From coast to coast, these are the top family beach vacations in the US
Frolicking in waves, building sandcastles, flying kites on the beach – the best family beach vacations offer plenty of opportunities for enjoying healthy outdoor fun and creating lifelong memories with your whole crew. What makes someplace a great family beach destination? Kid-friendly lodging close to all the action and land-based attractions for when you need a break from the sand and sun are musts. And, like all good family vacation ideas, the best family beach vacations are safe and affordable, too.
From coast to coast, the U.S. is home to some gorgeous beach destinations (and beach resorts) that offer loads of activities to keep all ages happy in and out of the water. Here are the top spots to consider for your next family beach vacation.
1. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
For a quintessential family beach vacation in the northeast, head to Cape Cod, the hook-shaped peninsula on Massachusetts's coast. Yes, this popular New England weekend getaway spot bustles with tourists in the summer months, for good reason. Families flock to the Cape for mini-golfing, traipsing around sand dunes, comparing ice cream stands, gobbling up lobster rolls, spotting whales, and simply admiring the gray cedar shake houses adorned with colorful buoys.
Cape Cod is composed of 15 different towns and many more picturesque coastal villages. Just one option for your home base is Barnstable, the area's largest town that's also home to the villages of Hyannis (a travel hub with an airport and ferry terminal) and Hyannis Port (the summer home of former President John F. Kennedy and his family). Barnstable's Sandy Neck Beach is eight miles long and a great spot for riding fat tire bikes.
When considering a Massachusetts beach vacation, consider the Bay State's family-friendly islands, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.
▶ Where to stay on Cape Cod
Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod in Hyannis (formerly Cape Codder Resort) has family-friendly special deals and packages and an indoor water park—ideal for rainy-day fun in case the weather doesn't cooperate with your family beach vacation.
OVERSEAS ADVENTURES: Crowded but worth it, these popular European tourist attractions actually live up to the hype
2. Outer Banks, North Carolina
The barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina known as the Outer Banks (OBX to those in the know) are heavenly for families who want to get away from it all. There are no big cities here in this East Coast vacation spot, but rather a series of small towns and long stretches of unspoiled beaches.
Things to do on family beach vacations in the Outer Banks include running and rolling down the East Coast's largest sand dunes at Jockey's Ridge State Park. (People also launch themselves off the top in hang gliders!) Visitors can also walk to the top of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in North America. For water sports, the shallower water on each barrier island's east side is calmer than the Atlantic surf, so head there for mellow activities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
While OBX gets all the attention, other family beach vacation destinations in North Carolina include Carolina Beach and Ocean Isle Beach.
▶ Where to stay in the Outer Banks
From small cottages to sprawling, multi-bedroom beachfront houses, vacation rental properties abound in the Outer Banks. The Outer Banks Beach Club is a timeshare resort that rents one-, two-, or three-bedroom condos just steps from the ocean. It features two outdoor pools and one indoor pool, hot tubs, shuffleboard, and tennis courts.
3. Maui, Hawaii
It's hard to go wrong with just about any beach vacation in Hawaii, but Maui is a top choice for families because it offers several different resort areas to choose from. Upscale Wailea is home to high-end resorts that front crescent-shaped beaches with calm waters ideal for little kids. There's even a paved oceanfront walking path that makes it easy to check out the different beach areas. Just south of Wailea is Makena State Park, home to one of the largest undeveloped beaches on Maui. There are lifeguards, restrooms, and picnic areas at this state park.
To the north, Kaanapali Beach is where you'll find not only white sand and crystal clear water, but also plenty of shopping and dining options at open-air Whalers Village. This family beach vacation spot is popular for whale watching in the winter months, and there's a nightly cliff diving ceremony that all ages will enjoy.
Of course, the state of Hawaii is home to many other great family beach vacation spots. It can be intimidating trying to decide which is the best Hawaiian island to visit, but a few can't-miss recommendations include the sunny shores of Poipu, Kauai, as well as a stay at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa on the island of Oahu.
RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Here are this year's top family beach resorts in the U.S.
▶ Where to stay on Maui
If you're splurging, consider staying at the Fairmont Kea Lani, which is Hawaii's only all-suite and all-villa property on Wailea's Polo Beach. Here, younger children might like to feed the koi or make new friends at the pool, while teens can go sea kayaking, learn to hula, or make leis.
4. Sanibel Island, Florida
No need for a ferry or plane ride to get to Sanibel Island, one of the most popular Florida family vacation spots, not named Orlando. You can motor over the scenic Sanibel Causeway bridge from Fort Myers to arrive at this small, laid-back island community where nature takes center stage.
Even if you've never been interested in shelling before you arrive at Sanibel, you'll likely become a fan of the activity by the time you leave, as shells are constantly washed up on the island's many beaches. Other popular family beach vacation activities here include spotting wildlife at J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, biking along 25 miles of mostly flat recreation trail, kayaking in Tarpon Bay, and fishing – from the shore, in the bay, or on a chartered boat.
Of course, there are many other great Florida family beaches to consider as well. Other top picks include Cocoa Beach on the Atlantic Space Coast, Destin in the Florida Panhandle, and Clearwater on the Gulf Coast. And many of the best Florida state parks have beaches as well.
▶ Where to stay on Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island has taken a beating in recent hurricane seasons, but accommodations, restaurants, and other sites are on the path to reopening if they haven't already. A good hotel option for a family beach vacation is the beachfront Sundial Resort & Spa, which offers multiple pools, tennis and pickleball courts, and a schedule of daily activities.
5. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Known for its bustling boardwalk, amusement parks, old-fashioned arcade games, live entertainment, and other attractions, Myrtle Beach is a classic family beach vacation spot that's affordable and can keep everyone in your group occupied for days. (Maybe even weeks!)
But there's also plenty to experience outside of the action-packed center, where it can get crowded in the summer months. Myrtle Beach's resort area stretches along a full 60 miles of coastline and includes quieter spots like Surfside Beach, which is popular among families for its multiple beach access points and plenty of space to spread out. At Surfside, the different beach areas are cleaned daily and supervised by lifeguards.
For still more great beach vacations in South Carolina, consider Hilton Head, Kiawah Island, and destinations across the gorgeous South Carolina Lowcountry.
▶ Where to stay in Myrtle Beach
If you'd like a little privacy on your Myrtle Beach family vacation, as well as a way to prep and store easy breakfasts, picnic lunches, and midnight snacks, check out Marriott's OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes, where each villa has two bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen.
VACATION TO REMEMBER: The 25 best U.S. family resorts and hotels for a vacation to remember
6. Grand Haven, Michigan
You don't need an ocean to have one of the best family beach vacations in the U.S. The Great Lakes boast some of America's niftiest beach areas – and yes, there are actually waves lapping the shore at this Midwest family vacation destination. Because the swimming here is in freshwater, you won't have to worry about salt in the eyes (or sharks!) either.
Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Grand Haven offers multiple beach options for families, including a state park and a city beach. Then there's dog-friendly Kirk Park, which has a sandy lakefront and many trails to explore. For a quieter spot, check out West Olive.
Other things to do in the area include strolling a historic boardwalk lined with shops and restaurants and making your way out to the pier to snap photos of a scenic lighthouse. There's also a musical fountain where you can watch a 20-minute water and light show nightly in the summer months.
Additional family-friendly beach areas that ring Lake Michigan include Silver Lake Sand Dunes and Indiana Dunes State Park (in Indiana).
▶ Where to stay in Grand Haven
With its pool and included breakfast, the moderately priced Best Western Beacon Inn is a solid choice for family accommodations in Grand Haven.
