Best Family Beach Vacations

The beach is the center of the action. On the resort's two-plus miles of lush oceanside property -- about 30 minutes from downtown Charleston -- the recreation staff schedules kite-flying, ecotours of the marshes, crab searches, and seashell hunts. "Families spend a lot of time doing nature activities," says Elizabeth Worrell, marketing communications manager. "For instance, we'll teach them about birds, and then they'll create a bird house." Kids ages 5 to 12 can take part in the drop-off camp.

Sports are big here too. The resort has 17 clay tennis courts (and lessons for the whole family) plus two great golf courses designed by Tom Fazio. Don't miss breakfast at The Lettered Olive, which offers kids a "flight of milk" (chocolate, plain, and strawberry) along with polka-dot pancakes.

Spring and summer room rates start at $199 per night; wilddunes.com.

Originally published in the March 2010 issue of Parents magazine.

This piece was accurate at publication time, but all prices, offerings and availabilities are subject to change. Please contact each hotel and attraction for up-to-date rates and information before taking your trip.