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17 Best Beach Towns in the U.S. With Laid-back Vibes and Stunning Coastal Views

From coast to coast, these are the best beach towns in the U.S.

Anne Olivia Bauso is a travel writer and hotel expert based in New York City. She has written hundreds of hotel reviews, from 5-star Ritz-Carlton properties to treehouse eco-resorts in the jungle.

Come summertime, the longing for sea breezes and salt water rushing over your toes is powerful stuff. When the pull of the beach is strong, you may just adopt an "any beach will do" mentality. But there's a big case to be made for seeking out the best beach towns in the U.S., where an easygoing vibe and beautiful coastal views make for an intoxicating combination. For beach lovers who prefer quaint cottages, custard stands, and historic wharves over beachfront go-karts and megaresorts, these are some of the best beach towns the American shoreline has to offer.

Block Island, Rhode Island

A one-hour ferry ride from mainland Rhode Island , Block Island combines a quaint downtown area, breathtaking coastal scenery, and a rolling green interior crisscrossed with low fieldstone walls, reminiscent of a remote British Isle. The village-like Old Harbor has Victorian bed-and-breakfasts, quirky boutiques, and the island's few grocery stores (there's not a chain to be found). It's all about the simple pleasures here: misty mornings, beach walks, ice cream on the front porch, bicycle rides, and afternoon hikes to mighty bluffs overlooking the Atlantic.

Ocracoke, North Carolina

Before it was permanently settled in the 1700s, this tiny island was a hideout for pirates, the infamous Blackbeard among them. Today, the same remoteness that once drew buccaneers lures tens of thousands of yearly visitors. Accessible only by boat or ferry — this is one of the most distant of North Carolina's Outer Banks — Ocracoke offers big sandy beaches coupled with wild nature. Around the harbor are slushy stands, surf shops, family-friendly barbecue restaurants and oyster bars, and old-fashioned hotels (cottage rentals and beach camping are popular alternatives).

Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands, Washington

Catch the ferry or ride a seaplane into this sweet island village near Seattle. This isn't the kind of beach for arcade games on the boardwalk or rummy drinks under a palapa, but rather natural-feeling beaches, independent bookstores and restaurants, and even a lavender farm with views of the Olympic Mountains . Hike along the rocky coastline and look for whales and other wildlife (foxes, bald eagles, dolphins) at Lime Kiln Point State Park , where a 1919 lighthouse keeps watch. If seeing an orca pod in the wild inspires you, a trip to The Whale Museum will tell you all about the marine mammals who call San Juan Islands' waters home.

Edisto, South Carolina

Edisto Island is perfect for a back-to-basics beach vacation. On the itinerary: exploring Botany Bay, the island's one-of-a-kind nature reserve covered in driftwood and seashells; hiking or biking through live oak and palmettos to a 4,000-year-old Native American shell mound; meeting turtles and gators at the serpentarium; and swinging by roadside farmers markets for fresh produce, local Marsh Hen Mill grits, and Key lime pie. (Have one meal at Whaley's , a former gas station serving fried oysters and crab cakes since the '40s.)

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure

By the early 1900s, charming Carmel-by-the-Sea was already the preferred getaway for creative types. Even through decades of tourism and celeb-induced limelight (Jack London was an early fan, and Clint Eastwood is just one of its former thespian mayors), Carmel-by-the-Sea has held fast to its small-town charm . The small, walkable downtown feels out of a fairy tale; its streets are cobbled and lined with shops, galleries, wine-driven restaurants, magical 1920s cottages, and tucked-away gardens and courtyards. To see Carmel's wind-chiseled cliffs and lovely white-sand coves, head to the town's Point Lobos State Natural Reserve , Carmel River State Beach , and Garrapata State Park .

Sanibel Island, Florida

Kelly Griffin/Travel + Leisure

Located on Florida's Gulf of Mexico side, about 130 miles due north of Key West, Sanibel Island is a beachy paradise for nature lovers. The enchanting, off-the-grid-feeling island has an east-west orientation that makes it a natural repository for seashells, and collecting specimens on Bowman's Beach is a favorite visitor pastime (official name: the Sanibel Stoop). A huge chunk of the island is protected, including a wildlife refuge perfect for bird-watching, kayaking, fishing, and picnicking. In terms of Sanibel commerce, there are a few local spots for custard and seafood and a local farmers market in the summer.

