Beach vacations are a winner with most families and if planned correctly, the beach can be a great bargain break. From sculpting sand castles to swimming in salty cool water, a beach vacation offers activities for all types of travelers. Whether you're keen to relax in the sand or surf the waves, planning a beach vacation is a win for the entire family. Here are some of our picks for family-friendly beach vacations on the East and West coasts of the United States.
East Coast:
From coastal Maine to the Florida Keys, the beaches along the East Coast are some of the most picturesque beaches in the country. Before you pack it up and head east on a beach vacation, consider the time of year you’re traveling. The Northeast experiences drastic season changes, making summer the best time to plan trips to New York and New England. Further South, the threat of hurricanes lingers during late summer months. Plan wisely and you’ll enjoy a great vacation on one of these top East Coast beaches:
Nantucket, Massachusetts: Both the Travel Channel and USA Today list Nantucket as one of their favorite family beach destinations. This quaint island off the coast of Massachusetts is home to several kid-friendly beaches, including the appropriately-named Children’s Beach. Located on Nantucket harbor, Children’s Beach is great for toddlers and includes parks, a playground and picnic tables. If you visit between mid-July and August, kids can tie-dye their own t-shirts at noon each day.
Jetties Beach is perfect for the active members of your family. Here you’ll find windsurfing, kayak and sailboat lessons and rentals.
Nantucket is famous for its festivals. Plan your travel to coincide with certain events taking place on the island including The Nantucket Film Festival held in June and Sandcastle and Sculpture Day, which is scheduled in August.
Hilton Head, South Carolina: Adults and kids will find harmony in this South Carolina island getaway. Filled with golfing, shopping, tennis and of course, miles of beach, Hilton Head, South Carolina, is one of the top family beach destinations in the U.S.
Adventurous kids will enjoy Hilton Head's Indian Shell Ring at Sea Pines Forest Preserve, which was once used as a place to dispose of oyster, clam and mussel shells, along with bones of native animals. Animal lovers can observe deer, birds and fish in Hilton Head, too. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphin sightings while you're enjoying the calm Hilton Head waters.
Vero Beach, Florida: Need a Florida vacation with a dose of Walt Disney World® Resorts, but don't want to pay theme park prices? The Disney people set up shop in Vero Beach -- only two hours from Orlando -- with their Disney Vacation Club Line. Parents Magazine lists Disney's Vero Beach Resort as one of their top family beach resorts in 2008. Although this isn't a Disney theme park, kids will find plenty to keep them busy. Entertainment ranges from lifeguard-attended swimming pools and beaches to miniature golf and soccer games. Be sure to attend the campfire sing-along that includes s'mores – a favorite for kids.
Vero Beach is perfect if you want to vacation in Florida on a budget. The Disney Vero Beach Resort features accommodations with a kitchenette and many of the children's activities are free.
West Coast and Hawaii:
While Southern California boasts beautiful weather year-round, northern beaches experience some temperamental weather. Hawaii is picturesque all year, but the threat of hurricanes is in the distance during some times of the year. Before you book your West Coast beach vacation, consider the time of year and weather conditions, and plan accordingly.
Coronado Beach, California: Coronado City Beach in San Diego is the granddaddy of kids' beaches. No matter what you or the kids want to do, you'll find it here. Swim, surf, go fishing, play volleyball and catch a glimpse of migrating whales (in the early winter).
Kids will also love this beach for its tide pools and kite flying. Parents will love the small-town feel and cleanliness of the beach. Coronado Beach is easily accessible with a short ferry ride or a car ride over the San Diego Bay Bridge. When (and if) the kids tire of the beach, take a trip to San Diego's other attractions, including SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo.
Newport Beach, California: You'll be “California Dreamin’” on Newport Beach. The miles of yachts, beautiful homes and trendy beach-goers make Newport Beach a sight-seeing experience for any age. Don't be fooled, though, this beach is made for families.
Relax on the three miles of sandy beach or hit the calm waves, but be cautious of the occasional undertow. Take a break from the sand and head to the Balboa Fun Zone, which is located on the Balboa Peninsula of Newport Beach. Enjoy beautiful views of Newport Harbor on the Ferris wheel or keep your legs closer to ground level with a ride on the carousel, instead.
Poipu Beach, Hawaii: The Travel Channel lists Poipu Beach as one of their 10 best beaches and families will agree. It's the most popular beach on the South Shore of Kauai and offers visitors the chance to snorkel, swim and surf. Smaller kids will enjoy the “natural ocean wading pool.” Parents can feel a bit safer knowing that Poipu Beach Park is also deemed one of the safest beaches in Hawaii (thanks in part to the daily on-duty lifeguards). While you're in Hawaii, don't miss the chance to see some of Hawaii's amazing aquatic life, including green sea turtles, dolphins and Hawaiian Monk Seals.
Sources contributing to this article include: The Travel Channel, Parents Magazine, MSN.com and Chambers of Commerce for referenced destinations.
