What kind of beach vibe are you looking for?
Tropical
Beach bum
Old fashioned seaside
Swanky
Action packed
Local island
What are you all doing on the beach?
Lounging
Beach volleyball
Playing in the sand
The boardwalk
Lunching on the water
Laying in a hammock
Which water activity does the fam enjoy?
Snorkeling
Surfing
Parasailing
Swimming
A boat ride
None, just relaxing
Plans after the beach?
Hike to waterfalls
Visit the zoo
Go fishing
Go whale watching
Take an alligator tour
Bike around town
What's the budget?
No budget
Loose budget
Tight budget
Evening plans?
Dance and music show
Boardwalk
Waterside Promenade
Beachside dinner
Live music
What food sounds good?
Poke bowl
Tacos
Oysters
Pizza
Lobster roll
Cubano sandwich
Parents only! What are you two doing?
Sunset dinner cruise
Craft beer tasting
Drinks on the wharf
Casino
Nightclub
Piano bar
Hawaii
The ultimate beach vacation! it's tropical, full of breath taking views, and has an endless amount of activities. Additionally, each island has its own unique personality so whichever one you choose you can't go wrong.
Try "The Gathering Place" Oahu for a bustling city life in addition to a variety of beaches. Consider "The Valley Isle" Maui if you want world renowned beaches and beautiful valley hikes. "The Garden Isle" Kauai has jagged cliffs and tropical rainforests. And check out green or black sand beaches and a volcano in the Big Island.
Whichever one you choose, don't miss a luau!
Try "The Gathering Place" Oahu for a bustling city life in addition to a variety of beaches. Consider "The Valley Isle" Maui if you want world renowned beaches and beautiful valley hikes. "The Garden Isle" Kauai has jagged cliffs and tropical rainforests. And check out green or black sand beaches and a volcano in the Big Island.
Whichever one you choose, don't miss a luau!
San Diego - Southern California
Often referred to as "America's Finest City" San Diego has year round perfect weather, 70 miles of pristine beaches, and an array of family activities.
Check out Coronado Beach for white sands, gentle waves, and enough room for all the sandcastles you want to build. La Jolla offers golden sands and jaw dropping views of cliffs, coves, and turquoise waters. Bring your pup to Del Mar City Beach and have the kids cool off in the waves after playing on the play structures.Wherever you go you won't be disappointed.
And check out the renowned San Diego Zoo before you leave!
Check out Coronado Beach for white sands, gentle waves, and enough room for all the sandcastles you want to build. La Jolla offers golden sands and jaw dropping views of cliffs, coves, and turquoise waters. Bring your pup to Del Mar City Beach and have the kids cool off in the waves after playing on the play structures.Wherever you go you won't be disappointed.
And check out the renowned San Diego Zoo before you leave!
Santa Cruz - Northern California
The quintessential beach town- Santa Cruz has a beach for everyone in addition to world class surfing and amazing views.
Try Main Beach for a days worth of fun at the amusement park and boardwalk- in the summer they host free live music and movies! Check out colorful Capitola for gentle waves and a charming village full of waterfront restaurants and local shops. Head over to Harbor Beach to watch the sailboats cruise by then walk over to neighboring Twin Lakes Beach for more sand and firepits to linger a bit longer.
Be sure to hop on the steam train that takes you through the redwood forest!
Try Main Beach for a days worth of fun at the amusement park and boardwalk- in the summer they host free live music and movies! Check out colorful Capitola for gentle waves and a charming village full of waterfront restaurants and local shops. Head over to Harbor Beach to watch the sailboats cruise by then walk over to neighboring Twin Lakes Beach for more sand and firepits to linger a bit longer.
Be sure to hop on the steam train that takes you through the redwood forest!
Ft. Lauderdale - South Florida
Called "The Venice of America" Fort Lauderdale is known as a premium destination for its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and enjoyable events- there are even gondola rides!
Check out Fort Lauderdale Beach for paddle boarding and a surfing lesson, then walk down the Beachfront Promenade for delicious bites and drinks. Bring your fishing poles to less crowded Dania Beach for an afternoon of fishing or watching what the other fishermen snag. Pompano Beach has a kid's playground, beach volleyball, and an interactive water fountain- plus home to 18 shipwrecks!
Wherever you go, make sure to get a sunset picture!
