10 beach vacation ideas for the whole family

There are few family vacations more quintessential than the classic beach getaway. But there’s far from a one-size-fits-all destination for every family. Some seek turquoise waves and sandcastles while others may need a solid mix of sand time and urban adventures. But the common denominator will always be safety—shallow waters (even better if there are lifeguards), plenty of shade, and clean bathrooms. These stellar beachy destinations around the world—from Pensacola, Florida, to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos—check a lot of those boxes. Read on to see where to go on your next family beach getaway.

Who should go: Families seeking lazy beach days and winding bike trails

The beach scene: Coligny Beach Park was made for families thanks to shady areas, a playground, and a splash pad. For something a bit less crowded (but with fewer off-beach attractions), Foley Field Beach is a safe bet.

Don’t miss: Hike, bike, or horseback ride through 605 acres of scenic trails at Sea Pines Forest Preserve. (Stop by Sea Pines Resort Bike Rentals before you hit the preserve to grab bikes and helmets for the whole fam.) Another can’t-miss is Mitchelville Freedom Park—make sure to read the interpretive signs along the walking trails to learn about the first self-governed town of freed enslaved people in America.

Restaurant report: For classic Southern fare, order “Some Pig” or the NC Brook trout at Lucky Rooster Kitchen & Bar. Head to waterfront Hudson’s on the Dock for seafood (the she-crab soup and lowcountry boil are must-orders), and visit Hilton Head Social Bakery for something sweet.

Where to stay: There’s a kid’s camp at Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort for pint-sized guests between the ages of 4 and 13, offering half- and full-day activities. In addition to a pool just for kids, the Inn & Club at Harbour Town - Sea Pines Resort offers tennis lessons on-site that are focused on introducing young ones to the sport.

Who should go: Families who want a tropical vacation with plenty of culture

The beach scene: Both the Condado and Isla Verde beaches have calm, clear waters and busy stretches of sand—but that’s where they diverge. Condado is in the heart of the city, framed by high-rise hotels and trendy restaurants, and the shoreline is dotted with colorful loungers and umbrellas that can be rented from nearby hotels or vendors milling around the sand. In contrast, Isla Verde Beach sits just outside of town, by the airport, and is more relaxed with large palm trees and plenty of shade.

Don’t miss: Head to the Castillo San Felipe del Morro—kids under 15 get in free. There’s history around every corner at this ancient fortress, and you’ll get the most out of your visit if you opt for a ranger-led tour.

Restaurant report: Grab street food at one (or more) of the kiosks at Piñones, a scenic boardwalk and bike trail near Playa Torrecillas. Brave the line at Kiosko El Boricua for some alcapurrias, fritters filled with meat, veggies, or potatoes (it’s worth the wait). Order mofongo—a traditional Puerto Rican dish made of mashed plantains—at Pannes. And if you have a hankering for seafood, visit El Nuevo Acuario.

Where to stay: If you’re looking to balance your beach time with plenty of city sights, check into the 352 Guest House Hotel Boutique—it’s located right in the heart of Old San Juan, and a five-minute walk from the Castillo San Cristóbal and a 12-minute walk from Playa del Capitolio. For families who prefer a mix of pool and beach time, La Concha Renaissance Resort has three pools to choose from and access to Condado Beach.

Who should go: Those looking for tons of seafood and pink-sand beaches

The beach scene: Elafonissi Beach is a must-visit. It's not a single beach, but a small islet connected to the mainland by a shallow lagoon, which creates the perfect knee-deep watery playground. The pink-sand beach is also part of a nature preserve that’s home to endangered loggerhead sea turtles, which you can see in the ultra-clear water.

Don’t miss: Be sure to spend a day at the Palace of Knossos, the largest archeological site from the Bronze Age. Kids will love digging into the myth of the Minotaur associated with its legendary labyrinth.

Restaurant report: Go all in on seafood. Ceviche lovers will be delighted at the more luxe Ntore Gastronomy & Symposia, and sushi fans will love the rolls and water views at Isola Seaside Restaurant.

Where to stay: Crete is big, so choose your hotel location wisely. Book into the seaside Grecotel Plaza Beach House for a central spot with family-friendly amenities (specifically the kids club). And for east side adventures, Cretan Malia Park is a go-to. Be sure to check out the resort's Little Explorers Kids’ Club, which focuses on eco-friendly activities for kids, and Cretan Soul evenings, where families can pick their own veggies in a cooking class on an organic farm.

