11 Dec The 12 Best Family-Friendly Beaches In U.S.A.
Planning a beach getaway with the whole family? Finding a spot that caters to kids, parents (and even grandparents) can make all the difference. From calm waters perfect for young swimmers, to fun activities and nearby attractions, beaches can provide the perfect vacation spot for everyone in your crew.
If you’re looking for the best family-friendly beaches in the States, discover 12 picks that promise the ideal mix of relaxation and adventure.
Ocean City, New Jersey
Ocean City Beach in New Jersey is undoubtedly one of the best family-friendly beaches on the East Coast. With eight miles of clean, sandy shoreline and a famous boardwalk packed with kid-friendly attractions, it’s the perfect spot for families with young children. The calm waters and lifeguard-supervised areas make it a safe beach for swimming and playing in the surf.
Once you’re ready for a break from the sun, the boardwalk offers amusement rides, mini-golf, and plenty of snack stands for treats like saltwater taffy. Families can also rent bikes or surreys to cruise along the shore.
Siesta Beach, Florida
Known for its powdery, white quartz sand, Siesta Beach is a dream for families. The shallow waters and gentle waves make it one of the safest beaches for kids to splash around. Parents can relax under umbrellas while enjoying the ocean’s pristine beauty.
The beach also has lifeguards on duty, picnic areas and playgrounds, plus nearby ice cream shops for a post-beach treat.
Coronado Beach, California
Located just across the bridge from San Diego, Coronado Beach offers calm waves, plenty of space to play, and stunning views of the iconic Hotel del Coronado.
The flat shoreline is perfect for sandcastle building, making it a top contender for the best beaches for kids. The town’s family-friendly vibe ensures you’ll always have something to do, whether you fancy biking along the boardwalk, or grabbing lunch at a casual seaside cafe.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks is a 120-mile stretch of barrier islands offering endless opportunities for visitors. While each beach has its unique charm, Duck Beach and Nags Head are particularly ideal for families, with calm waters and plenty of activities like kayaking and kite flying.
This destination is a favorite for those looking for an adventure-filled escape. Nags Beach, in particular, is an excellent spot for camping and boasts 12 miles of walkable coastline, perfect for keeping busy.
Cape May Beaches, New Jersey
Cape May combines historic charm with family fun. The beaches are clean and well-maintained, and the gentle surf is great for smaller children, making it one of the safest beaches in the area.
The nearby promenade features shops, restaurants and old-fashioned ice cream parlors. Don’t miss a visit to the Cape May Lighthouse for panoramic views and a bit of adventure. It’s perfect for those seeking one of the best beach vacations for families on the East Coast.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hilton Head is a family favorite for a reason. Its wide, flat beaches are ideal for bike riding, and the calm Atlantic waters make swimming and boogie boarding easy for little ones of all ages.
Coligny Beach Park offers clean restrooms, shaded seating and a splash pad to keep kids cool and entertained. It’s no wonder Hilton Head is frequented by those looking for family-friendly vacation spots.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
For a more relaxed beach day, Gulf Shores is the place to go. Its sugar-white sand and warm Gulf waters are perfect for little ones. Kids will love the nearby Gulf State Park, which offers hiking trails, a nature center and opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding.
This spot is a fantastic choice if you’re seeking some of the best family-friendly beaches in the Gulf region. As Alabama temperatures can soar, remember to pack sunscreen with SPF 50 to shield your skin from the sun, and protect against skin damage.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
While the Pacific Northwest may not be the first place that springs to mind for the best beach vacations, Cannon Beach is a must-see.
Known for its iconic Haystack Rock, this beach offers plenty of room for families to explore tide pools, fly kites, or enjoy a peaceful walk along the shore. It’s also considered one of the safest beaches in the region for those with young kids.
Clearwater Beach, Florida
If warm, shallow waters and a lively atmosphere sound like your thing, Clearwater Beach delivers. The soft sand and gentle waves make it a hit, and there’s no shortage of nearby attractions like the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where you can meet rescued sea creatures. It definitely earns its spot among the best family beaches in Florida.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is a classic destination for family-friendly vacations (and Chanel and Stevo’s favorite YouTubers would agree). Featuring an expansive sandy shore and lifeguards on duty, it’s a great place for kids to swim and play. Beyond the beach, the area is packed with attractions like mini golf, an aquarium and the SkyWheel, which offers breathtaking coastline views.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, California
Looking for a beach with a side of adventure? Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers beautiful sandy shores and an iconic seaside amusement park with rides and games. You and your loved ones of all ages can spend the morning splashing in the waves, and the afternoon enjoying cotton candy and rollercoasters.
It’s perfect for families who love fun on and off the sand. Take a boat trip across the waters to Channel Islands National Park, excluded from the 63 contiguous national parks in the U.S.
Destin Beach, Florida
Destin Beach, often referred to as the “Emerald Coast,” is a stunning destination that deserves a spot on any list of the best family-friendly vacation areas. Its crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sand make for a breathtaking getaway.
The calm waves and shallow areas are great for young swimmers, while older kids and parents can enjoy adventurous activities like paddleboarding and snorkeling. Henderson Beach State Park, located nearby, offers picnic areas and hiking trails.
Plan Your Next Family-Friendly Beach Vacation
The United States is home to some of the best family-friendly beaches, offering pristine shores and endless activities to keep everyone happy. Whether you’re looking for the excitement of a bustling boardwalk, or a charming spot for unwinding, there’s a perfect destination just waiting for your family to visit.
Author bio: Jack Shaw is a freelance lifestyle writer and dedicated traveler. His writing focuses on exploring the food, culture and beautiful views of wherever life decides to throw him. Stories of his travel can be seen in Modded, Trekaroo, The Travel Magazine and more. Jack has a love of all things outdoors, and spends much of his free time taking on local hiking trails and state parks.
If you enjoyed this post, you may want to follow Chanel & Stevo’s journey on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest, browse through the HFFH Shop, or check out some other popular articles on the blog.
Disclaimer: some links in this blog post may be sponsored or affiliate links, meaning that we receive a small percentage (at no extra cost to you) if you end up buying through the link. We appreciate the support! You can read our full privacy policy here.
No Comments