Top 4 Beach Destinations for Families in the U.S.
Pack your sunscreen, sand buckets, and boogie boards—it’s time to hit the beach! When it comes to family vacations, nothing quite compares to the memories made during a beach getaway. From building epic sandcastles to roasting marshmallows over a beach bonfire, quality time enjoying sun, surf, and each other’s company creates lifelong bonding opportunities.
The United States offers no shortage of spectacular coastal destinations perfect for a family beach vacation. But with so many options to choose from, narrowing down the list can feel overwhelming. To help you decide where to hang your beach towel this summer, here’s an overview of four top-rated family beach destinations across the country.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Miles of Entertainment
Known as the “Grand Strand,” Myrtle Beach serves up 60 miles of beautiful sandy Atlantic coastline with no shortage of amusement for vacationing families. At the heart of Myrtle Beach, the bustling boardwalk overflows with old-time arcades, thrill rides, mini golf courses, gift shops, restaurants, and more. Further down the strand, quieter communities like Surfside Beach offer tranquil shores watched by attentive lifeguards.
No matter which stretch of sand you claim, Myrtle Beach keeps families grinning from ear to ear. Hop aboard a wave-jumping parasailing cruise, brave the twisting waterslides at Wild Water & Wheels water park, or let the kids go wild climbing towering dunes in an ATV adventure tour. The entertainment options feel endless, making Myrtle Beach a premier family beach vacation destination.
Sanibel Island, Florida: Shell-Lover’s Paradise
Located off Florida’s Gulf coast, Sanibel Island entices families with its spectacular shelling opportunities, incredible sunsets over the water, abundant wildlife, and serene natural beaches. Here you’ll find more varieties of rare shells washing up daily than anywhere else in the U.S. From colorful scallops to spiral-shaped junonias, kids delight in beachcombing for these natural souvenirs.
When you’ve had your fill of shell collecting, explore J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where over 220 species of birds wade the wetlands. Rent bikes and cruise the island’s 25 miles of paved recreation trails. Paddle the calm waters by kayak or try fishing from shore or aboard a charter boat. However you choose to enjoy it, Sanibel Island brings the family adventure. Simply fly into one of Florida’s main airports and drive over the Sanibel Island Causeway to get there.
Maui, Hawaii: Island Splendor
Hawaii simply overflows with family beach vacation opportunities, but the island of Maui rises to the top for its variety of beach communities. At posh Wailea, upscale resorts front gentle beaches with beach areas perfect for little kids. Makena State Park south of Wailea offers one of Maui’s longest stretches of pristine shoreline. Meanwhile, at lively Kaanapali Beach, families not only enjoy water sports and whale watching, but also beachfront dining, shopping and authentic Hawaiian entertainment.
No matter which part of the island you pick as your home base, Maui dazzles families with lush rainforests, thundering waterfalls, and the chance to witness the dormant volcano Mt. Haleakala. From snorkeling rainbow-hued reefs to learning the hula, Maui brings Hawaii’s aloha spirit to your family beach vacation.
Grand Haven, Michigan: Great Lakes Gem
You don’t need an oceanfront to enjoy an amazing family beach vacation. On Lake Michigan’s picturesque eastern shore, Grand Haven delights families with multiple stretches of golden beach, a lively boardwalk district, and gorgeous sunsets over the water.
Let the kids dash through the waves and tunnels in the sand at Grand Haven State Park Beach while you relax on shore. Make a splash at the waterfront carnival attraction, The Mountain Top Adventure Park. Meander the boardwalk and pier to take in lake views, posing in front of the iconic Grand Haven Lighthouse for a quintessential family photo. With so much to experience without ever leaving the lakeshore, Grand Haven makes an easy, affordable Midwest beach vacation destination.
When planning this year’s crowd-pleasing family vacation, make memorable days last a lifetime on the beach. With delicious seafood, endless water play, and nightly sunsets painting the sky in dazzling color, these four coastal destinations offer can’t-miss family beach vacations from sea to shining sea.
