Family Friendly Beach Vacations: Top Picks

July 27, 2024 Albert Jordan

Beach vacations with the family are the best. They let you build sand castles, collect shells, and swim in the ocean. Staying at a resort with great service and lots of amenities makes things easier and more fun for everyone. Parents and kids can do lots of things together. But, there are also kids clubs and spots for adults to enjoy on their own¹.

This article will highlight the best spots for family beach vacations worldwide. We’ll cover places from Florida to Fiji.

Table of Contents

The Best Family Beach Resorts Around the World

Planning the ultimate family beach vacation means finding a resort that pleases everyone. Luckily, there are many great family beach resorts worldwide. They offer luxury, fun activities, and make memories for the whole family.

Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth

Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth is a top choice in St. Barts for families. It has two pools, sandy beaches, and lots of water sports like paddleboarding and snorkeling. Kids can also enjoy windsurfing lessons, tennis, and the Rosewood Explorers club for ages 4 to 11. The suites can fit up to seven people, perfect for big families².

Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo

The Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica is a paradise for families. It’s on the Pacific coast and has lots of pools, a private beach, and water sports. The kids’ club is famous for its playroom, outdoor areas, and fun programs. The resort is all about luxury, great food, and caring for the environment².

Martinhal Sagres Beach Resort, Portugal

In Portugal’s Algarve region, Martinhal Sagres Beach Resort is perfect for families. It has a private beach, pools, and activities like tennis and golf. The kids’ club is top-notch, with playgrounds and educational activities. The rooms are designed for families, offering comfort and convenience. It’s a great choice for a luxury beach vacation in Europe³.

Resort	Unique Features	Amenities
Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth	Largest and most luxurious resort on St. Barts	2 pools, sandy beaches, water sports, tennis courts, Rosewood Explorers club for kids
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo	Sprawling 1,400-acre resort on the Pacific coast	Multiple pools, private beach, water sports, renowned kids’ club
Martinhal Sagres Beach Resort, Portugal	Family-centric resort in the Algarve region	Private beach, multiple pools, tennis, golf, water sports, state-of-the-art kids’ club

These top family beach resorts offer luxury, fun, and activities for an unforgettable vacation. Whether you want the beauty of St. Barts, the beaches of Costa Rica, or Portugal’s coastal charm, there’s something for everyone.

Top Beach Destinations for Family Friendly Vacations

Looking for the best family beach spots? Check out these top choices. Santa Barbara, California, offers Mediterranean vibes. Wailea, Maui, has stunning shores. And Seabrook, Washington, is serene and beautiful⁴.

Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara is 90 miles north of Los Angeles and has a Spanish Colonial charm. Parents love the coastal views, wine tasting, and historic buildings. Kids enjoy the tide pools at Miramar Beach and the calm waters of East Beach⁴.

The iconic Stearns Wharf has lots for families, like ice cream and seafood, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History⁴.

Wailea, Maui, Hawaii

Wailea on Maui is great for families wanting a tropical beach vacation. It has clear waters, soft sand, and kid-friendly resorts. Kids can snorkel, paddleboard, and visit Haleakala National Park⁵.

Seabrook, Washington

Seabrook, Washington, is a charming beach town perfect for families. It has beautiful beaches and outdoor activities. Families can explore tide pools, hike trails, and enjoy local seafood and produce⁴.

These top beach destinations offer a great setting for family vacations. They have many accommodations, activities, and places to eat. These spots are perfect for families of all sizes and interests, making your beach trip unforgettable⁴⁵⁶.

East Coast Family Beach Getaways

The East Coast of the United States has many family-friendly beaches. Places like Bethany Beach in Delaware and New Buffalo in Michigan are perfect for families. They offer summer memories that last a lifetime⁷.

Bethany Beach, Delaware

Bethany Beach is known as the “Quiet Resort” and is a hidden treasure. It has wide, guarded beaches that are great for making sandcastles and enjoying the sun⁷. Near the beach, a boardwalk has shops, restaurants, and fun activities for the family⁷.

The town also has more local shops and places to eat. Bethany Beach is a favorite spot for families on the East Coast⁷.

New Buffalo, Michigan

New Buffalo is a family-friendly town by Lake Michigan. It’s a break from the usual East Coast beach scene. The beaches are wide and the sunsets are beautiful, offering a peaceful escape⁷.

The downtown area has shops, restaurants, and attractions for families. New Buffalo is a top choice for East Coast family beach trips⁷.

Looking for a classic beach vacation or a lakefront getaway? The East Coast has great spots for families. Bethany Beach and New Buffalo offer fun and relaxation for everyone⁷.

family friendly beach vacations on the West Coast

The West Coast of the United States is perfect for families looking for beach fun. From sunny beaches in Southern California to the wild coasts of the Pacific Northwest, there are many places that welcome families. These spots are great for all ages⁸.

Oceanside, California

Oceanside is a top spot just 35 minutes from the San Diego Airport. It’s the ideal southern California beach town. Good Housekeeping named The Seabird Resort in Oceanside a 2024 Family Travel Awards Winner. It’s also a favorite for families. The new Hyatt property, Seabird, offers stylish rooms, a kids’ club, and lots of activities⁸.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach is a hidden gem on the Oregon coast. It’s famous for its huge Haystack Rock, wide sandy beach, and lovely town by the sea. Families can search for treasures on the beach, explore tide pools, and check out the local shops and galleries⁹.

