These 12 family beach resorts go way beyond sandcastles and sunscreen
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Packing up the kids and heading to the beach is one of the most popular family vacation ideas in the U.S. for a good reason. Whether you're into splashing in the surf, building (and destroying) elaborate sandcastles, or just lounging in the sun with a few beach essentials on hand, family beach vacations can be a relaxing reset for the whole family.
But relaxing isn't all you can do at the best U.S. beach resorts. In fact, the country's most kid-friendly beach hotels offer everything from soothing spa treatments and oceanfront restaurants to cool kids clubs, over-the-top pools, and more water sports options than you can shake a pool noodle at. From coast to coast, here are the most kid-friendly beach resorts in the US where sun, sand, and surf are just the beginning of the family vacation experience.
Why you can trust these picks: Read FamilyVacationist's methodology for selecting and recommending vacation destinations and hotels.
1. Hotel del Coronado
Coronado Island, California
Recognized as one of the best beach resorts in the U.S. and a National Historic Landmark, Hotel del Coronado on Coronado Island (near San Diego) blends more than 130 years of history with modern amenities for a truly unforgettable beach vacation. This kid-friendly beach hotel is finishing up a major multiyear $550-million revitalization to make sure it's ready for its next 100 years.
The resort's 938 guest rooms are located in different "neighborhoods," ranging from the original Victorian inn to Shore House at The Del, where one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences done up in modern beach house style are ideal for families. Spend family time on The Del's private beach or book surfing or stand-up paddleboarding lessons to get out on the Pacific Ocean. The beach resort's Ocean Explorers program for kids ages five to 12 offers immersive experiences at its indoor classroom and out on the beach, with a focus on preserving the ocean and its variety of marine life.
2. Inn by the Sea
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Located in Cape Elizabeth on the Maine coast, the charming Inn by the Sea is the premier East Coast beach hotel for dog lovers. With everything from gourmet pet menus and beach towels to comfy blankets and special turndown treats, the family pooch truly gets pampered at this dog-friendly New England hotel. Don't have a dog in your family group? You can head to the lobby to meet a shelter pup through a partnership with the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland. Guests can walk and even adopt the rescue dog if so moved.
The inn's suites offer plenty of space for families (and dogs) and include kitchens, fireplaces, and furnished outdoor decks. The property sits on a mile stretch of family-friendly Crescent Beach, and a seasonal outdoor pool, schedule of activities (like the Bug's Life program for kids), and complimentary bicycles provide even more summer vacation fun. Sustainability is a focus here, and the inn plants a tree for every guest reservation (amounting to about 7,000 trees a year).
3. Outrigger Ka'anapali Beach Resort
Maui, Hawaii
Situated on the sands of Maui's glorious Ka'anapali Beach, Outrigger Ka'anapali Beach Resort celebrates Hawaiian culture. Families can take part in complimentary activities like hula lessons, lei-making workshops, and Hawaiian storytelling sessions to learn more about the islands' traditions, and there's nightly live Hawaiian music at the on-site location of Maui Brewing Co.
The family-friendly beach resort's 432 recently redesigned rooms are situated in four wings surrounding a lush four-acre courtyard that's also home to the property's iconic whale-shaped swimming pool. Paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and catamaran sails help families get out on the water (and maybe spot some of the sea turtles that frequent the area), and Ka'anapali Beach's many shops, restaurants, and other activities are just a stroll away along a beachfront walkway.
4. Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa
Amelia Island, Florida
Occupying a peaceful stretch of Atlantic Ocean beachfront on Florida's Amelia Island, the Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa features 402 guest rooms with balconies and ocean views. Cabanas, chairs, boogie boards, and beach games can be rented during the spring and summer to make your day on the sand even more enjoyable. Two heated pools, a splash park, and three fire features overlook the beach and offer even more fun for families.
Golfers can tee up at the resort's completely redesigned Oak Marsh golf course (reopening May 16, 2025), take on the 10-hole "Little Sandy" short course, or putt their way to victory at the 18-hole Heron's Cove mini golf course. The beach resort is also home to nearly two-dozen tennis courts, seven pickleball courts, and a Nature Center offering kayak and paddleboard tours and other activities. And when dinner comes around, even picky eaters will find something to munch on at the resort's nine dining options.
