CONTENTS
22 Destinations To Start Your Family Beach Trip In US 2025
What makes the best family beach trip in the US? No matter what your ideal vacation looks like, it's likely to include soft white sand, turquoise water, and a chilly vibe that can only be found by the sea.
With 95,000 miles of shoreline, the US has a beach for every taste. But not all of them are ideal family holiday destinations. We should consider kid-friendly attractions, safe swimming zones, warning flags, and facilities, among many other things.
For any travel plan, the best family beach holiday should be a slice of paradise for everyone. Kids happy building their castles on their favourite patch of sand, whereas grown-ups are stress-free to reconnect with nature. And here are our favourite shorelines in the US!
US Family Beach Trip - 22 Shorelines To Bookmark!
Whether you're looking for calm and gentle waters for little ones or coastal towns packed with grown-up fun, we guarantee you'll find your destinations here. So, pack your bags and beach gear, and jump into your next seaside adventure!
When travelling to somewhere near water or places with unpredictable climates, a fully waterproof backpack like ADV DRY is worth extra investment. Click here to buy if your trip includes anything from sailing, fishing, and canoeing to any outdoor adventure in unreliable weather.
- Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
- Santa Monica, California
- Outer Banks, North Carolina
- Maui, Hawaii
- Amelia Island, Florida
- Kiawah Island, South Carolina
- Jekyll Island, Georgia
- Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
- Destin, Florida
- Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
- Miami Beach, Florida
- Santa Barbara, California
- Cape May, New Jersey
- Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Kennebunkport, Maine
- San Diego, California
- Nantucket, Massachusetts
- Ocean City, Maryland
- Cannon Beach, Oregon
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Anna Maria Island, Florida
- Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
1. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
Gulf Shores - "Small Town, Big Beach". Photo By Kelly - stock.adobe.com
Sugary sands and emerald waters are what Gulf Shores are famous for. But the beaches won't be the only place families will head to. Parents with a little one in tow can check in at the local zoo and Waterville USA.
Along the 32-mile Alabama coastline, there is also championship golf, surfing spots, and picnic pavilions for grown-ups. Looking for something to bond with your old kids? We suggest your crew cycling along the coastline through beautiful palmetto forests and dazzling lakes.
2. Santa Monica, California
The bustle of LA will fade away once you hit Santa Monica. Photo by Tierney - stock.adobe.com
Santa Monica is often mistaken for a neighbourhood in LA. Yet, it's a city of its own, with miles of sandy beaches and a pier with nostalgic family fun. You can either walk, jog or bike on walking and cycling paths to get to the oceanside playgrounds. Along the shoreline paths, you can find local restaurants, concession stands, amusement parks and an aquarium. If you're lucky, you can join the hippy crowd and enjoy film and live music events hosted right at the Pier.
3. Outer Banks, North Carolina
Wild horse tour on Corolla Beach or boogie board on Kitty Hawk? It's up to you. Photo by DESIGN STOCK - stock.adobe.com
There are up to 301 miles of coastline in North Carolina, so it's a struggle to find the best stretch of sand. Yet, we’re partial to the Outer Banks for its great summer weather and many kid-friendly attractions. From water tours and lighthouses to museums, there are plenty of fun things to do with your kids.
Little castle builders will be happy at the Nags Head's sand dunes, while manageable waves at Corolla and Carova Beach are great for new surfers. On Kitty Hawk or Kill Devil Hills, the water is shallow, and lifeguards are on duty for families with kids.
4. Maui, Hawaii
The famous black sand beach on Maui. Photo by mgfotos.com - stock.adobe.com
When booking tickets for the whole crew to Maui, Hawaii, you know you're in for endless fun in the water or on the land. If sunbathing and swimming are your beach rituals, you have a paradise at Honokalani Beach, perfect for a family beach trip in the US.
There are also up to 30 miles of sand, in any colour, from red, black, to white, across the island to dig your foot into. Be sure