Skip to content

Top Navigation

Parents Parents
  • GETTING PREGNANT
  • PREGNANCY
  • BABY NAMES
  • BABY
  • TODDLER
  • BIG KID
  • FUN
  • HEALTH
  • PARENTING
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAY
  • News
  • Moms Run the World
  • THE STAY AT HOME GUIDE
  • SHOP
  • OUR MAGAZINES
  • MORE

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Parents

Parents Parents
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      Find a chore your kid loves to do, and start a habit of wanting to help out that'll last a lifetime. Read More Next
    • Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Parenting is so much easier with good pals. Learn to overcome friendship hurdles and bond with women who get you. Read More Next
    • How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      I’m a pediatric sleep specialist who has seen it all, and I’m here to tell you that it’s not too late to get your child to (happily) stay in his own bed all night long. Read More Next
  • GETTING PREGNANT

    GETTING PREGNANT

    See All GETTING PREGNANT
    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant Every Day of the Month

    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant Every Day of the Month

    When sex coincides with your most fertile ovulation days, you'll increase your chances of getting pregnant. Get to know each phase of your cycle to make conception faster and easier.
    • Ovulation
    • Reproductive Age
    • Maximizing Your Fertility
    • Pre-Pregnancy Health
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Dealing With Infertility
    • Genetics
  • PREGNANCY

    PREGNANCY

    See All PREGNANCY
    Signs of Approaching Labor: How to Tell Your Baby is Coming Soon

    Signs of Approaching Labor: How to Tell Your Baby is Coming Soon

    Anxiously awaiting your baby’s arrival? Learn to recognize the first signs of labor approaching, which signal that your little one might make an appearance soon.
    • Signs of Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy Week-by-Week
    • Giving Birth
    • Labor & Delivery
    • Pregnancy Symptoms
    • Due Date Calculator
    • Pregnancy Complications
    • Fetal Development
    • Gender Prediction
    • Baby Showers
  • BABY NAMES

    BABY NAMES

    See All BABY NAMES
    These Are the Most Popular Baby Names of 2020

    These Are the Most Popular Baby Names of 2020

    Curious which baby names stole the show this year? From new classics like Noah to tried-and-true faves like Ava, here are the top boy and girl names of the year so far, plus more naming trends to consider.
    • Baby Girl Names
    • Most Popular Names
    • Names by Origin
    • Twin Names
    • Baby Boy Names
    • Names by Religion
    • Celebrity Baby Names
    • Baby Name Quizzes
  • BABY

    BABY

    See All BABY
    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    Caring for a baby with a wet or dry cough? Listen for wheezing, hacking, or barking first, then read on to find out what's normal and when it's time to worry.
    • Newborn Care
    • Crying Baby
    • Health
    • Baby Development
    • Safety
    • Gear
    • Breastfeeding
    • Diapers
    • Sleep Issues
    • Feeding
    • Nursery
  • TODDLER

    TODDLER

    See All TODDLER
    • Preschool Activities
    • Behavior & Discipline
    • Toddler Development
    • Milestones
    • Potty Training
    • Starting School
    • Health
    • Safety
    • Childcare
  • BIG KID

    BIG KID

    See All BIG KID
    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    Mean kids aren't just a middle-school problem. The trouble has trickled to the youngest grades. Learn how to spot it—and how to protect children of all ages from bullies at school.
    • Education
    • Health
    • Food & Nutrition
    • Bullying & School Problems
    • Child Development
    • Safety
    • Manners & Responsibility
  • FUN

    FUN

    See All FUN
    17 Budget-Friendly Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas

    17 Budget-Friendly Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas

    A fun celebration doesn’t need to cost a pretty penny. Throw a memorable bash with these clever cost-cutting kids’ birthday party ideas.
    • Birthdays
    • Indoor Activities
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Printable Coloring Pages
    • Kids' Entertainment
    • Best Toys
    • Holidays
    • Family Vacation Ideas
  • HEALTH

    HEALTH

    See All HEALTH
    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    Here’s everything you need to know about the disease that originated in Wuhan, China.
    • ADD & ADHD
    • Allergies
    • Autism
    • Cold & Flu
    • Coronavirus and COVID-19
    • Cough
    • Down Syndrome
    • Emergency Aid
    • Fever
    • Medication & Vitamins
    • Obesity
    • Rashes
    • Stomach Aches
    • Vaccines
  • PARENTING

