Planning a family beach holiday is a great way to create wonderful memories together. Picking the perfect destination is key – you’ll want somewhere that offers activities for the kids, relaxing downtime for the parents, and beautiful beaches. Here are eight amazing destinations to consider for your next family beach getaway.
Oahu, Hawaii
Known as “the Gathering Place,” Oahu is a top choice for families. Home to the lively capital of Honolulu and the iconic Waikiki Beach, it offers plenty to see and do. Take the kids to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, the Honolulu Zoo, and Waikiki Aquarium. Couples and families alike love watching the sunset from Sandy Beach on Oahu’s eastern shore. And be sure to look online for flight deals before you buy your tickets to Hawaii – you can often save hundreds of dollars per ticket by being flexible with dates.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
For an East Coast beach vacation, you can’t beat Cape Cod. Miles of sandy beaches and quaint seaside towns hold plenty of family fun. Take a whale watching cruise, visit the Cape Cod Children’s Museum, or spend a day exploring the shops and restaurants of Provincetown. Don’t miss the iconic Chatham Lighthouse and sweeping National Seashore beaches like Coast Guard and Nauset Light.
San Diego, California
In Southern California, San Diego offers idyllic weather year-round. Families love the interactive exhibits at Birch Aquarium, kayaking La Jolla coves, and playing at Mission Beach. Nearby Legoland is a hit with the kids. And the San Diego Zoo is world-famous for its pandas, koalas, polar bears, and more.
Clearwater Beach, Florida
On Florida’s Gulf Coast, Clearwater Beach offers calm waters perfect for kids. Families rave about Pier 60 Park, with nightly sunset celebrations. Nearby, Winter the Dolphin’s aquarium is a must. Take a ferry to Caladesi Island or go dolphin-watching. Mini golf courses, casual seafood restaurants and beach resorts round out the fun. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium rescues injured marine life.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
For an affordable Caribbean getaway, Punta Cana is a top family pick. The white sand Bavaro Beach has gentle waves, perfect for swimming. Families love the dolphin encounters at Manati Park, ziplining, dune buggy adventures and paddleboarding. Explore Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park to see native wildlife. An all-inclusive resort offers meals, drinks and activities. Fly into Punta Cana International Airport.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
On the Florida panhandle, Gulf Shores has 32 miles of soft white sand and warm gulf waters. Families can swim, boat, fish, or spot dolphins on a cruise. Museums, mini golf, arcades and water parks round out the fun. Nearby Gulf State Park has hiking and biking trails through coastal woodlands. The closest airports are in Pensacola and Mobile.
Ocean City, Maryland
This family-friendly beach town has 10 miles of free public beach, a three-mile boardwalk, amusement parks, and arcades. Take the kids to see the wild horses of Assateague Island National Seashore. Enjoy fresh seafood, mini golf, and paddleboarding. The Jolly Roger Splash Mountain water park is a hit. Fly into Baltimore or take the ferry from Lewes, Delaware.
South Padre Island, Texas
On the southern tip of Texas, South Padre Island is a top family destination. It has beautiful beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, with calm waves perfect for kids. Families love Schlitterbahn Water Park, dolphin watching tours, tandem parasailing and the Sea Turtle Inc. rescue center. There are also hiking trails through wetlands and dunes at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center. The closest airport is Harlingen.
A beach vacation is the perfect way to get away and focus on family time. With kid-friendly activities, beautiful scenery, and plenty of ways to relax, these destinations can create wonderful memories. Just pick the location that best fits your family’s wish list and start planning an unforgettable trip!
