20 Best Beach Vacations for Families, Hand-Picked by Travel Experts
Add these sunny spots to your (sand) bucket list!
Let's get the beach ball rolling on your family's summer vacation! If your family is dreaming of a trip that involves warm water, powdery sand, an umbrella in a drink and maybe a kids' club, we'll run you through 20 "shore bets."
Travel agents and the Good Housekeeping travel team selected these beaches for the wide stretches of sand (cue the castle-building!), gentle surf, variety of nice places to stay and inland highlights. Whether you want to fly and flop at an all-inclusive resort all week or explore museums and shops between surf breaks, we've found just the spot for your crew. Many of our picks won Good Housekeeping's 2025 Family Travel Awards, so you can feel extra confident in their quality.
Mark your faves, secure your PTO, and go, go, go!
New Buffalo, Michigan
Never heard of New Buffalo? Let's fix that! This under-the-radar town on the shores of Lake Michigan boasts pristine beaches, a recreational harbor and a vibrant waterfront with vintage shopping, art galleries and really good food. Oh, and it's just 90 minutes from Chicago! The Harbor Grand Hotel has family suites located near the pool and the best free amenity ever — a basket with bagels, scones and other eats so your crew can enjoy breakfast in bed. And, yes, they also bring coffee.
Wailea, Maui
Home to some of the best beaches on Maui, Wailea is a picture-perfect resort community in the southwestern part of the island. Wailea Beach Resort, winner of a Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award, has the longest resort waterslide in Hawaii. "My kids got on the waterslide 48 times (they counted)!" said a Good Housekeeping tester. "They climbed 30 stairs each time and never seemed to get tired!"
The Grand Wailea Maui also wows families with its oceanfront epic pool complex in addition to a new spa inspired by the Hawaiian moon calendar. While your kids are enjoying Camp Grande, the new supervised club for 5- to 12-year-olds, you can enjoy the wellness offerings at the spa. Meet up at the pool, where the rope swings, caves, twisty slides, waterfalls and even a "baby beach" appeal to kids of all ages.Cancun, Mexico
Even if you're more excited about kids' clubs than nightclubs these days, Cancun is still a hotspot. A Family Travel Award winner, The Hilton Cancun, an All Inclusive Resort, entertains kids ages 3-12 so you have some time to yourself everyday. The preschool-age son of one a GH tester loved the arts and crafts and other activities in Hilton's kids' club so much that he cried when it was time to leave. His parents plan to go back ASAP! Another GH staffer who visited the resort with his older kids and spent a lot of time at the beach reported, "If you want to kick back and relax for a few days and not worry about a single thing from wake up to lights out, the Hilton Cancun All-Inclusive will not disappoint."
Santa Barbara, California
Mediterranean vibes are strong in Santa Barbara, an iconic beachfront locale about 90 miles north of LA. While you appreciate the Spanish Colonial architecture, dramatic coastal views and great wine, kids will have the time of their lives exploring tide pools at Miramar Beach and splashing around in East Beach, near downtown. "The historic Stearns Wharf offers family-friendly experiences, from ice cream and seafood shacks to the hands-on Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History," says Gabe Saglie, a senior editor at Travelzoo and dad of three.
If you are down to splurge on lodging, you won't regret booking The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. Set on 2 miles of sweeping coastline, the resort boasts three saline pools and supervised activities for kids ages 2 and up. A stylish yet more budget-friendly pick, the newly renovated Kimpton Canary Hotel, a boutique property downtown, has a rooftop pool and an array of thoughtful conveniences for families.
Bethany Beach, Delaware
This gem of a beach town within easy driving distance of New York City and Washington, D.C. piles on the charm. Backed by dunes, the beaches are wide, life-guarded and perfect for castle-building. Just behind the beach, a lovely, half-mile boardwalk serves up fun shops and eats. Nearby streets are filled with more indie stores (don't miss the toy store and bookstore) and restaurants.
"Bethany Beach has a warm, family-oriented vibe that made it ideal for a vacation with multiple generations," said a Good Housekeeping team member who visited last summer with her daughter, nieces and parents. They stayed at the newly renovated Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Residence Inn By Marriott, which has the best location in town. "We could get from our room to the beach in less than five minutes," she said. But hanging at the hotel is appealing too. "The large lobby featured complimentary beverages all day — my sister-in-law was obsessed with the infused water. We'd meet there in the morning for the complimentary breakfast buffet and hang out there after dinner." Suite-style rooms, with beachy chic decor and conveniences like a fridge, also have major family appeal.
