Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.

This Alabama beach locale is beloved for its soft sand, budget-friendly lodgings and family-focused activities. Thanks to the town's Gulf Coast location, you can expect white quartz sand and teal waters at popular beaches like the sprawling shoreline at Gulf State Park, which also offers a pavilion with a snack bar, restrooms and showers. What's more, budding architects can hone their skills with a building class through Sand Castle University, action seekers can parasail and nature lovers can look for dolphins on the horizon. Gulf Shores' casual eateries are also exceptionally kid-friendly, with fun features like play areas, bubble machines and arcades.

Outer Banks is home to some of the best East Coast beaches, lauded for their consistent yet manageable waves and verdant landscapes. And you can count on this group of North Carolina barrier islands to deliver great summer weather (think: highs in the 80s). Plan on renting a cottage or condo for more space without being too far from the beach. For lots of sand to stretch out on and build sandcastles, visit Nags Head's wide shores and sand dunes. Or, head to Kitty Hawk or Kill Devil Hills for easy beach access and lifeguards on duty.

Families looking for a slow-paced beach trip will find it on this laid-back island on Florida's Gulf Coast. Anna Maria Island's colorful cottages, free trolley and three historic towns lend a timeless appeal that encourages families to embrace simplicity. There's a stretch of sand for everyone here, from the peaceful Bean Point Beach, known for its wildlife preservation, to the lively Manatee Public Beach, which includes a beach cafe, volleyball and lifeguards. Away from the sand, families can find a sweet treat on Pine Avenue, shop on Bridge Street or step back in time at Cortez Fishing Village. 

This South Carolina island less than 30 miles southwest of Charleston provides a slow-paced beach vacation complete with 10 miles of shoreline and plenty of rugged nature to explore. Head to Kiawah Beachwalker Park, the island's only public beach, which features a snack bar, chair and umbrella rentals and a scenic boardwalk. When you're not building sandcastles, spend your time biking on the hard-packed sand, kayaking through the marsh or exploring the island's maritime forests. Or, sign the kids up for one of the day camps offered at Night Heron Park while the adults visit a spa or hit the links at a world-renowned Kiawah golf course.

This Florida town's family-friendly vibe and impressive beaches entice multigenerational groups year after year. The stark white sand and calm jade water at Henderson Beach State Park and the Shores at Crystal Beach Park are picture-perfect. Plus, many Destin resorts cater to kids, so parents can relax while the little ones play. Boat tours are also a great way to spend some quality time; the whole family will have fun looking for jumping dolphins, and the kids will have a blast on a pirate-themed cruise.

Though less traversed (and slightly cheaper) than Maui or Oahu, The Big Island offers some of Hawaii's top beaches. Families can wade in the water at La'aloa (White Sands Beach Park) in Kona, which is ideal for surfing and boogie boarding, or Carlsmith Beach Park in Hilo, which offers tranquil lagoons and coves. Meanwhile, those wanting to set foot on one of the island's volcanic black sand beaches can visit Punalu'u on the Ka'u coast, which is easily accessible, has a picnic area and offers a chance to see sea turtles. When adventure calls, families can hike or drive through Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

Hilton Head Island in South Carolina is perfect for families looking to slow down. Beat the heat (temps reach into the 90s in the summer) at stretches of sand like Driessen Beach Park and the ever-popular Coligny Beach Park. For a break from the sand, take a stroll (or bike ride) through Harbour Town and climb to the top of the iconic red- and white-striped lighthouse. Golf courses, tennis courts and hiking and biking options abound as well, giving your family abundant ways to stay active on vacation.

Located less than 15 miles east of Charleston, South Carolina, Isle of Palms is an idyllic beach escape that caters to families with its wide 7-mile shoreline and centralized amenities. Wild Dunes Resort is an impressive one-stop spot for all things beach. The resort's grounds encompass two inns, vacation rentals, multiple golf courses, a spa and restaurants and sweet shops. For those staying off the resort or visiting for the day, the island's beaches also feature 50-plus access points. When the family gets restless, switch things up with an eco-tour or kayak rental on the calm Intracoastal Waterway.

