For many families, a pleasant holiday revolves around a location with a beach where they can enjoy the sun, water, fun and games. From Florida all the way to New York, beach vacations are ideal getaways for any family looking for a natural adventure and relaxation.

Whether you are on your school break vacation with your kids, spring vacation, or just out on holiday, family beach vacations will make for a memorable holiday. Almost every beach resort promises its guests a memorable time, and this makes it a bit hard to make a choice. Why don’t you make it easy on yourself by considering the following recommendations?

Best Beaches for Family Beach Vacations

1. Coast Guard Beach, Eastham, Massachusetts

If you are looking for a typical Cape Cod holiday, this is the place to head to. Enjoy long miles of beach and sand and enjoy surfing on the National Seashore. You can learn about free programs from the Pond Visitor Centre. Some of the programs to enjoy include campfire nights for the family, beach yoga, nature walks as well as surfing lessons. There are numerous places to rent surfboards, bikes and kayaks to make your holiday more exciting. There is a 24-mile bike path waiting to be explored, which can be a fun activity for kids too. There are restaurants and bars that serve kids’ foods, and some even have miniature golf courses.    

2. Santa Cruz Beach, Santa Cruz, California

This is where the famous Seaside Amusement Parks locate in, and it is quite family-friendly. It offers rides for children in all age groups and has numerous live concerts in summer. The Cowell’s beach is where your kids can learn how to surf. For days when you are not on the beach, you can explore the dry land using the Railroad train.

3. Mission Beach, San Diego

This beach is located in the center of San Diego. The Giant Dipper roller coaster and special boardwalk attract millions of visitors each year.  If you are looking for a green holiday, this is it. Your kids can be taught about various rare animals, plants and mud flats by rangers. This beach also comes with its very own herb garden. There are arranged trips to the farmers’ market whose produce is bought locally. There are classy but affordable restaurants that offer kids’ menu specials. 

4. St. Pete Beach, Florida

This area is calm and wide. You family can enjoy kayaking, swimming, biking, waterfront camping and snorkeling there. There are some distinct resorts. You can enjoy boat riding, fishing and sailing with your family at the coastal waters. Kids can enjoy H2Whoa! slides and also swimming at the pools or hammocks. There is also a Captiva Kids Club where kids from zero to 12 years take part in fun games and activities. There is also a teen club for teenagers where they enjoy kayaking, golf games and parasailing.

5. Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York

If you are looking for a place to meet your favorite celebrities, this is the place to be. Being a white sandy beach, this is truly a treasure in the Hamptons. A walk along the shore offers a great view of both the Atlantic and historic mansions. This is an ideal holiday vacation for families. They have lifeguards on call, umbrellas and chair rentals, snack bars and a series of summer concerts. 

6. Isle of Palms, South Carolina

This is a place where the beach is everything. You can take your family to enjoy beach activities like kite flying, eco-tours, seashell hunts and crab searches. This is where you can bond with your family as you enjoy nature activities together. Kids are taught about different bird species, and they also take part in an activity to create bird houses. There are golf courses and tennis courts for the sports lovers too.

7. Virgin Islands, US

This destination is termed as the Caribbean paradise. The carnival parades and interacting with the creole speakers are an amazing way of learning about a different culture. There are three islands waiting to be explored, or you can visit the pre-historic sites around the islands. Each of the islands has something different to offer.

8. Hanalei Bay Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

If you are looking for a holiday to relax and enjoy a slower pace of life, this is the place to visit. It offers more than two miles of beach shore that stands at the bottom of the green mountains and dynamic waterfalls, which are perfect for families. Activities to take part in include swimming and surfing. There are lots of surfboard rentals around. There are also gift stores where you can buy some souvenirs.  There are also lots of casual eateries for families.

Tips for Family Beach Vacations

• Come with a good attitude: Make a decision to enjoy your beach vacation regardless of the outcome. This way, you will be able to see the good in every situation.
• Choose the right location for your vacation: It is very important that you choose beach vacation locations based on what you expect to enjoy from the holiday. Look for a destination that caters for kids too since you are travelling with your family.
• Stay safe:Always ensure your stuff is within reach and in a place where you can see it. Still on protection, ensure you carry the right sunscreen, skin protection lotion and sunglasses.
• Prepare for emergencies and mishaps:  It never hurts to have a plan b just in case something goes wrong, especially when you are travelling with kids.
• Carry beach seats:  Consider bringing your own plush beach towel, beach recliner or comfortable beach chair. This gives you comfort as you bask in the midday sun on the beach.
• Carry trash bags and beach bags: These help you if you are the kind of person who goes back to the hotel with more stuff than you went with to the beach. You will have enough space to pack anything you buy or collect from the beach and you will not pollute the environment by taking the waste away.
• Remain cool and hydrated: It would be a great idea to bring a beach tent, especially if the temperatures are too high. Also carry plenty of water to keep yourself and your family hydrated.
• Bring food and snacks: With very few exceptions, most beaches are situated far from the cafeteria or self-service stores. To ensure you do not get bored from hunger, bring your own food and beverages.
• Plan activities for any weather: You can carry a book to read in case you need something to keep you entertained as your kids enjoy the sun and sand. Carry beach toys for the kids and portable travel games.
• Bring a camera: It is always ideal to capture fun moments in photos for remembrance sake. Your kids will love seeing the photos years from now.

Watch this video to get more useful information on family beach vacations: