10 Best Beaches for Kids Across America, From Calm Coves to Wave-Ready Shores
From sprawling stretches of sand with low tides and shallow slopes to beaches with vibrant kid-friendly boardwalks, here are some of the best beaches across America to bring the entire family.
A great family beach vacation doesn’t require a passport, and it definitely shouldn’t involve any travel stress. Hanging in the sand with the fam is all about having fun and building memories—and doing it safely, of course—and those are all distinctly American specialties. The beaches that line our own shorelines are packed with adventures to be had and opportunities to do nothing, but the best kid-friendly beaches fall somewhere right in the middle.
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Lahaina
WHERE: Hawaii
The island of Maui is one beautiful kid-friendly destination in itself—even many of the nature trails are accessible with strollers—but some of the beaches are more geared toward older kids (and kids at heart). Puunoa Beach in Lahaina is incredible for little paddlers and their families looking for a safe and relaxing day in the sun. It’s often referred to as baby beach, since the reef-protected waters are calm and shallow enough for babies to splash around or near the shore. For bigger kids, the beaches right off the Marriott Maui Ocean Club are just a short drive north with a kids club and fully-stocked activity hut for on-the-water adventures.
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Cape May
WHERE: New Jersey
Families can’t go wrong with any of the beaches that make up Cape May’s popular shoreline—like Cove Beach at the end of Beach Avenue, which is great for crabbing and playing in the tidepools—but the ultimate kid-friendly spot is right in front of the Congress Hall resort, America’s first seaside resort. The Perry St. Beach (a.k.a. Steger Beach) has a gentle, gradual slope for younger kids, with a clean bathroom at the entrance and great options for dining nearby (don’t miss The Rusty Nail’s live music and nightly firepits). Lifeguards patrol the beach 10 AM-5:30 PM during the summer, and kids under 12 are free (12 and older require a beach tag to enter). Congress Hall guests can opt in for beach service, where the staff will set up everything you need for the day (i.e., umbrella, loungers, towels, etc.)
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Pacific Grove
WHERE: California
Just steps from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, this charming ocean-front hamlet is home to one of the best-kept secrets for kid-friendly beaches: Lover’s Point Park Beach. Despite the rough surf and large waves (“sneaker waves”) for which Monterey has become known, Lover’s Point Beach is a hidden cove that’s perfect for spotting wildlife or playing in the shallow shoreline. The beach is protected from the chilly California winds, so the temperature is near perfect year-round in the sand (not too hot, not too cold), with a beach shack, restaurants, and even a scenic hiking trail above for even better wildlife spotting, like whales, seals, and even otters! The Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is just a short drive down Ocean View Drive/Wave Street, right in the heart of Cannery Row.
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Hilton Head Island
WHERE: South Carolina
Hilton Head Island is the ultimate lowcountry escape for anyone traveling with kids, and Coligny Beach Park is often rated the best for families. The beach has gentle, shallow waters and a splash pad for kids who don’t want to get in the ocean. There’s a ranger station for safety and a nearby shopping plaza for off-sand entertainment and dining. Fish Casual Coastal Seafood is a great spot for sampling an authentic Lowcountry Boil (a.k.a. Frogmore Stew), but kids often just prefer the frozen grapes at the Tiki Hut at the Beach House hotel, which hosts weekly dive-in movies for families, too!
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Seaside
WHERE: Oregon
Although the water may be chilly along this coastal town, it’s not the water that draws most families to Seaside Beach anyway. The long stretches of sand are ideal for building sand castles, and when the tide is low, it’s even better for treasure hunting. An inexpensive clamming license gives families the chance to dig up razor clams, and it’s a Pacific Northwest tradition to end an evening of clamming with a bonfire and clam feast right on the beach. The Saltline Hotel is just down the street from the Seaside Aquarium, the Funland Arcade, and some of the best dining options in the area (i.e., The Crabby Oyster, Pig & Pancake, etc.), but a short drive up the coast is the McMenamins Gearhart Hotel where kids 6 and under stay free (it’s also home to the best tater tots in town!).
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Destin
WHERE: Florida
To be fair, the powdery soft quartz sand of this Florida Panhandle town attracts more than just families, but Henderson Beach State Park is a haven from the crowds and is great for little swimmers. The shallow waters are warm and gentle for wading out or snorkeling, and on shore, there are even more ways to build memories as a family. Beach Sand Sculptures hosts two-hour lessons for sculpting truly epic sand creations, Ride On Surf School offers lessons for the whole family, and there’s even a dedicated PADI Mermaid instructor to teach budding mermen and mermaids the ins and outs of swimming with a monofin. The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach also has a mermaid, as well as a concert series, dive-in movie nights, and even a kids club.
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Kennebunkport
WHERE: Maine
Kennebunkport has become Maine’s flagship coastal town, with beaches mixed with art galleries and picturesque shopping streets, but it’s actually a beach just south of the famous fishing village that attracts most of the locals with kids. The waters are swimmable at Mother’s Beach, even if they are a bit chilly to the non-initiated, and the sand is soft and sprawling. There’s even a playground for kids that’s open to the public, and, while the day rate for using the beach is $25 for non-residents, it’s worth it for a quintessential Maine beach day. The Beach House Inn is very kid-friendly and only a 7-minute walk to Mother’s Beach. They’ll also happily point you in the right direction for assembling the perfect picnic with local specialties.
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Sanibel Island
WHERE: Florida
Renting bikes (or a bike with a bike trailer) is the best way to get around Sanibel Island, where its extensive network of bike trails connects the entire island, including its beaches and wildlife refuge. Most families stop in at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, but Bowman’s Beach is also a treasure trove for shell lovers. It’s the most secluded of the Sanibel Island beaches (read: bring your own lunch and snacks), but there are changing rooms and restrooms onsite. Cottage rentals nearby are often the way to go, but many families rave about the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa for its kid-friendly beach walk program with marine biologists.
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Ocean City
WHERE: Maryland
The Ocean City boardwalk has been around for over a century, and some of the most beloved boardwalk treats have been around almost as long, like Fisher’s Popcorn and Thrasher’s French Fries. The Downtown Beach just off the boardwalk arch is buzzy, which actually makes it great for families looking to make the most of their time in OC. The Jolly Rogeramusement park is there. The Trimper Rides are nearby. The Hilton Ocean Front Suites are just a short walk away. And yes, the ocean is there, too, with plenty of room to spread out and take turns dipping in the ocean and dipping boardwalk fries into Kohr Bros Frozen Custard … an OC tradition.
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San Diego
WHERE: California
The gentle breaks just off La Jolla Shores Beach are a favorite for beginning surfers, but the beach itself is also a favorite for families. There is a beachside playground and lifeguards on duty during the day, but also tons of opportunities for on-water activities. Kayaking to the La Jolla sea caves is a must, as is taking a stroll along Avenida de la Playa to get a bite to eat. The La Jolla Shores Hotels is the closest to the beach, and operates a beach kiosk for easy access to rentals and beach essentials.