According to a recent travel survey, beaches were one of the most popular vacation spots in the last year. 57% of travelers planned a trip to the beach for their family vacation.
You might be among the millions of travelers hoping to head to a beautiful beach this upcoming summer. With so many amazing locations to choose from, you might be having difficulty choosing the right place for your next family trip.
This guide will explore some of the best beach vacations for families. Check out our list for some guidance and start planning your family vacation today.
Plan a Trip to the Beautiful Ana Maria Island
If you’re looking for a quiet summer vacation with your loved ones, Ana Maria Island is the best place to go. Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the island is full of bright seaside cottages and a free trolley you can use to explore the historic town.
For a relaxing beach day, you might want to visit Bean Point Beach. The kids will love encountering wildlife at Manatee Public Beach.
Ana Maria has some of the best condo rentals in Florida. You’re sure to find the perfect place for your family’s next vacation.
Spend a Summer in Sea Brook
Next on the list of beach destinations is Sea Brook, Washington. Sea Brook is the most kid-friendly beach with plenty of playgrounds for youngsters. There are also great indoor and outdoor pools, and an arcade when the kids need a break from the beach.
Sea Brook has a relatively uncrowded beach, so you’ll have plenty of space for sandcastle building, digging for seashells, and flying kites. These are just a few examples of fun activities your kids will love.
Check Out the Isle of Palms
The Isle of Palms is a great choice if you want proximity to the city. This beach is only a 15-mile drive from Charlestown, South Carolina.
Spend the day on the Isle of Palms soaking up the sun, kayaking, or going on an eco-tour. At night, head to Charlestown to explore the cultural downtown area.
Consider staying at the Wild Dunes Resort, where adults have access to a variety of golf courses and endless days at the spa. You’ll also have plenty of delicious restaurants on site.
Destin Caters to the Entire Family
Destin is another great family beach destination with activities for every age group. This small town on the Florida Panhandle is known for its white shores made of beautiful Appalachian quartz. The emerald-tinted water makes this one of the most unique beaches in the state of Florida.
The clear waters are great for snorkeling or scuba diving. Deep sea fishing is also popular in Destin. It is nicknamed the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.”
Boat tours in Destin are another family-friendly activity to try. The pirate-themed tours are a lot of fun for the younger children in your family.
South Walton Is a Great Family Destination
South Walton is another Florida Panhandle gem great for family vacations.
Grayton Beach State Park is one of the top spots in South Walton because you can spend the day laying out on the sand or hiking one of its beautiful trails. Topsail Beach State Preserve is a great place to see wildlife.
Cape Cod Offers a Lot of Variety
If you’re looking for more beach options on the East Coast, Cape Cod is the perfect place for your next family vacation. Beachfront homes in Cape Cod make it a great choice for the summer break.
Whale-watching excursions are a popular activity in Cape Cod that the entire family will love. You’ll also be within the range of major cities like Boston or New York. Plan a day trip to one of these locations to break up the routine while on vacation.
Amelia Island Has a Family Zone
Amelia Island is one of the best beaches to go with kids. Main Beach is the place to be as a family because there are a ton of fun activities to try. Your kids will love visiting the mini golf course and skate park.
You can also take a break from relaxing on the beach by planning a trip to Egans Creek Greenway. Here, you’ll get the chance to see amazing wildlife like alligators and snakes. You’ll also have the opportunity to go birdwatching while visiting Egans Creek.
Travel South to Punta de Mita
You can also turn your beach vacation into an international road trip. Mexico is at the top of the list for a lot of travelers and Mexican beaches are some of the best places to visit in the country.
Punta Mita’s new resorts make it the perfect choice for your beach getaway. Your family can sign up for surf lessons, horseback riding, fishing, or boating while staying there.
San Diego Offers a Lot of Family Beach Activities
Pacific coast beaches offer a beauty you can’t find anywhere else, you won’t want to leave! There are also a ton of family things to do while visiting.
The kids will love seeing the sea lions along the coast. You can see more animals by visiting the San Diego Zoo & Safari.
You can check out some of the city’s amusement parks or museums as well. The variety of museums at Balboa Park means you’ll find something for every interest in your family.
Visit St. Augustine
Heading back to Florida, you’ll want to plan a vacation to St. Augustine. This historic city has beautiful architecture to admire and fun places the kids will love too.
St. Augustine Beach has a ton of fun features like splash pads and volleyball courts.
These Are the Best Beach Vacations for Families
There are a ton of great beach vacations for families you might be considering for your next family trip. Consider renting out a condo to stay on the beautiful Ana Maria Island. Enjoy water sports with your family at Destin beaches.
Hopefully, this blog helps you find your next family vacation destination. Check out some of the other travel blogs on our site for more inspiration!
