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8 great family beach vacations to kick off summer
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post that is regularly updated with new information and offers. A good beach vacation can be a lifesaver for families after a long school year. Parents can kick back, relax and catch rays while the kids play in the sand and surf. Certain places have all the sun and …
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post that is regularly updated with new information and offers.
A good beach vacation can be a lifesaver for families after a long school year. Parents can kick back, relax and catch rays while the kids play in the sand and surf.
Certain places have all the sun and fun you could dream of, along with top-notch resorts for families. Plan a trip to one of these eight destinations for a great family beach vacation this summer — and remember to slather on sunscreen every few hours!
Amelia Island, Florida
Amelia Island is the northernmost barrier island on Florida’s Atlantic coast, about 30 minutes north of Jacksonville. The beaches here stretch for about 13 miles: Start with Main Beach — dubbed the Family Zone — thanks to its oceanfront minigolf course, playground, skate park and beachfront restaurant.
You can explore a different kind of waterway, the Amelia River, at Egans Creek Greenway. Across its 300 acres of protected wetlands, families can hit five hiking trails, a mountain bike trail, and a recreation center with a playground and picnic area. Kayaking and paddleboarding are also available.
When you are ready for a bit of window shopping and dining, head for downtown Fernandina Beach. You’ll find everything from seafood restaurants to antique markets, freshly made fudge, ghost tours and more.
Where to stay
Every room at the Omni Amelia Island has an ocean view. If that isn’t reason enough to stay there, this resort also has an impressive pool area with two heated pools (one for kids and one for adults), two hot tubs and a splash park for kids; two golf courses; a full-service spa; several dining options; a kids recreation center; and a gaming lounge. Rates at the Omni Amelia Island start at $212 per night.
If you need more space than a traditional hotel room provides, check out the SpringHill Suites Amelia Island. Rooms at this all-suite property sleep up to five guests. The hotel shares some amenities with the connected Courtyard by Marriott Amelia Island, giving guests access to complimentary breakfast, a full-service restaurant, a pool with a poolside bar, a fitness center, and more. Rates at the SpringHill Suites Amelia Island start at $150 or 31,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Cape May, New Jersey
There are plenty of wonderful beach towns to choose from along the Jersey Shore, but we are particularly fond of Cape May, America’s oldest seaside resort town. Life somehow feels slower and less stressful when you are surrounded by Victorian-era buildings lining brick-paved streets and gently lapping waves softly crashing into a sandy beach dotted with colorful beach umbrellas.
Related: Cape May, New Jersey: Weekend getaway in America’s oldest seaside resort town
Cape May is home to more than 2 miles of beaches, and you really can’t go wrong with any of them. That said, Sunset Beach is a great option for taking a walk in the sand to search for Cape May diamonds (aka quartz pebbles) and exploring the SS Atlantus, an experimental concrete ship that wrecked in 1926.
Sunset Beach isn’t the best for swimming, though. If your kids want to hit the waves, head for the Cove. Surfing is popular here, and lessons are available through EcoVentures for anyone age 8 or older.
Most Cape May beaches require a paid beach tag for entry between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. Pricing varies based on the length of your stay.
You can also ride bikes or walk along the Cape May Promenade, which stretches the length of the town’s beaches, visit the shops and restaurants along Washington Street, or visit Cape May Point State Park to climb the 199 steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse.
Where to stay
What’s a charming beach town without equally charming hotels and inns?
Cape May’s most famous hotel is Congress Hall. This historic property has 106 guest rooms, a spa, complimentary beach access (including chairs, umbrellas and towels), an outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant, a coffee shop, an outdoor bar, and an underground club and pizzeria. Room rates at Congress Hall start at $300 per night.
If your tastes lean a little more retro, you’ll love the Beach Shack. This 1960s beach motel has 65 seaside-chic rooms (including some with bunk beds); an outdoor pool; beach access with complimentary loungers, umbrellas and towels; and easy access to nearby dining. Rates at the Beach Shack start at $300 per night, and select dates require a two-night minimum stay.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hilton Head Island has wide, sandy beaches and a quaint, nostalgic atmosphere that make it the type of destination families return to year after year for an annual beach vacation. The island’s compact size — less than 5 miles wide and only 12 miles long — makes it easy to bike or walk to many area activities, restaurants and, of course, beaches.
