22 Destinations To Start Your Family Beach Trip In US 2025

What makes the best family beach trip in the US? No matter what your ideal vacation looks like, it's likely to include soft white sand, turquoise water, and a chilly vibe that can only be found by the sea.

With 95,000 miles of shoreline, the US has a beach for every taste. But not all of them are ideal family holiday destinations. We should consider kid-friendly attractions, safe swimming zones, warning flags, and facilities, among many other things. 

For any travel plan, the best family beach holiday should be a slice of paradise for everyone. Kids happy building their castles on their favourite patch of sand, whereas grown-ups are stress-free to reconnect with nature. And here are our favourite shorelines in the US!

US Family Beach Trip - 22 Shorelines To Bookmark!

Whether you're looking for calm and gentle waters for little ones or coastal towns packed with grown-up fun, we guarantee you'll find your destinations here. So, pack your bags and beach gear, and jump into your next seaside adventure!

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1. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
2. Santa Monica, California
3. Outer Banks, North Carolina
4. Maui, Hawaii
5. Amelia Island, Florida
6. Kiawah Island, South Carolina
7. Jekyll Island, Georgia
8. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
9. Destin, Florida
10. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
11. Miami Beach, Florida
12. Santa Barbara, California
13. Cape May, New Jersey
14. Virginia Beach, Virginia
15. Kennebunkport, Maine
16. San Diego, California
17. Nantucket, Massachusetts
18. Ocean City, Maryland
19. Cannon Beach, Oregon
20. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
21. Anna Maria Island, Florida
22. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

1. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama

Gulf Shores - "Small Town, Big Beach". Photo By Kelly - stock.adobe.com

Sugary sands and emerald waters are what Gulf Shores are famous for. But the beaches won't be the only place families will head to. Parents with a little one in tow can check in at the local zoo and Waterville USA.

Along the 32-mile Alabama coastline, there is also championship golf, surfing spots, and picnic pavilions for grown-ups. Looking for something to bond with your old kids? We suggest your crew cycling along the coastline through beautiful palmetto forests and dazzling lakes.

2. Santa Monica, California 

The bustle of LA will fade away once you hit Santa Monica. Photo by Tierney - stock.adobe.com

Santa Monica is often mistaken for a neighbourhood in LA. Yet, it's a city of its own, with miles of sandy beaches and a pier with nostalgic family fun. You can either walk, jog or bike on walking and cycling paths to get to the oceanside playgrounds. Along the shoreline paths, you can find local restaurants, concession stands, amusement parks and an aquarium. If you're lucky, you can join the hippy crowd and enjoy film and live music events hosted right at the Pier.

3. Outer Banks, North Carolina 

Wild horse tour on Corolla Beach or boogie board on Kitty Hawk? It's up to you. Photo by DESIGN STOCK - stock.adobe.com

There are up to 301 miles of coastline in North Carolina, so it's a struggle to find the best stretch of sand. Yet, we’re partial to the Outer Banks for its great summer weather and many kid-friendly attractions. From water tours and lighthouses to museums, there are plenty of fun things to do with your kids. 

Little castle builders will be happy at the Nags Head's sand dunes, while manageable waves at Corolla and Carova Beach are great for new surfers. On Kitty Hawk or Kill Devil Hills, the water is shallow, and lifeguards are on duty for families with kids. 

4. Maui, Hawaii

The famous black sand beach on Maui. Photo by mgfotos.com - stock.adobe.com

When booking tickets for the whole crew to Maui, Hawaii, you know you're in for endless fun in the water or on the land. If sunbathing and swimming are your beach rituals, you have a paradise at Honokalani Beach, perfect for a family beach trip in the US. 

There are also up to 30 miles of sand, in any colour, from red, black, to white, across the island to dig your foot into. Be sure to take your kids to Baldwin State Park, where they can make a splash at the “baby beach". (If you want more affordable family beach destinations Hawaii, check out our post here). 

