9 Best Beach Destinations for Family Travel
If you’re looking for a family-friendly getaway, sun and sand are an excellent choice. Of course, you’ll want a destination with thrilling attractions, cozy accommodations, and plenty of dining options to keep everyone satisfied. We’ve compiled this list of international and domestic beach vacation spots to help you plan a fun, exciting trip for your whole crew.
Why take a beach vacation as a family?
With the myriad demands of daily life – work, school, extra-curricular activities, and more – it can be tough for families to spend quality time together. A beach vacation gives adults and kids alike the opportunity to unplug, relax, and enjoy each other’s company. Whether you opt for a domestic retreat or somewhere overseas, the unique locales and exciting activities can help you make memories that will last a lifetime.
9 best family beach vacations
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Part of a 32-mile stretch of white sand beaches in southern Alabama, Gulf Shores has an array of natural attractions and family activities to please everyone in your group. Bask in a cool breeze from the Gulf of Mexico while splashing in clear, warm waters. If you want to stay close to the beach, try the area’s many fishing hotspots, embark on a dolphin-watching cruise, or take the gang paddle boarding or kayaking. Nature enthusiasts should check out the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge for birdwatching, hiking, and exploring local wildlife conservation efforts.
One of the area’s many amusement parks and attractions is Waterville USA, a 20-acre oasis with plenty of water slides, a surfing simulation, a lazy river, and much more. There’s also The Track, which features go-karts, mini-golf, and an arcade.
Adults will appreciate the area’s many family-friendly live music and entertainment spots, like The Hangout, Lulu’s Gulf Shores, and Tacky Jacks. And the locally sourced seafood at Gulf Shores’ many beachside restaurants can’t be beat.
San Diego, California
If you’re looking for a taste of the city life along with your beach vacation, look no further than San Diego, California. Besides having some of the most picturesque shores in California–including Coronado Beach, La Jolla Shores, and Mission Beach—the San Diego area is also home to family-friendly attractions like the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, and LEGOLAND California.
Families can explore the rich history and culture of San Diego through visits to places like Balboa Park, which houses museums, gardens, and performing arts venues. And the USS Midway Museum offers an educational experience on a historic aircraft carrier.
Of course, you don’t have to leave the beaches to have a fantastic time in San Diego. The town’s shores are known for their soft sand, gentle waves, and family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, picnic areas, and lifeguards on duty. And the city hosts beach-centric activities throughout the year, including sandcastle competitions, beach cleanups, and holiday parades to add to the fun for visitors.
Phuket Island, Thailand
White sand, turquoise waters, and gentle waves make Phuket, Thailand, home to some of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful beaches, including Kata Beach, Kamala Beach, and Nai Harn Beach. The waters are usually calm, making Phuket an excellent choice for families with smaller children. Adventurous groups will also appreciate the area’s many other activities, such as snorkeling around coral reefs, visiting ethical elephant sanctuaries, or immersing in the local culture at Wat Chalong Temple or Phuket Old Town.
Thai people are known for their warm hospitality, and Phuket is a welcoming destination for families. The island has a relaxed, safe atmosphere, with many businesses catering specifically to the needs of families traveling with children. Choose from a wide variety of family-friendly resorts or hotels, many of which offer amenities like kids’ clubs and babysitting services.
Traveling in Thailand is generally very affordable, making Phuket an appealing choice for families that want all the excitement of a tropical vacation without breaking the bank.
St. Augustine, Florida
Situated in the northwestern part of Florida along the Atlantic Ocean, St. Augustine, Florida, has the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States. When you’re not soaking up the sun at one of the town’s several pristine beaches, your family can explore the many cultural attractions, like the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century Spanish fortress; the historic St. George Street; and the Colonial Quarter.
St. Augustine is also famous for its ghost tours, which are both spooky and fun for adults and older kids. These tours take families through the historic streets, sharing tales of the city’s haunted past. Other exciting spots include the Pirate and Treasure Museum and the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, where families can check out a variety of exotic reptiles and bird species and even take a zipline ride over the alligators.
Nassau, The Bahamas
Nassau, The Bahamas’ capital city, is home to a variety of resorts and attractions for families seeking an exciting Caribbean vacation. The Atlantis Paradise Island Resort is particularly popular, featuring water parks, marine habitats, and entertainment options that cater to both kids and adults.