Sugar Beach, St. Lucia
If you want to go somewhere where your entire vacation looks like a postcard, and features sights that are United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) approved, Sugar Beach is it. "It doesn't get much better than being surrounded by the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pitons," said a Good Housekeeping tester who visited last summer. "The crystal clear, turquoise water and mountains are a sight to behold." While Sugar Beach itself is public, Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, winner of a Family Travel Award, is at its doorstep. "The vibe of the resort is romantic and laid back, and it has a fun kids' club with a mini treehouse inside" so couples with young children can carve out time to reconnect and recharge.
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Stuart, Florida
Half way between Vero Beach and West Palm Beach, Stuart is a hidden gem that's about to get its big break. Next year, Stuart slated to be a stop on the state's Brightline train system, connecting it to Orlando, Miami and other sunny spots.
"Head to Stuart before everyone else does!" says a Good Housekeeping editor. Bask in its wide, lifeguard beach that has amenities like showers, volleyball courts and rolling beach wheelchairs. And when you've had enough of the sun and sand, head to its downtown river walk dotted with fountains, murals and shops. Make your home base the newly renovated Marriott Hutchinson Beach Resort, Golf & Marina.
Ogunquit, Maine
Ogunquit means "beautiful place by the sea," and we can't think of a better name for this charming beach town. More than 3 miles of sandy shoreline, a progressive arts scene and a variety of whale-watching and lighthouse cruises appeal to families of all ages. After walking along Marginal Path, a stroller-friendly paved route that will take you past fairytale-esque hotels, you'll wind up in a quaint village full of shops, restaurants and art galleries. Good Housekeeping testers plan to stay at Dunes on the Waterfront (pictured) this summer; its newly renovated charming cottages (some with bunk beds) appeal to families and groups of besties.
Oceanside, California
Just 35 minutes from the San Diego Airport, Oceanside is the quintessential southern California beach town, says Henley Vazquez, co-founder of the travel agency Fora and mom of three. "There are no Starbucks or chain restaurants," she says. "It's mom-and-pop shops all the way." Vazquez's go-to in town is The Seabird Resort , which won a Family Travel Award in 2024. A new Hyatt property, Seabird has a great price point," she says. The GH team also liked its stylish rooms, kids' club and variety of activities.
Seabrook, Washington
A beach town founded 20 years ago, Seabrook, a Family Travel Award winning-destination, seems to have read parents' minds. Among its 500+ vacation homes (with many available to rent), they built playgrounds, indoor and outdoor pools, an arcade, restaurants, a grocer and even a bookstore. About 2 1/2 hours west of Seattle, Seabrook is a place where you leave your car parked (in the rental's garage) and walk or bike everywhere. "Many parents feel comfortable about giving their older kids independence here," said a Good Housekeeping team member. As for the beach, it's huge, uncrowded and perfect for flying kites.
South Walton, Florida
South Walton is actually a collection of 16 beach neighborhoods that run along Route 30A in Florida's panhandle. This 26-mile stretch of sand is a paradise for families, according to Fora travel agent Gray Grandy. "The water is crystal clear and calm. The sand is pure sugar. Each little village or town has its very own personality," Grandy says. "You can spend a different day in each area and never get tired of exploring!" She suggests that families stay at the WaterColor Inn & Resort in Santa Rosa Beach: "The family pool is a kid's dream and the beach club right on the water makes you feel like you're instantly transported to the Caribbean!"
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Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama
Grandparents want to join you on a beach vacation? Bring the whole gang to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. Vacation rentals abound in the region's 32 miles of coastline — and that's where a Good Housekeeping editor and her niece stayed on a recent visit. "I had no idea that there were such beautiful beaches in Alabama, and neither did any of my family or friends that I talked to. It's a hidden gem!" she said.
Although there's so much to do in the area for all ages — including boat tours and a visit to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo — our staffer's favorite turned out to be one of the most simple: "My niece was so excited by the amount of seashells," she said. "We spent hours digging through the sand, loving every minute of it."
It's easier than ever to get to Gulf Shores International Airport thanks to new nonstop flights on Allegiant Airlines from six cities, including Houston and Kansas City.
Honolulu, Hawaii
If your state capital looked like this, you'd probably never want to leave. Honolulu's famed Waikiki Beach is even more epic IRL, and provides family conveniences like picnic tables, restrooms and lifeguards. While other beachy spots in the state aren't as bustling, they're likely to be more expensive. Honolulu is packed with places to stay — and, lucky for you, the abundance of rooms keeps rates reasonable.