5. Amelia Island, Florida

Abundant wildlife and historical charm make Amelia Island a great escape for families. Photo by Ruth P. Peterkin - stock.adobe.com

With 13 miles of pristine beaches on the Island, there’s a shoreline virtually everywhere you turn. The best way to stroll the beach is on horseback, so don't hesitate to fulfil your wildest dreams.

You can head to Main Beach for the most family-friendly spot, nicknamed “The Family Zone”. Restaurants, state parks, and mini golf courses will keep anyone happily busy here.

To see the tumultuous past of the “Island of Eight Flags”, stroll along the town of Fernandina Beach. Just nearby, you can also explore the hiking trails, salt marsh, alligators, and many birds at Egans Creek Greenway. 

6. Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Top-notch golf courses on Kiawah Island are crowded in the summer months. Photo by Joni - stock.adobe.com

Only 20 miles south of Charleston, you can find 10 miles of shoreline and almost unspoiled nature to explore. Public beach access is available at Beachwalker County Park, where families can paddle the rivers with their own kayaks and canoes. 

While most folks choose to work on their tans, you can explore the park's maritime forests or hop on a bike to ride along the hard-packed sand. For any animal lover, there are for butterflies, exotic birds, and alligators at Marsh Island Park to observe for a full day. The Island is also home to 5 championship golf courses in South Carolina as well.

7. Jekyll Island, Georgia 

Sun-bleached driftwood on the sand is the most iconic scene to photograph. Photo by Brian - stock.adobe.com

Jekyll Island is a 5,500-acre barrier island off the coast of Georgia with 10 miles of shoreline. While St. Andrews Beach Park draws bird-watchers and Great Dunes Beach Park has picnic pavilions for families, the most iconic and crowded must be Driftwood Beach. Gnarled oak and pine trees scattered along the coastline create a surreal scenery and the whole beach feels like a lively sculpture works on the sand. Grab your camera, as there are plenty of family photo-ops awaiting. 

8. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 

Miles of waves, biking trails and golf courses make Hilton Head so special! Photo by Dorian Shy/Wirestock Creators - stock.adobe.com

There's a reason why Hilton Head remains a fan-favourite year after year. It's an escape for the adults where candy-coloured resorts and golf courses await to pamper even the hardest-to-please. You can also stroll the 12 miles of well-maintained beach, hit the Coastal Discovery Museum, and spot dolphins at Coligny Beach. If there's still time left, check out the famous red- and white-striped lighthouse. 

9. Destin, Florida 

The soft, sugar sand is a highlight. Photo by trongnguyen - stock.adobe.com

No beach in the Midwestern and Southern areas can beat Destin when it comes to the surgery white sand. The sand here is made of Appalachian quartz and will stay cool regardless of the summer heat. Your kids will have a field time building all the sand castles here (they may even attempt to put it in their mouth!).

If you want to steer clear of crowded beaches close to resorts, head to Henderson Beach State Park. With bathrooms, picnic areas, and kid playgrounds, your whole crew can spend the whole day under the sun. Grandparents can also find plenty of spots to cast off at this “World's Luckiest Fishing Village”. 

You can also find a big playground at Big Kahuna's Water & Adventure Park for your little adrenaline junkies. And for parents looking for something to do together, consider booking a bottlenose dolphin cruise.

10. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

A pretty shoreline in Cape Cod. Photo by Fabian - stock.adobe.com

Cape Cod has long been a family favourite on the east coast. It's been a holiday destination for the Kennedys for years, too. Maybe it’s the space, maybe it’s the weather, but no matter how crowded the place is, the classic Cape Cod beach - Coast Guard Beach is always mellow and relaxed, the best place to enjoy simpler things in life. The biggest draw of this spot is, still, the views of the Nauset Spit barrier system that make you don’t want to turn back. And don't leave until you snap a photo of the quaint old Coast Guard station perching the glacial bluffs (and maybe some seals on the beach, too).

11. Miami Beach, Florida

You can fly straight to Miami from almost anywhere in the U.S. Photo by Iluros - stock.adobe.com

When people hear about Miami Beach, they normally think about major party vibes and nightlife (and Spring Break!). Yet, the city also has a lot happening for families, with kid-friendly spots like the Puttshack mini golf course and the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. 

