10 Best Family Beaches in the US

Assateague Island is designed for those who love to live life on the edge and explore sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests, and coastal bays. Not only can you explore these landscapes, but you can also spot wild horses, crabs, and birdlife in their natural habits. Located just off the coast of Maryland and Virginia but still accessible by car, this barrier island has plenty of activities to keep you entertained such as hiking, kayaking, crabbing, biking, horse riding, and more.

Camp under the stars at one of the multiple sites and make memories as you toast marshmallows over the campfire. If you want to uncover all the reserve’s hidden gems, join one of the ranger-guided programs.

With live music, more than 90 restaurants, amusement parks, watersports, and other activities, Myrtle Beach is more than just beautiful sands. Located in Horry County, SC, spend a day on the beach at Myrtle Beach State Park. It has a plenty of picnic shelters and restroom facilities, making it easy for you to enjoy a nature trail and some of the best fishing spots in South Carolina.

Away from the beach, you can spend time exploring WonderWorks, an amusement park for your brain with over 100 exhibits to get your mind whirring, including an 84 mph hurricane simulator. Make sure you stop by the Myrtle Beach visitors’ office for insider tips tailored to your needs.

Long Beach is Washington’s hidden gem where you can enjoy hikes taking you up to North Head Lighthouse, and/or Cape Disappointment Lighthouse if you’re up for a more adventurous hike. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the mouth of the Colombia River meeting the Pacific Ocean.

Just 2.5 hours from Portland, you can spend the day hiking or biking the Discovery Trail, before going go-karting or playing mini-golf at downtown Long Beach. Long Beach is also home to Washington State’s International Kite Festival so make sure to pick up a kite as a souvenir.

Just west of Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica Beach is famed for its beautiful sands which are soft under little feet. Take surfing lessons as a family, stroll down the seaside bike path, or visit the iconic Santa Monica pier to experience one of the oldest amusement parks in America.

For little ones, make sure you cool off in Tongva Park which includes splash pads for hot days. Older kids will enjoy flexing their muscles and using the fitness equipment at the original muscle beach.

Clearwater Beach, Florida, is the ideal place to embark on a dolphin cruise and see them in their natural habit. You can then get up close with rescued dolphins and sea turtles at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Just 35-50 minutes from Tampa Airport, you can escape to a swashbuckling family adventure aboard Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise. Or, if you’re looking for a more chilled day, head to the unspoiled sands of Sand Key Park. If your little ones have extra energy to burn off, make sure you pay a visit to the large playground at the base of Pier 60.

Seaside Beach, Oregon is great for families who love to be active and take the more adventurous path. Whether you love kayaking, hiking, biking, surfing, skating, or all of the above, there’s something for you. Carve out a few quiet moments as you explore and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife: elk, migrating gray whales, migrating sea and shore birds, and eagles all make appearances at different times of the year.

A 1.5-hour drive from Portland, Seaside Beach’s old school carousel will delight kids and take bigger kids back to their own childhood memories. A stroll along the 1.5-mile prom is brilliant for families as it offers beautiful views and the opportunity to detour to the beach.

Located along Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is home to stunning sand dunes. Climb up the dunes, enjoy incredible views of Glen Lake, then run, or roll down the sandy hills for a picnic. Kids will love turning the dunes into their own personal play park.

Practically speaking, the Dune Center features a park store and modern restrooms, and a picnic area is available at the bottom of the dunes. Don’t forget sturdy shoes for hiking or jump on a bike and explore the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.

Waikiki Beach, which means spouting waters, has a long history of water activities, dating back to the 1800s when Hawaiian royals tore up the waves on their longboards. You can continue their legacy at Duke Kahanamoku Beach, where you can take surfing, sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling lessons on calmer waters.

A 2-hour drive from Honolulu, San Souci Beach and Prince Kuhio Beach are both particularly good for families as the waters are shallower and partly enclosed, providing a safe swimming environment for kids. San Souci also has bathroom facilities, barbeque grills, and tables, allowing you to spend an uninterrupted day there.

Coast Guard Beach, named for the old coast guard building which still stands on the dunes, is part of what author Henry David Thoreau called the “Great Beach”—20 miles of beautiful sandy coastlines. Approximately 2 hours from Boston, Coast Guard Beach is famed for its brilliant swimming, surfing, and boogie boarding conditions.

Part of the stunning Cape Cod, make sure you try some of the local delicacies such as clam chowder, lobster rolls, cannoli, and of course, ice cream. Be aware that during the summer season, the primary parking area is Little Creek, but an open-air shuttle will take you a short distance from the parking lot to the beach.

Short Sands Beach, sometimes also called York Beach, is affectionately nicknamed “Mother’s Beach” because it’s so safe for toddlers. A playpark which borders the beach doesn’t just offer a source of fun, but also has shady trees and benches for breaks from the sun.

A 1-hour drive from Manchester, NH, Short Sands is designed for family getaways with shops and food within walking distance, accessible toilets, and lifeguards on duty during the summer season. Don’t forget to look in the rock pools to spot some local critters.