From coast to coast, the U.S. is home to some gorgeous beach destinations that offer loads of activities to keep all ages happy in and out of the water. Here are the top spots to consider for your next family beach vacation
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Known for its bustling boardwalk, amusement parks, old-fashioned arcade games, live entertainment, and other attractions, Myrtle Beach is a classic family beach vacation spot that can keep everyone in your group occupied for days.
But there’s also plenty to experience outside of the action-packed center, where it can get crowded in the summer months. Myrtle Beach’s resort area stretches along a full 60 miles of coastline and includes quieter spots like Surfside Beach , which is popular among families for its multiple beach access points and plenty of space to spread out. At Surfside, the different beach areas are cleaned daily and supervised by lifeguards.
For still more great beach vacations in South Carolina, consider Hilton Head or Kiawah Island.
Where to Stay in Myrtle Beach
If you’d like a little privacy on your Myrtle Beach family vacation, as well as a way to prep and store easy breakfasts, picnic lunches, and midnight snacks, check out Marriott’s Ocean Watch Villas at Grande Dunes, where each villa has two bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen.
San Diego, California
With its oodles of great beaches, San Diego is always one of the best family beach vacations in the U.S. Ranking high for family-friendliness is Coronado Beach, where little ones can wade in tide pools and older kids can go boogie boarding or surfing. There’s also the La Jolla coastline, which includes La Jolla Shores and Torrey Pines State Beach, staffed by lifeguards year-round. And with its options for kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, and water skiing—plus a boardwalk for strolling and sandy beaches for relaxing—Mission Bay Park is a great spot for active families.
For non-beach days, family-friendly attractions include the San Diego Zoo , Balboa Park , SeaWorld San Diego , USS Midway Museum , Birch Aquarium , and Old Town .
More great family-friendly beach destinations in California include nearby Carlsbad , as well as Newport Beach and Santa Barbara . And for an entirely different kind of coastal vacation, consider the beaches of Monterey .
Where to Stay in San Diego
The grand dame of beachfront accommodations in San Diego is the historic Hotel del Coronado, which dates back to 1888. “The Del” is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, so you may enjoy special perks with a Hilton Honors loyalty program membership.
Maui, Hawaii
It’s hard to go wrong with just about any beach vacation in Hawaii, but Maui is a top choice for families because it offers several different resort areas to choose from.
Upscale Wailea is home to high-end resorts that front crescent-shaped beaches with calm waters ideal for little kids. There’s even a paved oceanfront walking path that makes it easy to check out the different beach areas. Just south of Wailea is Makena Beach State Park , home to one of the largest undeveloped beaches on Maui. There are lifeguards, restrooms, and picnic areas at this state park.
To the north, Kaanapali Beach is where you’ll find not only white sand and crystal clear water, but also plenty of shopping and dining options at open-air Whalers Village . This family beach vacation spot is popular for whale watching in the winter months, and there’s a nightly cliff diving ceremony that all ages will enjoy.
Of course, the state of Hawaii is home to many other great family beach vacation spots, including the sunny shores of Poipu, Kauai ; as well as Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa , on Oahu .
Where to Stay on Maui
If you’re splurging, consider staying at the Fairmont Kea Lani , which is Hawaii’s only all-suite and all-villa property on Wailea’s Polo Beach . Here, younger children might like to feed the koi or make new friends at the pool, while teens can go sea kayaking, learn to hula, or make leis.
