Few things in life are as beautiful as waking up in the morning to see and hear the waves of the ocean crashing against the beach as a gentle breeze carries the scent of the sea. Now imagine getting to experience that with your entire family by your side.
Whether you’d rather spend time with your family hiking in tropical sunshine, swimming at white sand beaches, or lounging poolside at a comfortable resort, AAA Travel can help you find some of the best family beach vacations around. Check out 17 of the most beautiful and enjoyable beach hotspots below.
1. Anna Maria Island
Top family-friendly resort: Omni Amelia Island Resort
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Just off Florida’s Gulf Coast, Anna Maria Island boasts idyllic white sands and immaculate accommodations for your perfect family beach trip. The island is home to some of the best beaches in the U.S. and many luxurious Florida Gulf Coast resorts. Best of all, there’s fun and excitement for the whole family. Kick back at an all-inclusive beachside cabana or explore the best beaches in Florida.
2. Turks and Caicos
Top family-friendly resort: The Shore Club Turks & Caicos Islands
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If you and your kids have been dreaming about a getaway to the tropics, Turks and Caicos is one of the best family beach vacation spots around. With family-friendly resorts and villas, calm and clear water for swimming and other aquatic activities and a relaxed atmosphere, you’re sure to have sunny days and lots of fun when you visit Turks and Caicos.
3. Outer Banks, North Carolina
Top family-friendly resort: Sea Ranch Resort
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With quiet villages and pristine shorelines, Outer Banks, North Carolina, has many top choices for the best East Coast beaches for families. Rich history, dockside seafood, and exciting attractions are easy to find almost everywhere you look. Adventurous families can even take a hang gliding lesson or helicopter tour!
4. Costa Rica
Top Rated Accommodations: The Westin Golf Resort And Spa
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Enchanting rainforests, incredible global and local cuisine, and some of the best beaches for families await in Costa Rica. The breathtaking Central American country is named for its rich coast, but that’s only some of what you can experience.
Unique wildlife and national parks are everywhere — from jungles to volcanoes, 25% of Costa Rican territory is protected natural land. The whole family can explore the vistas by day and spend tropical nights at one of the best resorts in Costa Rica.
5. San Diego, California
Top Rated Accommodations: Fairmont Grand Del Mar
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Sandy shores, thrilling theme parks, and tons of attractions are just some of the things to do in San Diego that make it a popular destination for kid-friendly beach vacations. You can sunbathe or surf at the best beaches in San Diego, visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo, explore a museum, or anything else your family can dream of.
6. Bahamas
Top family-friendly resort: The Royal @ Atlantis
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Crystal-clear Caribbean waters surround the Bahamas on all sides, and sunny beaches line the coasts. It’s no wonder the islands are such a popular choice for solo travelers, couples, and families. Aquatic activity enthusiasts can enjoy sailing, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and much more. You can even swim with the pigs at Pig Beach!
7. O’ahu, Hawaii
Top family-friendly resort: Aulani - A Disney Resort & Spa
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The Hawaiian island of O’ahu is consistently one of the best warm-weather destinations for families looking for a beach vacation. Chill out at an all-inclusive beachside resort or hike inland to discover sparkling waterfalls, then go out for traditional Hawaiian food like poké. Whether your family wants to learn about Hawaiian culture at one of the many museums or try parasailing over the Pacific, O’ahu is a memorable destination for everyone.
8. Aruba
Top family-friendly resort: Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino
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Paradise-seeking families can find tranquil coves and peaceful beaches all around the Caribbean island of Aruba, with natural wonders like caves and stone bridges to see in between. That’s not all Aruba has to offer, though: art, entertainment, fine dining and lush lodging can be found along the island, with some of the world's best all-inclusive resorts for families. With loads of fun family activities, memories of a trip to Aruba will last a lifetime.
9. Isle of Palms, South Carolina
Top family-friendly resort: Residence at Sweetgrass at Wild Dunes Resort
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South Carolina’s oceanside gem, Isle of Palms, is lined by some of the best beaches in the U.S. for families. It’s not hard to find fun for kids and adults alike. There’s surfing, swimming, boating, and plenty of golf courses to keep you entertained. You can explore fun things to do in Charleston with kids, discover South Carolina’s history, or just cool off in the pool. It’s up to you!
