Are you seeking the ideal US family beach destination? Making a decision about where to go might be difficult because there are so many possibilities available. You need not worry, though, since we have done the research and put together a list of the best family-friendly beach vacation spots in the US.
These locations provide everything for everyone, from immaculate beaches to exciting activities, and are sure to provide lifelong memories. Prepare yourself then for a memorable family trip. These beach locations can satisfy your needs for action or relaxation. So without further ado, let’s get started and learn about the top US family beach vacation spots!
#1. Kiawah Island
Located less than 30 miles southwest of Charleston, this South Carolina island offers a leisurely beach vacation with 10 miles of beaches and enough untamed nature to explore. The sole public beach on the island, Kiawah Beachwalker Park, offers a snack bar, beach rentals, and a picturesque boardwalk. When you’re not making sandcastles, go riding on the compacted sand, kayaking across the marsh, or discovering the marine woods of the island. Alternately, enroll the kids in one of the day camps at Night Heron Park while the adults indulge in a spa day or a round of golf on a recognized course.
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#2. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The boardwalk, amusement parks, arcade games, live entertainment, and other attractions make Myrtle Beach a popular family beach destination. There is also a ton to do away from the bustling hub, such as visiting Surfside Beach, which is well-liked by families due to its plenty of space and many beach access points. With two bedrooms and a fully furnished kitchen, Marriott’s Ocean Watch Villas at Grande Dunes offers a little bit of seclusion and a place to keep simple breakfasts, picnic lunches, and late-night snacks.
#3. Outer Banks
This is also one of the well-liked family beach vacation spots in the US. Off the coast of North Carolina, there is a group of barrier islands known as the Outer Banks. Orville and Wilbur Wright, Blackbeard, and the enigmatic Lost Colony all call it home. Fishing, windsurfing, and animal viewing are also available there. About 3,000 shipwrecks on the Outer Banks can be investigated by snorkeling or scuba diving, earning it the moniker “the graveyard of the Atlantic.”
The beaches, mini-golf courses, and North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island are popular with families. For those who want to bypass excessively developed tourist destinations and go straight to pristine beaches, the OBX is great. Beaches are busier in the summer, but with so many places to visit dispersed along the barrier islands, you probably won’t encounter overwhelming crowds.
#4. Destin, Florida
The stunning beaches in Destin, welcome families, including Henderson Beach State Park’s stunning white sands formed entirely of Appalachian quartz. In addition to keeping cool in the hot summer sun, it also lends clear water an emerald tint. There are also boat tours available, such as dolphin-watching tours and cruises with a pirate theme. You can hire paddleboards and kayaks or set out on a variety of adventures from the boardwalk, such as parasailing and jet-skiing trips.
The boardwalk, which is roughly a quarter of a mile long and features live music venues, pubs, and restaurants, is long enough to provide hours of amusement on its own.
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#5. Amelia Island
There are 13 miles of beachfront on this barrier island off the northeastern coast of Florida, but there are also plenty of activities to enjoy inland. Visit the more than 300-acre Egans Creek Greenway, a protected area where you can see alligators, snakes, bobcats, and a variety of birds. Join the Family Friendly Sunset Tour with Amelia River Cruises for extra chances to see animals. While searching for dolphin pods and listening to a condensed history of the region, you’ll sail around the island. There are also a few family-friendly resorts on the island with extravagant kid-friendly amenities and activities.
#6. Hilton Head, South Carolina
Hilton Head is a terrific place to unwind, rekindle, and take part in a variety of activities both on and off the sand. The busiest beach is Coligny Beach, which has a lot of amenities like beachside bars, chair and umbrella rentals, and a lifeguard on duty throughout the summer. Enjoy scenic treks and animal viewing in the 4,000-acre Pinckney Island National Animal Refuge, which is home to more than 250 different bird species, including white-tailed deer, alligators, and red foxes.
You can ride a bike on the sand, climb a lighthouse, play some excellent golf, and rent a bike if you don’t want to bring your own. It is indeed one of the most amazing family-friendly beach vacation spots in the United States.
#7. Carmel by the Sea
Every family can find a beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea that suits their interests. Take the group on a hike at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve for rocky beaches. Finish your hike in China Cove for photo opportunities or Sea Lion Cove for wildlife viewing. Carmel Beach is a good option for people seeking a long stretch of white sand. Put on a wet suit for a family surf instruction if you’re willing to withstand the frigid water (which averages around 50 degrees). Check out the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea where you can drag the kids away from the sand (there’s even a candy store for bribery, if necessary).
