Top Family Beach Vacation Destinations
For families planning a beach getaway, options range from budget-friendly U.S. shores to exotic international locales. Discover the perfect spot for your next family beach vacation with our curated list.
1. San Diego, California
![Beach and palm trees in San Diego, CA](/media/best-family-beach-vacations-san-diego.jpg)
San Diego's 70 miles of coastline offer diverse beach experiences. Pacific Beach caters to families with its convenient amenities, while La Jolla Shores is ideal for surfing and diving. Attractions like Sea World, San Diego Zoo, and Belmont Park add to the fun.
2. Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
![Beachfront on Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos](/media/best-family-beach-vacations-providenciales-turks-caicos.jpg)
Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales is a Caribbean gem with soft sand and clear waters. Families can enjoy snorkeling and exploring the Princess Alexandria National Park.
3. Phuket Island, Thailand
![Patong Beach, Phuket Island, Thailand](/media/best-family-beach-vacations-phuket-island-thailand.jpg)
Phuket Island's beaches, like Patong and Nai Harn, offer a mix of lively resorts and serene coves, perfect for families seeking tropical adventures.
4. Waikiki, Hawaii
![Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head State Monument in Honolulu, Hawaii](/media/best-family-beach-vacations-waikiki-hawaii.jpg)
Waikiki's iconic beaches are family-friendly and great for surfing. Nearby attractions include Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head State Monument.
5. Costa Adeje, Tenerife, Canary Islands
![Playa Del Duque, Costa Adeje, Tenerife](/media/best-family-beach-vacations-costa-adeje-tenerife-canary-islands.jpg)
Costa Adeje boasts Blue Flag beaches like Playa del Duque and family attractions such as Aqualand and Siam Park.
6. Outer Banks, North Carolina
![Kites flying at the Outer Banks, North Carolina](/media/best-family-beach-vacations-outer-banks-north-carolina.jpg)
The Outer Banks offers beaches, historic lighthouses, and the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, appealing to families with diverse interests.
7. Nassau, Bahamas
![Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, Nassau](/media/best-family-beach-vacations-nassau-bahamas.jpg)
Nassau's Paradise Island features resorts like Atlantis with water parks and marine habitats, providing fun for the whole family.
8. Arenas Del Mar, Costa Rica
![Manuel Antonio National Park](/media/best-family-beach-vacations-arenas-del-mar-costa-rica.jpg)
Arenas Del Mar is a haven for eco-conscious travelers, offering beachfront luxury and proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park.
9. Virginia Beach, Virginia
![Virginia Beach Boardwalk](/media/best-family-beach-vacations-virginia-beach.jpg)
Virginia Beach's Resort Beach and Boardwalk area provide family-friendly attractions, including the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center.
10. Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
![Pristine beach in the Perhentian Islands, Malaysia](/media/best-family-beach-vacations-perhentian-islands-malaysia.jpg)
The Perhentian Islands of Malaysia offer serene beaches and conservation efforts like coral reef restoration.
11. South Padre Island, Texas
![South Padre Island](/media/best-family-beach-vacations-south-padre-island-texas.jpg)
South Padre Island is a Gulf of Mexico retreat with sandcastle building, nature reserves, and family-friendly resorts.
12. The Algarve, Portugal
![Camilo Beach, Algarve, Portugal](/media/best-family-beach-vacations-the-algarve-portugal.jpg)
Portugal's Algarve region features stunning beaches like Falésia and secluded coves near Lagos, suitable for family holidays.
13. Ocean City, Maryland
![Crowded beach at Ocean City, MD](/media/best-family-beach-vacations-ocean-city-maryland.jpg)
Ocean City's free public beaches and nostalgic Boardwalk offer a budget-friendly family vacation with plenty of entertainment.
14. Corfu, Greece
![Beach on Corfu Island, Greece](/media/best-family-beach-vacations-corfu-greece.jpg)
Corfu's Mediterranean charm and historic sites make it a top Greek island for families, with beaches like Glyfada and Paleokastritsa.
15. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
![SkyWheel at Myrtle Beach](/media/best-family-beach-vacations-myrtle-beach-south-carolina.jpg)
Myrtle Beach is a family-friendly destination with a bustling Boardwalk, amusement parks, and entertainment complexes.
16. Mamanuca Islands, Fiji
![Castaway Island in the Mamanuca Islands, Fiji](/media/best-family-beach-vacations-mamanuca-islands-fiji.jpg)
Fiji's Mamanuca Islands offer pristine beaches and coral reefs, with family resorts that cater to a tropical vacation experience.
17. Cocoa Beach, Florida
![Surfers at Cocoa Beach, Florida](/media/best-family-beach-vacations-cocoa-beach-florida.jpg)
Cocoa Beach provides a mix of water sports, wildlife encounters, and proximity to major Florida attractions like Walt Disney World.
18. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
![Beach resort in Punta Cana](/media/best-family-beach-vacations-punta-cana-dominican-republic.jpg)
Punta Cana's Bávaro Beach is a Caribbean favorite, with calm waters and family-friendly all-inclusive resorts.
19. Destin, Florida
![Aerial view of the beach at Destin, Florida](/media/best-family-beach-vacations-destin-florida.jpg)
Destin is known for its white-sand beaches and family resorts, offering a range of activities from fishing to water sports.
20. Shark Bay, Western Australia
![Shell Beach on Shark Bay, Australia](/media/best-family-beach-vacations-shark-bay-western-australia.jpg)
Shark Bay's unique attractions like Monkey Mia and Shell Beach make it an extraordinary destination for family exploration.