturing to the family-friendly islands of Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket.
2. Outer Banks, North Carolina: Unspoiled Beauty and Adventure
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life in the serene Outer Banks (OBX) of North Carolina. These barrier islands offer a tranquil haven of small towns and pristine beaches, perfect for families seeking relaxation and natural beauty.
Thrill-seekers will love running and rolling down the East Coast's largest sand dunes at Jockey's Ridge State Park. For breathtaking panoramic views, climb to the top of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in North America. For water sports enthusiasts, the calmer waters on the east side of each barrier island are ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Beyond OBX, explore other delightful North Carolina beach destinations like Carolina Beach and Ocean Isle Beach.
3. Maui, Hawaii: A Tropical Paradise for All Ages
Hawaii is synonymous with idyllic beach vacations, and Maui stands out as a top choice for families. With its diverse resort areas, Maui offers something for everyone. Wailea, an upscale area, is known for its luxurious resorts and calm, crescent-shaped beaches perfect for little ones. Explore the area via the paved oceanfront walking path. Just south of Wailea, discover the unspoiled beauty of Makena State Park, one of Maui's largest undeveloped beaches, complete with lifeguards, restrooms, and picnic areas.
Venture north to Kaanapali Beach, where you'll find white sand, crystal-clear water, world-class shopping, and delectable dining options at Whalers Village. Whale watching is a popular activity here in the winter, and the nightly cliff diving ceremony is a must-see for all ages. For more Hawaiian adventures, consider the sunny shores of Poipu, Kauai, or a stay at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa on Oahu.
4. Sanibel Island, Florida: A Shelling Paradise
Skip the ferry or plane ride and head to Sanibel Island, one of Florida's most beloved family vacation spots. Connected to Fort Myers by the scenic Sanibel Causeway bridge, this laid-back island community puts nature front and center.
Even if you've never been interested in shelling before, you'll likely become captivated by the abundance of shells that wash ashore on Sanibel's pristine beaches. Other popular family activities include wildlife spotting at J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, biking along 25 miles of flat recreation trails, kayaking in Tarpon Bay, and fishing from the shore, in the bay, or on a chartered boat. Discover other fantastic Florida family beaches like Cocoa Beach, Destin, and Clearwater, as well as many stunning state park beaches.
5. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Fun for Everyone
Myrtle Beach is a classic family beach vacation destination that combines affordability with endless entertainment. Explore the bustling boardwalk, amusement parks, arcade games, and live entertainment.
Beyond the action-packed center, the resort area stretches along 60 miles of coastline, offering quieter spots like Surfside Beach. The different beach areas in Surfside are cleaned daily and supervised by lifeguards. For more South Carolina beach adventures, consider Hilton Head and Kiawah Island.
6. Grand Haven, Michigan: Great Lakes Fun
You don't need an ocean to have an amazing family beach vacation. The Great Lakes boast some of America's most impressive beach areas. Enjoy freshwater swimming without the worry of salt in your eyes!
Grand Haven, situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, offers multiple beach options for families, including a state park and a city beach. Dog-friendly Kirk Park features a sandy lakefront and numerous trails. For a quieter experience, explore West Olive. Stroll along the historic boardwalk, snap photos of the scenic lighthouse, and enjoy a 20-minute water and light show nightly in the summer months at the musical fountain. Discover other family-friendly beach areas on Lake Michigan, like Silver Lake Sand Dunes and Indiana Dunes State Park.
7. San Diego, California: Sunshine and Surf
San Diego is a perennial favorite for family beach vacations. Coronado Beach is ideal for families, with tide pools for little ones and boogie boarding and surfing for older kids.
La Jolla boasts La Jolla Shores and Torrey Pines State Beach, both staffed by lifeguards year-round. Mission Bay Park offers kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, waterskiing, a boardwalk, and sandy beaches. For non-beach days, explore the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, SeaWorld San Diego, USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium, and Old Town. Other fantastic family-friendly beach destinations in California include Carlsbad, Newport Beach, and Santa Barbara.
8. Ogunquit, Maine: Sandy Beaches and Coastal Charm
While Maine is known for its rocky coastline, Ogunquit offers long, sandy beaches that are popular with families during the summer. Ogunquit Beach is a peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Ogunquit River, while adjacent Footbridge Beach, accessed via a footbridge, is typically less crowded. Both beaches are staffed by lifeguards.
Take a stroll along Marginal Way, a paved cliff walk with stunning ocean views. The local trolley provides a fun and convenient way to get around. Explore other popular family beach vacations in Maine, like Kennebunkport, York, and Old Orchard Beach.
9. Gulfport, Mississippi: A Blend of Relaxation and Adventure
Gulfport, Mississippi, offers a perfect balance of relaxing beaches and exciting family-friendly activities. Spend your mornings on Biloxi Beach or Long Beach, flying a kite and enjoying a picnic.
Then, head to Gulf Islands Waterpark, embark on a shrimp boat tour, explore the Mississippi Aquarium, or zip-line at an adventure park. Enjoy kayaking and jet skiing on the water. For clear water, visit one of the unspoiled barrier islands, such as Ship Island, accessible via commercial ferry service. Another popular Gulf Coast destination is Alabama's Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area.
10. Virginia Beach, Virginia: Oceanfront Fun and Bay Adventures
Virginia Beach fronts both the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, offering diverse experiences for family beach vacations. Spend the day at the lifeguarded beach, stroll the three-mile boardwalk, and snap a photo in front of the King Neptune statue.
For quieter adventures, kayak along the Back Bay in Sandbridge or enjoy the calm waters of Chesapeake Bay. Visit the aquarium, amusement park, laser tag, indoor skydiving, and mini golf. Explore other family-friendly beach destinations in Virginia, like Cape Charles and Chincoteague Island.
11. Cannon Beach, Oregon: Nature's Playground
Located eighty miles west of Portland, Cannon Beach is a nature lover's paradise. This Oregon town's four-mile stretch of beach features stunning sea stack rock formations, including the famous Haystack Rock, a nesting area for puffins.
The tide pools are teeming with colorful sea stars, anemones, crabs, and more. Cannon Beach is ideal for nature viewing, long walks, and sandcastle building. Pack layers and a light raincoat, as summer temperatures average in the upper 60s. Discover other Oregon beaches with your kids in Seaside and Manzanita.