Nassau’s beaches, like Cable Beach, Cabbage Beach, and Junkanoo Beach, are known for their sugary white sands and crystal clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. Nassau’s many opportunities to interact with marine life include Blue Lagoon Island, where families can swim with dolphins, play with sea lions, and enjoy a day on a private island; and the nearby Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre where children can get up close with flamingos, parrots, and other exotic animals.
Old Orchard Beach, Maine
Compared to the more tropical spots on our list, New England might not seem like a top choice for a beach vacation, but Maine’s Old Orchard Beach is great for adults and kids alike. The town’s seven-mile stretch of beach provides plenty of space to stretch out in the sun or splash around in the mild waters.
The Old Orchard Beach Pier is a nostalgic centerpiece of the beach with arcades, food stands, and family-friendly shops. Other local attractions include Palace Playland, one of the few remaining seaside amusement parks in the U.S., and Aquaboggan Water Park, where you can enjoy slides, pools, and lazy rivers for a fun day away from the beach.
Old Orchard Beach has a variety of casual dining options perfect for families. From seafood shacks serving lobster rolls and fried clams to ice cream parlors and pizza places, there’s something for everyone. You’ll also find accommodations for a variety of family sizes, tastes, and budgets, from campgrounds to seaside hotels.
Corfu, Greece
If you’re looking for a vacation destination rich in history, Corfu, Greece, should be on your list. Corfu’s Venetian, French, and British influences add cultural depth to this island, and families can explore historical sites such as the Old Fortress, Achilleion Palace, and Corfu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These experiences allow children to learn about Greek history and culture in a fun and interactive way.
Many of Corfu’s villages and towns are quiet and safe, with a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy for families to relax. Smaller towns like Kassiopi or Agios Stefanos are ideal for a peaceful family vacation away from the more crowded tourist areas.
The island’s beaches, such as Glyfada, Paleokastritsa, and Agios Georgios, offer calm, shallow waters perfect for children to swim and play in safely. And the island’s Mediterranean climate provides comfortable temperatures and gentle sea breezes so you can enjoy outdoor activities without the intense heat often found in other destinations.
Waikiki, Hawaii
Located on the island of Oahu, Waikiki, Hawaii, is an exciting tropical destination in the Pacific Ocean. The waters at Waikiki Beach are generally shallow and calm, which is ideal for swimming, wading, and beginner surfing lessons. If you’re just getting started riding waves, you’re in luck–many surf schools in Waikiki cater to kids and families. Other fun activities include snorkeling, paddle boarding, boogie boarding, and parasailing.
Families visiting Waikiki can immerse themselves in Hawaiian culture at traditional luau shows, where kids can experience Hawaiian music, dance, and food. The nearby Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace offer cultural and historical exhibits that provide an engaging peek into the island’s past.
Though airfare to Hawaii can be pricey, Waikiki’s year-round sunny weather means you can still enjoy your time in the sun outside of peak travel months while potentially saving money.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Another gem in the southeastern U.S., Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is packed with family-friendly activities. Known as the mini-golf capital of the world, Myrtle Beach has dozens of courses, including pirate-themed and dinosaur-themed parks. There’s also Family Kingdom Amusement Park, with roller coasters and carnival rides suitable for all ages, and the SkyWheel, a massive Ferris wheel on the boardwalk offering breathtaking views of the coastline.
Myrtle Beach is also loaded with family-friendly dining and entertainment. Some fun dining options include Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, an exciting experience complete with acrobatics, sword fights, and live animals; Crabby Mike’s Calabash Seafood, a popular buffet; and Johnny D’s Waffles and Benedicts, known for its wide range of creative breakfast choices.
Myrtle Beach offers a wide range of accommodation options that cater to families, including beachfront hotels, resorts with pools, and vacation rentals. Many resorts feature water parks, lazy rivers, kids’ clubs, and direct beach access. Compared to other destinations, Myrtle Beach’s affordability makes it a great option for families on a budget.
Family Travel Insurance for Beach Vacations
There are many considerations to take when planning a family vacation, from the destination to flights and hotel accommodations. Amidst all the planning, consider travel insurance coverage to protect your financial investment and your family during your trip. Family travel insurance can cover you and all of your traveling family members for the duration of your vacation. Read more about family travel insurance here.
Written by Casey Clague