The USA has a plethora of gorgeous beaches with lively boardwalks, amusement rides, ice cream parlors, opportunities for water sports, and many other attractions and activities for the entire family to enjoy.
Here's the list of the best family beaches in the USA.
1. Malaquite Beach, North Padre Island, Texas
If you're looking for the top things to do in Texas with kids, this beach will amaze you. It has a serene white sand shore and a lack of traffic, so children can play safely. They can spot sea turtles and many shorebirds. Families often come here for overnight camping as a great opportunity to fall asleep under the stars while enjoying the calm ocean breeze.
You can also drive to the nearby Schlitterbahn water park and enjoy the exciting water slides and rides.
2. Ocean City Beach, Maryland
Ocean City Beach has a famous boardwalk, stretching three miles along the Atlantic Ocean waterfront. It's free to access, with an abundance of children's playgrounds and popular kid-sized tennis courts. This beach is ideal for swimming, surfing, kayaking, canoeing and fishing. If you come on Tuesday evenings, you can even participate in Family Beach Olympics events, such as tug-of-war battles, sandcastle-building contests, and relay games.
3. Hanalei Bay Beach, Hawaii
Hanalei Bay Beach is a turquoise blue gem and one of the best beaches in Hawaii islands. It's located on the northern coast of Kauai Island, surrounded by picturesque mountains. Hanalei Bay still hasn't been widely commercialized, so it still has a secluded old-school Hawaiian feel. You won't find large crowds or loud music here so you can completely relax with your family.
Beach spots near the pier offer weak waves for beginners. If your children are learning how to surf or boogie board, this is the perfect location for them.
4. Gulf State Park Pavilion Beach, Alabama
Gulf State Park Pavilion Beach is a perfect, crowd-free place in Alabama – one of the best places to visit in USA. It's great for relaxing next to dunes and sea oats. A beach pavilion offers air-conditioned restrooms, showers, picnic tables, a snack bar, and beach equipment rentals. Families can find a pier for fishing, kayak, and bike rentals.
There are miles of trails to explore, an opportunity for surf fishing, and a nature center where your kids can learn about native plant and animal species. There are many interesting places nearby, such as the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and the Fort Morgan historic site.
5. Main Beach – Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz Beach and boardwalk are among the popular places to visit in California, known for their historic and innovative rides and many other attractions. There's an opportunity for kids to play mini-golf, laser tag, and arcade games. There’s also a bowling alley, so the whole family can have fun.
You should visit the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, where the kids can learn about life beneath the ocean’s surface. While here, make sure to stroll down the Santa Cruz Wharf as well. You can spot dolphins, sea lions, sea otters, and whales from the pier. If you want a closer encounter and bigger adventure with these sea animals, rent a kayak.
6. Coast Guard Beach, Massachusetts
Coast Guard Beach is a part of the beautiful Cape Cod National Seashore and one of the best family beaches in USA, with its rolling dunes, marshlands, and large waves. It's perfect for bodyboarding. There's also an opportunity for ranger-led hiking, canoeing, and snorkeling. Historic architecture tours are also offered, and there are group yoga classes for participants of all ages.
7. Coligny Beach Park, Hilton Head, South Carolina
Coligny Beach Park at Hilton Head is an ideal beach for a quality day with your family. The beach has fine white sand that is perfect for comfortable sitting and sunbathing. Shallow waters with flat sandy bottoms make the beach safe for kids who are just learning to swim. You’ll find a gazebo with swings and rocking chairs.
There’s a possibility to rent various watersports equipment. You'll also find plenty of shopping and dining amenities in the area.
8. Clearwater Beach, Florida
Clearwater Beach is located conveniently between Tampa and Orlando, offering plenty of kid-friendly activities. The beach is known for its cleanliness, safe and shallow waters, and walkability. If your idea of fun includes a bit of excitement, you'll be happy to hear there's a possibility for jet skiing, parasailing, stand-up paddleboarding, rollerblading, and cycling. You'll find a plethora of family-friendly attractions along the lively Pier 60.
There are nightly street festivals with craft vendors, musicians, and performers. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is where you can book a Sea Life Safari eco-tour for your kids to enjoy an up-close experience with marine life.
In addition to the beautiful beach, Clearwater is a city that offers excellent opportunities for families. Many people come here for a vacation, and after a while, they decide to move and enjoy the sunny weather and relaxed lifestyle all year round. If this sounds like something that could happen to you, know that you can relocate here without any trouble, with the help of a reliable moving company.
You just need to choose the services that suit your needs and budget and leave the rest to the professionals. As soon as you unpack and settle down, you can start exploring the city and its gems.
9. Corolla Beach, North Carolina
The Corolla beach is immaculately kept, and it's not too crowded, so it's the perfect destination for a kid-friendly vacation. The town of Corolla is known for its variety of shopping and dining options. You can take your family to the Center for Wildlife Education or the Kitty Hawk First Flight Museum. You'll also have the opportunity to observe the majestic beauty of wild colonial Spanish horses that roam the shores.
10. Sea Camp Beach, Cumberland Island, Georgia
Sea Camp Beach is one of the best family beaches in the USA, accessible from the mainland via ferry service. Family visitors to Cumberland Island can admire vibrant flora and fauna and go on an educational tour of the island. Since this location is not far away from Jacksonville, many Florida residents decide to have a unique family beach vacation right here.
Kids love to observe a wide variety of animal species living on the island, such as wild horses, boar, deer, armadillos, and many bird species. The beach has grills, picnic tables, public showers, and restrooms available for families to use, and you can even have an overnight stay at Sea Camp Campground.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why these beaches are known as the best family beaches in the USA. Each beach on this list provides the essential amenities families need and want for a safe and comfortable day or vacation. Whichever you decide to visit, one is guaranteed – you'll have lots of fun, and you'll make unforgettable memories!
If, however, those memories turn out to be too unforgettable, the experts from cardinalvanlines.com can help you and your family relocate and finally live your best beach life.