Best East Coast Beaches for Families: Plan Your Trip

July 4, 2024 Albert Jordan

The East Coast is full of family-friendly beaches. There’s so much to see and do. You’ll find both rugged shores up north and warm, tropical beaches down south.

This guide will help you find the perfect spot. Whether it’s a calm beach town or a lively coastal city, we’ve got you covered. Together, we’ll check out places like the Outer Banks, Cape Cod, and even Coney Island¹.

Don’t forget your sunscreen and beach gear. It’s time to make amazing memories with your family at these beautiful beaches¹.

Table of Contents

The Outer Banks: A Connected Community of Unique Beach Towns

The Outer Banks is a special place on the coast of North Carolina². It’s a group of unique beach towns that families love to visit². You’ll find miles of beautiful beaches to enjoy and explore².

Uncrowded Beaches and Wild Horses in Corolla

Corolla is a true gem within the Outer Banks. It’s famous for its quiet beaches and wild horses³. The Currituck Beach Lighthouse there has amazing views, making it a popular spot³.

Diverse Activities for All Ages

The Outer Banks offers lots to do for all ages³. You can visit places like the Wright Brothers National Monument and Jockeys Ridge State Park³. The food scene is vibrant, especially if you love seafood like crab cakes⁴.

Looking for fun? The Outer Banks has it all, from hang gliding to wildlife watching⁴. Its unique beach towns and activities make it the perfect family vacation spot².

Destination	Highlights	Ideal for
Corolla, North Carolina	Uncrowded beaches, wild horses, Currituck Beach Lighthouse	Nature enthusiasts, families
Kitty Hawk, North Carolina	Wright Brothers National Monument, Hilton Garden Inn with private beach access	History buffs, families seeking convenience
Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina	Jockeys Ridge State Park with sand dunes, John Yancey Inn with beachfront access	Adventure seekers, families on a budget

The Outer Banks is a top choice for family vacations². You can see Corolla’s wild horses, visit historic sites, or just relax on the beach³.

Cape Cod’s Family-Friendly Beaches: From Craigville to Falmouth

Cape Cod is perfect for families looking for a great beach vacation. With places like Craigville Beach and Old Silver Beach, families have lots of great choices⁵.

Craigville Beach: Clean, Large, and Popular

Craigville Beach in Centerville is a top choice. It has a big sandy area, beautiful views of Nantucket Sound, and it’s easy to find parking. Plus, you’ll find restrooms and a snack bar close by, making it super convenient for families⁵⁶.

Old Silver Beach: Perfect for Families with Small Kids

In Falmouth, Old Silver Beach is great for families with kids. It’s split into two parts by a rock jetty. Families love the pretty views, soft sand, and calm water. This makes it a fun and safe spot for young ones⁶.

Cape Cod has many family-friendly beaches, ranging from lively Craigville to quiet Old Silver. You can find beaches for any type of beach day. Whether you want lots of fun activities or just a calm day on the sand, Cape Cod has lots to offer⁷.

Nantucket: Whaling History and Picturesque Beaches

Nantucket is a special island known to captivate families wanting a break by the sea⁸. Whenever I go, I’m always struck by its whaling past, lovely feel, and beautiful shorelines⁸. Friends have even hosted my family twice there, showing how it’s a favorite spot to gather⁸.

For those with young kids, Children’s Beach in Nantucket is a must-see⁹. It’s close to the town and the famous Whaling Museum, where kids can play and learn⁹. The island is also full of things to do, rain or shine. There’s the Aquarium, Bookworks, and Barnaby’s Toy Shop to keep everyone happy⁸.

The northern beaches have calm waters perfect for a family dip¹⁰. Nantucket has 82 miles of shoreline and many public beaches, so there’s always a new spot to discover¹⁰. It’s easy to get here, with fast ferries making the trip from the mainland in just an hour. Or enjoy a slow ride on a ferry taking around two hours and fifteen minutes⁹.

Exploring Nantucket’s downtown is a treat, with its quaint shops and great dining¹⁰. There are wonderful meals to be had, from the waterside Galley Beach to the friendly Provisions Sandwiches¹⁰. For those who love biking, rentals are easy to find at the hotels, house rentals, and shops around the island⁹.

Nantucket’s draw is strong, whether you’re into its history, lovely beaches, or recreation for the family⁸. With plenty of things to do and places to stay, it’s an ideal destination for a family holiday⁹¹⁰.

Coney Island: A Classic New York Day Trip

Coney Island sits at the southern end of Brooklyn. It’s the perfect place for a New York day trip. Since the 1880s, it’s been a top spot for fun and adventure, with a golden age lasting into the mid-1900s¹¹. Today, it has over 50 rides, like the Thunderbolt and the iconic Coney Island Cyclone from 1927¹¹.