    PARENTING

    See All PARENTING
    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    Everything you need to thrive at home as a family.
    • Positive Parenting
    • Parenting Style
    • Celebrity Parents
    • Family Dynamics
    • Divorce
    • Home
    • Adoption
    • Just for Mom
    • Money
    • Toy Recalls
    • Stroller Recalls
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    • Family Recipes
    • Baby Food
    • Toddler Finger Food Recipes
    • Hints & Tips
    • Healthy Eating
    • Birthdays
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Meals
    • Food For Pregnant Women
  • HOLIDAY

    HOLIDAY

    See All HOLIDAY
    19 Mother's Day Gifts Kids Can Make

    19 Mother's Day Gifts Kids Can Make

    Moms love nothing more than a handmade present on Mother's Day. Help the kids make mom feel special with a creative gift from the heart!
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Memorial Day
    • Father's Day
    • 4th of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
  • News
  • Moms Run the World
  • THE STAY AT HOME GUIDE
  • SHOP
  • OUR MAGAZINES

    OUR MAGAZINES

    See All OUR MAGAZINES
    • Parents
    • Parents Latina
    • Ser Padres
  • MORE

    MORE

    • Newsletters
    • Contests
    • #ParentsIRL
    • Adulting
    • First Year Playbook
    • Celebrate Your Way

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

LIVE
  1. Home
  2. Fun
  3. Family Vacation
  4. Family Vacation Ideas
  5. The 10 Best Beaches for Families

The 10 Best Beaches for Families

By Karen Cicero
November 09, 2014
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Family of four at the beach
Credit: Shutterstock
Find out which waterside escapes are real gems for families.
Start Slideshow

1 of 21

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Ranking the Beaches

Kids at the beach
Credit: Christa Renee

Simplicity is the beauty of a beach vacation -- the shore is essentially a giant sandbox with free rocks and shells, and the waves are more fun than any pool. But there can be rough spots if you go to the wrong place. That's why Parents combed through water-quality reports, closings, and advisories for more than 1,000 U.S. beaches. Naturally, we nixed shores with persistent problems and ones where the water isn't tested. From there, we looked at three other deal breakers: restrooms, calm surf, and lifeguards. Nature trails and other extras helped determine which places made the final cut. These are the 10 best beaches we found, along with our 10 runners-up. All that's left for you to do: Dive into the most kid-friendly beaches under the sun.

1 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 21

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

1. North Beach at Fort De Soto Park, Tierra Verde, Florida

North Beach at Fort De Soto Park, Tierra Verde, Florida
Credit: Courtesy St. Petersburg/Clearwater

Warm, clear water, seashell-dotted white sand, and nature activities galore helped this beach, located in a county park, rise to the top of our list. Protected by a sandbar, North Beach, near St. Petersburg, has a large lagoon that doesn't get above 3 feet deep. "It's like a natural kiddie pool," says Justin Hamilton, of Bardstown, Kentucky, who visited last summer. "My 2-year-old loved chasing minnows." 

When you're ready for shade, walk over to the playground, where your kid can steer a pretend pirate ship or cool down with a snow cone from the snack bar. If your family is up for more, drive to the park's Gulf Pier, a great area for spotting dolphins. From there, explore the fort and cannon built for the Spanish-American War or take a surrey-bike ride along the nature trails.

Spend the Night

Sleep in a pink castle! The Loews Don CeSar is a ten-minute drive. Families keep busy with poolside movies and toys, books, and DVDs to borrow. There's a drop-off kids' club for 4- to 12-year-olds, and babysitting. Get more information at loewshotels.com.

  • pinellascounty.org

2 of 21

3 of 21

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2. Coligny Beach Park, Hilton Head, South Carolina

Coligny Beach Park, Hilton Head, South Carolina
Credit: Courtesy Coligny Beach Park

You can't go wrong with any of the 12 miles of shoreline in Hilton Head, but Coligny stood out for its shallow, calm water. "You'd have to walk out 30 yards for it to get above 3 feet deep," says Steve Riley, the town manager. Your little swimmer will love to peek in the tidal pools that form during low tide and hunt for beach treasure -- sand dollars and seashells. And the beach's hard-packed sand is perfect for building castles and biking. You can rent three-wheeled dune bikes that are similar to tricycles from a nearby Shore Beach Service stand. At the end of the day, head across the street to the Coligny Plaza, which hosts free entertainment such as magic shows four times a week.

Spend the Night

Steps from Coligny Beach Park, the newly renovated Beach House (a Holiday Inn resort) organizes free pool- and beachside games.All rooms have a small fridge, and some offer bunk beds for kids. Get more information at hihiltonhead.com.