Port Aransas, Texas

Clear across the Gulf of Mexico from Sanibel is Port Aransas , the self-proclaimed "Fishing Capital of Texas." Lovers of the sport have 18 miles of beach and chartered deep-sea excursions at the ready. Beyond fishing, there's swimming, kayaking, parasailing, golfing, dolphin spotting, and birding to enjoy. Port Aransas' marshy nature preserves and estuaries are havens for hundreds of bird species, including pelicans, ducks, and the majestic roseate spoonbill, the destination's flamingo-pink official bird. Padre Island National Seashore is a worthy side trip; the undeveloped barrier island offers 66 miles of pristine beach, rolling sand dunes, and lagoon-like waters.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

What put Cannon Beach on the map is distinctive Haystack Rock, a basalt tower shooting 235 feet from the water's edge. With Haystack and many other stacks scattered around the shoreline, Cannon Beach is one of the most striking and recognizable destinations in the state. Miles of beach offer a peaceful backdrop for swimming, walking, kayaking, and bird-watching. Time your visit to Hug Point (framed by cliffs and misty old-growth woods) for low tide, when the ocean recedes to reveal caves and marine life. Forward-thinking regulations have kept overdevelopment and chain commerce in check, helping the town preserve its under-the-radar vibe.

Capitola, California

Escape crowded Santa Cruz for this colorful village with a beautiful bay and delightful waterfront scene. The town is very lively and colorful, with brightly painted houses, a historic wharf, and village shops. Food and drink options range from local pubs and taco joints to the multilevel Shadowbrook Restaurant , a wine-centric restaurant built from local redwood into a steep hillside overlooking Soquel Creek.

Bald Head Island, North Carolina

The marshy coastlines of the Carolinas and Georgia are dotted with pretty, peaceful beach communities (see: Edisto), and North Carolina's Bald Head Island is one of the dreamiest. The East Coast's northernmost subtropical island, Bald Head is largely protected maritime forest, with beach rentals, nature trails, a few cafes, and miles of spectacular, unspoiled beaches. Cars aren't allowed, so guests zip around in golf carts — and on bike, in kayaks, and on their own two feet. Between beach walks, bike rides, and board games on the porch, travelers can visit the state's oldest standing lighthouse (named Old Baldy) and meet native loggerhead sea turtles at Bald Head Island Conservancy .

St. Augustine, Florida

Not every beach vacation coincides with an Old World atmosphere. In centuries-old St. Augustine, culture and coastal nature go hand in hand. The Spanish-founded town is home to peaceful beaches, historic sites, like Castillo de San Marcos (the country's oldest standing masonry fort), and quaint European-style shopping streets, such as St. George and Aviles. Other must-sees include the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum , the local alligator zoo, and St. Augustine Distillery , open daily for tours and artisanal tastings.

Ogunquit, Maine

The Algonquin translation for Ogunquit is "beautiful place by the sea," and the town more than lives up to its moniker. Ogunquit's wide, white-sand beaches are far from the typical rocky Maine shoreline. For a taste of classic coastal Maine , walk the clifftop Marginal Way, which boasts incredible sights and sounds of the pounding Atlantic. Explore the cute town on foot or courtesy of a summer trolley and check out its theaters, art galleries, antique shops, lobster shacks, wine bars, and breakfast cafes — and don't leave without ordering a big stack of fluffy Maine blueberry pancakes!

Cape May, New Jersey

Set on the southernmost edge of New Jersey, Cape May is a perfect destination for beach lovers with a penchant for history and architecture. The town is filled to the brim with textbook Victorians — cottages, hotels, summer homes — and the vibe is appropriately vintage. Stroll the brick sidewalks (or take a horse-drawn carriage tour) to see colorful gingerbread architecture and poke in the mom-and-pop shops for saltwater taffy and local finds. Even if you don't stay at The Chalfonte Hotel , the town's oldest hotel, plan a fried-chicken dinner on the wraparound porch with live music.

San Clemente, California

Lovely Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, sandy cliff-backed beaches, and coastal trails are all part of this Orange County town's appealing package. The gorgeous San Clemente coast is a mecca for swimmers, longboarders, campers, and hikers. The town itself has farmers markets, breweries, casual eateries, and an all-around mellow vibe that's a nice contrast to some neighboring Southern California's best beach towns .