7. San Diego, California
With its oodles of great beaches, San Diego is always one of the best family beach vacations in the U.S. (and one of our best places to go with kids in 2025). Ranking high for family-friendliness is Coronado Beach, where little ones can wade in tide pools and older kids can go boogie boarding or surfing.
The La Jolla coastline also includes La Jolla Shores and Torrey Pines State Beach, staffed by lifeguards year-round. And with its options for kayaking, standup paddleboarding, sailing, and waterskiing – plus a boardwalk for strolling and sandy beaches for relaxing – Mission Bay Park is a great spot for active families. For non-beach days, family-friendly attractions include the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, SeaWorld San Diego, USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium, and Old Town.
More great family-friendly beach destinations in California include nearby Carlsbad, as well as Newport Beach and Santa Barbara. And for an entirely different kind of coastal vacation, consider the beaches of Monterey.
▶ Where to stay in San Diego
The grand dame of beachfront accommodations in San Diego is the historic Hotel del Coronado, which dates back to 1888. "The Del" is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, so you may enjoy special perks with a Hilton Honors loyalty program membership.
WATERFRONT WONDERS: 17 best lake resorts and hotels in the U.S. for families
8. Ogunquit, Maine
Maine may be known for its rocky coastline, but in Ogunquit you'll find long, wide expanses of sandy beach that are among the most popular family beaches in New England during the summer vacation months. Ogunquit Beach is a peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Ogunquit River. Adjacent Footbridge Beach, easily accessed by—you guessed it—a footbridge across the river, is typically less crowded. Both beaches are staffed by lifeguards.
Marginal Way is a paved cliff walk offering fabulous views of the ocean, and there are several benches along the way if the kids' legs get tired. The local trolley can be a fun adventure—and useful, too. In the summer, parking for shopping and dining can be hard to come by, so it's often more convenient to take public transportation.
Other popular family beach vacations in Maine include stays in Kennebunkport, York, and Old Orchard Beach. New England's largest outdoor water park, family-friendly Water Country in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is only a short drive away as well.
▶ Where to stay in Ogunquit
For scenic accommodations, consider The Beachmere Inn with its sprawling green lawn along Marginal Way. From its cliffside location, you can walk right down to the beach. This area is rocky, but has some tide pools for kids to explore (safely, in low tide).
9. Gulfport, Mississippi
You can't go wrong with Coastal Mississippi and centrally located Gulfport as your home base for a nice balance of relaxing white sand beaches and action-packed family-friendly activities. Spend your mornings kicking back on Biloxi Beach or Long Beach, perhaps flying a kite and enjoying a picnic lunch. Then the afternoon can be all about playing at Gulf Islands Waterpark, going on a shrimp boat tour, exploring the Mississippi Aquarium, or zip-lining at an adventure park.
Of course, it wouldn't be one of the best family beach vacations without opportunities for playing on the water, too. The beaches here are great for everything from kayaking to jet skiing. However, you won't find crystal-clear water right off the mainland coast because six Mississippi barrier islands hold in silt and brackish water in the Mississippi Sound. You'll want to head to one of the unspoiled barrier islands for clear water. Popular Ship Island can be reached via commercial ferry service; check the Ship Island Excursions website for up-to-date schedules and visitor information.
Another popular Gulf Coast destination, often described as one of the best cheap family vacations in the U.S., is Alabama's Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area.
▶ Where to stay in Gulfport
Kids Suites at Gulfport's Oasis Resort come with a set of bunk beds and a king bed. Guests have access to a water playground with a zero-entry pool, lazy river, and two giant waterslides—and the beach is just steps away.
WET AND WILD: Orlando's wildest hotel pools and water parks are so cool that your kids will never want to leave
10. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach fronts both the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, providing a variety of experiences for family beach vacations (even in the cooler fall months). Spend the day at the lifeguarded beach and stroll the three-mile boardwalk along the oceanfront for loads of action, from street entertainers and live music to bike rentals and ice cream shops. And don't forget to snap a family photo in front of the massive King Neptune statue.
