Who doesn’t think about the beach this time of year, regardless of where you live? Summer time fun in the sun go hand in hand. And, you don’t have to live near or travel to the ocean to enjoy a fun beach vacation.
What makes someplace a great family beach destination? Kid-friendly lodging close to all the action and land-based attractions for when you need a break from the sand and sun are musts. And, like all good family trip ideas, the best family beach vacations are safe and affordable.
From coast to coast, the U.S. is home to some gorgeous beach destinations that offer loads of activities to keep all ages happy in and out of the water. Here are USA Today’s top spots to consider for a family beach vacation:
1. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
For a quintessential family beach vacation in the northeast, head to Cape Cod, the hook-shaped peninsula on Massachusetts's coast. Yes, this popular New England weekend getaway spot with tourists in the summer months, for good reason. Families flock to the Cape for mini-golfing, traipsing around sand dunes, comparing ice cream stands, gobbling up lobster rolls, spotting whales, and simply admiring the gray cedar shake houses adorned with colorful buoys.
2. Outer Banks, North Carolina
The barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina known as the Outer Banks (OBX to those in the know) are heavenly for families who want to get away from it all. There are no big cities here in this East Coast vacation spot, but rather a series of small towns and long stretches of unspoiled beaches.
3. Maui, Hawaii
It’s hard to go wrong with just about any beach vacation in Hawaii, but Maui is a top choice for families because it offers several different resort areas to choose from. Upscale Wailea is home to high-end resorts that front crescent-shaped beaches with calm waters ideal for little kids. There’s even a paved oceanfront walking path that makes it easy to check out the different beach areas. Just south of Wailea is Makena State Park, home to one of the largest undeveloped beaches on Maui. There are lifeguards, restrooms, and picnic areas at this state park.
4. Sanibel Island, Florida
No need for a ferry or plane ride to get to Sanibel Island, one of the most popular Florida family vacation spots, not named Orlando. You can motor over the scenic Sanibel Causeway bridge from Fort Myers to arrive at this small, laid-back island community where nature takes center stage.
5. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Known for its bustling boardwalk, amusement parks, old-fashioned arcade games, live entertainment, and other attractions, Myrtle Beach is a classic family beach vacation spot that's affordable and can keep everyone in your group occupied for days.
6. Grand Haven, Michigan
You don’t need an ocean to have one of the best family beach vacations in the U.S. The Great Lakes boast some of America's niftiest beach areas – and yes, there are actually waves lapping the shore at this Midwest family vacation destination. Because the swimming here is in freshwater, you won’t have to worry about salt in the eyes either.
7. San Diego, California
With its oodles of great beaches, San Diego is always one of the best family beach vacations in the U.S. Ranking high for family-friendliness is Coronado Beach, where little ones can wade in tide pools and older kids can go boogie boarding or surfing.
8. Ogunquit, Maine
Maine may be known for its rocky coastline, but in Ogunquit you’ll find long, wide expanses of sandy beach that are among the most popular family beaches in New England during the summer vacation months. Ogunquit Beach is a peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Ogunquit River. Adjacent Footbridge Beach, easily accessed by—you guessed it—a footbridge across the river, is typically less crowded. Both beaches are staffed by lifeguards.
9. Gulfport, Mississippi
You can’t go wrong with Coastal Mississippi and centrally located Gulfport as your home base for a nice balance of relaxing white sand beaches and action-packed family-friendly activities. Spend your mornings kicking back on Biloxi Beach or Long Beach, perhaps flying a kite and enjoying a picnic lunch. Then the afternoon can be all about playing at Gulf Islands Waterpark, going on a shrimp boat tour, exploring the Mississippi Aquarium, or zip-lining at an adventure park.
10. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach fronts both the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, providing a variety of experiences for family beach vacations. Spend the day at the lifeguarded beach and stroll the three-mile boardwalk along the oceanfront for loads of action, from street entertainers and live music to bike rentals and ice cream shops. And don’t forget to snap a family photo in front of the massive King Neptune statue.
BONUS: Cannon Beach, Oregon
Eighty miles west of Portland, Cannon Beach is all about nature. If you have a budding naturalist, bird-watcher, or marine biologist, this is one of the best family beach destinations in the entire country.
For recommendations on places to stay when visiting these areas, as well as things to do, read the full article here.
Did any of these suggestions surprise you? Have you visited one or more of these amazing spots? If not, add them to your list of places to see, and start planning a family vacation!