I want to help you find the best beach vacation spots for families by sharing some information with you. I know that there are many people who are considering a beach vacation this year and so I hope this helps you. If it is helpful, then please do share your thoughts below. Tropical places are a great vacation spot for families because of their climate and because they have tons of activities by the beach. Here’s a list of five beach vacation spots that are perfect for families.

With summer fast approaching and looking for a good beach destination? Check out the links below for some great family vacation spots…

When deciding on a beach vacation, you’ll want to make sure the beach has something for everyone in your family. While we all dream of the day when we can take that adult only trip to the islands, the reality is that not every beach destination will cater to each and every one of us. Below I have provided 3 beach vacation ideas for families with kids. I have personally visited each spot many times and can honestly speak about personal experiences within each destination.

Good Beach Vacation Spots For Families

Summer time is coming up quick, and that means more time spent at the beach. One of my favorite pastimes with my family is to hit the beach for an extended weekend trip. We pack up the van and head out for our favorite vacation spot. The beach holds so many memories for me growing up that I just can’t stay away. It was there I learned to swim, fish, surf (well, kind of) and so much more. I love hitting the waves early in the morning before work as well as walking barefoot to collect seashells in my soggy sneakers. Nothing makes my day better than watching the sun go down at sunset with a beer and a good date night sitting on the sand dunes, listening to the ocean tide roll in and feeling the sand squish between my toes.

Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.

Taking the family to the beach can create lifelong memories, as long as every member of the family is satisfied. To help you choose a beach destination for your next family getaway, U.S. News considered factors like safe waters, kid-friendly attractions, dining options, spacious accommodations and multigenerational appeal to determine the best family beach vacations in the U.S. Weigh in by voting below, then use this list to plan your upcoming travels. (Note: Some of the below destinations may be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Check with the CDC and the U.S. Department of State before traveling.)

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• View 42 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoOuter Banks#1 in Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.Outer Banks beaches are lauded for their consistent yet manageable waves and verdant landscapes. And you can count on North Carolina’s OBX to deliver great summer weather (think: highs in the 70s and 80s). Plan on renting a cottage or condo for more space without being too far from the beach. For lots of sand to stretch out on and build sandcastles on, visit Nags Head’s wide shores. Or, head to Kitty Hawk or Kill Devil Hills to surf the choppy waters. Duck is the beach town to go to if you brought your four-legged family member with you. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 30 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoDestin#2 in Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.This Florida town’s family-friendly vibe and impressive beaches entice multigenerational groups year after year. The stark white sand and calm jade water at Henderson Beach State Park and the Shores at Crystal Beach Park are picture-perfect. Plus, many Destin resorts cater to kids, so parents can relax while the little ones play. Boat tours are also a great way to spend some quality time with the family; all ages will have fun looking for jumping dolphins, and the kids will have a blast on the pirate-themed cruises. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|FLIGHTS|THINGS TO DO
• View 27 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoSanibel Island#3 in Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.Florida’s Sanibel Island is a hit with kids for two reasons: The area’s beaches offer calm waters that are perfect for play, and the “Sanibel Stoop” will keep little ones occupied for hours as they search for shells and sand dollars on popular shelling beaches like Bowman’s and Blind Pass. Families can also look for animals like alligators and shorebirds along the 4-mile-long Wildlife Drive in J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. If you’re not yet convinced, remember that hotel deals are pretty easy to find here. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 43 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoMaui#4 in Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.While cost is a barrier for any family getaway, it’s an especially large barrier for many when it comes to traveling to Hawaii. Still, Maui has some of the United States’ most abundant and exotic family-friendly beaches. Kihei’s Wailea Beach and Lahaina’s Baby Beach are the go-to options, with sun-drenched sands and calm waters ideal for little swimmers. And all ages will want to head to Haleakala National Park for an educational yet unforgettable visit to the world’s largest dormant volcano. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• Belongs on List?YesNoAmelia Island#5 in Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.This barrier island off Florida’s northeast coast offers plenty of space to spread out in the sand – 13 miles, to be exact – but it also promises plenty of fun away from the shore. Head to Egans Creek Greenway, a more than 300-acre protected area that’s home to alligators, snakes, bobcats and many birds. For even more wildlife-watching opportunities, sign up for Amelia River Cruises’ Family Friendly Sunset Tour. You’ll sail around the island while looking for dolphin pods and listening to an abbreviated history of the area.
• View 34 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoHilton Head#6 in Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.Hilton Head, South Carolina, is perfect for families looking to slow down. You’ll find two notable beaches here: Driessen Beach Park and the ever-popular Coligny Beach Park. For a break from the sands, take a stroll (or bike ride) through Harbour Town and climb to the top of the lighthouse. Golf courses and tennis courts abound as well, giving your family plenty of options for staying active while on vacation. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|FLIGHTS|THINGS TO DO