For quieter adventures, you can go kayaking along the Back Bay in the laid-back community of Sandbridge. Or spend the day enjoying the calm waters and the local vibe of Chesapeake Bay. Off the water, Virginia Beach is home to an aquarium, amusement park, laser tag, indoor skydiving, mini golf, and many more attractions for the entire family to enjoy.
Other family-friendly beach destinations in Virginia include Cape Charles and Chincoteague Island.
▶ Where to stay in Virginia Beach
There are plenty of budget-friendly Virginia Beach hotels near the oceanfront, but if you're willing to spend a bit more, get pampered at The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club. The elegant accommodations may not impress your toddler, but you'll likely appreciate access to the exclusive Cavalier Beach Club, Seahill Spa, and Tarnished Truth Distilling Company.
11. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Eighty miles west of Portland, Cannon Beach is all about nature. If you have a budding naturalist, bird-watcher, or marine biologist, this is one of the best family beach destinations in the entire country.
This Oregon town's four-mile stretch of beach is known for its sea stack rock formations, the most famous of which is Haystack Rock, a nesting area for puffins. Many other birds make their home here, including bald eagles and cormorants. The tide pools around Haystack and elsewhere along Cannon Beach are extraordinary, with colorful sea stars, anemones, crabs, snails, coral, sponge, and sea slugs.
A trip to Cannon Beach is more about viewing nature and wildlife, taking long walks on the beach, and playing in the sand than actually jumping in ocean waves. The cool maritime climate means that summer temperatures average in the upper 60s. Pack layers, a light raincoat, and a sense of adventure!
For other Oregon beaches to discover with your kids, check out the communities of Seaside and Manzanita.
▶ Where to stay in Cannon Beach
Families appreciate the spectacular views, included continental breakfast, fresh homemade cookies all day, and library of games, books, and DVDs at The Ocean Lodge. Plus, there's an evening wine reception nightly—score!
From coast to coast, these are the top family beach vacations in the US for sun, safety, and affordability originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com.
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Additional reporting by Beth Luberecki. The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
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USA Today
9 hours ago
- USA Today
From coast to coast, these are the top family beach vacations in the US
Frolicking in waves, building sandcastles, flying kites on the beach – the best family beach vacations offer plenty of opportunities for enjoying healthy outdoor fun and creating lifelong memories with your whole crew. What makes someplace a great family beach destination? Kid-friendly lodging close to all the action and land-based attractions for when you need a break from the sand and sun are musts. And, like all good family vacation ideas, the best family beach vacations are safe and affordable, too. From coast to coast, the U.S. is home to some gorgeous beach destinations (and beach resorts) that offer loads of activities to keep all ages happy in and out of the water. Here are the top spots to consider for your next family beach vacation. 1. Cape Cod, Massachusetts For a quintessential family beach vacation in the northeast, head to Cape Cod, the hook-shaped peninsula on Massachusetts's coast. Yes, this popular New England weekend getaway spot bustles with tourists in the summer months, for good reason. Families flock to the Cape for mini-golfing, traipsing around sand dunes, comparing ice cream stands, gobbling up lobster rolls, spotting whales, and simply admiring the gray cedar shake houses adorned with colorful buoys. Cape Cod is composed of 15 different towns and many more picturesque coastal villages. Just one option for your home base is Barnstable, the area's largest town that's also home to the villages of Hyannis (a travel hub with an airport and ferry terminal) and Hyannis Port (the summer home of former President John F. Kennedy and his family). Barnstable's Sandy Neck Beach is eight miles long and a great spot for riding fat tire bikes. When considering a Massachusetts beach vacation, consider the Bay State's family-friendly islands, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. ▶ Where to stay on Cape Cod Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod in Hyannis (formerly Cape Codder Resort) has family-friendly special deals and packages and an indoor water park—ideal for rainy-day fun in case the weather doesn't cooperate with your family beach vacation. OVERSEAS ADVENTURES: Crowded but worth