Who should go: Active fams who want adventure on and off the water

The beach scene: The world-famous Waikiki Beach has tame waves and folks offering outrigger canoe surfing, catamaran sailings, and surf lessons. (There’s even a free sunset hula show each week at the beach’s Kuhio Beach Park.) Families with small kids may prefer Waiale'e Beach Park along the island’s north shore—the shallow tide pools will keep them entertained for hours.

Don’t miss: To learn more about native Hawaiian culture, book a tour with the Indigenous-owned Ho’omau Hawai’i Tours. There are four options, including a volunteer op to plant and help maintain local taro patches. Also noteworthy is AccesSurf, an adaptive watersports nonprofit that helps those with disabilities tackle the island’s famous waves.

Restaurant report: You’ll find keiki, or kids’, menus in most restaurants across the island. If you’re staying closer to Honolulu, be sure to enjoy a breakfast buffet on the beach at Duke’s Waikiki or dig into fresh seafood at Eating House 1849. Other family-friendly faves include The Sunrise Shack, Moana’s Beach Bar, and Lahaina Shave Ice for a sweet treat.

Where to stay: At the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, kids can enjoy the Coral Kids Club full or half-day programs. The Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort is located right on its iconic namesake but be warned: you’ll have a hard time dragging kids away from the pool and water slide.

Who should go: Families looking to really get away from it all

The beach scene: The island's shores along the Indian Ocean offer calm, shallow waters suitable for young swimmers and beachcombers. Kendwa Beach near Zanzibar’s northern tip has a laid-back vibe, appealing to families with younger children. Paje Beach on the southeastern coast has consistent winds, making it an ideal spot for those who want a more active beach day of surfing and snorkeling.

Don’t miss: Book a walking tour of Stone Town (a former ​​Swahili trading town and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site) with Amo Zanzibar Tours & Safaris. This family-owned business offers a half-day experience just for kids that includes plenty of snacks. Parents have the option of tagging along or joining the adult tour while the kids (safely) explore under the care of their own guides.

Restaurant report: For something special, head to The Rock. You’ve probably seen it on Instagram—it sits on a massive stone off the shores of Michamvi Pinge Beach. Book a table during high tide for an extra thrill—kids will love the boat ride over to the restaurant. For something more casual, try the seafood platter at Fisherman’s Seafood & Grill or Italian fare at the Blue Dongwe Jetty.

Where to stay: You’ll find kids clubs at most places—parents applaud the program at the Mora Zanzibar, which offers crafts, instructor-led watersports, and more. The Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa is slightly more budget-minded and offers family-friendly movie nights.

Who should go: Families who want urban creature comforts at their fingertips

The beach scene: La Jolla Shores has calm waters and great spots for body boarding, but the best part is the large, grassy space located just behind the beach (hint: pack a picnic). At sunset, head to La Jolla Cove for scenic views of the ocean and the hordes of sea lions on the beach below. Plus, Mission Beach’s Belmont Park boardwalk is kitted out with food stalls, carnival games, and theme park rides like the historic Giant Dipper and Beach Blaster, if you’re tired of the sand.

Don’t miss: The San Diego Zoo is Balboa Park’s centerpiece, but make time to visit the San Diego National History Museum and settle in for a show in its stadium-style theater. The films are always educational, diving into the world’s oceans or the mighty T-Rex.

Restaurant report: Fuel up for the day at The Mission—just know the French toast and pancake portions are big, so consider ordering family-style and splitting dishes. For dinner, try the charred broccoli and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere at Campfire or snag some meat-free options at The Plot.

Where to stay: The Hilton San Diego Bayfront, San Diego Marriott La Jolla, and Hampton Inn & Suites San Diego Airport Liberty Station provide spacious rooms with sofa beds—a great option for larger families. If you have tiny travelers in tow, Bahia Resort Hotel has a playground on property.

Who should go: Those who want chill, tropical beaches and tons of snorkeling

The beach scene: The 12 miles of calm waves and sugar-white sand at Grace Bay Beach regularly top "best beaches" lists (including Tripadvisor’s) and while families love it, there are plenty of other beaches on the island that are worth a visit. Little Water Cay (also known as Iguana Island), Pine Cay, Parrot Cay, and West Caicos are also famous for their low tides, making them a hit with families.