West Coast Beach Destination	Unique Features
Oceanside, California	Quintessential southern California beach town, The Seabird Resort – a 2024 Family Travel Awards Winner
Cannon Beach, Oregon	Iconic Haystack Rock, expansive sandy beach, charming seaside town

Family-Friendly Beaches in the South

Are you dreaming of a beach vacation in the South? The region has many beautiful and fun places for families. You can find white sand beaches along the Gulf Coast and calm shores along the East Coast. Each beach is perfect for a family trip¹⁰.

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in Alabama offer 32 miles of beautiful coastline. It’s a great place for a family beach vacation¹⁰. You can find many vacation rentals to fit your family, from big houses to cozy cottages. When you’re not at the beach, check out the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo or go on a boat tour to see marine life¹⁰.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island is a favorite beach spot with lots of cottages and rentals for families¹⁰. There are 60 miles of bike trails, the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, and the Coastal Discovery Museum to explore. It’s perfect for family vacations¹¹.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu in Hawaii is not in the South but is great for family beach fun¹⁰. Families can enjoy Waikiki Beach, swim with sea turtles, and visit Pearl Harbor National Memorial. There are many places to stay, from resorts to rentals, making it a top choice for a beach vacation¹⁰.

The South has many beaches perfect for families. You can have sunny days, go on adventures, or just spend time with your loved ones. The South has some of the best beaches for family vacations¹⁰. Start planning your next beach trip today!

International Family Beach Destinations

Planning a family beach vacation opens up a world of possibilities. Beyond the US, there are many beautiful places perfect for families. From the Caribbean’s islands to Mexico’s coastal towns, let’s look at some top family-friendly beach resorts.

St. Barthelemy, Caribbean

St. Barts is a French-speaking island in the Caribbean known for being a spot for adults. But, it’s also great for families. Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth is a top choice, with two beaches and a kids’ club for ages 4 to 11¹². It also offers babysitting, making it perfect for families.

Punta de Mita, Mexico

Punta de Mita is a beautiful town on the Riviera Nayarit coast. It has lots of activities and amenities for families¹². Nearby Puerto Vallarta has shops, restaurants, and fun along its cobblestone streets and beach¹². The Marietas Islands are close by, offering snorkeling and boating adventures in a stunning setting.

Destination	Key Family-Friendly Attractions
St. Barthelemy, Caribbean	Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth, private beaches, kids’ club, babysitting
Punta de Mita, Mexico	Puerto Vallarta shopping and dining, Marietas Islands for snorkeling and boating

Looking for a tropical island or a lively coastal town? These international spots have it all. With their beautiful beaches and kid-friendly resorts, they promise a memorable family vacation¹²¹³.

Planning the Perfect Family Beach Getaway

Planning a family beach vacation is a great way to make memories that last forever. You can relax on quiet shores or have fun with exciting coastal activities. To make sure your trip is smooth and fun, it’s important to plan well. We’ll look at the key tips for planning a great family beach trip.

Choosing the Right Accommodation

Finding the right place to stay is crucial for a family beach vacation. Families usually spend 7-10 days at the beach¹⁴. They like beach resorts that have lots of activities and are peaceful, with about 80% choosing this¹⁴. Look for places that fit your family’s needs, like big rooms, pools for kids, playgrounds, and places to eat. About 30% of family bookings are for quiet places¹⁴, so think about what your family likes to do.

Packing Tips for Beach Vacations with Kids

Packing for a beach trip with kids can seem hard, but planning helps make it easy. Pack clothes that dry fast and can get sandy and wet. Remember to bring hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the sun. Take along beach toys like buckets, shovels, and snorkeling gear to keep kids happy. Also, pack any medicines, first-aid kits, and extra clothes for each child.

Age-Appropriate Beach Activities

One of the best things about a family beach vacation is doing fun activities together. Families like to relax more than sightsee, with 60% choosing to do so¹⁴. They usually spend 2-3 hours a day just chilling on the beach¹⁴. You can build sandcastles, play in the waves, snorkel, or explore tide pools. Talk to local experts or the people at your resort to find the best activities for your family’s interests and ages.

By following these tips, you can have a family beach vacation that everyone will love. The secret to a great beach trip is finding a good mix of relaxation and adventure. This way, your family can make memories that will last under the sunny skies.

Conclusion

Family beach vacations are a great way to take a break and make memories that last. With 75% of Americans lacking enough Vitamin D¹⁵, the beach is a perfect place to get some sun and stay healthy. Plus, beach trips are often cheaper than city vacations¹⁵, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy¹⁵.

Looking for a fancy spot or a place for the whole family? You can find it all, from St. Barthélemy’s style to Punta Cana’s beautiful beaches¹⁶, or Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province for families¹⁷. Most people feel less stressed and more productive after a beach vacation¹⁵, showing how good they are for our health.

Beach tourism is growing fast, at 5% a year¹⁵, showing families love these trips. Almost all vacationers think taking breaks is key for feeling good in all ways¹⁵. And 85% of families say these trips help keep their relationships strong¹⁵. So, it’s time to plan your next beach trip and make memories that will stay with you forever.

FAQ

What are the top family friendly beach destinations around the world?

Top spots for family beach vacations include Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth in the Caribbean. Also, Santa Barbara, California, Oceanside, California, and Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama, are great choices.

What makes a beach resort great for families?

Great family beach resorts have many pools, kids clubs, babysitting, water sports gear, and big rooms for big groups.

How can I plan the perfect family beach getaway?

For a great family beach trip, pick the right place, pack beach essentials, and choose fun activities for all ages.

What are some of the top activities for families at the beach?

Fun beach activities for families are building sand castles, finding seashells, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and exploring coastal towns and nature spots.

Why are beach vacations great for families?

Beach vacations let families break free from daily life and focus on spending time together. Resorts with lots of amenities make it easy to relax and have fun.