5. Chatham Bars Inn
Chatham, Massachusetts
Dating back to 1914 and open year-round, the Chatham Bars Inn on Cape Cod has 217 guest rooms and suites along with plenty of classic seaside charm. Book a cabana rental on the inn's private quarter-mile-long beach, or relax by the oceanfront heated pool. Complimentary bike rentals make it easy to explore the area and enjoy shopping on Chatham's nearby Main Street, while the inn's boats take guests on whale watching and fishing excursions.
The seasonal supervised "Kids Crew" program at this Massachusetts beach resort offers hands-on activities for little ones, while activities for the whole family include "dive-in" outdoor movies at the pool, lawn games, and crafts. Grownups can head to one of the five treatment rooms at the inn's spa or work up a sweat at a fitness class or personal training session at the 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center. (And for an indulgent escape without the kids, book one of the exclusive adults-only suites located above the spa.)
6. The Cavalier Resort
Virginia Beach, Virginia
If you want a family beach vacation with options, it's hard to beat The Cavalier Resort in Virginia Beach. Here you'll have three distinct oceanfront hotel choices: the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club (first opened in 1927), the modern Marriott Resort Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and the new Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort. Families can choose the lodging that best fits their vacation style and then enjoy the nine restaurants and multiple pools found throughout the resort.
Open May to October exclusively for Historic Cavalier Hotel guests, The Cavalier Beach Club includes a seaside infinity pool and poolside bar and grill along with access to a semi-private beach. A calendar of activities offers fun for all ages, and the resort's We Scream ice cream and coffee shop makes an ideal spot for an afternoon treat. The beach resort is also home to the country's first in-hotel distillery, which is open for tours and tastings.
7. Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
What makes Kiawah Island Golf Resort one of the best beach resorts in the U.S. for families? Start with the scenic setting on a South Carolina barrier island that's only about 20 miles from historic Charleston. Then move on to the three lodging options available: the 255-room, much-lauded The Sanctuary oceanfront hotel and spa; the 500 resort villas and private homes available as vacation rentals; and The Cottages at The Ocean Course, consisting of four two-story, four-bedroom spaces ideally situated for golfers interested in playing the resort's five championship courses designed by famed golf course architects.
Amenities and recreational opportunities here include a tennis center, luxe spa, three pool complexes, bike and paddleboard rentals, and all kinds of activities for kids and teens. Later in 2025, the resort will open a new activity center at Night Heron Park with a new nature center, eight bowling lanes, an old-school arcade, a family-friendly pub, and two golf simulators. It all adds up to a special spot for both beach vacations and golf vacations.
8. Mauna Kea Resort
Big Island, Hawaii
Whether you choose to stay at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, or one of Mauna Kea Residences's luxury vacation rentals, you'll have access to all that the picturesque Mauna Kea Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii has to offer. That includes three pools (including two kid-friendly pools), two golf courses, tennis and pickleball courts, and seven dining options.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel sits along the white-sand Kauna'oa Bay, and The Westin fronts a stretch of family-friendly Hapuna Beach. Both offer complimentary beach activities like snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and daily outrigger canoe experiences. Hawaiian art and cultural classes, the Mauna Kea Luau, and the resort's "Keiki Club" for kids help guests of all ages learn about the islands' history, while teens can enjoy experiences like the nightly Manta Ray Night Swim. And don't miss the collection of Asian Pacific art at the mid-century Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.
9. The Sanderling Resort
Duck, North Carolina
A U.S. beach resort situated on 12 acres between the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, The Sanderling Resort recently unveiled the results of a major transformation. The 123 redesigned guest rooms and suites (including poolside suites with private fire pits) exude a luxe coastal style, and six vacation home rentals offer another option for multigenerational groups. Opening Memorial Day Weekend 2025 is the resort's newest restaurant, Theodosia, which will draw inspiration from the culture and history of the Outer Banks.
Three private beach access points take you down to the sand, where you can book kayak, standup paddleboard, or surfboard rentals, lessons, and tours right at the resort. (The Sanderling's sandbar makes it a good spot for novice surfers.) Amenities include a zero-entry family pool, adults-only pool, fitness center, and spa with coastal-inspired treatments and views of Currituck Sound. On-site "adventure planners" are available to help you enjoy activities like golf, biking, and tours for spotting Corolla's wild horses.