Newport, Rhode Island

This New England seaport shot to prominence when it became the chosen summer playground for early American titans of industry (think: the Astors, Morgans, and Vanderbilts, whose Newport "cottage" is The Breakers, a 70-room Italian Renaissance estate). Stroll past the legendary home and other historic Gilded-Age mansions on Newport's Cliff Walk as it winds over coastal bluffs. Continue till Easton's Beach, a family-friendly stretch of sand known as First Beach to locals. (Hit the lobster roll stand and the lemonade truck if refreshments are in order.) On the harbor side, brick sidewalks and colonial merchant buildings define Bowen's Wharf, where you can eat oysters to your heart's content. Newport's thriving music scene is anchored by the famous Newport Jazz and Newport Folk festivals.

Solana Beach, California

Yes, the best beach towns run up and down the California coastline, but Solana Beach stands out for its utter lack of pretension. Natural beauty is the name of the game in this laidback San Diego County town, where the best activities are simply sunning on the lovely beaches, exploring rugged hiking areas with ocean and lagoon views (Annie's Canyon Trail is a favorite), trying homemade tamales and chocolate halvah at the farmers market , and enjoying casual food and drinks at Solana's seafood restaurants, pancake houses, and wineries.

Provincetown, Massachusetts

Perched on the tip of Cape Cod , this sleepy town with only about 3,500 year-round residents swells to six times that during the high season. Provincetown pulls in its bohemian-spirited summer crowd with a winning combo of stunning natural scenery, 19th-century houses, and an everyone-is-welcome cultural scene. Vacationers spend the days frolicking at commerce-free Race Point and Herring Cove beaches, biking through pine forests and dunes, or strolling downtown's Commercial Street to visit its funky shops, galleries, and eateries. P-town's vibrant LGBTQ+ scene shines with cabarets and drag shows (often with Broadway and RuPaul's Drag Race vets at the helm) and a whole lot of dancing.

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The best beaches in the U.S. for 2024, according to Time Out

Soak up some rays at the best beaches in the United States—ace for shredding waves, snorkeling and more

Ahhh, a beach day. What could be better than sprawling out on a towel with a good book, your AirPods, and maybe a brewski or two while you work on your tan and take in the water views? Most of us would agree: not a whole lot. 

So, what are the absolute best beaches in the U.S.? The good news: every coast has truly stunning options. From Santa Monica or San Diego along the West Coast to the Outer Banks and Martha’s Vineyard on the East Coast—to plenty of choices in Florida and Hawaii , too— we have compiled the most incredible beach destinations in the US. So grab your shades and sunblock (don’t forget to protect that precious skin of yours) and get ready to get inspired to pull those suits from the back of your closet.  

RECOMMENDED: Your ultimate guide to the great outdoors

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best beaches in the United States

1.  best for strolling: santa monica beach | santa monica, ca.

The combination of endless, wide beaches stretching to the horizon in either direction, the iconic magnificence of the Santa Monica Pier , the sheer number of restaurants within a three-block radius, what's not to worship about Santa Monica, California? The sand is soft, and the views are amazing, especially as the sun sets to the west, directly over the Pacific Ocean. In fact, on a good day—which is actually almost every day in Santa Monica—the yellows, reds, pinks, and blues of every sunset are the stuff of dreams. It's time to stop kidding yourself, this is the best beach in the U.S.

2.  Best for history and space buffs: Cocoa Beach | Cocoa Beach, FL

If you're a history buff and sun worshiper in equal parts, Cocoa Beach  is a close second to Santa Monica, albeit 3,000 miles on the other side of the country. This is where the Mercury and Gemini astronauts used to hang out in between training and preparing for their various missions. Not only that, but you get a heck of a view from here of a big launch from nearby Cape Canaveral, so that's a big plus! This part of the country is home to a truly unique chapter in U.S. history and like the sunsets over the Pacific Ocean, you can lie on the sand and watch our humble G-type main-sequence star slowly inch its way over the horizon to start a brand new day. Melbourne is also worth exploring, and there are some great places to eat and hang out that are not too far away.