This barrier island off Florida's northeast coast offers tons of space to spread out in the sand – 13 miles, to be exact. The island's Main Beach is appropriately nicknamed "The Family Zone" and has amenities to please the whole crew, including mini golf, a skate park and a restaurant. For fun away from the shore, nature lovers can head to Egans Creek Greenway, a more than 300-acre protected area that's home to alligators, snakes, bobcats and many birds. The island also offers a handful of family-friendly resorts with exciting kids' amenities and activities.

While cost can be a barrier for any family getaway, it can be an especially large deterrent when that getaway is to Maui. Still, this picturesque Hawaiian island has some top-notch kid-friendly beaches. The southwest portion of the island boasts go-to family options like Wailea Beach and the three beaches of Kama'ole Beach Park, with sun-drenched sands and calm waters ideal for little swimmers. Later, swap the sand for rainforests and peaks at Haleakala National Park for an educational yet unforgettable visit to one of the world's largest dormant volcanoes.

Families keen on getting back to nature will love this Georgia island. You'll have seven beaches to choose from, including St. Andrews Beach Park (where you may see dolphins) and South Dunes Beach Park (with screened-in picnic pavilions). For more action, play volleyball or bocce at Great Dunes Beach Park, and for a scenic family photo-op, head to the picturesque Driftwood Beach. Families can also visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, which offers tours and educational programs about the conservation of this endangered species. Keep in mind: You'll need to purchase a daily or annual pass to access Jekyll Island.

For a laid-back East Coast retreat that families can easily traverse by foot or bicycle, consider Kennebunkport, Maine. Mother's Beach is a hit with kids thanks to its playground and tide pools, and Goose Rocks Beach is another family favorite for its gentle surf and white sands that stretch for miles. Just note: You'll need passes to park along Kennebunkport's public beaches during the summer season. Older kids up for an educational adventure may be interested in a Rugosa Lobster Tour. During the scenic cruise, they'll watch the crew haul lobster traps and learn more about lobster biology and fishing practices.

Lake Michigan's beaches offer most of the perks of the ocean – refreshing water, sandy shores and plenty of waves – without the saltwater sting. In Michigan's Saugatuck/Douglas area, you'll have your pick of six beaches. Oval Beach is the most popular, boasting undulating dunes and an array of amenities like concession stands, picnic areas and easy parking. Saugatuck Dunes State Park is another favorite thanks to its 200-foot-tall wooded dunes and four nature trails. For more family fun on the water, hop aboard a Star of Saugatuck boat cruise for a gentle paddlewheel ride down the Kalamazoo River.

Families visiting this Massachusetts island south of Cape Cod should head straight to Children's Beach. Along with calm water, this small stretch of sand is home to a playground and picnic areas. Plus, it hosts kids' yoga, puppet shows and free evening concerts every summer. The easily accessible Jetties Beach also beckons to families with a wide shoreline and shallow water. For more fun on the water, sign up for a Critter Cruise. Youngsters learn about local marine wildlife and get the chance to cast a line. The sperm whale skeleton on display at the Whaling Museum is another must-see for curious kiddos.

Founded by the Spaniards in 1565, St. Augustine, Florida, boasts a rich history that will appeal to families with varying ages and interests. Youngsters will love the interactive exhibits at the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum and the rescued animals at the St. Augustine Wild Reserve. Plus, the area's beaches – including St. Augustine Beach and Anastasia State Park – offer more than 40 miles of sandy shores and are extremely popular with families, thanks to features like splash pads, small waves, volleyball courts and outdoor showers.

Soft sand, lifeguard-patrolled shores, a fun-filled boardwalk and plenty of lodging options are just a few reasons why Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, stands out as a top family  beach spot. Families can spend the day playing on the sand or swimming and boogie boarding in the Atlantic Ocean before chowing down on some fresh seafood, Thrasher's french fries and homemade ice cream. No visit would be complete without enjoying a game of mini golf and the rides at the beachfront Funland Rehoboth amusement park.