10. Sandpearl Resort
Clearwater Beach, Florida
Sandpearl Resort sits on a 700-foot stretch of white-sand Clearwater Beach, a regular on lists of America's best beaches. Watersports rentals help you get out on the Gulf, while a family-friendly, zero-entry, lagoon-style pool offers another way to cool off and hosts seasonal activities like poolside movies.
Kids ages five to 10 can head to the resort's Camp Ridley for nature walks, arts and crafts, and scavenger hunts, giving parents time for a yoga session or beach-inspired treatment at the spa. The resort has multiple dining options and a convenient location for exploring local sites like the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. And a recent renovation of all guest rooms and suites has not only amped up their beachy style but also added features like nightlights under bathroom counters and mirrors and multiple USB outlets that will definitely come in handy if you're traveling with teenagers.
11. The Ocean Lodge
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Overlooking a gorgeous stretch of Oregon's famed Cannon Beach, the 45-room Ocean Lodge is one of the best beach resorts in the U.S. for cozy comforts and nostalgic charm. Douglas fir beams and a two-story wood-burning river-rock fireplace set the scene in the lobby, where guests can find coffee and a cookie jar filled with fresh baked cookies throughout the day.
No two guest rooms are exactly alike at this Oregon beach resort, but they all have mini-refrigerators, microwaves, and gas fireplaces, and some feature decks and patios for enjoying ocean views. Select rooms are also pet-friendly, and the lodge offers a dog wash on the front lawn for rinsing off after a day at the beach. The grownups can partake in the daily evening wine reception or get a nightcap delivered to their room, while everyone in the family is free to enjoy the hotel's collection of games, books, and movies during a stay.
12. The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Part of the Hilton brand, The Lodge at Gulf State Park is an environmentally friendly family beach resort designed for get-away-from-it-all, nature-filled escapes. Built to meet LEED Gold standards, The Lodge offers 350 guest rooms (including 20 suites) done up in casual contemporary style with views of the Gulf of Mexico or Gulf State Park and a window that opens slightly "to allow the gulf breezes into the room."
Amenities include a gulf-front infinity edge pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, and three gulf-front restaurants (including a family-friendly poolside bar and grill). The hotel sits within the 6,150-acre state park, which features two miles of beach, 28 miles of hiking trails, lakes for fishing and paddling, an Interpretive Center with exhibits, a fishing pier, and outfitters offering standup paddleboard, kayak, and bike rentals.
This year's top family beach resorts in the US originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com.
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The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
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6 days ago
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This May Be The Most Unique National Park in the U.S.—and It Has Historic Bathhouses, Thermal Springs, and a Brewery
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National Geographic
7 days ago
- National Geographic
Planning the next family trip? Look to Galveston
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Stretched along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico in Texas, Galveston is where maritime history, ornate Victorian mansions and a decidedly Floridian beach-town vibe seamlessly blend. A popular choice among late-1800s holidaying elites and investors looking for new prospects, this barrier island became the richest city in the state, packing Southern charm and wild decadence into its gilded mansion-lined streets. Today, it's evolved into a year-round destination with things to do for all ages. It's the variety on offer that's especially appealing, from immersive museums and world-class animal education centres to attractions focusing on much more than just planet Earth. Plus, the relaxed Gulf-inspired dining scene is well-suited to kids, the city is manageable in size, and gentle Gulf breezes and occasional afternoon rains ensure temperatures stay comfortable. Here's why under-the-radar Galveston should be your next family getaway. Moody Gardens Pyramids are impossible to miss on the approach to Galveston. Photograph by Moody Gardens 1. Learn about animals at the Moody Gardens Pyramids The three pyramids rising high from the coastline, their glass exteriors glistening in the sun, are impossible not to notice upon your approach to Galveston — and yet even more eye-catching exhibits await inside. The pyramids are at the heart of Moody Gardens, a wildlife, education and nature centre with a focus on rescue and rehabilitation and programmes to save endangered species from extinction. The Aquarium and Rainforest Pyramids offer a chance to learn about animals and their habitats, and feature exhibits to help kids (and adults) connect the dots between marine biology, animal conservation and human activity. In the Rainforest Pyramid, animals such as sloths and saki monkeys roam free, and tropical birds flit through the canopy; the Aquarium Pyramid's