it, these popular European tourist attractions actually live up to the hype 2. Outer Banks, North Carolina The barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina known as the Outer Banks (OBX to those in the know) are heavenly for families who want to get away from it all. There are no big cities here in this East Coast vacation spot, but rather a series of small towns and long stretches of unspoiled beaches. Things to do on family beach vacations in the Outer Banks include running and rolling down the East Coast's largest sand dunes at Jockey's Ridge State Park. (People also launch themselves off the top in hang gliders!) Visitors can also walk to the top of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in North America. For water sports, the shallower water on each barrier island's east side is calmer than the Atlantic surf, so head there for mellow activities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. While OBX gets all the attention, other family beach vacation destinations in North Carolina include Carolina Beach and Ocean Isle Beach. ▶ Where to stay in the Outer Banks From small cottages to sprawling, multi-bedroom beachfront houses, vacation rental properties abound in the Outer Banks. The Outer Banks Beach Club is a timeshare resort that rents one-, two-, or three-bedroom condos just steps from the ocean. It features two outdoor pools and one indoor pool, hot tubs, shuffleboard, and tennis courts. 3. Maui, Hawaii It's hard to go wrong with just about any beach vacation in Hawaii, but Maui is a top choice for families because it offers several different resort areas to choose from. Upscale Wailea is home to high-end resorts that front crescent-shaped beaches with calm waters ideal for little kids. There's even a paved oceanfront walking path that makes it easy to check out the different beach areas. Just south of Wailea is Makena State Park, home to one of the largest undeveloped beaches on Maui. There are lifeguards, restrooms, and picnic areas at this state park. To the north, Kaanapali Beach is where you'll find not only white sand and crystal clear water, but also plenty of shopping and dining options at open-air Whalers Village. This family beach vacation spot is popular for whale watching in the winter months, and there's a nightly cliff diving ceremony that all ages will enjoy. Of course, the state of Hawaii is home to many other great family beach vacation spots. It can be intimidating trying to decide which is the best Hawaiian island to visit, but a few can't-miss recommendations include the sunny shores of Poipu, Kauai, as well as a stay at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa on the island of Oahu. RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Here are this year's top family beach resorts in the U.S. ▶ Where to stay on Maui If you're splurging, consider staying at the Fairmont Kea Lani, which is Hawaii's only all-suite and all-villa property on Wailea's Polo Beach. Here, younger children might like to feed the koi or make new friends at the pool, while teens can go sea kayaking, learn to hula, or make leis. 4. Sanibel Island, Florida No need for a ferry or plane ride to get to Sanibel Island, one of the most popular Florida family vacation spots, not named Orlando. You can motor over the scenic Sanibel Causeway bridge from Fort Myers to arrive at this small, laid-back island community where nature takes center stage. Even if you've never been interested in shelling before you arrive at Sanibel, you'll likely become a fan of the activity by the time you leave, as shells are constantly washed up on the island's many beaches. Other popular family beach vacation activities here include spotting wildlife at J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, biking along 25 miles of mostly flat recreation trail, kayaking in Tarpon Bay, and fishing – from the shore, in the bay, or on a chartered boat. Of course, there are many other great Florida family beaches to consider as well. Other top picks include Cocoa Beach on the Atlantic Space Coast, Destin in the Florida Panhandle, and Clearwater on the Gulf Coast. And many of the best Florida state parks have beaches as well. ▶ Where to stay on Sanibel Island Sanibel Island has taken a beating in recent hurricane seasons, but accommodations, restaurants, and other sites are on the path to reopening if they haven't already. A good hotel option for a family beach vacation is the beachfront Sundial Resort & Spa, which offers multiple pools, tennis and pickleball courts, and a schedule of daily activities. 5. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Known for its bustling boardwalk, amusement parks, old-fashioned arcade games, live entertainment, and other attractions, Myrtle Beach is a classic family beach vacation spot that's affordable and can keep everyone in your group occupied for days. (Maybe even weeks!) But there's also plenty to experience outside of the action-packed center, where it can get crowded in the summer months. Myrtle Beach's resort area stretches along a full 60 miles of coastline and includes quieter spots like Surfside Beach, which is popular among families for its multiple beach access points and plenty of space to spread out. At Surfside, the different beach areas are cleaned daily and supervised by lifeguards. For still more great beach vacations in South Carolina, consider Hilton Head, Kiawah Island, and destinations across the gorgeous South Carolina Lowcountry. ▶ Where to stay in Myrtle Beach If you'd like a little privacy on your Myrtle Beach family vacation, as well as a way to prep and store easy breakfasts, picnic lunches, and midnight snacks, check out Marriott's OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes, where each villa has two bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. VACATION TO REMEMBER: The 25 best U.S. family resorts and hotels for a vacation to remember 6. Grand Haven, Michigan You don't need an ocean to have one of the best family beach vacations in the U.S. The Great Lakes boast some of America's niftiest beach areas – and yes, there are actually waves lapping the shore at this Midwest family vacation destination. Because the swimming here is in freshwater, you won't have to worry about salt in the eyes (or sharks!) either. Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Grand Haven offers multiple beach options for families, including a state park and a city beach. Then there's dog-friendly Kirk Park, which has a sandy lakefront and many trails to explore. For a quieter spot, check out West Olive. Other things to do in the area include strolling a historic boardwalk lined with shops and restaurants and making your way out to the pier to snap photos of a scenic lighthouse. There's also a musical fountain where you can watch a 20-minute water and light show nightly in the summer months. Additional family-friendly beach areas that ring Lake Michigan include Silver Lake Sand Dunes and Indiana Dunes State Park (in Indiana). ▶ Where to stay in Grand Haven With its pool and included breakfast, the moderately priced Best Western Beacon Inn is a solid choice for family accommodations in Grand Haven. 7. San Diego, California With its oodles of great beaches, San Diego is always one of the best family beach vacations in the U.S. (and one of our best places to go with kids in 2025). Ranking high for family-friendliness is Coronado Beach, where little ones can wade in tide pools and older kids can go boogie boarding or surfing. The La Jolla coastline also includes La Jolla Shores and Torrey Pines State Beach, staffed by lifeguards year-round. And with its options for kayaking, standup paddleboarding, sailing, and waterskiing – plus a boardwalk for strolling and sandy beaches for relaxing – Mission Bay Park is a great spot for active families. For non-beach days, family-friendly attractions include the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, SeaWorld San Diego, USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium, and Old Town. More great family-friendly beach destinations in California include nearby Carlsbad, as well as Newport Beach and Santa Barbara. And for an entirely different kind of coastal vacation, consider the beaches of Monterey. ▶ Where to stay in San Diego The grand dame of beachfront accommodations in San Diego is the historic Hotel del Coronado, which dates back to 1888. "The Del" is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, so you may enjoy special perks with a Hilton Honors loyalty program membership. WATERFRONT WONDERS: 17 best lake resorts and hotels in the U.S. for families 8. Ogunquit, Maine Maine may be known for its rocky coastline, but in Ogunquit you'll find long, wide expanses of sandy beach that are among the most popular family beaches in New England during the summer vacation months. Ogunquit Beach is a peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Ogunquit River. Adjacent Footbridge Beach, easily accessed by—you guessed it—a footbridge across the river, is typically less crowded. Both beaches are staffed by lifeguards. Marginal Way is a paved cliff walk offering fabulous views of the ocean, and there are several benches along the way if the kids' legs get tired. The local trolley can be a fun adventure—and useful, too. In the summer, parking for shopping and dining can be hard to come by, so it's often more convenient to take public transportation. Other popular family beach vacations in Maine include stays in Kennebunkport, York, and Old Orchard Beach. New England's largest outdoor water park, family-friendly Water Country in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is only a short drive away as well. ▶ Where to stay in Ogunquit For scenic accommodations, consider The Beachmere Inn with its sprawling green lawn along Marginal Way. From its cliffside location, you can walk right down to the beach. This area is rocky, but has some tide pools for kids to explore (safely, in low tide). 