There's a lot of fun offshore like stand-up boarding or jet skiing. But not everything centred around the beach, as deco architecture and galleries in Wynwood and Little Havana offer equal enticement too. 

Española Way is a pedestrian-only street where your family can hang out, shop, and people-watch in a place that feels like a Mediterranean village. The best news? There's a direct flight to Miami from virtually any corner of the US. For the Londoners, it’s easy to catch a non-stop flights with British Airways or American Airlines.

12. Santa Barbara, California

The postcard-perfect coast of Santa Barbara. Photo by unai - stock.adobe.com

Santa Barbara is still our all-time favourite in the Golden State. The city’s got a Mediterranean vibe, with palm tree-lined coasts and crystal clear water. And 300 days of sunshine means you can come and soak in the sun at any time of the year.

If that's not enough to draw holidayers, 20 wine-tasting rooms dotted in the Funk Zone may change your mind. State Street Promenade is also a must-visit of the town, where families gather to eat, shop, and wander galleries and theatres, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. 

This downtown area also leads straight to Stearns Wharf, where your kiddos can try the best ice cream and seafood in town. You can get all of these in just less than 2 hours from LA!

13. Cape May, New Jersey 

Three miles of beaches make historic New Jersey ideal for a cosy family destination. Photo by eqroy - stock.adobe.com

Cape May welcomes families with the historic charm of candy-coloured Victorian homes, quaint boutiques and old streets, all with good views of the Atlantic Ocean. The stretch is also popular for skimboarding, kayaking, fishing, and volleyball. You'll find heaps of volleyball nets at the 2nd Avenue and Steger beaches. Your kids will also love touring this cosy town by riding a go-cart or visiting the free Cape May Zoo. Note that anyone over the age of 12 is required to wear a beach tag.

14. Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach during golden hours. Photo by Tom - stock.adobe.com

Virginia Beach is known for its classic Broadway, which is lined with restaurants, beach playgrounds, retail shops, and kayak rentals. At Chic's Beach, there are calm waters for younger kids who learn to swim.

But the fun is also endless beyond the sandy shores. Virginia also welcomes families with mini-golf, indoor skydiving, and impressive local cuisine.

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center with its 3D theater, boat tours for dolphin and whale watching, and hands-on science programs is another unmissable things to do on this family occcasssion.

15. Kennebunkport, Maine

Rugged coastlines of Maine and the salty breeze from the Atlantic Ocean. Photo by Claire - stock.adobe.com

If you want a slow-paced vacation with a cosy seaside vibe and great seafood, Kennebunkport is the place to be. The three-mile-long Goose Rocks Beach is an amazing shoreline with tranquil waters for the whole family to take a dip. Your kiddos can even board the Rugosa, a traditional lobster fishing boat, to go on a lobster tour or join a whale-watching cruise. 

After splashing, surely make time to enjoy freshly caught lobsters and seafood at a local cafe or diner. Alisson's Restaurant is a nice place with scrumptious New England-style seafood, burgers and steak. We recommend a seat on the 2nd floor with a view of the downtown. 

16. San Diego, California 

Waves are normally more gentle at La Jolla than any other San Diego beaches. Photo by Brian G. Lewis - stock.adobe.com

Home to America’s best beaches, San Diego spoils us with 70 miles of coastline and perfect climate year-round. There’s always a beach for all types of folks. From the gentle waves of La Jolla Shores, and white sands for volleyball matches at Coronado Beaches, to Tourmaline Surf Park for long-boarding.

If you don't feel like moving around a lot, we recommend settling in the iconic Hotel del Coronado. This gives you access to the white mild surf, sugary sand Mediterranean climates and plenty of watersports. 

While enjoying your happy hours at Sun Deck Grill right at the hotel, you can also spot SS Monte Carlo - a sunken ship appearing from the water during low tide.

17. Nantucket, Massachusetts

Come to Nantucket for a memorable New England escape! Photo by jovannig - stock.adobe.com

Just right off the coast of Cape Cod, this tiny island is a favourite summer beach getaway for East Coast families. Your family beach trip in this US state can start at Jetties Beach, where your whole crew can enjoy the pure bliss of swimming and eating. With restaurants, showers, public rentals and lifeguards along the stretch, an all-day beach trip here is almost stress-free. 

