25 Best Family Beach Vacations In The USA

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What does the phrase “best family beach vacations” mean to you? Some think of a peaceful place free of any crowds. Others think of a place where everyone is entertained. No matter what you picture in your mind, we have combed the internet to come up with this list of 25 best family beach vacations sure to please everyone.

Wellfleet, Massachusetts

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Marconi Beach in Wellfleet is a rugged, peaceful place for a family beach vacation and it isn’t generally a crowded spot either. There are shallow swimming spots for the little ones and great sand for building sandcastles too. An official part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, it’s also great for relaxation or a stroll along the beach.

Ocean City, Maryland

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Looking for an ideal spot for a Maryland beach vacation? Check out Ocean City. Ocean City includes a three-mile-long boardwalk, world-famous saltwater taffy and almost endless opportunities for family-friendly fun. It’s a large, local beach and once you’ve had your share of the water you can hit the jumpin’ Jolly Roger Amusement Park.

Corolla, North Carolina

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The Outer Banks of North Carolina offer a relaxed family beach vacation spot. This place is perfect for kicking back seaside with the kids. Veteran visitors say Currituck Beach is not only quiet but you might even get to see the wild horses roam. If you feel the urge to be active you can go swimming, surfing, or even rent jet skis.

Barnstable, Massachusetts

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The Sandy Neck Beach located in Barnstable is reported to be Cape Cod’s longest beach. It’s six miles long and peaceful enough for a private stroll. The shoreline here features little more than tide pools, sea birds, and a nice snack bar. If you need a place to relax with the family then this is it.

Seaside, Florida

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Sunny Seaside Beach is a family-friendly, idyllic spot for a fun Florida beach break. Ensconced in a crowd-free area, it comes complete with beautiful blue water and interesting shops and eateries. You can all kick back together or put your kids in surf school and you’ve got a fun family vacation.

Old Orchard Beach, Maine

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Old Orchard Beach’s top draw is the Palace Playland. It’s the only oceanfront amusement park in New England. Children of all ages can all ride the thrill rides, sample the sweet snacks and play all of the games found on this 500-foot pier. Go hiking in the popular Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, or simply enjoy the sand and surf

Virginia Beach, Virginia

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Iconic Virginia Beach offers travelers a timeless sandy seaside getaway that features numerous amusement rides, a lively boardwalk, water sports, and beauteous beaches to boot. If you’d rather avoid the crowds, visit Sandbridge Beach. It is a quaint, quieter place if you’d rather have a bit more privacy.

Rockaway Beach, Oregon

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Crabbing is big at famous Rockaway Beach . If you want to sample to local Dungeness crab then you should arrive during the official peak crabbing season which begins in the middle of December. Those who have been there suggest dining at Kelly’s Brighton Marina. If you don’t like crabs you can still take in the great views as explore Rockaway Beach Wayside.

Edmonds, Washington

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18 miles north of the city of Seattle, is Edmonds. Edmonds is the best family-friendly on the Washington coast. You can explore picturesque downtown and visit the restaurants, cafes and boutique shops. Sample some grain-to-glass goodness at the Scratch Distillery. Take in the view at Stamm Overlook Park, or relax at popular Marina Beach Park. If it rains see Cascadia Art Museum.

Captiva Island, Florida

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Tiny Captiva Island is the sister isle to Sanibel Island. It reportedly sometimes sounds too good to be true. Just offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, this idyllic island offers visitors plenty to do and yet it remains serene and stress-free. Here the most popular activities are the Offshore Sailing School and shelling on Captiva Pass.

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It should be no surprise to see Honolulu, Hawaii on this list. There’s plenty to do here including boogie boarding, diving, sunbathing, surfing and swimming. Experience the crystal-clear water at Waikiki Beach and try some watersports at Oahu. Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay is especially popular. The weather is reportedly perfect and the view here is stunning as well.