9. Gulfport, Mississippi You can't go wrong with Coastal Mississippi and centrally located Gulfport as your home base for a nice balance of relaxing white sand beaches and action-packed family-friendly activities. Spend your mornings kicking back on Biloxi Beach or Long Beach, perhaps flying a kite and enjoying a picnic lunch. Then the afternoon can be all about playing at Gulf Islands Waterpark, going on a shrimp boat tour, exploring the Mississippi Aquarium, or zip-lining at an adventure park. Of course, it wouldn't be one of the best family beach vacations without opportunities for playing on the water, too. The beaches here are great for everything from kayaking to jet skiing. However, you won't find crystal-clear water right off the mainland coast because six Mississippi barrier islands hold in silt and brackish water in the Mississippi Sound. You'll want to head to one of the unspoiled barrier islands for clear water. Popular Ship Island can be reached via commercial ferry service; check the Ship Island Excursions website for up-to-date schedules and visitor information. Another popular Gulf Coast destination, often described as one of the best cheap family vacations in the U.S., is Alabama's Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area. ▶ Where to stay in Gulfport Kids Suites at Gulfport's Oasis Resort come with a set of bunk beds and a king bed. Guests have access to a water playground with a zero-entry pool, lazy river, and two giant waterslides—and the beach is just steps away. WET AND WILD: Orlando's wildest hotel pools and water parks are so cool that your kids will never want to leave 10. Virginia Beach, Virginia Virginia Beach fronts both the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, providing a variety of experiences for family beach vacations (even in the cooler fall months). Spend the day at the lifeguarded beach and stroll the three-mile boardwalk along the oceanfront for loads of action, from street entertainers and live music to bike rentals and ice cream shops. And don't forget to snap a family photo in front of the massive King Neptune statue. For quieter adventures, you can go kayaking along the Back Bay in the laid-back community of Sandbridge. Or spend the day enjoying the calm waters and the local vibe of Chesapeake Bay. Off the water, Virginia Beach is home to an aquarium, amusement park, laser tag, indoor skydiving, mini golf, and many more attractions for the entire family to enjoy. Other family-friendly beach destinations in Virginia include Cape Charles and Chincoteague Island. ▶ Where to stay in Virginia Beach There are plenty of budget-friendly Virginia Beach hotels near the oceanfront, but if you're willing to spend a bit more, get pampered at The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club. The elegant accommodations may not impress your toddler, but you'll likely appreciate access to the exclusive Cavalier Beach Club, Seahill Spa, and Tarnished Truth Distilling Company. 11. Cannon Beach, Oregon Eighty miles west of Portland, Cannon Beach is all about nature. If you have a budding naturalist, bird-watcher, or marine biologist, this is one of the best family beach destinations in the entire country. This Oregon town's four-mile stretch of beach is known for its sea stack rock formations, the most famous of which is Haystack Rock, a nesting area for puffins. Many other birds make their home here, including bald eagles and cormorants. The tide pools around Haystack and elsewhere along Cannon Beach are extraordinary, with colorful sea stars, anemones, crabs, snails, coral, sponge, and sea slugs. A trip to Cannon Beach is more about viewing nature and wildlife, taking long walks on the beach, and playing in the sand than actually jumping in ocean waves. The cool maritime climate means that summer temperatures average in the upper 60s. Pack layers, a light raincoat, and a sense of adventure! For other Oregon beaches to discover with your kids, check out the communities of Seaside and Manzanita. ▶ Where to stay in Cannon Beach Families appreciate the spectacular views, included continental breakfast, fresh homemade cookies all day, and library of games, books, and DVDs at The Ocean Lodge. Plus, there's an evening wine reception nightly—score! From coast to coast, these are the top family beach vacations in the US for sun, safety, and affordability originally appeared on More from FamilyVacationist: Additional reporting by Beth Luberecki. The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