The area is famous for the Coney Island boardwalk. Families love walking by the sea. They can see the 150-foot-high Wonder Wheel and visit Nathan’s Famous for its hot dogs, a tradition over a century old¹¹. The beach, which is almost three miles long, is great for catching the sun and enjoying the water¹¹.

Rides, Aquarium, and Three Miles of Sandy Beach

At Coney Island, there’s something for everyone. Luna Park is great for rides, and the New York Aquarium is perfect for learning¹¹. The iconic Wonder Wheel costs $10 to ride, and Sideshows by the Seashore offers unique entertainment for $10¹². The pier, named after Pat Auletta, is a beautiful place to fish¹¹.

Coney Island’s beach is free and open to everyone¹¹. On Fridays in summer, there are fireworks to see. And don’t miss the Brooklyn Cyclones games at MCU Park for more family fun¹¹.

No matter what you love, Coney Island is a dream. It’s got thrilling rides, chances to learn, or a place to relax by the sea¹¹. With its long history, famous landmarks, and fun beach activities, it’s bound to make great memories¹¹.

Attraction	Pricing
Official Coney Island Parking Lot	$13 Monday-Friday, $20 on weekends, $27 during special events¹²
New York Aquarium	$29.95 for adults, $27.95 for seniors, $25.95 for children (3-12), free for children 2 and under¹²
Luna Park Wristbands	$42.99 for visitors under 48″, $64.99 for over 48″¹²
Deno’s Wonder Wheel	$10 for a ride on the Wonder Wheel, $5 for all kiddie rides¹²
Brooklyn Cyclones Game Tickets	$13/person on special pricing game days, $20/person on regular game days¹²
Luna Park Rides	$3 to $10 per ride, with 1 ticket equivalent to $1; all-day wristband for unlimited rides costs $60¹³
Coney’s Cones Gelato	$6 for two flavors of sorbet¹³
Wonder Wheel Ride	$8 per person¹³

Coney Island has activities for every budget and interest. You can enjoy thrilling rides, learn something new, or just relax by the sea¹¹.

Fire Island: A Peaceful Haven Without Cars

Fire Island is an oasis off Long Island’s south shore. It’s a car-free haven where you can find tranquility. You can only get there by ferry, making it perfect for a quiet, nature-filled escape¹⁴.

Ocean Beach Village and Summer Activities

In the heart of Ocean Beach Village, a lively community thrives. It’s the island’s central hub. There, you can walk its vibrant streets, shop at local stores, and enjoy a variety of dining, from casual to fine¹⁴.

Looking beyond, Fire Island is brimming with fun summer activities. It hosts open-air concerts, art festivals, and water sports. Families love spending days on the beach or exploring the island’s gems, like the Fire Island Lighthouse and the mystical Sunken Forest¹⁴.

With no cars, Fire Island is a peaceful break from busy life. It’s a ideal for anyone: from those seeking peace to families wanting adventure. This East Coast gem has something that everyone will enjoy¹⁴.

Community	Homes	Unique Features
Kismet	Around 225	Family-friendly with beaches, shops, and restaurants
Saltaire	Approximately 99	One of the oldest communities, almost exclusively residential
Fair Harbor	360	Family-oriented with a state-of-the-art EMS and active volunteer Fire Department
Dunewood	99	Built over 25 years, known for its family-friendly environment with a private bay beach and the Dunewood Yacht Club
Lonelyville	Around 82	Founded in 1908 by three businessmen friends
Atlantique	16	Features one of Fire Island’s best public beaches and a marina operated by the Town of Islip
Robbins Rest	37	Located between Ocean Beach and Atlantique, with no water taxi, ferry, or commercial services
Fire Island Summer Club	42	Unique condominium community with exclusive access to private amenities
Corneille	Around 65	A “family” community with larger properties and a pristine beachfront
Ocean Beach	Approximately 600	Fire Island’s largest community with a well-established Downtown area

A table above gives details on communities on Fire Island. From Kismet, known for being family-friendly, to the exclusive Fire Island Summer Club, there’s something for everyone. This island sanctuary promises a perfect spot for all its visitors¹⁵.

Seeking peace or a bustling summer vaction? Fire Island is where you should be. Its car-free environment, beautiful beaches, and lively communities create a perfect getaway. It’s a true paradise on the East Coast, away from the daily rush¹⁴¹⁶¹⁵.

Point Pleasant Beach: Boardwalk, Amusements, and Seafood Festival

Point Pleasant Beach lies on New Jersey’s stunning coast¹⁷. It’s perfect for families, with a long boardwalk great for strolling¹⁸. The boardwalk is home to Jenkinson’s, a beloved spot since 1928, drawing many visitors.