Don’t miss: If your kids are strong swimmers, head deeper to snorkel through Bight Reef, where you’ll find turtles, rays, and tons of coral—or hop on a catamaran tour to get access to more remote reefs.

Restaurant report: Snack on fried conch at a picnic table on the beach at Da Conch Shack—you can actually pick your own conch from the sandbar right outside the restaurant. Or enjoy a Caribbean-Italian meal on top of the jagged rocks overlooking the ocean at Vita Restaurant.

Where to stay: If you’re planning on hitting the water, Windsong on The Reef offers complimentary paddleboards, kayaks, and more. Or, book rooms at an all-inclusive like Beaches Turks and Caicos—kids will love the on-site waterpark and bunk rooms, while parents will love that teens can eat their way through the 19 restaurants without any added cost.

Who should go: Multi-gen families—there’s something for everyone

The beach scene: There are 15 public access points to the beaches that stretch across 32 miles. Most of the public areas have picnic areas, restrooms, and volleyball nets but if you want to be close to popular restaurants, prioritize the Gulf Place access.

Don’t miss: Hire a sculptor from Sand Castle University for a hands-on lesson on building the most epic castle around.

Restaurant report: If you’re looking for Southern fare, stop by Lucy Buffets LuLu's for a bowl of shrimp and grits. And the smoked tuna dip at The Hangout is a must-order. For those with a sweet tooth, The Yard Milkshake Bar has over-the-top ice cream sundaes like the Holy Cannoli or Cereal Killer.

Where to stay: If you’ve got a stash of Hilton points, spend them at The Lodge at Gulf State Park. You can get from your room to the park’s public beach in a matter of minutes—plus there’s major fishing on the nearby pier and tons of bike trails. If you’re looking for more space, Turquoise Place Beach Condos offers family-friendly vacation rentals on the beach.

Who should go: Families looking for an easy international beach getaway

The beach scene: Playa Delfines—known for having fewer crowds than its neighboring beaches—features the iconic "Cancun" sign, a go-to spot for family photos. Playa Tortugas is also great for young swimmers and those looking to snorkel and paddleboard.

Don’t miss: Isla Mujeres is home to reefs filled with colorful fish and tons of beaches (North Beach is especially family-friendly—find a comfy hammock at Las Hamacas when nap time hits). To get here, hop on the Ultramar Ferry for a 20-minute ride from Tortugas or Gran Puerto to Isla Mujeres.

Restaurant report: Head to El Socio Naiz Taqueria Cancun for mouth-watering tacos and a whole spread of hot sauces. For seafood, El Kisoco Verde Restaurante and El Oasis Mariscos Cancun are can’t-miss spots. And for traditional Yucatan-style food like puchero (a hearty stew) and cochinita (slow-roasted pork with pickled onions and tortillas), Loncheria El Pocito is the place to be.

Where to stay: Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla is located in the hotel zone, so it's within easy walking distance of shops and restaurants. For all-inclusive accommodations, Moon Palace Cancun and Club Med Cancun are good options.

Who should go: Families looking for plenty of off-sand activities

The beach scene: To avoid surf zones, visit Quietwater Beach and Park West. The Gulf shoreline along Pensacola Beach is speckled with beach loungers, umbrellas, and blankets—but these coveted chairs (available for rent) get snapped up quickly on a first-come, first-served basis, so plan to arrive early. Some beach access areas have mobi-mats to provide wheelchair access to the beach, and visitors can also rent beach wheelchairs.

Don’t miss: Pensacola is home to the renowned Blue Angels flight demonstration team. Time an early-morning dolphin cruise with the Blue Angels' air practice for incredible views above and below the water.

Restaurant report: Some of the best seafood can be found at Flounders Chowder House, (the stuffed flounder is a popular pick). And kids can burn off energy at Laguna's Beach Bar and Grill, which has its own adventure park complete with a three-story ropes course and mini golf.

Where to stay: Portofino Island Resort has a kids’ club and lots of fun seasonal activities for the entire family. If it’s space you’re after, the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Pensacola and the Holiday Inn Express Pensacola Downtown both have family-friendly rooms (plus kitchenettes at the former).