• View 46 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoHonolulu – Oahu#7 in Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.Oahu is expensive, but it’s home to some of Hawaii’s most inviting beaches. Head to Waikiki Beach or Ala Moana Regional Park, two beaches where the water remains relatively calm and lifeguards are always present. When you need a break from the beach, admire the animals housed at the Honolulu Zoo or explore some of the island’s historical sites, such as the Battleship Missouri Memorial. If you’re up for exploring the North Shore, you’ll want to stop at the Dole Plantation for a ride on the attraction’s vintage-style trains, which wind through the grounds of the verdant pineapple farm. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 16 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoCape May#8 in Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.Cape May’s nearly 3 miles of family-friendly sands fill with New Jersey locals during school breaks and out-of-towners in summer. You and your little ones can bond while surfing, kayaking or strolling along the promenade. Sunset Beach is a popular spot for families, and The Cove, while often crowded, is fun for surfing. Just remember to buy beach tags for visits between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and reserve accommodations a few months in advance. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 27 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoKennebunkport#9 in Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.For a laid-back East Coast retreat that families can easily traverse by foot or bicycle, consider Kennebunkport, Maine. According to past visitors, Mother’s Beach is a hit with kids thanks to its playground and tide pools, which are ripe for discovery. Goose Rocks Beach is another family favorite for its white sand beach that stretches for miles and its gentle surf. Meanwhile, older kids up for an educational adventure may be interested in a Rugosa Lobster Tour. During the scenic cruise, they’ll watch the crew haul lobster traps and learn more about lobster biology and fishing practices. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 30 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoMyrtle Beach#10 in Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.Myrtle Beach has no trouble luring East Coasters to its expansive sands. After you’ve had time on the beach (this area boasts 60 miles of sandy South Carolina shores), check out Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach or catch a game at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. Myrtle Beach State Park is another must for families, as you’ll find fewer crowds, a nature center, campgrounds, trails and a beach pier here. Just make sure you wear plenty of sunblock – the South Carolina sun can be unforgiving. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|FLIGHTS|THINGS TO DO
• View 32 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoSt. Augustine#11 in Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.Founded by the Spaniards in 1565, St. Augustine, Florida, boasts a rich history that will appeal to families with varying ages and interests. Youngsters will love the interactive exhibits at the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum and the exotic animals on display at the St. Augustine Wild Reserve. Plus, the area’s beaches – including St. Augustine Beach and Anastasia State Park – offer more than 40 miles of sandy shores and are extremely popular with families thanks to features like splash pads, small waves, volleyball courts and outdoor showers. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|FLIGHTS|THINGS TO DO
• View 19 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoLaguna Beach#12 in Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.Stretching for 7 miles along Southern California’s coast, Laguna Beach offers an abundance of swimmable waters, diverse sea life and beachfront lodging. Main Beach is considered one of the best for families since it doesn’t often attract surfers (thanks to the calm waters). If Main Beach is too crowded, venture a little farther north to Diver’s Cove and Fisherman’s Cove for equally placid waters and a more secluded atmosphere. For a break from the sand, there are also a variety of family-friendly whale and dolphin watching excursions that depart from Dana Wharf. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• Belongs on List?YesNoBald Head Island#13 in Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.This island off North Carolina’s southern coast boasts 14 miles of beaches. Families in search of calm water should stake their spot in the sand at South Beach. Meanwhile, travelers with older kids who want to boogie board or surf should head to East Beach. When you’re ready to explore more of the area, sign up for a kayak or canoe tour of the meandering marsh creeks that encircle the island. And if you’re visiting in summer, consider joining a turtle walk hosted by the Bald Head Island Conservancy. During the walk, you’ll look for nesting loggerhead sea turtles.