This beach is more than a boardwalk. It’s safe and fun, with lifeguards all day¹⁸. Jenkinson’s offers an aquarium, mini-golf, and a ropes course¹⁸. At the aquarium, a kid’s ticket is $10, and an adult’s is $16. Mini-golf is $9 for kids and $12.50 for adults. Families can enjoy an easy park visit starting at noon, thanks to a card for rides.

It’s easy to find parking at Point Pleasant Beach, with rates starting at $2.25¹⁸. Valet parking is available by the boardwalk for $25 a day¹⁸. The train station, just a 10-minute walk from the boardwalk, makes it accessible for families everywhere¹⁸.

Don’t miss the Seafood Festival each September. It’s a feast with plenty of seafood dishes and fun. You’ll also enjoy live music and entertainment.

Boardwalk	Amusements	Seafood Festival
1-mile stretch¹⁸ Easily walkable for families with young children¹⁸ Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, a cherished attraction since 1928¹⁹ One of the most-visited boardwalks on the Eastern Seaboard¹⁹	Jenkinson’s Aquarium: $10 for kids 3+, $16 for adults¹⁸ Mini-golf: $9 per child, $12.50 for adults¹⁸ Amusement park opens at noon with reusable ride cards¹⁸ Adventure Lookout Ropes Course	Annual event in September Showcases the town’s culinary prowess Diverse array of seafood delicacies Lively atmosphere with live music and entertainment

From boardwalk walks to thrilling rides, and tasty sea specials, Point Pleasant Beach has it all¹⁷. Families are guaranteed memories that will last¹⁸¹⁷¹⁹.

Rehoboth Beach: A Charming Boardwalk Town in Delaware

Rehoboth Beach sits on Delaware’s stunning coast, a top spot for those craving an East Coast beach trip. Its famous boardwalk is crammed with shops, cafes, and fun rides, making it a perfect mix of leisure and action²⁰.

Family-Friendly Activities and Organized Water Sports

When summer hits, Rehoboth Beach buzzes with free concerts and fun for the kids. There are magic shows and kite-making for the little ones²⁰. Funland, the town’s beloved amusement park, has 17 rides, mostly for kids. Plus, ride tickets are very cheap, starting at just 50 cents²⁰.

Looking for more than just the boardwalk? Rehoboth Beach has a lot to do outdoors too. You can play volleyball or tennis, or try pickleball. There’s also paddleboarding and kayaking. Its closeness to other beaches like Dewey and Bethany, plus Ocean City, Maryland, means more fun at your fingertips²¹.

Rehoboth Beach Highlights	Details
Funland Amusement Park	17 rides, with 14 aimed at little ones²⁰ Ride tickets as low as 50 cents each²⁰
Dining Options	Lupo Italian Kitchen, Fins, Salt Air, Shorebreak Lodge, Casa di Leo, Rosenfeld’s Deli, and di Febo’s²¹ Blue Hen restaurant known for oysters, scallops, biscuits, and pasta dishes²² Cafés serving coffee and pastries²²
Nearby Attractions	Dewey and Bethany Beaches, and Ocean City, Maryland²¹ Cape May Ferry to New Jersey²¹ Lewes (20 minutes away)²² 37-mile island with wild horses²²
Accommodations	Surf Shanty Motel, Coast Rehoboth Beach, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, and The Avenue Inn and Spa²²

Rehoboth Beach is a great pick for Delaware’s beach fun. It has everything from amusing rides in the park to cool water activities. And of course, it’s perfect for a chill day at the beach. In short, there’s fun for the whole family²¹.

Virginia Beach: The Longest Pleasure Beach in the World

I love beaches, and Virginia Beach has instantly captured my heart. It offers over 38 miles of stunning shores, a dream come true for anyone who loves the beach²³. The highlight is the Oceanfront Beach, with an unbeatable stretch of 35 miles along the coast²³. This has earned it the title of the world’s longest pleasure beach. It’s perfect for both a calm getaway or thrilling adventures. Virginia Beach truly has something for all visitors.

Chesapeake Bay Beach: Gentle Waves and Laid-Back Vibes

One shining spot in Virginia Beach is the Chesapeake Bay Beach, or “Chic’s Beach.” It’s a two-mile stretch of the Chesapeake Bay, known for its gentle waves and relaxed vibes. Families love it here²³. Plus, it offers affordable parking, making it very convenient for visitors²⁴. With its beauty and local feel, Chesapeake Bay Beach is truly special. It captures the spirit of Virginia Beach.

There’s more to Virginia Beach than its lovely shores. It’s home to a wide range of attractions and activities. In 2017, it attracted a whopping 19 million tourists²⁴. This city boasts many parks, wildlife refuges, and waterways. It’s no surprise that this coastal destination remains a favorite for many.