10. Naxos, Greece
Top family-friendly resort: Diamond Naxos And Resort Taormina
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The Greek island of Naxos is home to mythical locales and ancient ruins, but that’s just where the fun starts. Naxos is a popular travel spot for kitesurfers and windsurfers, and there are bountiful beaches for everyone to enjoy. Families can soak in the friendly atmosphere, discover delicious Mediterranean dishes, take in the scenery and soak in Greek culture without breaking the bank.
11. Monterey, California
Top family-friendly resort: Hilton Garden Inn Monterey
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Nestled on the coast between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Monterey, California, is a premier destination for fun by the water. Beaches, parks, and playgrounds are plentiful, as are fun activities like visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium to see incredible underwater creatures, whale watching or segway tours. If you and your children like outdoor recreation, scenic Monterey is a great place for camping, hiking and much more.
12. South Padre Island, Texas
Top family-friendly resort: Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island
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Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, South Padre Island is a sublime shoreside setting on the border of southern Texas. Common ideas for fun things to do with kids include visiting Adventure Park or Beach Water Park, or you can spend a leisurely afternoon building sandcastles and catching some rays. If your kids love animals, you can visit Sea Turtle, Inc. to learn about sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation. Or check out the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary to see creatures big, small, scaly and feathered!
13. Algarve, Portugal
Top family-friendly resort: Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa
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The Algarve region of Portugal is a slice of paradise your entire family will never want to leave. Temperate weather, natural splendor, and beaches attract millions of tourists yearly. You can take a cruise off the coast in a catamaran, unwind on the beach or visit water and theme parks like Zoomarine, Slide & Splash, and Aquashow Park if you need a break from the beach. Whether your family prefers a bed-and-breakfast or a seaside penthouse, Algarve has it covered.
14. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Top family-friendly resort: Fairfield by Marriott Cape Cod Hyannis
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New England’s charming Cape Cod has over 60 public beaches, world-renowned seafood and activities galore for grown-ups and kids alike. Dazzling lighthouse landscapes and outdoor activities are all around the Massachusetts peninsula. Best of all, there are always family-friendly things to do in Cape Cod. Other travelers recommend taking a trolley tour with the kids to see some of the earliest historical sites in the United States or sailing out on a harbor to watch for whales.
15. Gold Coast, Australia
Top family-friendly resort: Racv Royal Pines Resort
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You may have to take a long flight to get to Australia, but watching a kangaroo hop by on a Gold Coast beach is worth it. If you’re ready for fun in the sun down under, the Gold Coast is tough to beat for swimming, paddleboarding, and surfing. There are also captivating rainforests, exhilarating attractions like the immersive Infinity, and amazing restaurants that the whole family can enjoy.
16. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Top family-friendly resort: Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes
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Aside from being one of the best family-friendly beaches, South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach is famed for its boardwalk, live music, fresh seafood, and so much more. Kids will love Ripley’s Aquarium and fans of watersports can parasail, surf or ride a jet ski! There are dining options from buffets to dinner shows, so you'll surely find something everyone will love. These are just a few of the reasons Myrtle Beach is one of the best vacation spots in the US.
17. Sardinia, Italy
Top family-friendly resort: Baglioni Resort Sardinia
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European beach holidays are top-rated travel destinations for tourists worldwide, and Sardinia, off the west coast of mainland Italy, is one of the best islands to visit. The island has many family-friendly resorts that offer kid’s clubs and other activities designed to keep children entertained and happy. Delectable cuisine, thousands of years of history and majestic Mediterranean views will give your loved ones an unforgettable vacation.
Make Waves on Your Next Family Beach Vacation
Whether you’re an outdoorsy nature lover, a thrillseeker or a maritime history buff, the best family beach vacations are the ones that have something for everyone. Use AAA Trip Canvas to plan out your dream vacation, get tips on how to make traveling with kids easier, or speak to a AAA Travel agent for help booking a trip within your budget.
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