  • hiltonheadislandsc.gov

3 of 21

Advertisement

4 of 21

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

3. Kama'ole Beach Park III, Maui, Hawaii

Kama'ole Beach Park III, Maui, Hawaii

Part of a a trio of pristine beaches separated by lava-rock outcropppings, this one, nicknamed Kam 3, is ideal for young kids. "The water has only small waves and it's so clear you can even see the fish from the surface." says Lindsey Ahrary, who was vacationing from San Jose, California. Kids might spot sea turtles or even puffer fish (remember Bloat from Finding Nemo?). For a better view, you can rent snorkeling gear across the street from the beach, usually for less than $2 per person. The large grassy area behind the beach is perfect for kite-flying, tossing a Frisbee, or eating shaved ice (Hawaii's version of sorbet) from one of the nearby stands.

Spend the Night

Since there isn't a resort on this beach, stay at a budget-friendly vacation-rental condo. A mile away, the Palms at Wailea Maui by Outrigger offers a full kitchen, a pool, and washer/dryer. Get more information at outrigger.com.

  • co.maui.hi.us

4 of 21

5 of 21

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

4. Coronado Central Beach, San Diego

Coronado Central Beach, San Diego
Credit: Courtesy Hotel Del Coronado

This 2-mile stretch of beach -- just over the bridge from downtown San Diego -- has everything families could want: perfect weather (it rarely rains in the summer), spotless white sand (the town even invented an environmentally-friendly rake to clean up the kelp), and warm, gentle water. Plus, there's no smoking allowed on this beach -- or any in California. Tide pools filled with sea creatures form in front of the famous Hotel del Coronado, where you cool off with a cone at MooTime Creamery.

Spend the Night

The only resort along this stretch of sand, the Victorian-style Hotel del Coronado offers a kids' program for 4- to 12-year-olds, and babysitting. Get more information at hoteldel.com. A lower-cost resort: Ten minutes away, the Loews Coronado Bay has a nature-themed kids' club for 5- to 12-year-olds plus loaner baby equipment. Get more information at loewshotels.com. 

  • coronado.ca.us

5 of 21

6 of 21

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

5. West Beach at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Porter

West Beach at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Porter
Credit: Photo Courtesy Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

On the southern tip of Lake Michigan, this beach has great views of the Chicago skyline. But what draws families here are the normally calm water and Junior Ranger program. Kids can earn a "beachcomber badge" by completing a dozen or so family activities on a sheet handed out by park rangers. "We ask kids to do things like find three different-colored types of rocks near the shoreline, and look at the plants in the dunes and point out which kind they saw the most," says Bruce Rowe, the supervisory park ranger. When the kids are done at the beach, head to one of the four nearby nature trails, each about 1? miles long. The stroller-friendly Long Lake Trail takes you past forests and marshes.

Spend the Night

The closest place to stay: The Duneswalk Inn, about a ten-minute drive from the beach, is a renovated 1881 mansion. The rooms aren't froufrou, and one suite even has bunk beds. Get more information at duneswalkinn.com.

  • nps.gov/indu/index.htm

6 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 21

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

6. Mayflower Beach, Dennis, Massachusetts

Mayflower Beach, Dennis, Massachusetts
Credit: Courtesy of Mayflower Beach

Cape Cod has more than its share of beautiful beaches, but it’s especially lovely here. "It has huge tidal flats that are teeming with sea life," says Karen Flam, who makes the trek to Mayflower every year from Philadelphia. "My 6-year-old daughter, Allison, sits out there for hours digging for sea snails and hermit crabs." Make plans to come to the beach for the annual sand-sculpture contest in late August -- there are six categories including those for kids 3 to 6 and 7 to 11, as well as for families working together.

Spend the Night

The Lighthouse Inn, about 9 miles from Mayflower Beach, offers family entertainment such as sing-alongs, movies, and magicians. Get more information at lighthouseinn.com. 

  • capecodchamber.org/beaches

7 of 21

8 of 21

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

7. Coquina Beach Park, Bradenton, Florida

7 Coquina Beach Park, Bradenton, Florida
Credit: Courtesy of Coquina Beach Park

This beach, on the southern tip of Anna Maria Island, about 40 minutes from Tampa, is famous for "coquinas," colorful mini seashells. Every morning, there's a row of shells on the shoreline for kids to scoop up. Another activity: kayaking. You can rent one on the beach or sign up for a guided eco-tour; either way, you're likely to see dolphins, manatees, and stingrays. Shady Australian pines, warm water (it averages 74 degrees year-round), and a paved nature trail also make Coquina fun.

Spend the Night

The Tradewinds Resort, just a 1-mile trolley ride from the beach, gives families a seashell guide and loans out buckets, sand tools, and floaties. A great money saver: Each room has a full kitchen. Get more information at tradewinds-resort.com.