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#8. Seaside, Oregon
Seaside is a family-friendly seaside town with a three-mile stretch of beach offering virtually infinite activities, from building sandcastles to surfing, just over an hour’s drive from Portland on the northern Oregon coast. Alongside it is a 1.5-mile promenade that is perfect for cycling and strolling, and a variety of outfitters lend out everything from electric cycles to double and triple Surreys.
You can also go to the aquarium, which is next to the “Prom,” where harbor seals do antics on their own to tempt people to throw them fish. There is a touch tank where you can feel starfish, anemones, sea urchins, and other stingy creatures. An arcade and a variety of gift stores and restaurants can be found in the downtown area.
#9. Jekyll Island
This Georgian island is ideal for families that enjoy unwinding. Seven beaches are available to you, including South Dunes Beach Park and St. Andrews Beach Park (both of which have covered picnic areas where you might watch dolphins). Play bocce or volleyball at Great Dunes Beach Park for extra action. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center, which provides tours and educational programs on the conservation of this endangered species, is another place where families can go. Remember: To visit Jekyll Island and many of its amenities, you must buy a daily or annual pass.
#10. Maui, Hawaii
One of the most visited Hawaiian islands is Maui, which offers the perfect balance for many tourists by not being as small as Lanai, as big as the Big Island, as tranquil as Kauai, or as bustling as Oahu. From the sands of Kaanapali in the west to Wailea and Makena in the south, it also happens to have some of the most stunning beaches. You can go snorkeling with sea turtles, take in a professional hula show, explore the stunningly gorgeous Iao Valley State Park with its flowing waterfalls, go ziplining, go on flightseeing tours, and so much more. Avoid missing the Road to Hana, one of the most beautiful drives in the world, at any cost.
#11. Saugatuck
The beaches along Lake Michigan provide many of the benefits of the ocean without the sting of saltwater. These benefits include cool water, sandy shorelines, and lots of waves. Six beaches are available in the Saugatuck/Douglas area of Michigan. The most well-known beach is Oval Beach, which has undulating dunes and a variety of amenities like concession stands, picnic sites, and convenient parking.
Due to its four nature pathways and 200-foot-tall forested dunes, Saugatuck Dunes State Park is another popular destination. Join a Star of Saugatuck boat trip for a relaxing paddlewheel journey down the Kalamazoo River for more family entertainment on the water.
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#12. Long Beach, Washington
Long Beach is also one of the must-visit family-friendly beach vacation spots in the United States. The 28 miles of sand that make up Long Beach, which is on the southwest coast of Washington State, are what make it the self-described “World’s Longest Beach.” There are many different things that can be enjoyed in this Pacific Northwest town on the ocean, but kiteflying is the most well-liked.
Every August, Long Beach plays host to the famed Washington State International Kite Festival, which draws tourists from all over the world. A World Kite Museum and Hall of Fame are also located there. accompanied by games, bumper cars, a carousel, and carnival rides. You can rent bicycles with two and three wheels to ride around the beach as well.
#13. Laguna Beach
Between San Diego and Los Angeles is the stunning southern California getaway of Laguna Beach. It has a strong appreciation for flora and fauna as well as a small-town feel and a long history of an artistic community. In addition to whale viewing, the center for the rescue and rehabilitation of the Orange County coast seal population, and numerous wildflower-filled coastal parks, the town is home to more than 100 public art installations.
It is recommended that visitors spend some time getting to know the people and culture of the area as well as taking in as much of the shoreline as they can. The breathtaking environment of Laguna Beach makes it the ideal stop on a road trip through California.
#14. St Augustine, Florida
All ages and interests can find something to enjoy in St. Augustine. It was founded in 1565 and is America’s oldest continuously inhabited city, making it a must-see for history aficionados, but it also has a number of stunning beaches along Florida’s east coast. There are actually 43 miles of beaches to select from, including the well-known Vilano Beach, where 4x4s are permitted. While nature lovers will appreciate the St. Augustine Wildlife Reserve with its more than 50 large mammals, which range from lions, tigers, and leopards to bears, tigers, hyenas, and wolves, pirate aficionados will want to visit the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum. Children can cuddle with farm animals as well.
What Is the Most Expensive Beach in the US?
With a total cost of $58.88, Main Beach in New York is the most expensive beach in the US. Plage de Pampelonne on the French Riviera is the most expensive beach in the world, costing a total of $76.38.
What Beach has the Clearest Water in the US?
Beaches with clear water: The Best in the United States
- Waimea Bay Beach Park, Hawaii
- Crandon Park Beach, Florida
- Assateague Island, Maryland, and Virginia
- Clearwater Beach, Florida
- Carmel Beach, Carmel by The Sea, California
- Cannon Beach, Oregon
- Lake Tahoe, California, and Nevada