Beach Destinations | Family Vacation Critic

What child doesn’t love the beach? (Or adult, for that matter?) Beach vacations live in our memories as some of our favorite getaways because they are simple: sun, surf, sand. Families can find vacation rentals and beach resorts, and then spend their days with their toes in the sand. The following are some of the most popular destinations in which to find great beaches, as well as resorts in beach destinations.

CARIBBEAN

The Caribbean has been beckoning families for generations, with islands surrounded by some of the world’s clearest waters. Direct flights from major U.S. cities is making the Caribbean closer to reach, and families can choose islands with excursions in deserts, rainforests and volcanoes, not to mention the time they can spend snorkeling, diving, sailing and more.

CALIFORNIA

California’s extensive coastline extends more than 800 miles and provides a variety of settings. From the south’s sunny beaches of San Diego and Orange County to the north’s cooler, rocky beaches of San Francisco to the Pacific Northwest, families will find weather and beaches to best suit their likes.

FLORIDA

When it comes to beaches, Florida is renowned. The peninsula state is practically surrounded by water with 1,800 miles of coastline. Families can choose from beaches on the Gulf Coast or the Atlantic Ocean, with hundreds of cities boarding the water.

HAWAII

Made up of a number of tropical islands, Hawaii is often on a family’s radar when it comes to getting away to an exotic beach locale. From the bustling Oahu to the powder soft sand of Maui to the purer island of Kuau’i, there are a number of places to find great beaches.

MEXICO

Just south of the border awaits Mexico, with beaches on nearly 6,000 miles of coastline. It’s Central American location is planted firmly on both the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico, with plenty of sunny days and warm waters to enjoy.

NORTHEAST

The Northeast coast features different climates and beach styles to appeal to every age of beach lover. From Delaware’s quiet sandy beaches to Maine’s Acadia National Park’s rock- and tree-line beaches, families will also find popular destinations like the Jersey Shore, Cape Cod and the Hamptons, as well as numerous islands like Block Island in Rhode Island to Nantucket in Massachusetts.

SOUTHERN

The southern half of the U.S. is filled with varying coastlines, including the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. From Virginia Beach to the Carolina beaches to Georgia’s Golden Isles to the Gulf Shores lining Texas, Alabama and Mississippi, families will find sleepy destinations in which to play and relax.

Hawaii
10 Best Hawaiian Resorts for Families
10 Best Oahu Resorts for Families

Northeast
10 Best Cape Cod Hotels for Families

California
10 Best Family Hotels in Santa Cruz, California
10 Best San Diego Family Hotels
10 Best Santa Barbara Hotels for Families
9 Best Catalina Island Hotels for Families

Caribbean
Best Family Resorts in Negril
Best Family Resorts in Ocho Rios
Best Family Resorts in Puerto Plata
Best Family Resorts in St. John
5 Best Family Resorts in St. Croix
6 Best Family Resorts in St. Thomas
7 Best Family Resorts in Nassau
8 Best Family Resorts in San Juan
10 Best Puerto Rico Resorts for Families

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