Check out Fort Lauderdale Beach for paddle boarding and a surfing lesson, then walk down the Beachfront Promenade for delicious bites and drinks. Bring your fishing poles to less crowded Dania Beach for an afternoon of fishing or watching what the other fishermen snag. Pompano Beach has a kid's playground, beach volleyball, and an interactive water fountain- plus home to 18 shipwrecks!
Wherever you go, make sure to get a sunset picture!
Ocean City - Jersey Shore
Deemed "America's Greatest Family Resort," Ocean City is a breath of fresh air away from the big beach crowds. It's completely dedicated to families with their numerous kids activities, phenomenal boardwalk and amusement parks, and budget-friendly accommodations -plus it's a dry town so no riff raff to worry about.
Ocean Beach has 8 miles of beach but most visitors head for the 2.5 mile strip that runs next to the boardwalk for access to great restaurants, rides, and shops during their day in the sun. Bring a surfboard to 7th Street Beach, 16th Street Beach, or Waverly Beach. They are dedicated to surfers plus they are guarded!
And you can't go to the Jersey Shore without trying some salt water taffy!
Ocean Beach has 8 miles of beach but most visitors head for the 2.5 mile strip that runs next to the boardwalk for access to great restaurants, rides, and shops during their day in the sun. Bring a surfboard to 7th Street Beach, 16th Street Beach, or Waverly Beach. They are dedicated to surfers plus they are guarded!
And you can't go to the Jersey Shore without trying some salt water taffy!
Cape Cod - New England
Called a geographic icon in American history with almost 600 miles of shoreline, 120 beaches, and divided into four unique sections, Cape Cod has a beach for everyone. Add that to the charming villages and delicious seafood, and you can see why Cape Cod is one of the most visited places in the country.
Check out Craigsville Beach for warmer waters and lots of room to lay out in. During low tide Mayflower Beach has tide pools to look for sea life plus lifeguards, picnic areas, and a small boardwalk. Cold Storage Beach has calm waters perfect for the younger kids to swim or float around in.
Before you leave, grab a lobster roll!
Check out Craigsville Beach for warmer waters and lots of room to lay out in. During low tide Mayflower Beach has tide pools to look for sea life plus lifeguards, picnic areas, and a small boardwalk. Cold Storage Beach has calm waters perfect for the younger kids to swim or float around in.
Before you leave, grab a lobster roll!
Orange Beach - Gulf Shore
Warm waters of the Gulf Shore along with sugary white sands make Alabama beaches a perfect family getaway. Along with the beach, there are plenty of water sports, fishing, golfing, even a 20-acre water park.
Check out Orange Beach for all of the well known water activities, but then try flyboarding or a dolphin cruise too. Don't miss out on seeing the deliberately sunk ship wreckage either. Head over to Gulf State Park Beach lined with sand dunes and sea oats and don't be surprised to see an alligator or deer! Nearby at the Gulf Adventure Center the kids can paddle board, zip line, or kayak.
Don't leave Alabama without trying some freshly shucked oysters!
Check out Orange Beach for all of the well known water activities, but then try flyboarding or a dolphin cruise too. Don't miss out on seeing the deliberately sunk ship wreckage either. Head over to Gulf State Park Beach lined with sand dunes and sea oats and don't be surprised to see an alligator or deer! Nearby at the Gulf Adventure Center the kids can paddle board, zip line, or kayak.
Don't leave Alabama without trying some freshly shucked oysters!
Hilton Head Island - Carolinas
Hilton Head Island is consistency voted one of the best islands in the US, and it's no surprise. With their pristine beaches, warm waters, and abundance of sunny days, Hilton Head is a perfect place for relaxing family getaway.
The most popular beach on Hilton Head, Coligny Beach, is fun for adults AND kids. The kids can swim in the calm waters after they splash around in the wading fountain. Adults can relax at the outdoor beach bars while taking in the beautiful views. There's a playground area at Driessen Beach and a boardwalk that leads you through marshlands and sand dunes for a little adventure.
There are over 60 miles of bike paths so most visitors make a bike their mode of transportation!
The most popular beach on Hilton Head, Coligny Beach, is fun for adults AND kids. The kids can swim in the calm waters after they splash around in the wading fountain. Adults can relax at the outdoor beach bars while taking in the beautiful views. There's a playground area at Driessen Beach and a boardwalk that leads you through marshlands and sand dunes for a little adventure.
There are over 60 miles of bike paths so most visitors make a bike their mode of transportation!