There’s a decent chance you’ll stay in a resort with beach access, but Hilton Head has several public-access beaches, too. Coligny Beach Park, Driessen Beach Park, Islanders Beach Park and Burkes Beach all have family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, restrooms and picnic pavilions.
Hilton Head also offers several different types of boat excursions on the island. You can opt for an interactive pirate cruise or a sightseeing dolphin cruise, among other options. You should also make time for a visit to Harbour Town, where you can shop, dine and climb 114 steps to get to the top of the Harbour Town Lighthouse.
Where to stay
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa is an upscale beachfront resort on the island’s north end near Folly Field Beach Park. Standard guest rooms have one king bed or two queen beds, hardwood floors and private balconies. The resort has three outdoor pools and four restaurants. Beach chairs and umbrellas are not provided, but a rental station is near the resort’s beach access point. Rates at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa start at $311 or 46,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Related: Best Hilton Head resorts for families
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is on the marshy banks of Broad Creek. It’s a short drive or bike ride (Disney also offers a free shuttle) to the beach, but you can enjoy all aspects of South Carolina’s unique coastal backdrop. Room sizes range from studio suites to two-bedroom villas.
Like other Disney resorts, this one has daily activities, two pools (one at the resort and one at the beach house), and quick-service eateries serving Disney favorites like Dole Whip and Mickey-shaped waffles. Rates at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort start at $200 per night when you rent Disney Vacation Club points through a company like David’s Vacation Club Rentals.
Waikiki, Honolulu
Hawaii has no bad beaches for families, but Waikiki Beach in Honolulu has some particularly family-friendly offerings. In addition to your time on the world-famous Waikiki Beach, you can view wildlife at the Waikiki Aquarium and the Honolulu Zoo and hike the 1.6-mile round-trip Diamond Head Summit Trail.
Related: Best family resorts in Hawaii for a relaxing vacation
Waikiki Beach itself is 2 miles long and divided into several sections. In front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Duke Kahanamoku Beach is a calm, human-made lagoonlike wading pool that is well suited for families with small children. If you want to take on Hawaii’s legendary waves, head to Queen’s Beach for lessons with the Ohana Surf Project.
Where to stay
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa sits directly on the coast. The resort’s standard rooms and suites all have open-air, private lanais with views of Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach or the Waikiki area. The hotel also has a rooftop pool, a game room and a Hawaiian Heritage Center where guests can learn about Hawaiian culture and attend a luau on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Rates at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa start at $272 or 47,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Related: Best hotels in Honolulu
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is in the heart of Waikiki, with direct access to Kahanamoku Beach and stunning views of Diamond Head. With eight towers and more than 2,800 guest rooms, this resort is larger than most. If you can, go for a room in the Rainbow Tower, which is closest to the beach and pool area. Rates at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort start at $300 or 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Nauset Beach, Massachusetts
Nauset Beach is a public beach that spans about 10 miles on the east coast of outer Cape Cod in Orleans, Massachusetts. During the summer months, outdoor showers, picnic tables, food trucks, rental gear like chairs and umbrellas, and restrooms with changing rooms are available for beachgoers. Lifeguards are also on duty during the summer season.
You can get farther out in the water and search for seals and whales on a private (up to six guests) boat tour with Harbor Seal Boat Tours (open seasonally), or put away the swimsuits and pick up some clubs at Cape Escape Adventure Golf, a nautical-themed 18-hole miniature golf course.
Where to stay
Nauset Beach Inn is a beachfront resort where standard rooms start at $289 per night and sleep up to four guests; cottages sleep up to six. Guests can also take advantage of complimentary kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals (available seasonally).
Or use your Hilton points at AutoCamp Cape Cod in the lower Cape in Falmouth, about an hour’s drive from Nauset Beach. This glamping resort offers luxury tents and Airstreams of various sizes in close proximity to the ocean. Rates start at $154 or 62,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Palm Beach, Aruba
If calm, gin-clear waters are what you’re after, look no further than Palm Beach on Aruba’s west coast. The tranquil water makes it a perfect spot for families with young children who are timid around big waves. There’s plenty of shallow water for splashing around, and the beach is wide and long. Plus, the weather is practically perfect no matter when you visit, and Aruba is located outside the hurricane belt.