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Brits to be flown out of Tel Aviv as Middle East crisis escalates
Brits stranded in Israel will be evacuated amid escalating conflict in the Middle East, the Government has said. Charter flights will be laid on as soon as the airspace reopens. Downing Street has urged UK citizens in the region to register their presence with the Foreign Office as authorities scramble to provide journeys out of Tel Aviv. Number 10 said on Friday morning the situation remains 'fast-moving' and it will continue to be monitored closely. READ MORE: Jet2 issues travel warning to UK tourists flying to popular European holiday destination READ MORE: Asteroid 2024 YR4: City-killer space rock on collision course with Moon could wreak havoc on Earth A spokesman added: "We are advising British nationals to continue to register their presence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, to be contactable with further guidance on these flights." Foreign Secretary David Lammy said work is under way to provide the flights 'based on levels of demand' from UK citizens who want to leave the region. "The UK will provide charter flights for British nationals from Tel Aviv when airspace reopens," he said. "The safety of British nationals remains our top priority." Government advice for British nationals in the country remains to follow local guidance, as well as to let officials know about their presence within Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Land routes out of Israel remain open and British staff are on hand to support UK nationals who have crossed the border, he added. The move follows criticism of the Foreign Office's initial response, which saw family members of embassy staff evacuated while UK citizens were not advised to leave and told to follow local guidance. The Government said the move to temporarily withdraw family members had been a "precautionary measure". Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer continues to press for de-escalation in the region after returning from the G7 summit in Canada, where he and other leaders reiterated their commitment to 'peace and stability'. The Prime Minister has also urged Donald Trump to step back from military action against Iran after a series of sabre-rattling posts from the US president on his Truth Social platform. Sir Keir said there is a 'real risk of escalation' in the conflict, adding that there had previously been 'several rounds of discussions' with Washington and 'that, to me, is the way to resolve this issue'. Israeli air strikes reached into the city of Rasht on the Caspian Sea early on Friday, Iranian media reported. Since the conflict erupted last week, at least 657 people, including 263 civilians, have been killed in Iran and more than 2,000 wounded, according to a Washington-based Iranian human rights group called Human Rights Activists. Meanwhile, at least 24 people in Israel have been killed and hundreds more have been injured. According to the Israeli government, some 22,000 tourists are seeking to board evacuation flights. It is unclear how many of these may be UK citizens. It remains unclear whether the UK would join any military action, although there has been speculation US intervention could require using the British-controlled base on Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands. B-2 stealth bombers based there are capable of carrying specialised "bunker buster" bombs, which could be used against Iran's underground nuclear facility at Fordo. Attorney General Lord Hermer is reported to have raised legal concerns about any British involvement in the conflict beyond defending its allies, which could limit the extent of any support for the US if Mr Trump decides to act militarily. Earlier, Mr Lammy arrived in Geneva for talks with the Iranian foreign minister and European allies as the UK presses for a diplomatic solution to the conflict. He is meeting Abbas Araghchi on Friday alongside counterparts from France, Germany and the EU as he seeks to negotiate a settlement before Mr Trump decides whether to take military action against Tehran. In a statement read by his press secretary on Thursday, the US president said there is still 'a substantial chance of negotiations' and he will make a decision on deploying US forces 'within the next two weeks'. Mr Trump had previously said he 'may' join Israeli strikes against Iran and its nuclear programme, but added: "I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do." Friday's meeting with the so-called E3 countries follows Mr Lammy's visit to Washington, where he met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the White House on Thursday evening to discuss "how a deal could avoid a deepening conflict".