On her first trip to Hawaii, a Good Housekeeping team member stayed at the recently renovated Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort, a Family Travel Award winner. "There’s easy access to Waikiki Beach directly from the hotel, which has a small boardwalk that goes directly to the sand," she said. "We also appreciated the location is also very close to the main streets. Directly across from the entrance is the Royal Hawaiian Center, which offers shopping, a food court and restaurants."
St. Barthelemy
A French-speaking Caribbean island, St. Barth (or St. Barts, depending on who you ask) "may have a reputation as an adult playground, but it’s a fantastic spot for families too," says Vazquez. She suggests basing your crew in Le Guanahani, renting a car and beach hopping from Saline to Gouvernor’s to explore. Situated on a private peninsula with access to two beaches on each side, Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth is Vazquez's fave place to stay on the island. "It also has a top-notch kids' club [for ages 4 to 11] plus babysitting."
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Tourists aren't the only ones itching to get close to Cannon Beach's famed Haystack Rock. "We were surprised by all the tidepools with all sorts of sea life surrounding it," said a Good Housekeeping team member who visited with her daughter. "Several sea stars had attached themselves to the rock, and kids were mesmerized."
The town itself is also magnificent: Explore the blocks and blocks of cute locally-owned businesses and be sure to stop for a Tillamook ice cream cone. If you're bringing young children, the recently renovated SurfSand Resort, a Family Travel Award winner, delights young guests with beach scavenger hunts and ice cream nights. With older teens or grown kids, consider the Stephanie Inn, a luxury property that only allows guests age 12 and up. "The service and food were some of the best I ever had," said an editor who visited with her teen daughter.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
There's a reason why so many families flock to Hilton Head Island: Its 12 miles of beach are impeccably maintained. For instance, family-fave Driessen Beach Park — with amenities like a playground and picnic shelter — has with a cool wooden boardwalk that takes you over tidal marshes and sand dunes. Biking on the beach and around town is a big thing and many outfitters have family options to rent. The Sandbox, a children's museum, and the Coastal Discovery Museum entertain kids on rainy days. The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort and Spa offers newly renovated rooms and suites.
Vero Beach, Florida
If your fur baby is joining the beach vacation (after all, they're part of the family), look into the pet-friendly Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel and Spa. A Good Housekeeping editor stayed there last summer with her brother and his pooch. "The vibes were just great," she said. "The staff seemed happy to be there and loved having kids and dogs running around." She also appreciated the hotel's thoughtful touches — for fur babies and human babies. "The hotel seemed to have thought of everything — from being able to hire a dog walker or rent out a breastmilk fridge to having a little sign encouraging you to call the front desk if you’d forgotten anything," she said.
Punta de Mita, Mexico
This trendy spot with a lot of Family Travel Award-winning resorts like Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita and the all-inclusive Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort (pictured), Punta de Mita dazzles families. The beach town on the Northern tip of Mexico's Pacific Coast receives very little rain from November to May and high temperatures rarely exceed 85 degrees. Great weather aside, "the real draw of this area isn’t just the exciting hotels," says Vazquez. "It’s the activities that keep any and everyone busy, from surf breaks for beginners, horseback riding, ATVs, hiking, fishing and boating."
Sarasota, Florida
For a well-rounded beach vacation, Sarasota shines. "It has something for everyone in our family," said a Good Housekeeeping editor who visited with her partner and two children. "From outdoor adventures to a surprisingly sophisticated and mesmerizing look at the circus and the Americana of yesteryear, the options were unique and varied." They stayed at the Lido Beach Resort (pictured), which has a "fabulous family pool family pool that is steps from the white sandy beaches and warm waters."
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Pull up to St. Thomas for a passport-free beach vacation of your dreams. Family-friendly with gentle water and a horseshoe-shaped, wide stretch of sand for sandcastle construction, Magens Bay Beach (pictured) on the island's North coast is family beach goals. You can rent beach chairs and cabanas, take a wildlife-filled hiking trail and explore the arboretum featuring 160 native and exotic trees. GH editors, who visited St. Thomas recently, recommend staying in a vacation rental within a few miles of the beach.
Karen is a seasoned journalist who specializes in travel, book, lifestyle and food coverage. Cicero has visited almost every state with her family (look out Wyoming, she’s coming for you next!). She has spoken at several travel industry conferences, including PRSA and the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Alliance and was previously the senior editor at Parents. A mom who goes overboard for all the holidays, Cicero lives in the Christmas city itself: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
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