3.  Best for avoiding crowds: Hanalei Bay | Kauai, HI

One of Hawaii's lesser-visited islands, Kauai is home to stunning beaches. Located on the island's north shore, Hanalei Bay  is the largest bay on Kauai and offers more than two miles of soft white sand, a calm bay and a mountainous backdrop. The beach is rarely crowded, which means families will have plenty of room to spread out, and in the summer, the bay offers excellent mooring for sailboats, stand-up paddle boarding and swimming.

4.  Best for surfing: Mavericks | Half Moon Bay, CA

You don't have to be a big wave rider—and let's face facts, few of us are—to appreciate watching the death-defying stunts of these incredible surfers. Mavericks  wasn't supposed to exist. Before being discovered as a big wave surf spot that rivaled Waimea in Hawaii, Half Moon Bay was previously only known for its annual pumpkin festival. But then Jeff Clark introduced the world to this unassuming beach 20-something miles from San Fransisco and the rest is history.

5.  Best for a bar scene: Rockaway Beach | New York, NY

Another Atlantic-facing, sand-covered sight to see is Rockaway Beach  located on the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens, NY. And there is a lot of history connected to this area, so a pleasant saunter should absolutely be factored into a visit. There are many bars and restaurants to choose from, plus the nightlife is equally as plentiful. Attracting a younger, hipper crowd, the restaurant and bar scene has followed suit, with crowded tiki bars and wallet-friendly Mexican restaurants.

6.  Best for relaxing: Siesta Beach | Siesta Key, FL

As its name suggests, Siesta Key is  the  place to relax. The expansive beachfront rarely feels overcrowded and the fine quartz-crystal white sand stays cool to the touch, so be sure to dig your feet in whilst reading your favorite book. Pack your cooler with your adult beverages—no glasses allowed—and should you feel the need to exert yourself, kayaks and paddleboards are available for rental.

7.  Best for retro glamour: Coronado Beach | San Diego, CA

Anchored by the grand Hotel del Coronado , this iconic white-sand beach is a SoCal gem that literally sparkles (it's f lecked with the gold-like mineral mica). Gentle waves encourage frolicking in the breakwater, while a vast sandy expanse—which never feels crowded—invites sandcastle-building and kite-flying. The beach was immortalized by Marilyn Monroe in Some Like It Hot , and you can play the role of a starlet with a stay at "The Del," which gains you access to retro, candy-striped loungers and swanky cabanettes on the sand. Navy SEALs can also sometimes be seen training at the north end.

8.  Best for dramatic views: Moshup Beach | Martha’s Vineyard, MA

Martha’s Vineyard fills up with holidaymakers in the summer, but most stay on the island's northern edge. Down south, or 'up island' as it's known, locals and island veterans head to Moshup Beach  in the community of Aquinnah. Located below the sandy cliffs, at what was once called Gay Head (before its Native American name, Aquinnah, was officially reinstated), the white sand beach is a sanctuary from the horde.

9.  Best for art lovers: Seaside Beach | Seaside, OR

Cannon Beach , home to the iconic Haystack Rock, might be the most well-known beach in Oregon, but we're partial to this seaside enclave better known for its sweet waves and literal sweets like local saltwater taffy. (This is also where some of The Goonies was filmed.) There's plenty to do here, with shops, restaurants and an oceanfront promenade all boasting great views of the Pacific. Surfing, hiking, biking, kayaking and kite-flying are all popular pastimes.

10.  Best for adventure seekers: El Matador State Beach | Malibu, CA

Small and dominated by rocky outcrops, El Matador may not fit your typical idea of an afternoon on the sand, but it's a beautiful beach in an area of Los Angeles that offers some superior, sandy coastline, with Zuma and Point Dume just a few miles south along the Pacific Coast Highway. Shoes will definitely be required, and don’t bring too much gear as the western Malibu spot is only accessible via a steep, gravelly path. The beach itself isn't particularly wide, so you'll need to keep an eye on the tides, plus it features blufftop parking and offers some impressive and sizable rock formations. Arriving early or staying late should reward you with a memorable dawn or sunset.

