20 Beach Destinations for Families
Where to Take the Family for a Seaside Escape
As winter fades away, families start to seek out sun and fun. After nearly two years of staying home, many parents are looking to escape their hometowns for some time on the coast. Whether it’s close to home or farther away to international waters, these are some of the best seaside vacation spots for families. From Florida to California to the Caribbean and beyond, read on to discover which destinations offer the best beaches for families.
San Diego, California
Warm summers and mild winters make San Diego a year-round beach destination ideal for families. Coronado, La Jolla, Mission Bay and Encinitas are some of the best beaches in the country, and families can also enjoy activities on land and sea, including the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Sea World and more.
Sanibel, Florida
The beaches of Sanibel draw families in with perfect white sand, offshore islands and an array of outdoor adventure activities. Families will find an abundance of resorts to choose from and can explore the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Captiva Island and beautiful Bowman’s Beach as well as see the Sanibel Lighthouse and visit the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum.
St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg, Florida, boasts an average of 361 days of sunshine each year, coupled with a beautiful, family-friendly beach, dozens of family-friendly hotels and an abundance of restaurants and activities, it’s an ideal location for sun, sand and fun. Families can go beyond the beach to explore the Great Explorations Children’s Museum, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, the Salvador Dali Museum and more.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach is a family favorite and a beloved destination for U.S. travelers. The destination’s boardwalk and promenade offer the quintessential beach experience, which spans more than one mile along the seaside between piers 14 and 2nd avenues. Resorts also line the beach making it compact and easy to explore for families.
Ka’anapali Beach, Hawaii
Beautiful Ka’anapali Beach is an excellent choice for a family vacation, offering everything travelers could expect from a Hawaii vacation. There are many beachfront resorts to choose from, including high-end luxury resorts to beautiful villas and condos offering all the comforts of home.
Beyond the beach, families can bond while parasailing, taking a sunset cruise, zip-lining, during a helicopter tour and more. Adding to the experience is great shopping, dining and a championship-level golf course.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
From family- and pet-friendly Duck Beach to beautiful Ocracoke Beach, North Carolina’s Outer Banks offer charming accommodation and exceptional seaside getaways for multi-generational trips.
Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos
If your family is ready for some “island time” take them to the Turks and Caicos’ Grace Bay Beach. Family-friendly all-inclusive resorts offer luxury and budget-friendly stays nestled along the shore. Turquoise water and white-sand beaches as well as a barrier reef that protects the beach from ocean swells, making it ideal for families with small children.
Eagle Beach, Aruba
Located near Oranjestad, Aruba, Eagle Beach is filled with laidback resorts nestled around a wide crescent of the sea with impossibly white sand. Not only will visitors find an abundance of accommodations, but there is easy access to watersports activities, restaurants and bars.
Maho Bay Beach, U.S. Virgin Islands
This beach is a visitors’ paradise with beautiful white sand lined with shady palms tucked away on the island’s north shore. The beach has very light surf and convenient facilities for families. Adding to its popularity is its snorkeling where guests can see sea turtles, rays, coral and colorful fish.
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
This island in the Caribbean Sea is known for its beaches and seaside activities. Playa Norte is one of its most popular beaches and visitors will find resort hotels, snorkeling, scuba diving, coral reefs. The island is also home to a lighthouse, Mayan temple and a sanctuary for sea turtles.
Bavaro, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
A string of all-inclusive resorts lines this beautiful white-sand beach in the Dominican Republic, making it an easy and convenient beach vacation for families. Visitors will also find extensive access to water activities such as snorkeling, as well as nearby restaurants and bars as well.
Playa Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Playa Manuel Antonio is located in the Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most popular in the country. It’s known for spectacular views of the sea on the edge of the rainforest.
The Algarve, Portugal
For families looking for a European beach destination, head to Portugal’s Algarve where stunning beaches meet incredible cliffsides and turquoise waters for a magical vacation experience. Seaside cities such as Carvoeiro and Olhos de Agua offer beautiful locations for families who want to enjoy a slower pace is small, charming Portuguese villages.
Boulders Beach, South Africa
Penguins at the beach? This white-sand paradise in Simons Town, South Africa, is known for its large granite boulders and African penguins.
Whitehaven Beach, Australia
This protected beach in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef is part of Whitsunday Islands National Park. It’s one of the world’s top eco-friendly beaches and reachable by a short catamaran ride from popular island getaway, Hamilton Island.
Bondi Beach, Australia
Families headed to Sydney, Australia, can enjoy some beach time at Bondi Beach, consistently rated as one of the world’s best.
Phuket, Thailand
Families up for a seaside adventure will find that and more in Phuket. With exotic, white-sand beaches, stunning oceanfront resorts and plenty of activities, Phuket will offer parents and kids a variety of ways to explore.
Langkawi, Malaysia
The remote island of Langkawi, Malaysia, is ideal for beach-lovers, thrill-seekers and experiential travelers alike. Families will enjoy white-sand beaches with warm water and small surf as well as its access to cultural attractions, the beauty of the mangroves and popular outdoor adventure park, the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park.
Mamanuca Islands, Fiji
Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands, home to beautiful beach resorts dangling off the coast of Nadi, are an ideal spot for families looking for a tropical getaway in the South Pacific.