How can anyone pass up the chance to lounge on a sandy beach while soaking up the sun and reading a book? And who can resist charging into the water letting the waves carry them away? For these very reasons, beach vacations are a winner with most families. The beach can even be a great bargain break, if planned correctly. From sculpting sand structures to swimming in salty cool water, a beach vacation can be the perfect fit for anyone, as it offers activities for all types of travelers. Whether you're looking 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 in the country. There’s one caveat though: you have to be careful about when you choose to visit these beautiful beaches. The Northeast experiences drastic season changes, making summer the best time to plan trips to beaches in New England. Further South, the threat of hurricanes lingers during late summer months. Plan wisely and you’ll enjoy a great cheap vacation on one of these amazing East Coast beaches:
Nantucket, Massachusetts: Both the Travel Channel and USA Today lists 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, your 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: The whole family will be at peace in this South Carolina island getaway. Filled with golfing, shopping, tennis and miles and miles of beach, Hilton Head, South Carolina, is one of the best family beach destinations in the U.S. and there is nothing stopping you from getting the rest and relaxation you need.
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: Not ready to give up Disney World but still looking to enjoy a relaxing vacation on the beach? The people at Disney set up shop with their Disney Vacation Club Line in Vero Beach, only two hours from Orlando. Although this isn't a Disney theme park, kids will find plenty to keep them busy and it’ll be a good transition if you’re looking to move away from the Disney days. 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. Now, who doesn’t love s’mores?
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, so just like with the northeast, you need to be aware of when you’re planning your vacation and the possible weather conditions you and your family could be facing. But, when chosen at the right time and executed properly, these destinations can be perfect for a calming family getaway.
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. You can 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. SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo are other family-friendly favorites.
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.
Poipu Beach, Hawaii: The Travel Channel lists Poipu Beach as one of the 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 rest easy 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.