Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S. for 2025

Characterized by lazy days by the water, casual attire, and a relaxed pace, beach vacations allow families to focus on quality time together. To help you select the perfect beach destination for your next family getaway, U.S. News evaluated factors like safe waters, kid-friendly attractions, dining options, spacious accommodations, and multigenerational appeal to determine the best family beach vacations in the U.S. Share your thoughts by voting below, then use this ranking to plan your upcoming travels. And before you pack your bags, check out this beach packing list to ensure you have all the essentials.

Outer Banks

The Outer Banks boasts some of the finest beaches on the East Coast, known for their manageable waves and lush landscapes. You can count on this group of North Carolina barrier islands to deliver fantastic summer weather (think highs in the 80s). Consider renting a cottage or condo for extra space while staying close to the beach. For ample sand to spread out and build sandcastles, visit Nags Head’s expansive shores and dunes. Alternatively, head to Kitty Hawk or Kill Devil Hills for easy beach access and lifeguards on duty.

Gulf Shores

This Alabama beach destination is adored for its soft sand, budget-friendly accommodations, and family-oriented activities. Thanks to its Gulf Coast location, you can expect white quartz sand and turquoise waters at popular spots like Gulf State Park, which features a pavilion with a snack bar, restrooms, and showers. Budding architects can take a class at Sand Castle University, thrill-seekers can try parasailing, and nature lovers can spot dolphins on the horizon. Gulf Shores’ casual dining options are also incredibly kid-friendly, with fun features like play areas and arcades.

Anna Maria Island

Families seeking a laid-back beach experience will find it on Anna Maria Island off Florida's Gulf Coast. With its colorful cottages, free trolley, and three historic towns, the island exudes an "Old Florida" charm that encourages families to embrace simplicity. There’s a beach for everyone, from the tranquil Bean Point Beach with its Caribbean-like waters to the bustling Manatee Public Beach, which features a beach café, volleyball, and lifeguards. While Anna Maria Island was affected by hurricanes in fall 2024, its restored beaches are now open to visitors.

Destin

This Florida Panhandle town is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and stunning beaches, attracting multigenerational groups year after year. The striking white sand and calm jade waters at Henderson Beach State Park and the Shore at Crystal Beach Park are picture-perfect. Additionally, many Destin resorts cater to kids, allowing parents to relax while the little ones play. Boat tours are also a fantastic way to spend quality time together; the whole family will enjoy searching for dolphins, and kids will love a pirate-themed cruise.

Kiawah Island

This South Carolina island, located less than 30 miles southwest of Charleston, offers a relaxed beach vacation with 10 miles of shoreline and abundant natural beauty to explore. Visit Kiawah Beachwalker Park, the island's only public beach, featuring a snack bar, chair and umbrella rentals, and a scenic boardwalk. When you’re not building sandcastles, enjoy biking on the hard-packed sand, kayaking through the marsh, or exploring the island's maritime forests. Alternatively, sign the kids up for a day camp at Night Heron Park while adults unwind at the spa or hit the links at one of Kiawah's renowned golf courses.

Hawaii - The Big Island

While less frequented than Maui or Oahu, The Big Island boasts some of Hawaii’s best beaches. Families can splash in the water at La'aloa (White Sands Beach Park) in Kona, perfect for surfing and boogie boarding, or enjoy the calm lagoons and coves at Carlsmith Beach Park in Hilo. For a unique experience, visit Punalu'u on the Ka'ū coast, known for its volcanic black sand and picnic areas, where you might spot sea turtles. After a day at the beach, families can hike or drive through Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

Hilton Head

Hilton Head Island is ideal for families looking to unwind. Escape the heat (this South Carolina locale is known for its muggy summers) at beaches like Driessen Beach Park and the ever-popular Coligny Beach Park. For a break from the sand, explore Harbour Town on foot or by bike and climb to the top of the iconic red-and-white-striped lighthouse. With plenty of golf courses, tennis courts, and hiking options, your family will have no shortage of ways to stay active during your vacation.

Laguna Beach

Stretching for 7 miles along Southern California's coast, Laguna Beach offers plenty of swimmable waters, diverse marine life, and beachfront accommodations. Main Beach is particularly family-friendly, featuring amenities like a playground and sports courts. If Main Beach feels crowded, venture a bit further up the coast to Diver’s Cove and Fisherman's Cove for excellent snorkeling and a more secluded vibe. For a change of pace, consider family-friendly whale and dolphin watching excursions that depart from Dana Wharf.