  • Coquina Beach

8 of 21

9 of 21

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

8. Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach, Oregon
Credit: Courtesy of George Vetter/Cannon-Beach.net

You can't miss Haystack Rock sticking 235 feet out of the water on Cannon Beach, about 90 minutes from Portland. A state-protected marine garden, the tidal pools near the rock are filled with sea life such as orange and purple starfish. "We often have volunteers at Haystack Rock during the summer to talk about the tide-pool creatures and nesting seabirds," says Nala Cardillo, coordinator of the Haystack Rock Awareness Program. The downside: The water, while pristine, rarely gets above 60?F in the summer -- so if your kid wants to do more than dip his toes, rent a wetsuit (they come in toddler sizes) at the nearby Cannon Beach Surf Shop.

Spend the Night

On Cannon Beach, the Surfsand Resort hosts free ice-cream socials and hot-dog roasts on certain nights for families. Check out the indoor pool, fun games like beach musical chairs, and a program for kids 4 and up with ocean-themed activities like seashell crafts and sand art. Plus, kids eat free in the resort's two restaurants. Get more information at surfandsandresort.com.

  • ci.cannon-beach.or.us

9 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 21

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

9. Main Beach, East Hampton, New York

Main Beach, East Hampton, New York
Credit: Courtesy of East Hampton, New York

With clear-blue water and towering dunes, this wide white-sand Long Island beach is the place to be for families in the summer. Even though multimillion-dollar mansions overlook the beach, the atmosphere is down-to-earth. The Chowder Bowl sells club sandwiches and, of course, clam chowder, and there are fireworks on Labor Day weekend. "It's common to see three or four generations of a family enjoying the beach together," says Larry Cantwell, the East Hampton Village administrator. Since parking is by permit only on weekends and hard to come by always, it's best to bike here or stay at a hotel that will drop you off or give you a pass.

Spend the Night

Three miles away, East Hampton House Resort entices families with a heated pool, a playground, tennis, and a parking pass to Main Beach. 

  • easthamptonvillage.org

10 of 21

11 of 21

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

10. North Beach, Racine, Wisconsin

North Beach, Racine, Wisconsin
Credit: Photo Courtesy City of Racine

On the shore of Lake Michigan, this beach in downtown Racine will keep your family active. When your kid isn't enjoying the summer water, she'll probably want to set sail on the pirate ships and swing on the ropes at Kids' Cove, one of the state's largest playgrounds. Pedal or walk on the bike path about three blocks to Racine Zoo, where kids can feed a giraffe.

Spend the Night

The closest place to stay, the Harbourwalk Hotel Racine  is undergoing major renovations in summer 2016. In the meantime, consider a chain, such as the Fairfield Inn by Marriott. 

  • cityofracine.org

11 of 21

12 of 21

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

11. Siesta Key Public Beach, Siesta Key, Florida (Runner Up)

Siesta Key Public Beach, Siesta Key, Florida
Credit: Photo Courtesy www.sarasotafl.org

The Runners-Up:

With a playground, volleyball court, fitness trail, and seashells galore, nobody in your family will be sitting on the white-sand beach near Sarasota for long.

  • siestakeychamber.com/beaches

12 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 21

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

12. South Beach, Virginia Beach, Virginia (Runner Up)

South Beach, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Credit: Courtesy Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau

You can't go wrong with any beach in this family-friendly town, but this spot located near Second Street has the first beach playground in the country that accommodates kids with physical disabilities.

  • visitvirginiabeach.com

13 of 21

14 of 21

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

13. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Oahu (Runner Up)

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Oahu
Credit: Photo Courtesy Oahu Visitors Bureau

This marine life conversation area 10 miles east of famous Waikiki Beach is snorkeling central. Even if your kid doesn't want to gear up, he'll see fish swimming around him.

  • Honolulu.gov/parks

14 of 21

15 of 21

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

14. South Beach, Tybee Island, Georgia (Runner Up)

South Beach, Tybee Island, Georgia
Credit: Photo Coutesy Tybee Island Tourism Council

This sand dune-laden beach about 20 miles from Savannah is a hop, skip, and jump from the Tybee Marine Science Center (it offers low-cost beach discovery walks for families) and the Tybee Pier (for awesome fishing).

  • tybeevisit.com

15 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 21

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

15. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware (Runner Up)

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Credit: Photo Courtesy Southern Delaware Tourism

Families flock to this beach town for its clean water and well-known boardwalk chock full of kiddie rides.

