Summary
- Beautiful family beach destinations in the US offer unique outdoor adventures, kid-friendly activities, and delicious restaurants for an unforgettable vacation.
- Destin, Florida boasts stunning beaches like James Lee Park and Henderson Beach State Park, perfect for families with playgrounds and picnic spots.
- San Diego, California is a top family-friendly destination with kid-friendly beaches like La Jolla and Mission Bay Park, along with iconic attractions like Balboa Park.
Everybody loves a good family vacation, and with plenty of beautiful family beach destinations in the US, choosing the best spots can be challenging. The best family beach vacation destinations in the US give tourists an incredible chance to enjoy unique outdoor adventures and create unforgettable memories.
These areas typically boast amazing features, like some of the top family resorts in America, kid-friendly activities, delicious restaurants, and gorgeous seaside attractions. From Florida to California, America is home to some of the best beach destinations in the world that are also ideal for families. Here are the perfect family beach spots in the United States not to miss.
10 Destin, Florida
Lying on the Florida Panhandle on the Gulf of Mexico, Destin is one of the most stunning seaside cities on the East Coast and offers excellent family retreats. It is home to gorgeous stretches of sand, such as James Lee Park and Henderson Beach State Park, which come with incredibly kid-friendly features, including playgrounds and picnic spots.
Another of the city’s amazing features is its family-friendly resorts, where kids and adults can relax as they explore some of the best beaches in Florida for families.
- Best time to visit: April and May
- Best beach spots: James Lee Park and Henderson Beach State Park
9 San Diego, California
San Diego is home to some of the best spots in California to visit with kids, which is why it is always ranking high when it comes to the best family-friendly destinations in the US. La Jolla is one of the top areas in San Diego for families to explore for a perfect kid-friendly beach vacation. It boasts a rugged coastline and has gorgeous trees that wind through pine trees.
At the coastline, families can spend time at the La Jolla Shores, which comes with amazing amenities, including lifeguards who ensure beachgoers are safe when swimming. Another place not to miss is Mission Bay Park. When not swimming or busking in the sun, guests can spend time in other iconic tourist attractions, like Balboa Park, one of the most beautiful city parks in the US.
- Best time to visit: May through September
- Best beach spots: La Jolla and Mission Bay Park
8 Grand Haven, Michigan
Grand Haven is one of the best family beach destinations in the US and is also known for being one of the top weekend getaways in the Midwest. Nestled on the spectacular shores of Lake Michigan, the lakeside city features amazing beach vacation options for families, including an urban beach and one of the most incredible state parks in Michigan.
Vacationers will enjoy strolling through the beautiful trails in Kirk Park. Those looking for a more secluded beach getaway can head to West Olive.
- Best time to visit: May to October
- Best beach areas: Kirk Park and West Olive
7 Outer Banks, North Carolina
Outer Banks is among the best family vacation spots in North Carolina. It comes with multiple outdoor activities, which guarantee memorable experiences for families seeking adventurous and relaxing beach getaways. Travelers can explore the spectacular dunes at Jockey's Ridge State Park or go horseback riding along the spectacular shoreline in Corolla.
It is a perfect option for travelers who want to escape worlds away from the rest of the people. There are no big cities here, except charming small towns and plenty of secluded beaches, some of which are considered to be the best beaches in North Carolina.
- Best time to visit: Between March and May & September and November
- Best beach areas: Jockey’s Ridge State Park and Corolla
6 Sanibel Island, Florida
Sanibel Island is one of the most popular family destinations in Florida and doesn't need a ferry or a flight to get to. Picking shells is one of the most fun and popular activities here for families, and travelers will find them on the island’s pristine beaches. Visiting the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which offers an incredible chance of spotting wildlife.
Other fun things to do on Sanibel Island include kayaking, fishing, and biking. There is also a good number of family-friendly accommodations on Sanibel Island to choose from.
- Best time to visit: December through April
- Best areas to visit: Bowman’s Beach, J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, and Tarpon Bay Beach
5 Kiawah Island, South Carolina
One of the best day trips from Charleston (20 miles away), Kiawah Island is one of the perfect family beach destinations in the US and is a stunning spot not to miss in South Carolina. The island boasts 10 miles of gorgeous beaches, beautiful parks, hiking trails, and bike paths. Families can take nature strolls, fishing, boating, golfing, and playing tennis in the amazing facilities.
Overall, Kiawah is a nature lover's paradise and is home to more than 300 species of birds and plenty of reptiles and mammals to see.
- Best time to visit: December through February
- Best areas to visit: Kiawah Beachwalker Park
4 Carmel-By-The-Sea, California
Boasting one of the best downtowns in California, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a gorgeous beach town with a lot to offer to families looking for a perfect beach holiday. It boasts 17 miles of coastline that offer unique charm.
One thing to know about Carmel’s beaches is that while nearly all of them are breathtaking, some of them are dangerous to swim in, hard to access, and can only be admired or used as a backdrop for some epic Instagram moments.
Apart from swimming, families can enjoy sunbathing and relaxing with their kids on Carmel’s spectacular coastline.
- Best time to visit: June through September
- Best beaches to visit: Carmel City Beach, Point Lobos Nature Reserve, and Carmel River State Beach
3 Gulfport, Mississippi
Gulfport offers plenty of pristine beaches and family-friendly activities, earning it a spot among the best US beach destinations for families looking for an unforgettable seaside getaway.
Centrally positioned, this city is home to amazing family beaches, one of the top-rated ones being Gulfport Beach. This is the perfect option for families looking for less-crowded spots. Its shallow waters and the existence of Sherif's Beach Patrol make it an excellent place to visit with young children. Another spot not to miss is Harrison County Sand Beach, which is one of the cleanest beaches in Mississippi.
- Best time to visit: May
- Best beaches to visit: Gulfport Beach & Harrison County Sand Beach
There are numerous Gulfport tours and excursions that vacationers can book during their visit to the city. These tours offer fun experiences, including kayaking, fishing, boating, whale watching, and more. Some of them are incredibly kid-friendly and guarantee fun moments for an entire family.
2 Virginia Beach, Virginia
While Virginia Beach is known to offer something for everyone, it offers some of the best family beach vacations in the US and promises tons of fun experiences for kids of all ages and interests. It is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Virginia and includes both popular and secluded spots that offer an incredible blend of fun adventures and relaxing moments for families.
Some of the most impressive beaches to visit in the city include Sandbridge Beach, Chic’s Beach, and Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
- Best time to visit: Mid-May through September
- Best beaches to visit: Sandbridge Beach, Chic’s Beach, and Virginia Beach Oceanfront
1 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
One of the most stunning coastal vacation spots in South Carolina, Myrtle Beach will never disappoint when it comes to a perfect family beach getaway. It is brimming with kid-friendly activities and attractions that would interest everyone in a family.
Visitors can spend their time here relaxing on the beach, swimming in the beautiful ocean waters, snorkeling, or exploring the nature trails at Myrtle Beach State Park. Some of the top beaches in Myrtle Beach to explore include Garden City Beach, Surfside Beach, and North Myrtle Beach.
- Best time to visit: June through August
- Best Beaches: Garden City Beach, Surfside Beach, and North Myrtle Beach.