8 Best Kid-Friendly Beach Vacations in the United States

Gulf Shores

This Alabama beach is known for its soft sand, affordable hotels, and family-friendly activities. Due to the town's Gulf Coast location, popular beaches like Gulf State Park's wide beachfront have white quartz sand and turquoise seas.

Outer Banks

Some of the nicest East Coast beaches are in Outer Banks, known for their mild surf and lush vegetation. This series of North Carolina barrier islands has superb summer weather (80s highs).

Anna Maria Island

This Gulf Coast Florida island offers a relaxing beach vacation for families. Anna Maria Island's beautiful homes, free trolley, and three historic villages inspire families to simplify.

Kiawah Island

A slow-paced beach vacation with 10 miles of beaches and rough wildlife awaits on this South Carolina island 30 miles southwest of Charleston. The island's lone public beach, Kiawah Beachwalker Park, has a snack bar, chair and umbrella rentals.

Destin

This Florida town's family-friendly attitude and beautiful beaches draw multigenerational groups year after year. Henderson Beach State Park and the Shores at Crystal Beach Park have exquisite white sand and emerald sea.

Hawaii - The Big Island

Despite being less visited and cheaper than Maui or Oahu, The Big Island has some of Hawaii's best beaches. La'aloa (White Sands Beach Park) in Kona is great for surfing and boogie boarding.

Hilton Head

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is ideal for relaxing families. Hit the beach at Driessen Beach Park or Coligny Beach Park to escape the summer heat (90s). Walk or bike through Harbour Town and climb the red-and-white-striped lighthouse to escape the sand.

Isle of Palms

With its vast 7-mile beachfront and convenient facilities, Isle of Palms, less than 15 miles east of Charleston, South Carolina, is a perfect family beach getaway. The spectacular Wild Dunes Resort has everything beach.