Planning a Family Trip? Visit These 15 U.S. Beach Destinations
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1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach welcomes you with open arms and sixty miles of sunny shoreline for your family to explore. With a shoreline divided into North, South, and Central areas, there’s a stretch of sand just perfect for your beach day plans.
You’ll find activities galore! Picture your family at Broadway at the Beach, where shops and entertainment options abound. Love to squeeze in shopping on your vacation? Visit Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach for a fun-filled outing. And when the sun sets, fine dining awaits to cap off your day.
2. Malibu, California
Malibu is a sunny slice of paradise with an ideal mix of relaxation and adventure. With its long stretches of sand and rolling waves, it’s the perfect spot for families to reconnect and enjoy the outdoors.
Your kids can build sandcastles at Zuma Beach, one of the most loved beaches here, while you soak up the California sunshine. For a little more action, embark on a family hike in the beautiful Solstice Canyon where nature’s marvels await at every turn.
And, don’t miss the chance to watch surfers or maybe take a lesson at the famous Surfrider Beach. Malibu offers the perfect balance of seaside bliss and the excitement of California’s natural beauty.
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3. Outer Banks, North Carolina
If you’re craving sunny skies and sandy toes, North Carolina’s Outer Banks should be on your radar! Picture miles of wide beaches where your kids can build sandcastles and search for seashells. It’s lined with shipwrecks to explore and home to the tallest lighthouse in the U.S.
Don’t miss a chance to see the wild horses that roam freely – they’re like living history on hooves. With watersports galore, you can try paddleboarding or even go kiteboarding! Plus, if you visit on a drizzly day, the touch tanks at local interactive exhibits are a blast.
4. Clearwater Beach, Florida
If you’re planning family fun in the sun, Clearwater Beach is the perfect spot. This Florida favorite is not only known for its sugar-white sands but also for being super family-friendly. You can relax on the beach while the kids build sandcastles or explore the clear, calm waters.
Discover some marine magic with a boat ride on the tropical Gulf waters, or take the family on a pirate-themed adventure. You might even consider embarking on a snorkeling trip to get up close with Florida’s diverse sea life.
After a day in the sun, unwind with a casual seaside dinner, where seafood is as fresh as the ocean breeze.
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5. Destin, Florida
Destin, Florida is a slice of paradise with its crystal-clear waters and soft, white sand. Your family can have a blast in the warm sunshine and take a dip in the emerald-green Gulf of Mexico. With a mild climate all year round, it’s perfect for beach fun anytime.
Build sandcastles with the kids or explore the waters as you snorkel to see colorful fish. Looking for some thrills? Head over to The Track, where go-karts and mini-golf promise loads of laughter for everyone. And when hunger strikes, Destin’s seafood is just waiting to make your mealtime special.
6. Maui, Hawaii
Maui is a dreamy beach destination perfect for families looking to soak up the sun and enjoy the ocean. Your kids can build towering sandcastles while you lounge on the golden shores of Wailea Beach.
Don’t forget to look for humpback whales, as Maui is home to the largest humpback whale migration in the world from mid-December to mid-April. For a day of adventure, take the family on the scenic Road to Hana, known for its lush landscapes and waterfalls. And how about reaching new heights?
Gaze at the stars from above the clouds at Haleakalā National Park, a dormant volcano and one of the island’s most majestic spots.
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7. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach shines with exciting activities for your family vacation. Feel the sun on your face and the sand between your toes on the expansive shores. Nature-loving families can paddle peacefully in Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge or wander through the colorful flora at the Norfolk Botanical Garden.
For a splash of fun, the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center delights with vibrant marine life and interactive exhibits. And, don’t miss out on the local finds along Atlantic Avenue for a charming shopping spree.
8. Siesta Key, Florida
Siesta Key is a beach lover’s paradise where the sands are as dazzling as powdered sugar! If you’re planning a family trip, you can soak up the sun on this eight-mile stretch along the Gulf of Mexico, where the sand is cool underfoot even on the hottest days.
Your kids will love building sandcastles on Crescent Beach, and you might even find some shark teeth to take home as souvenirs! After a day in the sun, discover the local cuisine with your family, and don’t miss the Siesta Key Drum Circle for some music and dancing.
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9. Laguna Beach, California
If you’re planning a family getaway, Laguna Beach should be at the top of your list. With sun-soaked shores and waves just right for a bit of splashing around, it’s a spot where laughter fills the air from dawn till dusk.
Need a place to stay? The Inn at Laguna Beach has a pool with a view so pretty you might forget the ocean is right there! Feel like exploring? Discover the Arts & Culture scene that only Laguna Beach offers, where creativity blooms around every corner.
10. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
If you’re planning a family trip to the beach, Hilton Head Island deserves a spot on your list! With its sun-kissed shores and family-friendly resorts, it’s a perfect slice of paradise for beach lovers of all ages. Imagine warm sand between your toes and the gentle waves of the Atlantic as your backdrop.
Build epic sandcastles, frolic in the glistening water, or simply revel in the joys of sunshine. Discover Hilton Head’s outdoor adventures that go beyond the beach, like bike trails, and rejuvenate in a place where the fun never stops.
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11. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod beckons with its breezy beaches and charming lighthouses. Your family will adore the sandy stretches, perfect for building sandcastles or dipping toes into the cool Atlantic. Set out on a whale watch tour to spot majestic humpbacks, or relish a bike ride along the Cape Cod Rail Trail for some active fun.
Fresh seafood awaits to satisfy your hunger after a sun-soaked day. With its laid-back vibe, Cape Cod is a coastal paradise that both kids and adults can enjoy together.
12. Naples, Florida
Naples, Florida is a sunshine-soaked beach haven you’ll adore. With soft white sands and waves gently lapping the shore, it’s a paradise for sandcastle builders and shell seekers alike. Your kids can learn and play at the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, where interactive exhibits make learning a blast.
And for a wild splash of adventure, take your family to see the fascinating animals at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens. Smile as you soak up the sun; Naples is a bright spot that promises tons of fun for families.
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13. Coronado Beach, California
The sun-kissed sands of Coronado Beach are a must-see on your family beach trip. With its sparkling waves and gentle breezes, it’s a haven for sandcastle builders and wave chasers alike.
Your family can enjoy splashing in the surf or lounging by the sea, with the iconic Hotel del Coronado as a splendid backdrop. Don’t miss out on the vibrant sunsets that paint the sky in breathtaking colors. It’s the perfect place to relax as the day winds down.
14. Gulf Shores, Alabama
If you’re planning a family beach vacation, set your sights on Gulf Shores, Alabama. This sunny spot is perfect for kids and adults alike with its soft white sands and clear, gentle waters. Your family can spend days building sandcastles, splashing in the waves, or just relaxing under an umbrella.
Adventurous folks might book a fishing charter to reel in a big catch. Or, if you prefer staying on land, check out the local zoo, where you can admire over 300 animals, including some endangered species. The area’s mix of relaxation and excitement ensures your beach days will never be dull.
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15. Sanibel Island, Florida
If you’re planning a trip with the family, Sanibel Island is a treasure tucked away in Southwest Florida, begging to be explored. With beaches renowned for an abundance of seashells, your little ones (and maybe you too!) will love the thrill of discovering unique shells to bring home.
Crossing over the Sanibel Causeway, the $6 toll is a small price for the paradise that awaits. Family moments are ready to be made biking along scenic trails or spotting playful dolphins on a sail around the island.
Sanibel is all about creating joyful moments without the hustle and bustle. Make your next beach destination a sunny slice of Florida’s serene coastline.