There is a popular community playground at Neptali Henriquez Park if your kids need to release some energy. There’s lots of sand to play in. Plus, you’ll find a large climbing structure and slides. Palm Beach is also home to the Aruba Surf and Paddle School, which offers rentals and lessons.
Where to stay
The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino is right on Palm Beach and sits within walking distance of many area shops and restaurants. On-site, you’ll find a casino, a spa, multiple pools and a kid-friendly waterslide. Rooms sleep up to four (more than that requires connecting rooms). The Hyatt Regency Aruba is a World of Hyatt Category 7 property, and standard rooms start at $508 or 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night for off-peak dates.
The new St. Regis Aruba is a step up from the Hyatt Regency in the luxury department, but that also means higher prices. The resort has four restaurants, a spa, a casino, and rooms and suites that sleep up to four guests. Rates start at $795 or 79,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Aruba also has a number of wonderful all-inclusive resorts, some right on Palm Beach.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Situated along the southern coast of Maine, Kennebunkport is a popular beach destination for families. The village has three main beach areas — Gooch’s Beach, Middle Beach and Mother’s Beach. All three require beach passes for parking during the summer season.
Mother’s Beach has a wide stretch of soft sand, a large playground and tidal pools for kids to explore. Gooch’s Beach is another great choice, with high-tide swells just begging for a surfboard or boogie board.
If you want to test your lobstering skills, book a sightseeing cruise with Rugosa Lobster Tours. While you explore the coastline, you’ll learn about lobster fishing and can even try your hand at hauling in the traps.
No trip to Kennebunkport would be complete without a visit to the shops, galleries and restaurants along Dock Square. Kids will especially love homemade fudge and saltwater taffy from The Candyman. For a parent-friendly treat, Batson River Brewing is just a short walk away.
Where to stay
White Barn Inn & Spa is a luxury retreat with standard rooms, suites, cottages and even a houseboat. The property also has an outdoor pool, on-site dining and a full-service spa. For additional benefits like early check-in, late checkout, complimentary breakfast and a property credit to use during your stay, book with an eligible American Express card through the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts program. Rates at White Barn Inn & Spa start at $539 per night.
Hidden Pond is also bookable through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts. This nature-inspired luxury resort offers two outdoor pools, a treetop spa and organic dining near Goose Rocks Beach. Accommodation options range from suites and studios to cottages, bungalows and even treetop lodging. Rates at Hidden Pond start at $434 per night.
For more traditional points hotels, Portland is only about a 30-minute drive from Kennebunkport.
Paradise Island, Bahamas
Paradise Island is a small island off Nassau (there are bridges connecting the two islands) dominated by large resorts. It may be the best beach spot for you and your family if you are fans of water parks, aquariums and the occasional casino visit for the adults in your party.
The small island is relatively flat, and where there isn’t sand, there are towering palm trees and lush foliage. Its tranquil turquoise water and soft white sand are also ideal for families. With so much to do, you won’t likely need to leave your resort during your stay on Paradise Island.
Where to stay
Atlantis Paradise Island isn’t so much a single hotel as it is a collection of five resorts built around a central activity area, including a 141-acre water park called Aquaventure. There are also on-property opportunities to swim with dolphins, charter a boat and swim in one of 11 pools.
With multiple resorts from which to choose, there’s a room type for any size family. If you have Marriott Bonvoy points to use, you can cover nights at The Coral, The Cove or The Royal with your points.
Back on the main island of Nassau, Baha Mar also has multiple hotel towers to choose from — including Rosewood Baha Mar, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar and SLS Baha Mar Hotel — and a massive water park. Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is available to book using World of Hyatt points. Rates start at $479 or 25,000 points per night during off-peak times.
If you don’t happen to be staying at Atlantis or Baha Mar, both offer day passes that allow access to their respective water parks.
Bottom line
We probably could have added a dozen more beaches to the list (and maybe someday we will). However, this should give you a decent jumping-off point to find the next great beach vacation destination where you can hang 10 with your family.
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