17 Beach Destinations Perfect for Family Vacations
In large part, beach vacations are about swinging back and forth from relaxation to adventure, and spending little time with family. With the sandy shoreline, clear waters, and endless activities, it’s no wonder many families head to coastal destinations to unwind and bond. Beach trips can be about building sandcastles with the kids or watching a breathtaking sundowner with your loved ones, and all the fun you can have.
Planning a family-friendly beach getaway means comfort, safety, and lots of things to do. Destinations should be able to provide families with both relaxation and active exploration so that toddlers and grandparents alike have something to do. The best beach spots have both scenic beauty and amenities and experiences that make vacationing easy and fun.
Maui, Hawaii
Although Maui is well known for its valleys and mountains, it also has some beautiful beaches. There’s more than sand and surf to family vacations here. Molokini Crater is a marine sanctuary where kids can learn to snorkel and parents can relax on Wailea’s golden beaches. The natural beauty of the island is famous, and there’s just something about the laid-back Hawaiian spirit that makes it the ideal location for family vacations.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
A quiet escape is just what families find on Hilton Head Island. With wide, soft beaches and calm waters, it’s perfect for younger children. It’s famous for its family-friendly resorts and extensive bike paths that encourage exploration. Families can visit and spend the day, kayaking, biking, or just exploring the natural surroundings.
Destin, Florida
Destin, also known as the “Emerald Coast” for its eerie green waters is a fantastic place for families to visit. There are water parks, go-kart tracks, and an aquarium dotted throughout the city that are kid-friendly. The beaches here are kept pristine and the family can do everything from dolphin watching to parasailing. In addition, Destin also hosts a number of family-friendly resorts playing for all age groups.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
Families who love the great outdoors dream of the Outer Banks. Spanning beaches, lighthouses, and wild horses, these barrier islands are home. Kite flying, windsurfing and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore are fun for families. It’s the perfect area for a more laid-back vacation with a lot of outdoor activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Coronado Island, California
San Diego’s Coronado Island has a legendary beach and adorable charm. Here, the sand is soft and the waves gentle so it’s a great beach for families with young children. Your vacation is made a little more glamorous by Coronado’s historic Hotel del Coronado. You can spend days swimming, biking, or simply visiting the local shops and restaurants. It has a small-town feel, yet is close enough to San Diego attractions to make it a great base for a family getaway.
Sanibel Island, Florida
For families who prefer to avoid the tourist spots, Sanibel Island provides a more laid-back beach experience. Sanibel is known for its stunning shell beaches and is the perfect place for a relaxed, nature-filled vacation.
Key West, Florida
Families will find a quirky and fun escape in Key West. This island in the Florida Keys is known for its colorful streets, laid-back vibe, and mix between beach activities and cultural experiences. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park has snorkeling for families, glass bottom boat tours, or you can just walk down the famous Duval Street. As well as having family-friendly resorts, Key West is where adventure and relaxation come together.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston has the charm of a coastal town with a little southern hospitality. Sullivan’s Island or Folly Beach is a great place for a family beach day and you can end the day with a boat tour to see Fort Sumter or explore the historic district. With its family-friendly atmosphere and beautiful, preserved history, Charleston is a top choice for multi-generational vacations.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
A classic beach destination, Virginia Beach is home to a long boardwalk, lively atmosphere, and family-friendly vibe. There are lots of things to do in the area, such as mini-golf, a large aquarium, and water parks. Bike rides along the coast, the Cape Henry Lighthouse, and the beach are all family-friendly. Containing both entertainment and history and offering natural beauty make this an ideal spot for families to unwind or explore.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Gulf Shores is a family favorite on the Gulf Coast with its powder-soft white sand and crystal clear waters. There are tons of things to do in the area including zip lining, dolphin cruises, and paddle boarding. In addition, Gulf Shores also has many wildlife refuges and parks for families to enjoy learning about nature in a fun sort of way. It is a family-friendly destination with plenty of activities to keep families of all interests occupied.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Scenic hills of white houses with typically New England charm make Cape Cod a quintessential family beach destination. It offers everything from whale watching to ferrying to nearby Nantucket. The waters are calm and gentle, and children have the perfect beach. The area also does not lack cute towns to visit, and a supper of fresh seafood will be enjoyed by the entire family.
La Jolla, California
San Diego’s, La Jolla is a beautiful coastal destination. It has the perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure when talking about the beaches. The clear waters are perfect for sunbathing, kayaking, and snorkeling, and families can enjoy all of it. There are also a number of fun family-friendly attractions in the area, such as the Birch Aquarium and La Jolla Cove where sea lions sun themselves. It is an excellent vacation spot due to its relaxing and exciting mix.
Seaside, Oregon
The classic, family-friendly beach experience can be found in Seaside, Oregon. Perfect for sandcastle building, horseback riding, or kite flying, its beach is exciting. Seaside boasts a small, cozy, seaside town atmosphere, and is close to the Columbia River Gorge making it ideal for a family who enjoys both beach and nature adventures. Of course, the iconic Seaside Aquarium is a must where families get to learn about and get up close with marine life.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
One of the most famous family beach destinations in the U.S., Myrtle Beach has plenty of things to do and see. There’s no shortage of things to do from the wide boardwalk and amusement parks to the many golf courses. There are days at the beach and nights at shows, concerts, and family-friendly restaurants. What makes Myrtle Beach so charming is that it caters to so many different types of families.
Naples, Florida
Naples is a laid-back beach destination that is sophisticated enough for families to unwind. The beach is tranquil and therefore ideal for families with young children. The water is calm, and the palm-lined shore is fantastic for a relaxing day. Naples is also a great place to go on vacation with the family, as there are many family-friendly dining and shopping options to make your vacation stress-free.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
East Coast families love Rehoboth Beach for its great mix of fun and relaxation. There’s plenty of room to lounge and swim on the beach and the boardwalk is jammed with amusements, ice cream stands, and arcades. The atmosphere is lively but there are also quiet spots on the beach. The nearby Cape Henlopen State Park presents further activities in the outdoors, such as hiking and biking.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