  • visitsoutherndelaware.com

16 of 21

17 of 21

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

16. Misquamicut State Beach, Westerly, Rhode Island (Runner Up)

Misquamicut State Beach, Westerly, Rhode Island
Credit: Courtesy of South County Tourism Council

This seven-mile long beach gives families plenty of room to spread out. When the kids grow weary of the sand and water, hit the adjacent playground.

  • riparks.com/misquamicut

17 of 21

18 of 21

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

17. Hapuna Beach Park, Big Island, Hawaii (Runner Up)

Hapuna Beach Park, Big Island, Hawaii
Credit: Courtesy Hawaii Convention Visitors Bureau

This beach boasts more than one-quarter of a mile of soft white sand. In the summer, the water is usually calm and crystal blue -- perfect for swimming with the kids. Stick close to the south end of the beach where the lifeguards are.

  • hawaiistateparks.org

18 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 21

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

18. Cape May Point Beach, Cape May, New Jersey (Runner Up)

Cape May Point Beach, Cape May, New Jersey
Credit: Courtesy of Cape May Magazine/CapeMay.com

Bring your nature-loving kids to see dolphins during the summer and monarch butterflies in the early fall. You can also walk to the nearby lighthouse.

  • discovercapemay.com

19 of 21

20 of 21

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

19. Aliso Beach Park, South Laguna Beach, California (Runner Up)

Aliso Beach Park, South Laguna Beach, California
Credit: Photo Courtesy of Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau

Located on the Pacific Coast Highway, Aliso Beach boasts tidepools filled with sea life, volleyball courts, great fishing (and gear rental), and a playground.

  • ocparks.com/alisobeach

20 of 21

21 of 21

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

20. Gulf State Park Beach, Gulf Shores, Alabama (Runner Up)

Gulf State Park Beach, Gulf Shores, Alabama
Credit: Photo Courtesy Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

Among sand dunes and sea oats, this pretty, uncrowded stretch of sand has a modern beach pavilion with air-conditioned restrooms, plenty of shady spots for a picnic, and even a fireplace for chilly days.

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.

  • gulfshores.com

21 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 21 Ranking the Beaches
    2 of 21 1. North Beach at Fort De Soto Park, Tierra Verde, Florida
    3 of 21 2. Coligny Beach Park, Hilton Head, South Carolina
    4 of 21 3. Kama'ole Beach Park III, Maui, Hawaii
    5 of 21 4. Coronado Central Beach, San Diego
    6 of 21 5. West Beach at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Porter
    7 of 21 6. Mayflower Beach, Dennis, Massachusetts
    8 of 21 7. Coquina Beach Park, Bradenton, Florida
    9 of 21 8. Cannon Beach, Oregon
    10 of 21 9. Main Beach, East Hampton, New York
    11 of 21 10. North Beach, Racine, Wisconsin
    12 of 21 11. Siesta Key Public Beach, Siesta Key, Florida (Runner Up)
    13 of 21 12. South Beach, Virginia Beach, Virginia (Runner Up)
    14 of 21 13. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Oahu (Runner Up)
    15 of 21 14. South Beach, Tybee Island, Georgia (Runner Up)
    16 of 21 15. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware (Runner Up)
    17 of 21 16. Misquamicut State Beach, Westerly, Rhode Island (Runner Up)
    18 of 21 17. Hapuna Beach Park, Big Island, Hawaii (Runner Up)
    19 of 21 18. Cape May Point Beach, Cape May, New Jersey (Runner Up)
    20 of 21 19. Aliso Beach Park, South Laguna Beach, California (Runner Up)
    21 of 21 20. Gulf State Park Beach, Gulf Shores, Alabama (Runner Up)

    Share options

    Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

    Login

    Shop | Parents

    • Diaper Bags
    • Maternity Clothing
    • Prenatal Vitamins
    • Car Seats
    • Breast Pumps
    • Maternity Dresses
    • Baby Shower Gifts
    • Baby Gates
    • Pregnancy Pillows
    • Kids Backpacks
    • Shop More Next

    Parents may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on this website.

    Parents

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
    • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • From Our Sponsors this link opens in a new tab
    • Affiliate Program this link opens in a new tab
    • Sitemap

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Other Meredith Sites

    Other Meredith Sites

    • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
    • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
    • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
    • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
    • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
    • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
    • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
    • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
    • Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
    • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
    • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
    • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
    • More this link opens in a new tab
    • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
    • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
    • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
    • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
    • People this link opens in a new tab
    • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
    • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
    • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
    • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
    • Shape this link opens in a new tab
    • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
    • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
    • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
    • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
    MeredithParents.com is part of the Parents Network. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.parents.com

    View image

    The 10 Best Beaches for Families
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.