11.  Best freshwater beach: Park Point Beach | Duluth, MN

Coastal beaches tend to benefit from a lot of hype, but the Midwest has its share of majestic spots, too. The Great Lakes—the largest freshwater lakes in the world—boasts more than 9,000 miles of coastline and the stretch of Lake Superior that's home to Park Point Recreation Area feels more oceanic than inland. The beach, which sits on a lengthy sand dune just off the Minnesota-Wisconsin border, offers excellent bird watching, a public beach, and sand volleyball courts.

12.  Best for a cultural experience: Kaanapali Beach | Maui, HI

Vacation like royalty at Kaanapali Beach , where Maui’s monarchy once enjoyed waves and sunsets. This popular stretch of white sand is home to surf schools, cocktail bars, and an amazing nightly torch-lighting ceremony that dates back to the late 1700s when King Kahekili ruled Maui and Oahu for 45 years.  Visit the Maui Ocean Center kiosk on the beach before a snorkeling session to help identify the colorful marine life you encounter. Then, walk along the boardwalk and revel in the eateries and luau performances that take place all around.

13.  Best for a secluded getaway: Ocracoke Island | Outer Banks, NC

At the southern tip of the Outer Banks sits Ocracoke Island (pronounced like the southern vegetable and the cola), a one-time pirate haven that’s now one of North Carolina’s premier beaches. Blackbeard and his boys hid out and partied on the beaches here. If you don’t mind a ferry ride, you can also play pirate for a week. Find stress-free beaches and locals who don’t mind sharing their turf.

14.  Best for wine lovers: Carmel Beach | Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

The charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea is out of a fairytale, with cobblestone alleys and cozy cafes. The city itself features a vivacious dining scene, top-tier art galleries, and a smattering of winery tasting rooms, but the town's beach is just as worthy of a trip. Like the city itself, Carmel Beach  is ultra dog-friendly, and pooches pop up and down the sandy coast with glee. People, too, find glee here, from the scenic views featuring Cypress trees and rocky shores to the only ocean-front home Frank Lloyd Wright designed. With the city allowing both fires and alcohol (both within guidelines), it's a prime spot to enjoy a California sunset.

15.  Best for people-watching: Venice Beach | Venice, CA

Let's face facts:  Venice Beach  is among the most well-known in the country, and for good reason. Nestled snugly next to Santa Monica Beach, Venice couldn't be more different. It's famously liberal and all about free speech and freedom of expression. Imagine Camden in North London during the '90s or the Mission District in San Fransisco at around the same time; sure, they used to be a bit rough around the edges, but they were so very interesting and great places to tap into the zeitgeist of the time. Venice has cleaned up its act, and thankfully, it hasn't lost any of its charms. And during the summer, most of Los Angeles flocks here.

16.  Best for hiking: Shi Shi Beach | Olympic National Park, WA

Perhaps the most dramatic-looking beach on the West Coast, Shi Shi Beach features dozens of arches and rock pyres jutting abruptly out of the water. While it's not the best spot for sunbathers, science geeks will rejoice. The rocks create hundreds of tide pools, which house an ornate ecosystem of starfish, crabs, kelp and fish. Be sure to bring your shoes: reaching the beach requires a 3.3-mile hike through dense forest. But the payoff is worth the walk, and overnight camping is allowed.

17.  Best for a city dip: Oak Street | Chicago, IL

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Beaches aren't just for coastal towns. One of Chicago's most popular places to sunbathe, Gold Coast beach has volleyball tournaments, a restaurant, and a spectacular skyline view. On your way to this stretch of sand, seek out Jeff Zimmermann's colorful mural 'You Know What You Should Do' by the Oak Street Beach underpass.

18.  Best for a small town vacation: Ocean City Beach | Ocean City, MD

With its classic East Coast boardwalk, originally built in 1902, Ocean City is a hot destination come summer, when the influx of tourists causes the population to swell and makes the otherwise sleepy town the second most-populated in Maryland for a few months. And for good reason, as there's something for everyone in the family here. Restaurants dotted along the boardwalk? Check. Top-notch waves for surfing? Check. Amusement parks? Check. Beach bonfires? Check. And, of course, there's the beach itself: ten sparkling miles of sandy coastline that's ideal for both sunning and swimming. 

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Best family beach vacations in the u.s..

Taking the family to the beach can create lifelong memories, as long as every member of the family is satisfied. To help you choose a beach destination for your next family vacation, U.S. News considered factors like safe waters, kid-friendly attractions, dining options, spacious accommodations and multigenerational appeal to determine the best family beach vacations in the U.S. Weigh in by voting below, then use this list to plan your upcoming travels. And don't forget to pack your beach tent .