Hollywood, Florida

Hollywood, Florida is often named as one of the top family-friendly “beach vacation destinations” in not only the state but the entire country. Situated between Miami and famous Fort Lauderdale, it is ofttimes praised for its wide, 2½-mile-long multi-purpose brick-paved path often overflowing with cyclists, joggers, roller-skaters, and Segwayers. After you’ve hit the beach, be sure to check out the shops, eateries, and breweries as well.

Coronado, California

To reach this isle you’ll need to take the Coronado Bay Bridge from San Diego. Not far from downtown SD, this kid-friendly locale makes a great day trip. There’s a beach for everyone here. If you want to have a picnic hit Silver Strand State Beach. If you’re traveling with the family dog go to North Beach. If you’re into fishing sign up for a deep-sea fishing charter.

Hampton, Virginia

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Hampton is home to Buckroe Beach. It’s only ¾ of a mile in length so it’s easy to keep an eye on the kids and enjoy the water. Watch for special events such as movie nights and live concerts. Once you’ve had enough surf and sand you can visit the nearby Virginia Air and Space Center and the historic Fort Monroe National Monument.

Rehoboth Beach, Delawar

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Rehoboth Beach is best known for Funland. Funland is a classic beachfront amusement park that’s been entertaining folks for generations. After you’ve had some sun and fun on the beach, you can take the family to the boardwalk and enjoy the rides, games and other amusements. Don’t forget to sample some delicious Dolle’s famous saltwater taffy either!

Tybee Island, Georgia

Tybee Island is great for families looking for a relaxing beach getaway. Explore the pier that spans out over the ocean. Take surf lessons or go paddleboarding. Swim with the locals at stunning South Beach or stroll along North Beach. This island community even offers yoga classes and a dolphin tour. After the fun, dine at one of their 30 privately-owned restaurants.

Santa Monica, California

Santa Monica can be a tad touristy but is nonetheless remains a lively place for families complete with a nice child-friendly beach. The white sand beach spans over three miles of ground. There’s also a 26-mile bicycle path and the night legendary Santa Monica Pier. Do a little sunbathing then take a fun electric bike tour. Feeling peckish? Grab a bite at one of the numerous beachside food shacks.

Empire, Michigan

Looking for a family beach getaway with a twist? Empire is situated on Lake Michigan and not an ocean. You can go swimming and camp on the shores of the famed Great Lakes. Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and climb the dunes. Take the educational Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and get a glimpse of the major local sights too.

Orange Beach, Alabama

Picturesque Orange Beach is ensconced on the Gulf of Mexico. Veteran visitors concur it is a truly gorgeous Gulf Shore destination. Enjoy the sugar-white beach, go on a fishing excursion, or a sunset cruise. If you’d like to see an alligator in the wild then go explore the well-known Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail.

Port Saint Lucie, Florida

Port Saint Lucie is situated on Florida’s Treasure Coast. It’s more than a family-friendly beach destination (even though Jensen Beach is great). It’s also a lively community with other attractions too. Hikers head for the famous Paleo Hammock Preserve and the Savanna Preserves State Park. You can also catch a baseball game at First Data Field. Finally, you might also like to see the Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast.

Surfside Beach, South Carolina

Surfside Beach, part of the Grand Strand, in South Carolina is an attractive, off-the-beaten-path place perfect for a family vacation. Swim in the glimmering ocean, take a walk on the beachside pier, and go play at the nearby waterpark. Your girls can even take Mermaid Lessons! This place certainly deserves its nickname: “The Family Beach.”

San Diego, California

San Diego includes such hot spots as Mission Beach and Pacific Beach. If you get too much sun and need a break, there are plenty of other attractions here. They include the USS Midway Museum and the famous San Diego Zoo. You can also go on a Whale Watching Cruise or do the San Diego Seal Tour.

Corpus Christi, Texas

Corpus Christi is a coastal city found in South Texas. It runs along the glistening Gulf of Mexico. Found 130 miles from San Antonio, this is a terrific Texan place for fun family beach vacations. Go bicycling along White Beach. Try bodysurfing at Whitecap Beach or camp out on Malaquite Beach. CC includes various cultural venues and dining options too.