On the island's south side, Surfside Beach is a local favourite for surfing and gnarly watersports, plus food trucks if you don't feel like packing lunches. At night, adults can check out Cisco Brewers, a local fav, to enjoy the tasting flight and live music. 

18. Ocean City, Maryland 

No white sand but the beach is clean and well-maintained. Photo by Refrina - stock.adobe.com

Ocean City Beach is perhaps the most popular destination in Maryland. Around eight million visitors come here for the surf and sand each year, especially in the summer. 

Families can find two different personas on the 10-mile-long coast. On the north side of the stretch, rows of condos create a relaxing vibe just great for unwinding.

A more dramatic life unfolds on the south end, where kids can have endless fun with mini-golf courses, restaurants, and the Trimper Rides carousel at the Boardwalk. And don't forget the Thrasher's French Fries - a beach tradition of the town.

19. Cannon Beach, Oregon

Haystack Rock is a landmark known for the colourful tide pools nearby. Photo by TomR - stock.adobe.com

From afar, Cannon Beach is easily recognised with the 235-foot-tall Haystack Rock, which was created 17 million years ago. At low tide, your kids will be mesmerised by the sea stars, crabs and anemones surrounding the tidepools. But visitors aren't coming for this monolithic rock only.

Just strolling along the 4 miles of pristine beaches is a great way to relax. For families looking for a bit of action, the town is a hotspot for whale-watching, elk sightings, and bird-watching. The Ecola State park is another good spot for hiking with the ocean views all around.

20. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

On Myrtle Beach, the sun shines bright and the gentle waves roll by. Photo by Maryna - stock.adobe.com

Myrtle Beach stretches more than a mile of the city’s downtown, and this is a perfect size for a short family weekend getaway (and it’s cheap to boots). From afar, the beach welcomes visitors with its iconic SkyWeel, which takes kids up to 200 feet high to view the Grand Strand and the ocean from afar. 

With 60 miles of coastline, families also have many chances to connect with nature. Some spots are great for deep-sea fishing and jet skiing, while others are ideal for lounging and swimming. 

Away from the sand, you can easily find Ripley's Aquarium, Hard Rock Cafe, Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center, etc., to entertain your whole brood. 

21. Anna Maria Island, Florida

You will return to Anna Maria Island for miles of white sand beaches and blue-green water. Photo by Unwind - stock.adobe.com

Postcard-perfect! This exactly describes the 7-mile-long barrier island that's shaped like a seahorse. There's always a sandy, palm-shared beach in every corner. Hit Bean Point Beach if anyone in your crew is into wildlife preservation, or Manatee Public Beach for playing volleyball and taking a dip with lifeguards on duty. On Pine Avenue, treat your families to a meal at Sandbar Restaurant or desserts at Hometown Desserts. 

22. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Rehoboth Beach is a summer escape with a quaint boardwalk and a quieter beach. Photo by Ilgstudios/Wirestock Creators - stock.adobe.com

Families from the East Coast return to Rehoboth every summer for amusement parks, crowded boardwalks, and seafood. On Dewey Beach, just a few miles from the road, there are always boozy beach parties going. 

You can also spot kids splashing in the water while their parents enjoy their bucket of fries from Thrasher’s. If you want to avoid the crowd, Gordon's Pond is the place to be. On your ride along the bike paths winding through a sanctuary, you can spot many bird species playing and seeking their food.

Plan Your Perfect Day By The Beach

The US has plenty of pretty beaches to please every taste, and we hope you know where to go for your next dose of vitamin sea. While sugary sands and turquoise water are a must for a nice beach, we also consider attractions and amenities that appeal to multi-gens when planning the best family beach trip in the US. No matter what you and your crew are after, we hope there's a seaside destination here for you. And don't forget to pack your CabinZero Beach Backpack to make your trip even more enjoyable and hassle-free.

Kelsey