From sprawling stretches of sand with low tides and shallow slopes to beaches with vibrant kid-friendly boardwalks, here are some of the best beaches across America to bring the entire family.
A great family beach vacation doesn’t require a passport, and it definitely shouldn’t involve any travel stress. Hanging in the sand with the fam is all about having fun and building memories — and doing it safely, of course — and those are all distinctly American specialties. The beaches that line our own shorelines are packed with adventures to be had and opportunities to do nothing, but the best kid-friendly beaches fall somewhere right in the middle.
1. Lahaina
Where: Hawaii
The island of Maui is one beautiful kid-friendly destination in itself — even many of the nature trails are accessible with strollers — but some of the beaches are more geared toward older kids (and kids at heart). Puunoa Beach in Lahaina is incredible for little paddlers and their families looking for a safe and relaxing day in the sun. It’s often referred to as Baby Beach, since the reef-protected waters are calm and shallow enough for babies to splash around near the shore. For bigger kids, the beaches right off the Marriott Maui Ocean Club are just a short drive north, with a kids club and fully-stocked activity hut for on-the-water adventures.
2. Cape May
Where: New Jersey
Families can’t go wrong with any of the beaches that make up Cape May’s popular shoreline — like Cove Beach at the end of Beach Avenue, which is great for crabbing and playing in the tidepools — but the ultimate kid-friendly spot is right in front of the Congress Hall resort, America’s first seaside resort. The Perry St. Beach (a.k.a. Steger Beach) has a gentle, gradual slope for younger kids, with a clean bathroom at the entrance and great dining options nearby (don’t miss The Rusty Nail’s live music and nightly firepits). Lifeguards patrol the beach 10 AM–5:30 PM during the summer, and kids under 12 are free (ages 12 and older require a beach tag to enter). Congress Hall guests can opt in for beach service, where staff will set up everything you need for the day — umbrella, loungers, towels, and more.
3. Pacific Grove
Where: California
Just steps from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, this charming oceanfront hamlet is home to one of the best-kept secrets for kid-friendly beaches: Lover’s Point Park Beach. Despite the rough surf and large “sneaker waves” for which Monterey has become known, Lover’s Point Beach is a hidden cove that’s perfect for spotting wildlife or playing in the shallow shoreline. The beach is protected from the chilly California winds, keeping temperatures near perfect year-round — not too hot, not too cold. A beach shack, restaurants, and a scenic hiking trail above offer even more to explore, with wildlife like whales, seals, and otters frequently spotted along the way.
Source: Fodors.com