Gulf Shores

Outer banks, anna maria island, kiawah island, hawaii - the big island, hilton head, isle of palms, amelia island, jekyll island, kennebunkport, st. augustine, rehoboth beach.

This Alabama beach locale is beloved for its soft sand, budget-friendly lodgings and family-focused activities. Thanks to the town's Gulf Coast location, you can expect white quartz sand and teal waters at popular beaches like the sprawling shoreline at Gulf State Park, which also offers a pavilion with a snack bar, restrooms and showers. What's more, budding architects can hone their skills with a building class through Sand Castle University, action seekers can parasail and nature lovers can look for dolphins on the horizon. Gulf Shores' casual eateries are also exceptionally kid-friendly, with fun features like play areas, bubble machines and arcades.

Outer Banks is home to some of the best East Coast beaches , lauded for their consistent yet manageable waves and verdant landscapes. And you can count on this group of North Carolina barrier islands to deliver great summer weather (think: highs in the 80s). Plan on renting a cottage or condo for more space without being too far from the beach. For lots of sand to stretch out on and build sandcastles, visit Nags Head's wide shores and sand dunes. Or, head to Kitty Hawk or Kill Devil Hills for easy beach access and lifeguards on duty.

Families looking for a slow-paced beach trip will find it on this laid-back island on Florida's Gulf Coast. Anna Maria Island's colorful cottages, free trolley and three historic towns lend a timeless appeal that encourages families to embrace simplicity. There's a stretch of sand for everyone here, from the peaceful Bean Point Beach, known for its wildlife preservation, to the lively Manatee Public Beach, which includes a beach cafe, volleyball and lifeguards. Away from the sand, families can find a sweet treat on Pine Avenue, shop on Bridge Street or step back in time at Cortez Fishing Village. 

This South Carolina island less than 30 miles southwest of Charleston provides a slow-paced beach vacation complete with 10 miles of shoreline and plenty of rugged nature to explore. Head to Kiawah Beachwalker Park, the island's only public beach, which features a snack bar, chair and umbrella rentals and a scenic boardwalk. When you're not building sandcastles, spend your time biking on the hard-packed sand, kayaking through the marsh or exploring the island's maritime forests. Or, sign the kids up for one of the day camps offered at Night Heron Park while the adults visit a spa or hit the links at a world-renowned Kiawah golf course.

This Florida town's family-friendly vibe and impressive beaches entice multigenerational groups year after year. The stark white sand and calm jade water at Henderson Beach State Park and the Shores at Crystal Beach Park are picture-perfect. Plus, many Destin resorts cater to kids, so parents can relax while the little ones play. Boat tours are also a great way to spend some quality time; the whole family will have fun looking for jumping dolphins, and the kids will have a blast on a pirate-themed cruise.

Though less traversed (and slightly cheaper) than Maui or Oahu, The Big Island offers some of Hawaii's top beaches . Families can wade in the water at La'aloa (White Sands Beach Park) in Kona, which is ideal for surfing and boogie boarding, or Carlsmith Beach Park in Hilo, which offers tranquil lagoons and coves. Meanwhile, those wanting to set foot on one of the island's volcanic black sand beaches can visit Punalu'u on the Ka'u coast, which is easily accessible, has a picnic area and offers a chance to see sea turtles. When adventure calls, families can hike or drive through Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

Hilton Head Island in South Carolina is perfect for families looking to slow down. Beat the heat (temps reach into the 90s in the summer) at stretches of sand like Driessen Beach Park and the ever-popular Coligny Beach Park. For a break from the sand, take a stroll (or bike ride) through Harbour Town and climb to the top of the iconic red- and white-striped lighthouse. Golf courses, tennis courts and hiking and biking options abound as well, giving your family abundant ways to stay active on vacation.

Located less than 15 miles east of Charleston, South Carolina, Isle of Palms is an idyllic beach escape that caters to families with its wide 7-mile shoreline and centralized amenities. Wild Dunes Resort is an impressive one-stop spot for all things beach. The resort's grounds encompass two inns, vacation rentals, multiple golf courses, a spa and restaurants and sweet shops. For those staying off the resort or visiting for the day, the island's beaches also feature 50-plus access points. When the family gets restless, switch things up with an eco-tour or kayak rental on the calm Intracoastal Waterway.