Coral Reef Lab is dedicated to researching and helping to protect Florida's coral reefs, which are facing a severe bleaching crisis. The third — Discovery Pyramid — features travelling exhibitions and immersive motion-simulator experiences. Friendly sloths are just some of the animals roaming free in the Moody Gardens Rainforest Pyramid. Photograph by Visit Galveston 2. Tour the historic harbour Galveston's maritime heritage takes centre stage at the Texas Seaport Museum and the tall ship Elissa. Visitors can climb aboard the fully restored 1877 vessel and imagine life at sea during the Age of Sail, plying gruelling trade routes around the world. On shore, the Ship to Shore exhibit uses immersive technology — think motion platforms and multimedia storytelling — to bring to life Galveston's seafaring history, from immigration to storm survival. Afterwards, take time to wander the adjacent harbour, where working fishing boats and occasional cruise ships pass by. There are also options to join harbour or dolphin-watching tours, or visit a retired jack-up oil rig to understand the science and impact of oil production. 3. Become an astronaut for a day Just a 45-minute drive from Galveston, Space Center Houston is a must for any kids (or parents) interested in the universe. The official visitor centre for NASA's Johnson Space Center — part museum, part training ground — is where astronauts prepare for their missions. Kids can touch Moon rocks, try out virtual reality spacewalk and space travel simulators, see a Saturn V rocket (used for the Apollo missions) and explore one of two original aircraft used to transport the iconic Space Shuttles. Daily tram tours take visitors to mission control and astronaut training facilities (VIP options grant even more behind-the-scenes access), while interactive exhibits make the science of space travel more accessible. There are also STEM-focused play areas and challenges to test young minds. And with special events, seasonal programming and visiting astronaut talks happening regularly, there's always something new to learn. Plan a whole day to make the most of your time here. Space Center Houston is where NASA astronauts train for future missions and visitors can get a closer look at what the process entails. Photograph by Space Center Houston, Aaron Rodriguez 4. Tour Galveston's historic mansions Galveston's past isn't just preserved — it's celebrated. For history-loving families, a visit to The Bryan Museum is a fascinating dive into Texas and American West heritage. Housed in a former orphanage, the museum's collection spans centuries and includes exhibits on cowboys, Native American culture and early settlers, all presented with striking visuals and thoughtful storytelling. Kids can marvel at historic weaponry, try on period clothing or follow a scavenger hunt through the galleries. Beyond the museum, Galveston's East End Historic District is dotted with grand Victorian homes, many open for tours. Bishop's Palace and Moody Mansion are standouts offering not only an architectural wow-factor but also a glimpse into Galveston's gilded past. Walking tours of the district make for a gentle afternoon of exploring streets lined with trees and historic plaques. Finally, make time to stroll The Strand, once nicknamed the 'Wall Street of the Southwest' on account of it being a hub for bankers, brokers and cotton merchants. The Bryan Museum offers engaging and interactive exhibits on culture and heritage of Texas and the American West. Photograph by Visit Galveston 5. Indulge in Gulf food Gulf cuisine is rich in seafood, while Tex-Mex influences and casual dining make eating out with kids a breeze. Before exploring The Strand and the harbour area, start the day with breakfast at Star Drug Store. First opened in 1886 as Texas's first drug store, it's now a much-loved breakfast and lunch spot, serving hearty portions of fluffy pancakes and other classic breakfast plates, plus shakes and malts. For lunch near The Strand, kids and adults alike will love the Italian-influenced Riondo's Ristorante, offering crowd-favourite pastas and pizzas. If you're introducing the little ones to seafood, head to BLVD Seafood, which serves Gulf redfish, shrimp and soft-shell crab, all grilled or blackened, in a taco, wrap or bowl. Trendy Sugar & Rye is good for dinner, with a New Orleans-inspired menu of jambalaya, Cajun seafood pasta and gumbo (parents and adventurous young diners should try the Texas brisket onion soup). And if you get a chance for a parents-only evening, book at Rudy & Paco for impeccable service, a carefully curated wine list and an extensive menu of South- and Central American-influenced steak and seafood. The grilled Gulf red snapper in Creole sauce is a standout. A 15-minute drive from downtown Galveston, Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center is a great choice for families. The resort features indoor and outdoor swimming pools, access to the Moody Gardens Pyramids, ropes course and zip-lines. The hotel's Palm Beach water park doubles the fun with a lazy river, wave pool and water slides. All 433 guest rooms are spacious and well-appointed. Family packages with two-day passes to Moody Gardens Pyramids from $486 (£357) per night for two adults and two children. This story was created with the support of Travel Texas and Visit Galveston. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