Isle of Palms

Another picturesque Low Country beach escape, Isle of Palms, South Carolina, is just 15 miles east of Charleston and welcomes families with its wide 7-mile shoreline and convenient amenities. Wild Dunes Resort serves as a fantastic one-stop destination for all things beach-related, featuring two inns, vacation rentals, multiple golf courses, a spa, restaurants, and sweet shops. For those staying off the resort or visiting for the day, the island's beaches offer over 50 public access points. If the family gets restless, consider an eco-tour or kayaking excursion on the calm Intracoastal Waterway.

Amelia Island

This barrier island off Florida's northeast coast provides plenty of space to enjoy the sand—13 miles, to be exact. The island's Main Beach is affectionately called "The Family Zone," featuring amenities to please everyone, including mini-golf, a skate park, and an oceanfront restaurant. For adventures off the shore, nature enthusiasts can explore Egans Creek Greenway—a more than 300-acre protected area home to alligators, snakes, and various bird species—or shop in downtown Fernandina Beach. Amelia Island also hosts several family-friendly resorts with exciting amenities and activities for kids.

Cape May

Cape May's nearly 3 miles of family-friendly sands fill with New Jersey locals during school breaks and out-of-towners in the summer. You and your little ones can bond while surfing, kayaking, or strolling along the promenade. Sunset Beach is a favorite spot where families can search for Cape May "diamonds" (quartz pebbles) or enjoy the nightly sunset ceremony. The Cove is another fun spot for surfing. Due to Cape May's popularity, summer trips require some planning. Beach tags are needed for visits between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and it's wise to make accommodation and restaurant reservations well in advance.

Maui

While the cost can be a barrier for any family vacation, it can be particularly daunting when heading to Maui. Nevertheless, this stunning Hawaiian island offers some excellent kid-friendly beaches. The southwest side features family favorites like Wailea Beach and the three beaches of Kama'ole Beach Park, known for their sun-soaked sands and calm waters ideal for young swimmers. Later, swap the beach for the rainforests and peaks of Haleakalā National Park for an educational and unforgettable visit to one of the world’s largest dormant volcanoes.

Kennebunkport

For a classic East Coast retreat that families can easily explore on foot or by bike, consider Kennebunkport, Maine. Mother's Beach is a hit with kids thanks to its playground and tide pools, while Goose Rocks Beach is another family favorite for its gentle surf and miles of white sand. Keep in mind that you'll need passes to park along Kennebunkport's public beaches during the summer season. For a quintessential Maine experience, families can embark on a Rugosa Lobster Tour. If the weather turns rainy, consider a trolley tour or browsing shops in charming Dock Square.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a beach to suit every family's interests. For rugged adventures, take the crew for a hike at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, ending at the small beaches at China Cove for photo opportunities or Sea Lion Cove for wildlife spotting. For those seeking an expansive stretch of white sand, Carmel Beach is a must-visit. If you're brave enough to face the chilly waters (which hover in the 50s), consider donning a wetsuit for a family surf lesson. And when you can finally pull the kids away from the sand, explore Carmel-by-the-Sea's charming village, complete with a sweet shop for some tasty bribes, if needed.

Jekyll Island

Families eager to connect with nature will love this Georgia island. With seven beaches to choose from, including St. Andrews Beach Park (where you might spot dolphins) and South Dunes Beach Park (featuring screened-in picnic pavilions), there's plenty to explore. For more excitement, play volleyball or bocce at Great Dunes Beach Park, and for a scenic family photo, head to the picturesque Driftwood Beach. Families can also visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, which offers tours and educational programs about sea turtle rehabilitation. Just a heads-up: you'll need to purchase a daily or annual pass to access Jekyll Island.

Saugatuck

Lake Michigan's beaches provide many of the perks of the ocean—refreshing water, sandy shores, and plenty of waves—without the sting of saltwater. In Michigan's Saugatuck/Douglas area, you can choose from six beaches. Oval Beach is the most popular, featuring rolling dunes and amenities like concession stands, picnic areas, and convenient parking. Saugatuck Dunes State Park is another favorite, known for its 200-foot-tall wooded dunes and four nature trails, though be prepared to hike about a mile to reach the shore. For additional family fun on the water, hop aboard a Star of Saugatuck boat cruise for a relaxing paddlewheel ride down the Kalamazoo River.