This barrier island off Florida's northeast coast offers tons of space to spread out in the sand – 13 miles, to be exact. The island's Main Beach is appropriately nicknamed "The Family Zone" and has amenities to please the whole crew, including mini golf, a skate park and a restaurant. For fun away from the shore, nature lovers can head to Egans Creek Greenway, a more than 300-acre protected area that's home to alligators, snakes, bobcats and many birds. The island also offers a handful of family-friendly resorts with exciting kids' amenities and activities.

While cost can be a barrier for any family getaway, it can be an especially large deterrent when that getaway is to Maui. Still, this picturesque Hawaiian island has some top-notch kid-friendly beaches. The southwest portion of the island boasts go-to family options like Wailea Beach and the three beaches of Kama'ole Beach Park, with sun-drenched sands and calm waters ideal for little swimmers. Later, swap the sand for rainforests and peaks at Haleakala National Park for an educational yet unforgettable visit to one of the world's largest dormant volcanoes.

Families keen on getting back to nature will love this Georgia island. You'll have seven beaches to choose from, including St. Andrews Beach Park (where you may see dolphins) and South Dunes Beach Park (with screened-in picnic pavilions). For more action, play volleyball or bocce at Great Dunes Beach Park, and for a scenic family photo-op, head to the picturesque Driftwood Beach. Families can also visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, which offers tours and educational programs about the conservation of this endangered species. Keep in mind: You'll need to purchase a daily or annual pass to access Jekyll Island.

For a laid-back East Coast retreat that families can easily traverse by foot or bicycle, consider Kennebunkport, Maine. Mother's Beach is a hit with kids thanks to its playground and tide pools, and Goose Rocks Beach is another family favorite for its gentle surf and white sands that stretch for miles. Just note: You'll need passes to park along Kennebunkport's public beaches during the summer season. Older kids up for an educational adventure may be interested in a Rugosa Lobster Tour. During the scenic cruise, they'll watch the crew haul lobster traps and learn more about lobster biology and fishing practices.

Lake Michigan's beaches offer most of the perks of the ocean – refreshing water, sandy shores and plenty of waves – without the saltwater sting. In Michigan's Saugatuck/Douglas area, you'll have your pick of six beaches. Oval Beach is the most popular, boasting undulating dunes and an array of amenities like concession stands, picnic areas and easy parking. Saugatuck Dunes State Park is another favorite thanks to its 200-foot-tall wooded dunes and four nature trails. For more family fun on the water, hop aboard a Star of Saugatuck boat cruise for a gentle paddlewheel ride down the Kalamazoo River.

Families visiting this Massachusetts island south of Cape Cod should head straight to Children's Beach. Along with calm water, this small stretch of sand is home to a playground and picnic areas. Plus, it hosts kids' yoga, puppet shows and free evening concerts every summer. The easily accessible Jetties Beach also beckons to families with a wide shoreline and shallow water. For more fun on the water, sign up for a Critter Cruise. Youngsters learn about local marine wildlife and get the chance to cast a line. The sperm whale skeleton on display at the Whaling Museum is another must-see for curious kiddos.

Founded by the Spaniards in 1565, St. Augustine, Florida, boasts a rich history that will appeal to families with varying ages and interests. Youngsters will love the interactive exhibits at the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum and the rescued animals at the St. Augustine Wild Reserve. Plus, the area's beaches – including St. Augustine Beach and Anastasia State Park – offer more than 40 miles of sandy shores and are extremely popular with families, thanks to features like splash pads, small waves, volleyball courts and outdoor showers.

Soft sand, lifeguard-patrolled shores, a fun-filled boardwalk and plenty of lodging options are just a few reasons why Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, stands out as a top family  beach spot. Families can spend the day playing on the sand or swimming and boogie boarding in the Atlantic Ocean before chowing down on some fresh seafood, Thrasher's french fries and homemade ice cream. No visit would be complete without enjoying a game of mini golf and the rides at the beachfront Funland Rehoboth amusement park.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Laguna Beach

Newport, OR

Delray Beach

South Haven

Sanibel Island

Holden Beach

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